Bundled Mobile App Automates Distribution Center Load Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current processes in distribution centers, such as gate-in, gate-out, and proof of delivery, are time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies, requiring manual paperwork and human intervention, which can lead to inefficiencies and errors.

Innovation Solution

A load management system that includes a mobile application with sub-applications for handling driver processes, allowing for automated and streamlined interactions by storing and updating load information, generating machine-readable representations, and directing autonomous yard vehicles, thereby reducing the need for manual data entry and enhancing accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual paperwork and human intervention are used for gate-in, gate-out, and proof of delivery processes, then drivers can complete necessary documentation, but the processes become time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of documentationVSAvoidtime for gate processes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual paperwork and human intervention with an automated mobile application system that captures load information electronically, generates machine-readable representations, and streams data to autonomous vehicles, eliminating manual data entry and reducing errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile application enables drivers to self-complete gate-in, gate-out, and proof of delivery processes by capturing their own load information and documentation, reducing dependency on manual processing and accelerating throughput

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If manual data entry is required for load information, then drivers can provide necessary documentation, but human error increases and accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of load informationVSAvoidhuman error

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual data entry with automated electronic capture of load information through the mobile application, which generates machine-readable representations and streams data directly to autonomous vehicles, eliminating transcription errors and improving data accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile application creates machine-readable copies of load information and documentation, which are then streamed to autonomous vehicles, ensuring accurate replication of data without manual copying errors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If a bundled application with multiple sub-applications is implemented, then driver processes are streamlined and automated, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of driver processesVSAvoidapplication structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple driver-facing applications (gate-in, gate-out, proof of delivery) into a single bundled mobile application, consolidating functionality while maintaining streamlined processes through integrated sub-applications that communicate via shared data structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11138551B2Bundled application for load management system

Publication Date: 2021.10.05 WALMART APOLLO LLC

AI summary

Load management systems and methods are described. A load management system comprises a database storing load information, a mobile application associated with a user account and executable on a mobile device. The mobile application includes a main application and independently executable sub-applications corresponding to workflow progresses in the distribution center. The mobile application when executed, accesses the sub-applications in response to a user logging in to the main mobile application. The sub-applications inherit credentials from the main application and communicate with each other in response to inheriting the credentials.