Dynamic Delivery Location Coordination for Failed First Attempts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shipping customers often miss deliveries during normal business hours, leading to failed first delivery attempts and a need for flexible alternative delivery options.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow for dynamic delivery locations, where items can be delivered to a location different from the designated address, using a dispatch plan that identifies multiple stop locations, and providing location information to the consignee before arrival, with identity verification upon delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If delivery is made to a fixed address during normal business hours, then delivery security and address specificity are improved, but delivery success rate deteriorates when customers are away
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic delivery locations by allowing the mobile asset to stop at multiple locations beyond the fixed delivery address. The dispatch plan is updated dynamically to include candidate dynamic delivery locations based on real-time conditions, transforming the static delivery model into a flexible dynamic system that adapts to customer availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile asset serves multiple functions by delivering items to various locations including the original delivery address, candidate dynamic delivery locations, and other stops along the route. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle both fixed and flexible delivery scenarios within a single delivery process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stop locations are added to the dispatch plan, then delivery flexibility is improved, but route complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-identifying candidate dynamic delivery locations and pre-updating the dispatch plan before the mobile asset begins its route. This advance preparation reduces real-time decision complexity and allows the mobile asset to follow a predetermined flexible route.
Solution Approach 2:
The system acts as an intermediary by automatically generating and managing the updated dispatch plan that incorporates multiple stop locations. This intermediary function between the fixed delivery address and the mobile asset route optimization reduces the complexity burden on the delivery operation by handling route planning centrally.
3Ease of operation
If location information is provided to consignee before arrival, then customer awareness and coordination are improved, but information security requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides location information to the consignee in advance before the mobile asset arrives at the dynamic delivery location. This preliminary information provision allows the consignee to prepare for receipt and improves coordination, while the system maintains security through controlled information release timing.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present invention involve systems, methods, and computer program products utilized in facilitating alternative delivery options for customers. In certain embodiments, a consignee may meet a driver and receive an item at a location different from the delivery address associated with the item. The receipt of the item may be prior to the driver attempting to deliver the item to the designated shipping location or after an unsuccessful delivery attempt. The carrier, the driver, the carrier system, the mobile station, and/or the sensors located on the item may communicate with the consignee to arrange a mutually acceptable time and location to accomplish the delivery. In certain embodiments, the consignee may be responsible for arriving at a dynamic delivery location to retrieve the item while the driver is at the location performing other tasks.