Delivery Service Computing Device for Multi-Merchant Item Consolidation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers face challenges in obtaining items immediately, as they often lack control over delivery terms, such as selecting delivery drivers, times, and fees, especially when purchasing from multiple merchants, and existing systems do not integrate item pick-up and delivery seamlessly with payment processing.
Innovation Solution
A delivery service computing device that allows users to select merchants, items, and carriers, generating a secure virtual account number for the carrier to purchase and deliver items, while processing payments that include both item costs and delivery fees, thereby integrating pick-up and delivery services into the purchase transaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If consumers purchase items from multiple merchants and arrange separate pick-ups, then they can obtain items from various sources, but the complexity of coordinating multiple pick-ups and deliveries increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple separate pick-up and delivery arrangements into a single consolidated transaction. A user can select items from multiple merchants and arrange for a single carrier to pick up all items and deliver them together, transforming multiple complex coordination tasks into one simplified process.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier system is designed to handle multiple merchants and multiple items in a single transaction, making the carrier universally applicable across different merchants and delivery scenarios. This multi-functionality allows one carrier to service multiple merchants simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If consumers use traditional delivery services, then items can be delivered to them, but they have little to no choice in selecting delivery terms such as delivery driver, delivery time, and delivery fee
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes delivery terms dynamic and adjustable by the user rather than fixed by the merchant or carrier. Users can select from multiple carriers, compare delivery options, and customize delivery preferences including timing and carrier selection, allowing delivery parameters to adapt to user needs rather than being static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides users with feedback about available delivery options, carrier selections, and delivery terms before finalizing the transaction. This allows users to make informed decisions about delivery arrangements and adjust their selections based on the information provided, maintaining control over delivery terms.
3Loss of time
If consumers wait for online shipping, then they avoid traveling to merchants, but they must pay expensive same-day shipping fees or wait longer for next-day or 2-day shipping
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces a user-selected carrier as an intermediary between the merchant and the user, replacing traditional expensive same-day shipping services. This intermediary carrier model allows users to choose cost-effective local carriers for same-day or next-day delivery, reducing shipping costs while maintaining fast delivery times.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of delivery by allowing users to select from multiple carriers with different service levels and pricing. Instead of being forced into expensive same-day shipping or long wait times, users can adjust delivery parameters to match their needs and budget, achieving optimal balance between speed and cost.
4Loss of time
If consumers go to pick up items themselves, then they can obtain items immediately, but they need to have the time and transportation means to get to and from the merchant and transport the item
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service delivery where users can arrange for items to be delivered to their preferred location without personally traveling to the merchant. The user-initiated carrier selection and tracking provide a self-service experience that maintains immediacy while eliminating the need for user transportation and physical item handling.
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery service (DS) computing device for item purchase and delivery is provided. The DS computing device displays a searchable interface that enables a user to select at least one merchant. The DS computing device receives at least one selected merchant location from the user, displays item data of the at least one selected merchant location, and receives cart data from the user. The DS computing device receives, from the user, a selection of a selected carrier, and transmits the cart data to the selected carrier. The DS computing device generates a secure virtual account number for the selected carrier. The secure virtual account number provides access to purchase funds for use, by the selected carrier, in purchasing the selected item. The DS computing device processes a payment transaction for the at least one selected item that includes the purchase funds and a delivery service fee.