Dynamic Load Threshold Assignment for Delivery Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional distribution systems face inefficiencies due to delayed deliveries when the operation time of delivery vehicles ends before a certain load amount is accumulated in the warehouse, leading to reduced overall delivery efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device assigns delivery tasks to vehicles based on a reference load amount and a target time, withholding tasks if the load is below the threshold but allowing exceptional assignment if the predicted task end time is close to the vehicle's operation end time, thereby optimizing task allocation and improving delivery efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the work of loading the delivery vehicle is withheld until a certain amount of loads is accumulated in the distribution warehouse, then the delivery efficiency is improved by increasing the amount of loads to be delivered by the delivery vehicle at a time, but the delivery may be delayed to the next day if the operation time of the delivery vehicle is ended before the certain amount of loads is accumulated, which lowers the delivery efficiency as a whole
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the load accumulation threshold parameter based on the relationship between current time and vehicle operation end time. When the time remaining is within a reference period, the threshold is lowered to allow delivery; otherwise, it maintains the reference amount threshold. This parameter adaptation resolves the contradiction by adjusting the quantity requirement based on time constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The assignment decision is made dynamic by continuously monitoring the current time and comparing it with the vehicle operation end time. The system adapts the load accumulation requirement in real-time based on whether the time difference falls within the reference time period, allowing flexible response to changing time conditions and preventing delivery delays.
2Productivity
If the load amount is below the reference amount, then the delivery vehicle cannot be assigned the task to maintain optimal load efficiency, but assigning the task would result in underutilization of the vehicle capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the effective reference amount threshold based on time conditions. When the time to operation end is within the reference time, the threshold is effectively lowered to allow assignment even with smaller loads. This resolves the contradiction by making the quantity requirement flexible rather than fixed, allowing underutilization to occur only when time constraints make it necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows partial action (assignment with less than reference amount) when the time condition is met. Instead of requiring full reference amount accumulation, the system accepts a smaller load when the vehicle operation time is limited, performing a partial delivery action that is sufficient given the time constraints rather than waiting for complete accumulation.
3Loss of time
If the task is assigned when the load amount is close to the reference amount but not quite there, then the delivery can be made in time, but the vehicle capacity is not fully utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The reference amount parameter is dynamically adjusted based on the time remaining until vehicle operation end. When time is critical (within reference time), the effective threshold is lowered to permit assignment. This resolves the contradiction by prioritizing time utilization over capacity utilization when time constraints are present, allowing near-threshold loads to be assigned.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial action by accepting loads that are less than the full reference amount when time conditions dictate. Instead of waiting for complete capacity filling, the system executes a partial delivery action with available loads, ensuring timely delivery rather than optimal capacity utilization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method executed by an information processing device to assign to a target vehicle a task of delivering loads stored in a warehouse and addressed to a target consignee includes executing an assignment process. The assignment process includes: determining whether a load amount of the loads is a reference amount or more; when the load amount is less than the reference amount, assigning the task to the target vehicle; when the load amount is less than the reference amount, determining whether a target time as a time from a predicted end time of the task to an operation end time of the target vehicle is within a reference time; when the target time is within the reference time, assigning the task to the target vehicle; and when the target time is not within the reference time, withholding assignment of the task to the target vehicle.