Automated Order Routing Platform for Household Products
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current distribution platforms for household products face inefficiencies in order delivery due to customers having to wait for order preparation amidst high traffic, as remote order customers intermingle with in-store order placers, leading to delayed order collection.
Innovation Solution
A distribution platform with an automated order routing system, including a warehouse with separate order preparation sections, a buffer storage space, and delivery tracks, utilizing a shuttle system and identification means like barcode/QR code readers to streamline order processing and delivery, allowing customers to pick up orders efficiently without waiting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If customers place orders remotely and come to withdraw them at the distribution platform, then order delivery service is provided, but customers must wait for order preparation amidst high traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution platform is segmented into distinct functional zones: a warehouse area for order preparation, a buffer storage area for completed orders, and delivery tracks for customer collection. This spatial segmentation allows order preparation to occur separately from customer withdrawal activities, enabling parallel processing and eliminating customer waiting time.
Solution Approach 2:
Orders are prepared in advance in the warehouse before customers arrive at the distribution platform. Completed orders are stored in the buffer area, ready for immediate delivery to customers. This preliminary action ensures that when customers arrive, their orders are already prepared and can be delivered instantly, eliminating waiting time.
2Productivity
If a dedicated warehouse is created for remote order preparation, then order preparation can proceed without disturbance, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into an integrated system: the warehouse serves both as storage and order preparation area, the buffer area serves as both temporary storage and transfer point, and the delivery tracks serve as both internal transport and customer interface. This merging reduces overall system complexity while maintaining efficient order preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer area acts as an intermediary between the warehouse preparation zone and the customer delivery zone. It receives prepared orders from the warehouse and delivers them to customers, mediating the transfer and allowing both zones to operate independently and efficiently without direct interference.
3Area of stationary object
If customers are interspersed with in-store order placers at the delivery tracks, then space utilization is maximized, but order delivery fluidity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is segmented into distinct customer flow paths: one path for in-store shoppers browsing products, and separate delivery tracks for remote order collectors. This segmentation allows both customer types to move through the platform simultaneously without interference, maintaining both space utilization and delivery fluidity.
Solution Approach 2:
Remote order collection activities are extracted from the general customer area and placed on dedicated delivery tracks. This extraction separates the two customer flows, allowing remote order deliveries to proceed fluidly without being disrupted by in-store shopping activities, while still utilizing the same physical platform space.
Data Source
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AI summary
The distribution platform, particularly for household products, includes a warehouse, a first means of identifying a customer coming to collect an order previously placed with the distribution platform, at least one order delivery track, the warehouse including at least one order preparation section from among an ambient section, a Fruits & Vegetables section, a fresh section and a frozen section, an associated buffer storage space for prepared orders having an entrance linked to at least one order preparation section, at least one delivery track being linked to an exit of the buffer storage space, as well as an automated order routing system from at least one preparation section and at least one delivery track, the automated routing system being connected to the first means of identifying a customer.