Delivery Management Platform for Store Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing supply chain models face challenges in using stores as distribution centers for shipping products due to space, personnel, and equipment constraints, as well as inefficiencies in transportation and high costs associated with third-party shipping solutions.
Innovation Solution
A delivery management platform that integrates a mobile application, processing unit, and memory to manage deliveries by converting schedules into loads, assigning them to carriers, and tracking events, thereby improving efficiency and reducing reliance on third-party systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If stores are used as distribution centers for shipping products, then delivery time and delivery cost are reduced, but stores lack the space, personnel, and equipment to efficiently sort or store products for delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile computing device as an intermediary tool that bridges the gap between store operations and delivery management. The mobile device provides scheduling, tracking, and coordination capabilities without requiring permanent infrastructure at the store location, enabling stores to function as distribution centers despite lacking specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables stores to self-manage their delivery operations through the mobile application, which provides scheduling, load management, and tracking capabilities. Stores can independently coordinate with carriers and manage their own distribution activities without requiring extensive external support or specialized facilities.
2Quantity of substance
If third-party shipping companies are used for transportation, then shipping capacity is available, but costs increase and system interaction becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile computing device serves multiple functions: it manages scheduling, tracks deliveries, communicates with carriers, and handles load assignments. This multi-functional tool consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate third-party systems, reducing integration complexity while maintaining access to shipping capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback mechanisms where the mobile device continuously tracks delivery status, load progress, and carrier performance. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustments and improves coordination with carriers, making system interaction more efficient and reducing the complexity of managing third-party relationships.
3Speed
If stores serve as both points of sale and distribution centers, then delivery speed increases, but inventory constraints limit shipping ability
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile application enables preliminary scheduling and planning of deliveries before products are physically moved. Stores can pre-coordinate with carriers, plan load assignments, and prepare delivery schedules in advance, maximizing the use of available inventory and accelerating the delivery process without requiring additional stock.
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery management platform, a mobile application, and a method are disclosed. The delivery management platform can use the mobile application to manage carriers that perform deliveries of products. The delivery management platform can receive delivery schedules, group deliveries in the delivery schedules into loads, and use the mobile application both to make the loads available to carrier members and to receive events sent from carrier members. The delivery management platform can also use the mobile application to pay carriers and to receive information to update carrier data. Using the mobile application, carrier members can both interact with the delivery management platform and can assign, track, and perform deliveries.