A system and method for managing package delivery comprising virtual sorting
The system addresses inefficiencies in package delivery by virtually sorting packages into predefined zones, optimizing pallet loading and driver routes, resulting in reduced manual effort, errors, and accelerated delivery.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing package delivery systems face inefficiencies in the first and last mile delivery processes due to separate management systems, high manual sorting costs, and time-consuming sorting processes at multiple stages, which affect overall delivery efficiency and customer satisfaction.
A system that virtually sorts packages based on predefined geographical zones before they reach the warehouse, using a digital interface to create zones, assign packages, and generate zone-specific labels, optimizing pallet loading and driver routes to streamline the delivery process.
Reduces manual effort, minimizes errors, and accelerates delivery by eliminating the need for extensive sorting during transportation, leading to improved operational efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced customer satisfaction.
Smart Images

Figure IB2025050347_26032026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING PACKAGE DELIVERYCOMPRISING VIRTUAL SORTINGFIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The subject matter in general relates to the field of package delivery systems, and in particular to a system for managing first mile and last mile delivery of packages.BACKGROUND
[0002] Online shopping has gained significant momentum in recent years. It offers a one- stop solution for customers to browse and purchase a wide range of products conveniently from a single location. This saves both time and effort. However, delivering the purchased products to customers efficiently requires a proper delivery system, which is a crucial part of the logistics process. The shipping of goods involves multiple locations, multiple warehouses, hubs, people, and processes working together to ensure that products are safely and timely delivered to customers, significantly impacting the overall shopping experience.
[0003] The online delivery process generally consists of two most crucial stages i.e. the first- mile delivery and the last- mile delivery. In the first- mile delivery stage, purchased goods are transported from designated warehouses / fulfilment center to a central hub / sorting warehouse owned by shipping companies. Whereas, in the last- mile delivery stage, the goods are shipped from the hubs to the respective customers. This delivery process involves the strategic management of multiple warehouses, hubs, and various transportation entities involved in moving goods from the source to the destination. Some customers may not fully trust digital merchants and may require proof that their orders are being shipped. Others might need their goods urgently and prefer real-time tracking. Also, some customers may prefer Cash on Delivery. These features are usually provided at the last-mile delivery stage. In general, E- commerce platforms typically use shipping carriers for last-mile delivery, while the first-mile delivery process is managed by the others. With the growing demand for e-commerce and the increase in shipments, the demand for streamlining the processes for efficiency and customer satisfaction are keys to success.
[0004] Companies spend a lot of time, manpower, and machinery to do the shipment sorting at the hubs. All the shipments are combined regardless of their address, city, or country, making sorting challenging and time-consuming. The delivery process begins with Customer purchasing online - Sending Customer location and order information to a shipping company - collecting and labelling products - sending all shipments to warehouse shipping companies(examples: DHL, FedEx, etc.) - providing a cumbersome sorting facility, pre-logistics and transferring shipments from the warehouse to the hub - collecting shipments by delivery employee to deliver to the customer. The usage of two separate systems to process a first mile delivery phase (for bringing packages to the hubs) and a last mile delivery phase (for delivering the packages to the end customers) affects the overall efficiency of the package delivery process. Additionally, the cost of sorting the shipments manually or by using expensive machinery in addition to coordinating the two phases separately is high.
[0005] US2021 / 0326798A1 discloses a system for dynamically optimizing delivery routes for delivery workers. The system pre-assigns delivery workers and adjusts routes in real-time using data like package distribution, worker availability, and geographical factors. The system facilitates scheduling, tracking, and resource allocation. This system provides route optimization for drivers but does not address techniques to minimize workforce involved in delivering the packages. Specifically, time estimates for tasks like sorting at the warehouse before it reaches each hub is not being considered. The system only focuses on the travel time of each driver after the packages are sorted multiple times. The packages are sorted first at a packing zone where workers are assigned to receive items from picking zone and determine the order it corresponds to. The packed items are sorted again for the second time at the hub zone. Further, the workers sort the packages again at the camp zone based on the routes assigned. Thus, a significant amount of time and manpower is spent on sorting the packages.
[0006] US20200349511 Al discloses a system to optimize routes for delivery workers who handle local delivery operations. The system focuses on efficiently managing resources within a specific geographic area, including carriers, vehicles, and distribution hubs. It dynamically adjusts resource allocation in real-time, considering factors like package volume, delivery deadlines, and service level requirements. The system employs a node-based routing strategy, utilizing transfer points to facilitate efficient handoffs between carriers. The system concentrates on optimizing routes by scheduling delivery based on weather conditions, traffic patterns, and historical route performance. The packages are sorted multiple times, once at regional distribution facility and later again at unit delivery facility. This way the system spends a significant amount of time and manpower on only sorting the packages. Frequent adjustments to routes and assignment and reassignment, as suggested in US20200349511A1, might consume significant processing time, especially for large-scale operations. This could delay the actual start of deliveries.
[0007] US11983663B 1 discloses a package tracking system that uses optical sensing devices to monitor packages in a package room. The system captures images of packages andthe people handling them. A computer system processes these images and generates a record of transactions, including timestamps and images of each interaction with the package. The system accesses information related to traffic from multiple sources. The system relies on realtime data from multiple sources (e.g., traffic, delivery vehicle statuses), delays in data synchronization or availability, which can cause inaccurate predictions and increased wait times. Also, the system is dependent on multiple utilities that include logistics software, workforce management systems, and vehicle tracking technologies that in turn increases the complexity of the system thereby increasing the cost involved. Real-time traffic, weather updates, and package tracking require constant connectivity. Disruptions in network service could severely impact the system's performance.
[0008] WO20 17000014A1 discloses a system that focuses only on last-mile delivery in e- commerce. The system uses a mobile application to track the recipient's real-time location and record their movement relative to the designated delivery address. The system analyses the location data and identifies potential delivery failures. The system uses delivery zones, recipient zones, and alternate recipient zones for coordinating delivery attempts by the drivers. Creating zones at each stage of delivery and correlating the same for tracking the package delivery is cumbersome. There is a need for simpler way of categorizing delivery locations.
[0009] In view of the foregoing discussion, there is a need for a faster and more cost- effective solution for effectively operating the first mile delivery process and the last mile delivery process in a coordinated manner using a single system.SUMMARY
[0010] A system for managing delivery of packages from a source to a destination is disclosed. The system comprises one or more processors in communication with one or more servers. The one or more processors is configured to receive information related to purchase orders from the one or more servers. The system optimizes package delivery through an organized and automated sorting process. The purchase order information includes details such as delivery addresses. Based on these addresses, the system identifies delivery locations and uses an interface to create zones on a digital map. Each zone is defined by geographical boundaries, tailored to streamline the delivery workflow. Once zones are established, packages are automatically assigned to a specific zone based on the address provided in the purchase order. Consequently, the packages are virtually sorted on a remote server based on the assigned zone, even before the package reaches a designated warehouse from where it is delivered to the destination. Labels are then generated for the packages at the designated warehouse, clearly indicating the assigned zone. Drivers designated for delivering, retrieve the packages, pack them, and attach the zone- specific labels to each package. The packages are then placed on pallets designated for their respective zones. This structured approach ensures that all shipments are organized according to their final destination before leaving the source. By sorting packages at the origin, the system eliminates the need for extensive sorting processes during or after transportation. This reduces manual effort, minimizes errors, and accelerates the overall delivery process, leading to a more efficient and scalable logistics operation.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DIAGRAMS
[0011] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which,
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for managing package delivery, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0013] FIGs. 2A-2C illustrates a flowchart 200 depicting a method for managing package delivery in a first mile and last mile delivery configuration, in accordance with an embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart 208 depicting a method for virtually sorting packages, in accordance with an embodiment; and
[0015] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a server 104, in accordance with anembodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the detailed description. The drawings show illustrations in accordance with example embodiments. The numerals in the figure represent elements throughout the several views, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described. For convenience, only some elements of the same group may be labelled with numerals. The purpose of the drawings is to describe exemplary embodiments and not for production. Therefore, features shown in the figures are chosen for convenience and clarity of presentation only. Moreover, the language used in this disclosure has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes and may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter, resort to the claims being necessary to determine such inventive subject matter. These example embodiments are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. However, it will be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. The embodiments can be combined, other embodiments can be utilized, or structural and logical changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.
[0017] In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive “or,” such that “a or b” includes “a but not b,” “b but not a,” and “a and b,” unless otherwise indicated.
[0018] Reference in the specification to "one embodiment" or to "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least one embodiment of the invention, and multiple references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" should not be understood as necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 1 represents a block diagram of a package delivery management system 100 for delivering a package from a source to a destination. The system 100 comprises one or more processors 102 and one or more servers 104. The processors 102 comprise a memory module 124, a zone creation module 126, a virtual sorting module 128, an allocation module 122, a communication module 120 and a warehouse to hub management unit 130. The various modules within the processors 102 may be configured to communicate with each other over abus 116.
[0020] The one or more processors 102 may be implemented as appropriate in hardware, computer-executable instructions, firmware, or combinations thereof. Computer-executable instruction or firmware implementations of the processors 102 may include computerexecutable or machine-executable instructions written in any suitable programming language to perform the various functions described below.
[0021] The memory module 124 may include a permanent memory such as hard disk drive, may be configured to store data, and executable program instructions that are implemented by the processor 102. The memory module 124 may be implemented in the form of a primary and a secondary memory. The memory module 124 may store additional data and program instructions that are loadable and executable on the processor 102, as well as data generated during the execution of these programs. Further, the memory module 124 may be volatile memory, such as random-access memory and / or a disk drive, or non-volatile memory. The memory module 124 may comprise of removable memory such as a Compact Flash card, Memory Stick, Smart Media, Multimedia Card, Secure Digital memory, or any other memory storage that exists currently or may exist in the future.
[0022] FIGs. 2A-2C illustrates a flowchart 200 depicting a method for managing package delivery in a first mile and last mile delivery configuration, in accordance with an embodiment. The processor 102 may be configured to obtain shipment details comprising information related to purchase orders from the one or more servers 104. The processor 102 may be communicably connected to the servers 104 to obtain the details of the purchase order from the server 104. The purchase order may be placed directly by a shipping company using an interface, or the purchase order information may be procured by integrating the system 100 with any e- commerce platform.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 2A, at Step 202, a purchase order may be placed on the system 100 from one or more servers 104. The system 100 may obtain the purchase order information for each package through an Application programming interface (API). The API may be configured to allow the shipping company to input details pertaining to the purchase order. The shipping company may be either a first-time customer or a registered customer. In case the details of the company are not registered in the system 100, the processer 102 may prompt the shipping company to register their details through the interface. The details of the shipping company may be, but not limited to, name, address details, and any other identification details. The identification details may be, but not limited to a valid license to procure the desired commodity for which the purchase order has been placed. Alternatively, in case the purchaseorder is placed by the individual, the system 100 checks whether the individual is a first-time customer or a registered customer. The system 100 may prompt the individual to register their personal details in case the individual is a first-time customer. The personal details of the individual may be, but not limited to, name, shipping details including address, and any other identification details. In case the individual is a registered customer, the system 100 may prompt the individual to verify their identity and personal details after the purchase order has been placed.
[0024] Upon receiving the purchase order, the system 100 may retrieve the location coordinates on map based on the registered details of the customer. In case the system 100 is unable to retrieve the location coordinates based on the registered details, the system 100 may send an SMS to the customer to notify them about the specific details that are missing in the personal details. Further, the system 100 may be configured to integrate with a national address database to verify customer’s personal details. For example, the address of the delivery location may be obtained by looking up a registered phone number of the customer in the National address database. Consequently, the system may be configured to verify the delivery location thus obtained by prompting each of the customer to provide their phone number on which they may receive a one-time password (OTP) for confirmation, thereby eliminating the need for adding the entire location information for the registered customers.
[0025] At Step 204, the system 100 may create multiple zones on a map as per the determined delivery locations using the zone creation module 126. The system 100 may provide an interface to interact with the shipping company for enabling the creation of a multiple zones on the map using the zone creation module 126. The interface may be used to define boundaries around the determined location using the zone creation module 126. The map may be obtained from any geospatial database. The geospatial database may be, but not limited to, geoBoundaries, Gale, Veraset, CARTO, Mapbox Boundaries, etc.,. The multiple zones may be created by drawing lines within the defined boundary through the interface
[0026] At step 206, the system 100 is configured to generate labels for each package as per the assigned zone. The label may include a particular alphabet, or a particular number designated to a particular zone assigned to each package. The label may include machine- readable codes that may be scanned upon arrival at the warehouse, thereby confirming their receipt.
[0027] At step 208, the system 100 is configured to assign each package to a zone and sort the packages as per the assigned zones using the virtual sorting module 128. The virtual sorting of the packages is carried out on the server 104 that is located remotely. The packages arevirtually sorted even before each of the package reaches a warehouse designated to deliver the package to the destination. This process ensures that all shipments are organized according to their final destination, thereby eliminating the need for extensive sorting processes during or after transportation. Sorting the packages virtually ensures that the shipping company is completely aware of each batch of packages corresponding to each of the multiple zones even before shipping the package to the designated warehouse.
[0028] Referring to FIG. 3, at step 302, the virtual sorting module 128 is configured to obtain information details of each package. The information details include address details of the destination where the package has to be delivered, and a code associated with the generated label corresponding to an identification of the package.
[0029] At step 304, the virtual sorting module 128 is configured to extract zone information pertaining to each package where the zone information indicates the zone assigned to each package.by the zone creation module 126.
[0030] At step 306, the virtual sorting module 128 is configured to integrate with a Geospatial Data Source that was used by the zone creation module 126 to create the zones corresponding to the zone information.
[0031] At step 308, the virtual sorting module 128 is configured to locate each of the assigned zone for each package based on the data obtained from the geospatial data source. The data may include a geographical location, a zip code, a delivery address information and a landmark place in the vicinity of the assigned zone. Further, at step 310, the module 128 may obtain an activity report of each of the driver to obtain the current workload of each driver. At step 312, the virtual sorting module 128 may apply artificial intelligence to combine the information pertaining to the activity report of each driver as well as the zone information of each package to virtually sort the plurality of packages. At step 314, the virtual sorting module 128 is configured to virtually sort the packages based on their assigned zones, grouping together packages destined for the same zone.
[0032] At step 210, the interface may enable the shipping company to assign warehouses and hubs for their clients, including the name and location of each facility. The warehouses and hubs may be assigned based on the multiple zones created by the zone creation module 126.
[0033] At step 212, the warehouse to hub management unit 130 may process each purchase order by automating the process of generating airway bills, sorting packages based on the virtual sorting module 128 output, and optimizing pallet loading.
[0034] The warehouse to hub management unit 130 is configured to automatically generate airway bills for each labeled package. The airway bills contain essential product informationand the specific delivery zone. The system 100 may enable loading the virtually sorted packages in individual pallets based on the assigned delivery zones, thereby making it easier to be picked by the designated delivery person. This ensures efficient transportation to the respective hubs. This eliminates double handling of packages and improves efficiency and accuracy in package handling and transportation.
[0035] In an exemplary embodiment a worker or a robotic arm (picker) may physically attach the generated label and printed airway bill to each package. Once the system 100 has virtually sorted the packages, the picker may arrange the packages onto pallets, ensuring that all packages destined for the same zone are grouped together on the same pallet. This physical organization of packages aligns with the virtual sorting, optimizing the subsequent transportation and delivery processes.
[0036] At Step 214, the communication module 120 in the system 100 may provide the first mile delivery solution for transferring packages from a plurality of warehouses to a hub. The system 100 is configured to identify packages belonging to the same delivery zone and groups them onto specific pallets. For example, all packages designated to “Zone I” are placed on one or more pallets designated for “Zone I”.
[0037] At step 216, the communication module 120 may further assign first driver to pick up pallets from different warehouses. For example, “Driver A” might be responsible for collecting pallets from Warehouse 1 and Warehouse 3, while “Driver B” might be assigned to Warehouse 2 and Warehouse 4. Further, the communication module 120 may provide an Optimized Route Planning where the processor 102 may optimize the routes for each driver to minimize travel time and fuel consumption. For instance, Driver A might be directed to pick up pallets from Warehouse 1 first, then proceed to Warehouse 3, and finally deliver all the pallets to the designated hub. The system is further configured to virtually assign drivers to specific warehouse or gate number or car numbers. The system receives driver information and, based on predefined criteria such as delivery zones, package volume, and gate capacity, allocates a designated number of drivers to corresponding gates or car numbers. For example, the system can assign three drivers to gate / Warehouse 4 and two drivers to gate / Warehouse 5, optimizing the loading and delivery process. This virtual assignment is communicated to the drivers prior to their arrival at the warehouse, ensuring a streamlined workflow and reducing wait times. This way of streamlining pre-delivery logistics helps in providing improved efficiency - by grouping packages by zone and assigning specific drivers to specific routes. The system 100 reduces the overall delivery time and improves operational efficiency, reduce costs by providing optimized routes and efficient pallet loading that in turn help to reduce fuel costs and labor expenses. Thesystem 100 enhances tracking capability - by tracking the movement of each pallet, providing real-time visibility into the delivery process and provides scalability by adapting to changes in purchase order volume and warehouse locations, ensuring flexibility and scalability. The system 100 may significantly improve the overall delivery performance and customer satisfaction by implementing this first-mile delivery solution.
[0038] Additionally, At Step 216, the system 100 may initiate a last mile delivery solution for transferring packages from the hub to a plurality of customers. The communication module 120 may be configured to assign a second driver to a specific zone among the multiple zones that were created. For example, a Driver X may be assigned to a Zone A. The system 100 may assign the labelled packages to the second driver associated with packages corresponding to Zone A. The second driver may pick all the packages assigned for delivery.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 2B, at step 218, the virtually sorted packages may be assigned to each second driver based on the zone designated for each of the second driver. The time of picking may be recorded by the system 100 when each of the label on the package is scanned by the second driver while picking the packages.
[0040] At step 220, the system 100 may control a driver application provided on each of the driver’s mobile phone. The driver application may be used by the first driver and / or the second driver to transport the package from the warehouse to the hub and / or from the hub to the customer’s location respectively.
[0041] At Step 222, each of the first driver and the second driver may use a barcode scanner on the Driver Application to pick packages corresponding to their assigned zone. The barcode scanner may be used to scan a section on the label of the particular package. The scanned section may provide information regarding the designated zone of the particular package as well as the exact location of the customer to deliver the package.
[0042] At Step 224, the driver application may check for any discrepancy by comparing the designated zone information corresponding to the assigned packages with assigned zone information corresponding to the scanned packages.
[0043] At Step 226, the system 100 may enable the driver application to optimize a route for the first driver and / or second driver when the driver initiates a delivery trip by clicking ‘Start’ on the driver’s application. For the first driver, the system may be configured to provide route optimization based on closest warehouse locations. Consequently, the first driver may be guided by the Driver’s Application to navigate to all the assigned warehouses and to collect the packages and transport the same to the designated hub. In case when the driver application is used by the second driver, the system 100 may provide route optimization for the second driver,based on closest customer locations. Furthermore, the second driver may follow the route provided by the driver application to navigate through the city to reach each customer’s location within the designated zone.
[0044] At Step 228, the system may send notifications such as SMS messages to customers, by providing them with a Proof of Delivery (POD) code and estimated arrival time of the designated driver. The POD may be, but not limited to, a number code or a code having a combination of numbers and alphabets.
[0045] At Step 230, the system 100 may be configured to provide an option to each customer to reschedule the package delivery. If the customer agrees to reschedule Step 226 may be repeated on the rescheduled day of delivery.
[0046] At step 232, the system 100 may be configured to enable both the designated driver as well as the corresponding customer to communicate with each other on the day of delivery.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 2C, at step 234, the system 100 may be configured to provide a real-time tracking of the packages to the designated customers. The customers may track the designated drivers in real-time. Simultaneously, the hubs may be able to monitor the completed delivery as well as the ongoing deliveries by each of the drivers designated to respective zone.
[0048] At step 236, the customer may be prompted to provide the received POD to the driver upon receiving the package at the designated customer’s location. The driver application may enable the driver to enter the POD received from the customer to verify the receipt of the package. Additionally, the driver application may enable the driver to capture an image of the package handover and store the image as a proof of delivery.
[0049] At step 240, the driver application may prompt the second driver to receive a payment from the customer after the designated driver reaches the designated location. The driver application may generate a barcode (or any machine scannable code) linked to a payment gateway, wherein the customers may then scan the barcode and complete the digital payment instantly. This provision of generating an in-App code for the purpose of payment enhances the ease payment by eliminating the need for a separate Point-of-Sale (POS) system that is generally used for receiving payments. The digital payment may be done via any valid payment applications like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or a credit card or the likes.
[0050] At Step 238, the designated driver may be allowed to mark the delivery as a failed delivery, if the customer is unavailable at the designated location and delivery is not fulfilled. The driver may be prompted to return the package to the hub upon receipt of the failed delivery update. Alternatively, if there are any discrepancies in the address provided by the customer, the driver may be enabled to send an instant message (through any social media applicationslike but not limited to WhatsApp or through SMS) to the customer for asking more information regarding their delivery location.
[0051] At Step 242, the e-commerce platform may be enabled to view each of the driver’s collections, and check whether they received any payments in either cash or any form of online payment at the time of delivery.
[0052] At step 244, the system may be configured to generate report regarding the overall activities of each of the drivers, assigned to each zone by outlining all the activities of each of the driver. The report may be used to assess the workload of the drivers. Also, the report may be used to improvise the route management for each of the driver via the Driver application. The system is designed to keep a track of both first mile delivery as well as the last mile delivery phases effectively. This integrated approach reduces costs, enhances coordination between delivery stages, and improves the customer delivery experience. The use of virtual sorting for sorting the packages based on predefined zones, significantly reduces the need for manual labor and eliminates the requirement for costly equipment used for sorting at various delivery stages. This approach results in substantial cost savings in manpower, electricity, and operational expenses, making the system highly cost-effective. Additionally, virtual sorting removes the need for pre-sorting hubs, reducing capital investment, labor, environmental impact, and double handling, while streamlining operations by drastically reducing processing duration for the first mile of the delivery process. Also, the system enhances the ease of delivery of the required goods from source to the destination by achieving faster delivery. Further, the ability of the system to integrate with a driver application enhances the connectivity and well as transparency between the various parties associated with the package delivery. Also, the periodic reports generated for each of the driver provides an on-field insight about the hurdle faced in the delivery process thereby enabling the participating entities to make suitable changes to enhance efficiency of the package delivery system.
[0053] The processes described above is described as a sequence of steps, this was done solely for the sake of illustration. Accordingly, it is contemplated that some steps may be added, some steps may be omitted, the order of the steps may be re-arranged, or some steps may be performed simultaneously.
[0054] The methods described above may be implemented by a data processing system that performs the steps through executing instructions stored on a non-transitory computer- readable medium.
[0055] The example embodiments described herein may be implemented in an operating environment comprising software installed on a computer, in hardware, or in a combination ofsoftware and hardware.
[0056] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the server 104, in accordance with an embodiment. The server 104 may comprise a processing unit 402, a memory unit 404, a communication unit 406, a routing unit 408, an encrypting / decrypting unit 410 and an authenticating unit 412.
[0057] The processing unit 402 may be implemented in the form of one or more processors and may be implemented as appropriate in hardware, computer-executable instructions, firmware, or combinations thereof. Computer-executable instruction or firmware implementations of the processing unit 402 may include computer-executable or machineexecutable instructions written in any suitable programming language to perform the various functions described.
[0058] The memory unit 404 may include a permanent memory such as hard disk drive, may be configured to store data, and executable program instructions that are implemented by the processor module.
[0059] The communication unit 406 may be used by the server 104 to communicate with the processor 102. The communication unit 406, as an example, may be a GPRS module, or other modules that enable wireless communication.
[0060] The routing unit 408 may enable identification of data processing systems to which the data must be transmitted.
[0061] The encrypting / decrypting unit 410 may encrypt the incoming data and decrypt the outgoing data from the server 104.
[0062] The authenticating unit 412 may authenticate processor 102 to establish a reliable communication with the server 104.
[0063] The foregoing description refers to the various steps being carried out by a data processing system. Such a data processing system may be a stand-alone data processing system or a network of data processing system(s) and server.
[0064] Although embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the system and method described herein. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
[0065] Many alterations and modifications of the present invention will no doubt become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art after having read the foregoing description. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose ofdescription and not of limitation. It is to be understood that the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the personally preferred embodiments of this invention.
[0066] The detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show illustrations in accordance with example embodiments. These example embodiments, which may be herein also referred to as “examples” are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. However, it may be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well- known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. The embodiments can be combined, other embodiments can be utilized, or structural, logical, and design changes can be made without departing from the scope of the claims. The detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 23 July 2025 (23.07.2025)
1. A system for managing delivery of packages from online purchase source to destination, the system comprising one or more processors in communication with one or more servers, configured to: receive information related to purchase orders from the one or more servers; determine delivery locations from the information related to the purchase orders; perform virtual sorting of packages at the server before arrival at the warehouse designated to deliver the package to the destination; provide an interface to create multiple zones on a map as per the determined delivery locations; assign each package to a zone and sort the packages as per the assigned zones; and generate labels for each package as per the assigned zone.
2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more processors is configured to receive inputs through the interface to customize the map into multiple zones, wherein the interface enables defining boundaries for each zone on the map.
3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the generated labels are tagged to the packages at a warehouse, and the one or more processors is configured to assign a delivery person to ship the packages to a hub located in the assigned zone.
4. The system according to claim 2, wherein the inputs include information regarding the warehouse and the hub located in assigned zone, for each package.
5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the one or more processors is configured to: assign a first driver to deliver the packages from the warehouse to the hub; assign a second driver to deliver the packages from the hub to the destination; track the second driver in real-time during package delivery; andgenerate an activity report for each of the first driver and the second driver.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the one or more processors is configured to: generate a barcode linked to a payment gateway for package payment; allow the second driver to display the barcode at the destination to collect the package payment; enable the second driver to record the payment; and log the payment details in the second driver’s activity report.
7. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more servers is configured to enable a shipping company to place bulk purchase orders.
8. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more servers is configured to enable an individual to place a purchase order through the one or more servers, by using an e-commerce platform.
9. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more processors is configured to: automate package labeling; automate grouping of labeled packages into pallets; and generate airway bills for the labeled packages.
10. A method for managing delivery of packages from source to destination using one or more processors, the method comprising communicating with one or more servers for: receiving information related to purchase orders from the one or more servers; determining delivery locations from the information related to the purchase orders; sorting the packages virtually on the server prior to packages arrival at a designated warehouse; loading the virtually sorted packages in individual pallets based on assigned delivery zones; assigning automatically each package to the assigned delivery zone and associated driver on purchase, wherein the assigned driver executes delivery of the package.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the method comprises receiving inputs through the interface to customizethe map into multiple zones, wherein the interface enables defining boundaries for each zone on the map.
12. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the method further comprises tagging the generated labels to the packages at a warehouse, and assigning a delivery person to ship the packages to a hub located in the assigned zone.
13. The method according to claim 11 , wherein the inputs include information regarding the warehouse and the hub located in assigned zone, for each package.
14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the method further comprises: assigning a first driver to deliver the packages from the warehouse to the hub; assigning a second driver to deliver the packages from the hub to the destination; tracking the second driver in real-time during package delivery; and generating an activity report for each of the first driver and the second driver.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the method comprises: generating a barcode linked to a payment gateway for package payment; allowing the second driver to display the barcode to at the destination to collect the package payment; enabling the second driver to record the payment; and logging the payment details in the second driver’s activity report.
16. The method according to claim 10, wherein the method comprises enabling an individual to place a purchase order through the one or more servers by using an e-commerce platform.
17. The method according to claim 10, wherein the method comprises: assigning to package label a selected alphabet or number designated for allocated delivery zone; automating grouping of labeled packages into pallets; and generating airway bills for the labeled packages.
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