Logistics management method and system therefor

Abstract

A logistics management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is performed by a computing apparatus and comprises the steps of: receiving customer's order comprising a non-fresh product, the non-fresh product being a product that is warehoused in both a standard logistics center and a fresh logistics center; and determining a logistics center from which the non-fresh product included in the order is to be released, on the basis of a result of checking the inventory of the non-fresh product, wherein the step of determining the logistics center may comprise a step of checking regional inventory and national inventory of the non-fresh product on the basis of a date on which the order has been received, a step of determining a logistics center from which the non-fresh product is to be released, as a fresh logistics center corresponding to a delivery location of the order, if the non-fresh product is released on the basis of the regional inventory, and a step of determining a logistics center from which the non-fresh product is to be released, as a standard logistics center, if the non-fresh product is released on the basis of the national inventory.

Description

Logistics management method and system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a logistics management method and system thereof, and more specifically, to a method and system thereof for determining a logistics center from which non-fresh products received in both a general logistics center and a fresh logistics center will be shipped.

[0002] With the advancement of logistics services and communication infrastructure, online transactions are becoming increasingly active. These online transactions are primarily conducted through online shopping malls. In particular, the number of online shopping malls specializing in fresh produce is increasing. Typically, fresh produce is shipped from logistics centers that handle fresh produce, while non-fresh produce is shipped from general logistics centers that handle non-fresh produce. However, to prevent idleness in logistics centers handling fresh produce, some non-fresh produce may be shipped together with fresh produce from a logistics center handling fresh produce. Therefore, for orders containing non-fresh produce delivered from both fresh and general logistics centers, it is crucial to manage which logistics center the non-fresh produce is shipped from.

[0003] The technical problem to be solved through the embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a method for sequentially checking the local inventory and global inventory of non-fresh products received in both general logistics centers and fresh logistics centers, and determining the logistics center from which the products will be shipped.

[0004] In addition, a technical problem to be solved through the embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a method for determining a logistics center from which non-fresh products will be shipped based on the delivery time selected by the customer and the customer's membership level.

[0005] Furthermore, a technical problem to be solved through the embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a method for setting a flag for managing local inventory of non-fresh products managed in a fresh logistics center.

[0006] A logistics management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is performed by a computing device, and includes the steps of: receiving a customer's order including a non-fresh product, wherein the non-fresh product is a product that is stocked in both a general logistics center and a fresh logistics center; determining a logistics center from which the non-fresh product included in the order is to be shipped based on a result of checking the inventory of the non-fresh product; wherein the step of determining the logistics center may include: checking regional inventory and national inventory of the non-fresh product based on a date on which the order was received; determining, in a case where the non-fresh product is to be shipped based on the regional inventory, a logistics center from which the non-fresh product is to be shipped as a fresh logistics center corresponding to a delivery location of the order; and determining, in a case where the non-fresh product is to be shipped based on the global inventory, a logistics center from which the non-fresh product is to be shipped as a general logistics center.

[0007] In one embodiment, the step of determining the logistics center may include the step of receiving the customer's selection of a desired delivery time for the order, and the step of checking the local inventory and the global inventory of the non-fresh product based on the desired delivery time for the order selected by the customer.

[0008] In one embodiment, the step of determining the logistics center may further include a step of determining the logistics center from which the non-fresh product will be shipped, based on the desired delivery time of the order selected by the customer, as the logistics center from which the non-fresh product can be shipped the fastest.

[0009] In one embodiment, the step of determining the logistics center may include the step of receiving the membership level of the customer, and, in response to the customer's membership level being a level that does not allow fresh product delivery, the step of determining the logistics center from which the non-fresh product is to be shipped as a general logistics center based on the result of checking the global inventory of the non-fresh product, regardless of the result of checking the local inventory.

[0010] In one embodiment, the method further includes a step of displaying the inventory of the non-fresh product on the customer terminal of the customer, wherein the step of displaying on the customer terminal may include a step of displaying the inventory of the non-fresh product based on regional inventory, and a step of displaying the inventory of the non-fresh product based on global inventory when there is no regional inventory of the non-fresh product.

[0011] In one embodiment, the step of displaying on the customer terminal may include the step of receiving the customer's membership level, and the step of displaying the inventory of the non-fresh product based on the global inventory in response to the customer's membership level being a level that does not allow fresh product delivery.

[0012] In one embodiment, if the logistics center from which the non-fresh product is to be shipped is determined to be a fresh logistics center, and the order includes fresh products other than the non-fresh product, the method may further include a step of determining whether the non-fresh product and the fresh product are packaged together.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a logistics management system includes a processor and a memory storing instructions, wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform the following operations: receiving a customer's order including a non-fresh product, wherein the non-fresh product is a product that is stocked in both a general logistics center and a fresh logistics center; and determining a logistics center from which the non-fresh product included in the order is to be shipped based on a result of checking the inventory of the non-fresh product, wherein the operation of determining the logistics center includes: checking regional inventory and national inventory of the non-fresh product based on the date the order was received; determining a logistics center from which the non-fresh product is to be shipped as a fresh logistics center corresponding to a delivery location of the order when the non-fresh product is to be shipped based on the regional inventory; and determining a logistics center from which the non-fresh product is to be shipped based on the global inventory. This may include actions that determine the center to be a general logistics center.

[0014] In one embodiment, the operation of determining the logistics center may include the operation of receiving the customer's selection of a desired delivery time for the order, and the operation of checking the local inventory and the global inventory of the non-fresh product based on the desired delivery time for the order selected by the customer.

[0015] In one embodiment, the operation of determining the logistics center may further include an operation of determining the logistics center from which the non-fresh product will be shipped, based on the desired delivery time of the order selected by the customer, as the logistics center from which the product can be shipped the fastest.

[0016] In one embodiment, the operation of determining the logistics center may include the operation of receiving the membership level of the customer, and, in response to the customer's membership level being a level that does not allow fresh product delivery, the operation of determining the logistics center from which the non-fresh product is to be shipped as a general logistics center based on the result of checking the global inventory of the non-fresh product, regardless of the result of checking the local inventory.

[0017] In one embodiment, the instructions, when executed by the processor, may cause the processor to further perform an operation of determining whether to package the non-fresh product and the fresh product together, if the logistics center from which the non-fresh product is to be shipped is determined to be a fresh logistics center and the order includes fresh products other than the non-fresh product.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a block diagram exemplarily showing the configuration of the entire system in which the logistics management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure operates.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a flowchart exemplarily showing a logistics management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a step of determining a logistics center in Figure 2.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the step of determining a logistics center in FIG. 2.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing another embodiment of the step of determining a logistics center in FIG. 2.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a flowchart exemplifying a logistics management method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a step displayed on a customer terminal of Fig. 6.

[0025] FIG. 8 is a flowchart exemplifying a logistics management method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a computing device (500) for logistics management according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. The advantages and features of the present disclosure, and methods for achieving them, will become clearer with reference to the embodiments described in detail below together with the attached drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below and may be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided only to ensure that the present disclosure is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the present disclosure of the scope of the invention, and the present disclosure is defined solely by the scope of the claims.

[0028] When designating components in each drawing, it should be noted that identical components are assigned identical reference numerals whenever possible, even if they appear on different drawings. Furthermore, when describing the present disclosure, detailed descriptions of related known components or functions are omitted if they are deemed to obscure the gist of the present disclosure.

[0029] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein may be used in the same sense as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, singular forms also include plural forms, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0030] Additionally, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used to describe components of the present disclosure. These terms are only intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the nature, order, or sequence of the components are not limited by the terms. When a component is described as being "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, but another component may also be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" between each component.

[0031] The terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" as used in the specification do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, steps, operations and / or elements.

[0032] In this specification, "fresh product" refers to products (primarily food) that are sensitive to freshness and require a constant temperature in their packaging during delivery. These products are packaged in containers specifically designed for fresh products. In this specification, "non-fresh product" refers to all other types of products that are not fresh.

[0033] In this specification, a "fresh logistics center" refers to a logistics center where fresh products are received and shipped. To prevent idleness in the fresh logistics center, some non-fresh products may be received and shipped from the fresh logistics center. Products shipped from the fresh logistics center are, in principle, delivered in the early morning (hereinafter referred to as "early morning delivery"). To enable next-day early morning delivery based on the time of order, customers must order products shipped from the fresh logistics center before a preset time (e.g., before 10 PM). In this specification, a "standard logistics center" refers to a logistics center other than a fresh logistics center where non-fresh products are received and shipped.

[0034] In this specification, a customer's membership level refers to the level of benefits that can be provided when a customer receives a shopping service according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, depending on a customer's membership level, the availability of early morning delivery of fresh and non-fresh products shipped from a fresh logistics center or same-day delivery of non-fresh products shipped from a general logistics center may be determined.

[0035] In this specification, "regional inventory" refers to inventory in a fresh goods distribution center corresponding to the order's delivery location (i.e., the location designated as the delivery destination). Furthermore, "national inventory" refers to inventory in general distribution centers nationwide. For example, to manage the inventory of the same type of non-fresh products delivered to general distribution centers and fresh goods distribution centers separately, a flag indicating that non-fresh products delivered to fresh goods distribution centers should be managed as regional inventory can be set.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a block diagram exemplarily showing the configuration of an entire system (10) in which a logistics management system (100) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure operates. Referring to FIG. 1, the entire system (10) may include a logistics management system (100), a service server (200), an administrator terminal (300), and a customer terminal (400). The entire system (10) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may receive a customer's order according to a shopping service provided by the service server (200) through the customer terminal (400) in the logistics management system (100), determine a logistics center from which non-fresh products included in the customer's order will be shipped, and transmit the management result to the administrator terminal (300) of the logistics center.

[0037] The logistics management system (100) can receive a customer order containing non-fresh products from the service server (200) via the customer terminal (400). The non-fresh products included in the customer order correspond to products that are stocked in both a general logistics center and a fresh logistics center. Based on the results of checking the inventory of such non-fresh products, the logistics management system (100) can determine the logistics center from which the non-fresh products included in the customer order will be shipped, either the general logistics center or the fresh logistics center.

[0038] More specifically, the logistics center selection can be determined based on the inventory of non-fresh products included in the customer's order. Non-fresh product inventory can be managed separately as regional and global inventory. First, the logistics management system (100) can check the regional and global inventory of non-fresh products based on the date the order was received. If non-fresh products are shipped based on regional inventory, the logistics management system (100) can determine the logistics center from which the non-fresh products will be shipped as the fresh logistics center corresponding to the delivery location of the order.

[0039] Meanwhile, when non-fresh products are shipped based on global inventory, the distribution center from which the non-fresh products will be shipped can be designated as a general distribution center. In this case, among the general distribution centers present across the region, the one closest to the customer's location can be given priority as the distribution center from which the non-fresh products will be shipped.

[0040] Products shipped from fresh logistics centers are, in principle, delivered early in the morning. For products shipped from fresh logistics centers to be delivered early the next day, orders must be received by the logistics management system (100) before a pre-set first reference time. If an order is received before the first reference time, next-day early-morning delivery is possible, so non-fresh products can be determined to be shipped from the fresh logistics center as long as local inventory exists. Conversely, if an order is received after the first reference time, next-day early-morning delivery is not possible for products shipped from the fresh logistics center.

[0041] In some cases, products shipped from general logistics centers can also be delivered at dawn. For products shipped from general logistics centers to be delivered at dawn the next day, orders must be received by the logistics management system (100) before a preset second reference time. Typically, the second reference time, which is the dawn delivery reference time for general logistics centers, may be later than the first reference time, which is the dawn delivery reference time for fresh logistics centers. For example, the first reference time may be 10:00 PM, and the second reference time may be midnight.

[0042] Therefore, if an order is received between the first and second reference times, the non-fresh product can be determined to be shipped from the general distribution center as long as global inventory remains available. Conversely, if an order is received after the second reference time, next-day delivery is not possible for products shipped from general distribution centers. Therefore, the non-fresh product will be shipped from the general distribution center, but will be delivered after dawn the next day.

[0043] In some embodiments, the logistics management system (100) may receive a customer's selection regarding the desired delivery time for an order. The logistics management system (100) may check the local and global inventory of non-fresh products based on the customer's desired delivery time for the order. Furthermore, the logistics management system (100) may determine the logistics center from which non-fresh products can be shipped the fastest based on the customer's desired delivery time. If the customer's desired delivery time is the next morning, the order time may be compared with the first or second reference time, as described above.

[0044] Availability of dawn delivery, or delivery of fresh products, may vary depending on a customer's membership level. For example, a customer with a Level 1 membership may be eligible for delivery of fresh products, as well as dawn or same-day delivery of non-fresh products. However, a customer with a Level 2 membership, which is lower than Level 1, may not be eligible for some of the aforementioned benefits.

[0045] In some embodiments, the logistics management system (100) may receive the customer's membership level. If the customer's membership level is not eligible for fresh product delivery, the logistics management system (100) may determine the logistics center from which the non-fresh product will be shipped as a general logistics center based on the results of the global inventory check, regardless of the results of the local inventory check.

[0046] Before a customer places an order, the logistics management system (100) can manage the inventory of non-fresh products so that they are displayed on the application of the customer terminal (400). To achieve this, the logistics management system (100) can set a flag indicating local inventory for all non-fresh products received at the fresh logistics center. In other words, even for the same type of non-fresh product, they can be managed differently depending on their purpose (i.e., depending on the type of logistics center from which they are received and shipped).

[0047] The flag that serves as the basis for this management may be referred to as a vendor item ID (VID). For example, a regional VID may be set for non-fresh products arriving at a fresh distribution center, while no regional VID may be set for non-fresh products arriving at a general distribution center.

[0048] While this specification assumes that all non-fresh products arriving at a fresh goods distribution center are assigned a uniform regional VID, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and product management through VIDs can be performed in various ways. For example, in another embodiment, among non-fresh products, those for which a regional VID is assigned and those for which it is not may be distinguished and provided as a whitelist. Such regional VIDs can function as a classification for managing inventory status within a region, from the time available inventory is displayed to the time an order is finally received.

[0049] In some embodiments, the logistics management system (100) may preferentially display the inventory of non-fresh products with a flag indicating local inventory on the customer terminal (400). If no local inventory exists (i.e., if all non-fresh products with a flag indicating local inventory are sold out), the logistics management system (100) may display the global inventory of the remaining non-fresh products on the customer terminal (400). In some other embodiments, the logistics management system (100) may display both the local inventory and the global inventory of non-fresh products on the customer terminal (400).

[0050] In some other embodiments, the logistics management system (100) may also receive the customer's membership level, and if the customer's membership level is one that does not allow fresh product delivery, the system may display the inventory of non-fresh products based only on the global inventory, regardless of the local inventory.

[0051] Furthermore, if a customer's order includes both fresh and non-fresh products, and it is determined that the non-fresh products will be shipped from a fresh logistics center, the fresh and non-fresh products may be packaged together in the same container (e.g., a container specifically for fresh products) to reduce the parcel count. This is because a reduced parcel count reduces shipping costs. Therefore, in some embodiments, the logistics management system (100) may determine whether to package fresh and non-fresh products together.

[0052] For example, whether fresh and non-fresh products should be packaged together can be determined by classifying the fresh product by temperature (e.g., whether it's frozen, refrigerated, or room temperature). Non-fresh products are considered the same as room temperature products in a fresh logistics center. Frozen products can be classified as fresh products that cannot be packaged with non-fresh products, while refrigerated and room temperature products can be classified as fresh products that can be packaged with non-fresh products.

[0053] Alternatively, in some cases, whether fresh and non-fresh products can be packaged together may be determined based on whether the non-fresh product is a non-fresh product that can be packaged with fresh products. Non-fresh products that cannot be packaged with fresh products may be products that, when packaged and shipped together with fresh products, could potentially degrade the quality (e.g., freshness) of the fresh product. This includes cleaning products such as detergents and bleach.

[0054] The service server (200) may be a computing device / system (platform) that provides shopping services to customers. For example, the service server (200) may be a computing device / system that provides an online shopping site to a customer's terminal. The service server (200) may provide the logistics management system (100) with information related to orders received from customers, including non-fresh products that are delivered to both fresh logistics centers and general logistics centers, or information related to orders that include both non-fresh and fresh products. Furthermore, the service server (200) may also provide the logistics management system (100) with the desired delivery time selected by the customer and the customer's membership level.

[0055] The logistics management system (100) and the service server (200) may be implemented with at least one computing device. For example, all functions of the logistics management system (100) and the service server (200) may be implemented in a single computing device, or a first function of the logistics management system (100) and the service server (200) may be implemented in a first computing device, and a second function may be implemented in a second computing device. Alternatively, specific functions of the logistics management system (100) and the service server (200) may be implemented in multiple computing devices. For example, the computing devices may include all types of devices equipped with computing means and communication means. In addition, the logistics management system (100) may be configured using one or more physical servers included in a server farm based on cloud technologies such as virtual machines.

[0056] The administrator terminal (300) may be a computing device used by a user (e.g., a user of a logistics center) who manages the logistics of a shopping service provided by the service server (200). Furthermore, the customer terminal (400) may be a computing device used by a user to receive a shopping service from the service server (200). For example, the administrator terminal (300) and the customer terminal (400) may include a smartphone, a desktop, a laptop, etc. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the administrator terminal (300) and the customer terminal (400) may be implemented as any device. The customer terminal (400) may also be referred to as a "buyer / purchaser terminal," a "consumer terminal," etc.

[0057] The components illustrated in Figure 1 can communicate over a network. For example, the network can be implemented as any type of wired or wireless network, such as a Local Area Network (LAN), a Wide Area Network (WAN), a mobile radio communication network, or Wibro (Wireless Broadband Internet).

[0058] So far, the logistics management method performed by the logistics management system (100) has been briefly described with reference to FIG. 1. Hereinafter, embodiments related to the logistics management method will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8. For reference, FIGS. 2 to 8 illustrate steps / operations of the logistics management method performed by the logistics management system (100) of FIG. 1. Therefore, in the following descriptions, if the subject of a specific step / operation is omitted, it can be understood that it is performed by the logistics management system (100).

[0059] Figure 2 is a flowchart exemplifying a logistics management method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 2, in step S100, a customer order containing non-fresh products may be received. In step S200, based on the results of checking the inventory of non-fresh products, the logistics center from which the non-fresh products included in the order will be shipped may be determined.

[0060] Specifically, in step S201, the local and global inventory of non-fresh products can be verified. If shipment is based on local inventory, in step S202, the logistics center from which the non-fresh product will be shipped may be determined to be the fresh logistics center corresponding to the order's delivery location (i.e., the location designated as the delivery destination). Conversely, if shipment is based on global inventory, in step S203, the logistics center from which the non-fresh product will be shipped may be determined to be a general logistics center.

[0061] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the step of determining the logistics center in Figure 2. Referring to Figure 3, in step S211, the customer's preferred delivery time for the order can be received. In step S212, the local and global inventory of non-fresh products can be checked based on the customer's preferred delivery time.

[0062] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of the step of determining the logistics center of Figure 2. Referring to Figure 4, in step S221, the customer's selection of a desired delivery time for the order may be received. Then, in step S222, the local and global inventory of non-fresh products may be checked based on the customer's desired delivery time. Then, in step S223, the logistics center capable of shipping the non-fresh product most quickly based on the desired delivery time (i.e., the logistics center capable of meeting the customer's desired delivery time most quickly) may be determined as the logistics center from which the non-fresh product will be shipped.

[0063] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating another embodiment of the step of determining a logistics center in FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 5, in step S231, it may be determined whether the customer's membership level corresponds to a membership level that allows fresh product delivery. If not (NO), in step S232, based on the result of checking the global inventory, the logistics center from which the non-fresh product will be shipped may be determined to be a general logistics center. While the embodiment of FIG. 5 has been described with respect to whether the customer's membership level corresponds to a membership level that allows fresh product delivery, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the logistics center from which the non-fresh product will be shipped may be determined differently depending on whether the customer's membership level corresponds to a membership level that allows early morning delivery or same-day delivery, and the delivery time selected by the customer.

[0064] FIG. 6 is a flowchart exemplifying a logistics management method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 6, prior to receiving a customer order, in step S300, the inventory of non-fresh products may be displayed on the customer terminal. Specifically, in step S301, regional inventory may be confirmed. If regional inventory exists (YES), the regional inventory of the non-fresh product may be preferentially displayed in step S302. Conversely, if regional inventory does not exist (NO), the global inventory of the non-fresh product may be displayed in step S303. Steps S400 to S500 are identical to steps S100 to S200 described with reference to FIG. 2, and therefore, redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0065] Meanwhile, with reference to FIG. 6, an embodiment in which local inventory is displayed first and global inventory is displayed next has been described, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in some other embodiments, local inventory and global inventory of non-fresh products may always be displayed together on the customer terminal.

[0066] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the steps displayed on the customer terminal of Figure 6. Referring to Figure 7, in step S311, it can be determined whether the customer's membership level qualifies for fresh product delivery. If not (NO), the global inventory of the non-fresh product can be displayed in step S312.

[0067] FIG. 8 is a flowchart exemplifying a logistics management method according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 8, in step S600, a customer's order is received, and in step S700, a logistics center from which non-fresh products will be shipped is determined. In step S800, the logistics center from which non-fresh products will be shipped is determined to be a fresh logistics center. If the order includes fresh products other than non-fresh products, it may be determined whether fresh products and non-fresh products are packaged together. For example, whether fresh products and non-fresh products are packaged together may be determined based on the type classification results according to the temperature of the fresh products (e.g., whether they are frozen products, refrigerated products, or room temperature products). Steps S600 to S700 are identical to steps S100 to S200 described with reference to FIG. 2, and therefore, redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0068] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a computing device (500) for logistics management according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 9, a computing device (500) may include one or more processors (510), a bus (530), a communication interface (540), a memory (520) for loading a computer program executed by the processor (510), and a storage (550) for storing a computer program (560). However, only components related to the embodiment of the present disclosure are illustrated in FIG. 9. Therefore, a person skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will appreciate that other general components may be included in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 9. That is, the computing device (500) may further include various components in addition to the components illustrated in FIG. 9. Furthermore, in some cases, the computing device (500) may be configured in a form in which some of the components illustrated in FIG. 9 are omitted. Hereinafter, each component of the computing device (500) will be described.

[0070] The processor (510) can control the overall operation of each component of the computing device (500). The processor (510) can be configured to include at least one of a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a Micro Processor Unit (MPU), a Micro Controller Unit (MCU), a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), or any other type of processor well known in the art of the present disclosure. In addition, the processor (510) can perform operations for at least one application or program for executing operations / methods according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The computing device (500) can include one or more processors.

[0071] Next, the memory (520) can store various data, commands, and / or information. The memory (520) can load a computer program (560) from the storage (550) to execute operations / methods according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The memory (520) may be implemented as a volatile memory such as RAM, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0072] Next, the bus (530) can provide communication functions between components of the computing device (500). The bus (530) can be implemented as various types of buses, such as an address bus, a data bus, and a control bus.

[0073] Next, the communication interface (540) can support wired and wireless Internet communication of the computing device (500). Furthermore, the communication interface (540) can also support various communication methods other than Internet communication. To this end, the communication interface (540) can be configured to include a communication module well known in the technical field of the present disclosure.

[0074] Next, the storage (550) can non-temporarily store one or more computer programs (560). The storage (550) can be configured to include non-volatile memory such as Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable ROM (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM (EEPROM), flash memory, a hard disk, a removable disk, or any form of computer-readable recording medium well known in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0075] Next, the computer program (560) may include one or more instructions that, when loaded into the memory (520), cause the processor (510) to perform operations / methods according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. That is, the processor (510) may perform operations / methods according to various embodiments of the present disclosure by executing the loaded one or more instructions.

[0076] For example, the computer program (560) may include instructions for performing an operation of receiving a customer's order including non-fresh products, wherein the non-fresh products are products that are stocked in both a general distribution center and a fresh distribution center, and an operation of determining a distribution center from which the non-fresh products included in the order will be shipped based on a result of checking the inventory of the non-fresh products. Specifically, the operation of determining the distribution center may include instructions for performing an operation of checking regional inventory and national inventory of the non-fresh products, an operation of determining a fresh distribution center corresponding to the delivery location of the order as the distribution center from which the non-fresh products will be shipped if the shipment is based on regional inventory, and an operation of determining a general distribution center as the distribution center from which the non-fresh products will be shipped if the shipment is based on global inventory.

[0077] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, for orders containing non-fresh products that are received at both fresh logistics centers and general logistics centers, it can be efficiently determined from which logistics center the non-fresh products will be shipped. This allows the capacity of fresh logistics centers and general logistics centers to be adjusted as needed, and customers can easily determine through inventory display whether an order containing non-fresh products will be processed as a fresh product delivery from a fresh logistics center or as a non-fresh product delivery from a general logistics center. Furthermore, customers can more easily understand how delivery methods vary depending on the order time and membership level, thereby enhancing the shopping service user experience. Furthermore, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, when fresh and non-fresh products are shipped together from a fresh logistics center, this can be used as a prerequisite for determining whether to combine packaging.

[0078] Various embodiments of the present disclosure and effects according to the embodiments have been described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 9. The effects according to the technical concept of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects described above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0079] Although all components constituting the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described as being combined or operating in combination as one, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to such embodiments. That is, within the scope of the present disclosure, all components may be selectively combined and operated in one or more combinations.

[0080] Although operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood to imply that the operations must be performed in the particular order depicted, or in any sequential order, or that all depicted operations must be performed to achieve the desired results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Furthermore, the separation of the various components in the embodiments described above should not be understood to imply that such separation is absolutely necessary, and it should be understood that the program components and systems described may generally be integrated together into a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

[0081] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure can be implemented in other specific forms without altering the technical spirit or essential features thereof. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described above are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of protection of the present disclosure should be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical ideas within a scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the rights of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. In a logistics management method performed by a computing device, A step of receiving a customer's order including non-fresh products, wherein the non-fresh products are products that are stored in both a general logistics center and a fresh logistics center; and A step of determining a logistics center from which the non-fresh product included in the order will be shipped based on the result of checking the inventory of the non-fresh product, The steps to determine the above logistics center are: A step of checking the regional and national inventory of the non-fresh product based on the date the order was received; In the case where the non-fresh product is shipped based on the regional inventory, a step of determining the logistics center from which the non-fresh product is to be shipped is a fresh logistics center corresponding to the delivery location of the order; and Including a step of determining the logistics center from which the non-fresh product is to be shipped as a general logistics center when the non-fresh product is shipped based on the global inventory. Logistics management methods.

2. In paragraph 1, The steps to determine the above logistics center are: A step of receiving the customer's selection regarding the desired delivery time of the above order; and Including a step of checking the local inventory and the global inventory of the non-fresh product according to the delivery time desired for the order selected by the customer. Logistics management methods.

3. In paragraph 2, The steps for determining the above logistics center are: Further comprising a step of determining the logistics center from which the non-fresh product will be shipped, based on the desired delivery time of the order selected by the customer, as the logistics center from which the non-fresh product can be shipped the fastest. Logistics management methods.

4. In paragraph 1, The steps to determine the above logistics center are: A step of receiving the membership level of the customer; and In response to the customer's membership level being a level that does not allow fresh product delivery, a step of determining the logistics center from which the non-fresh product will be shipped as a general logistics center based on the result of checking the global inventory of the non-fresh product, regardless of the result of checking the local inventory, Logistics management methods.

5. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a step of displaying the inventory of the above non-fresh product on the customer terminal of the customer, The steps displayed on the customer terminal are: Including a step of displaying the local inventory and global inventory of the above non-fresh product, respectively. Logistics management methods.

6. In paragraph 5, The steps displayed on the customer terminal are: A step of receiving the membership level of the customer; and In response to the customer's membership level being a level that does not allow fresh product delivery, a step of displaying the inventory of the non-fresh product based on the global inventory is included. Logistics management methods.

7. In paragraph 1, If the logistics center from which the above non-fresh product is to be shipped is determined to be a fresh logistics center, and the order includes fresh products other than the above non-fresh products, a step of determining whether the above non-fresh products and the above fresh products are packaged together is further included. Logistics management methods.

8. Processor; and Contains memory that stores instructions, The above instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: Receiving a customer's order including non-fresh products, wherein the non-fresh products are products that are stocked in both a general logistics center and a fresh logistics center; and Based on the result of checking the inventory of the above non-fresh product, an action is performed to determine the logistics center from which the above non-fresh product included in the above order will be shipped. The actions to determine the above logistics center are: An action to check the regional and national inventory of the non-fresh product based on the date the order was received; When the non-fresh product is shipped based on the regional inventory, an action is taken to determine the logistics center from which the non-fresh product will be shipped as a fresh logistics center corresponding to the delivery location of the order; and Including an action of determining the logistics center from which the non-fresh product is to be shipped as a general logistics center when the non-fresh product is shipped based on the global inventory. Logistics management system.

9. In paragraph 8, The actions to determine the above logistics center are: An action to receive the customer's choice regarding the desired delivery time of the said order; and Including an action of checking the local inventory and the global inventory of the non-fresh product according to the delivery time desired for the order selected by the customer. Logistics management system.

10. In paragraph 9, The action of determining the above logistics center is: Further comprising an action of determining the logistics center from which the non-fresh product will be shipped as the logistics center from which the product can be shipped the fastest based on the delivery time desired for the order selected by the customer. Logistics management system.

11. In paragraph 8, The action of determining the above logistics center is: An action to receive the membership level of the customer; and In response to the customer's membership level being a level that does not allow fresh product delivery, an action is included to determine the logistics center from which the non-fresh product will be shipped as a general logistics center based on the result of checking the global inventory of the non-fresh product, regardless of the result of checking the local inventory. Logistics management system.

12. In paragraph 8, The above instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: If the logistics center from which the above non-fresh product is to be shipped is determined to be a fresh logistics center, and the order includes fresh products other than the above non-fresh product, an operation is further performed to determine whether the above non-fresh product and the above fresh product are packaged together. Logistics management system.

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