E-commerce System for Local Merchants with Dynamic Delivery Routing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Small-scale local merchants, such as florists and bakers, face challenges in creating and maintaining e-commerce websites due to the complexity of existing systems, and struggle with accurate delivery cost estimation and network collaboration, leading to inefficiencies and unsatisfactory customer experiences.

Innovation Solution

A highly automated e-commerce system optimized for local merchants, featuring calendar-based website updates, sophisticated delivery cost estimation, easy product addition via smartphone apps, and network formation capabilities, allowing for efficient collaboration and transparent pricing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If local merchants use prefabricated e-commerce framework software systems, then they can establish an online e-commerce system, but the system complexity requires skilled programmers for customization and optimization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of setting up e-commerce systemVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs website updates, delivery cost calculations, and network coordination without requiring merchant intervention or programming expertise. The automated nature allows merchants to operate the system themselves without skilled programmers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The e-commerce system is divided into modular components including website management module, delivery cost estimation module, and network collaboration module. Each module operates independently with defined interfaces, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If merchants use standardized delivery services with limited floral arrangements, then delivery can be arranged, but the floral arrangements cannot or would not be delivered by florists located near the delivery area

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery capabilityVSAvoiddelivery flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically routes delivery orders to the most appropriate florist based on real-time factors including location, product availability, and delivery requirements. This dynamic allocation allows standardized services to adapt to specific local conditions and merchant capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where florists can indicate their delivery capabilities and preferences. This feedback loop enables the system to learn and adapt to actual delivery conditions, improving both productivity and flexibility over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If prior art delivery charge methods are used, then delivery costs can be calculated, but the true costs of delivery are hidden from the customer and unrealistic delivery cost expectations are imposed on the delivery florist

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery cost calculationVSAvoidcost transparency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system acts as an intermediary between customers and florists, providing transparent delivery cost calculations that reflect true costs. The automated estimation module serves as a neutral mediator that presents accurate cost information to both parties, eliminating hidden costs and unrealistic expectations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If local merchants sign up for high overhead services to meet consumer expectations for distant delivery, then delivery capability is extended, but the overhead costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery reachVSAvoidoverhead costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides multiple functions including order management, delivery routing, cost calculation, and network coordination through a single platform. This multi-functionality allows merchants to extend their delivery reach without signing up for separate high-overhead services, reducing overall overhead costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11657372B1Back-end production and delivery system for schedule controlled networkable merchant e-commerce sites

Publication Date: 2023.05.23 NATARAJAN SUNDARAM

AI summary

An improved computerized e-commerce system, optimized for smaller merchants such as florists who often provide seasonal perishable gifts that require local delivery, and who often desire to form cooperative networks with local merchants offering related gift services, as well as other related merchants such as other florists in more distant locations. The web server based system allows merchants to easily set up non-static (time variable) websites that automatically provide schedule driven promotions. New products can be quickly uploaded from smartphones, and sophisticated time and location aware algorithms can compute accurate delivery costs and make such costs transparent to customers. The system may also include backend software configured to assist in product production, inventory control, product cost optimization, and product delivery optimization, management, and tracking.