Electronic Courier Allocation Using Fulfillment Center Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing courier allocation methods are inefficient and do not effectively reflect the status of fulfillment centers and couriers, leading to suboptimal delivery service performance.

Innovation Solution

An electronic apparatus and method that identifies fulfillment centers and couriers based on user input, delivery plan information, courier allocation conditions, and work information to allocate couriers more efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual courier allocation under manager supervision is used, then human judgment and flexibility are maintained, but allocation time increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCourier allocation efficiencyVSAvoidAllocation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical allocation system with an automated electronic apparatus that uses algorithms and data processing to allocate couriers. The system automatically identifies fulfillment centers, retrieves delivery plan information and courier work information, and performs allocation based on predefined conditions, eliminating the need for manual manager supervision and significantly reducing allocation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service allocation where the electronic apparatus autonomously performs the entire courier allocation process without human intervention. The apparatus independently identifies fulfillment centers, retrieves relevant information from databases, evaluates courier suitability based on work information and allocation conditions, and completes the allocation, allowing the system to serve itself rather than relying on manual operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual courier allocation is used, then simple processes are maintained, but the situation of fulfillment centers is not effectively reflected leading to suboptimal allocation

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDelivery service effectivenessVSAvoidAllocation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces simple manual allocation with a sophisticated electronic system that processes multiple data types including delivery plan information, courier work information, and allocation conditions. This automated system effectively reflects fulfillment center situations by analyzing relevant data and making informed allocation decisions, significantly improving delivery service effectiveness despite the increased system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms by continuously retrieving and analyzing courier work information and delivery plan information to make allocation decisions. The electronic apparatus uses this feedback data to evaluate courier suitability and optimize allocation, ensuring that fulfillment center situations are effectively reflected in the allocation outcomes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple fulfillment centers and couriers are deployed across the country, then delivery coverage is improved, but allocation complexity and coordination difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveDelivery coverageVSAvoidAllocation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic apparatus is designed as a universal system capable of handling multiple fulfillment centers and numerous couriers simultaneously across the country. The system performs multiple functions including identifying fulfillment centers, retrieving delivery plans, evaluating courier suitability, and performing allocations, making it adaptable to various delivery scenarios and locations while managing the complexity of nationwide operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the nationwide delivery network into manageable components by individually identifying and processing each fulfillment center and courier. The apparatus handles allocation decisions for each entity separately based on their specific characteristics and conditions, making the complex task of coordinating multiple centers and couriers more manageable and efficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12450544B2Electronic device for allocating courier and operating method thereof

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 COUPANG CORP

AI summary

An operating method of an electronic apparatus including: identifying at least one fulfillment center based on a user input; identifying delivery plan information related to the at least one fulfillment center, a courier allocation condition corresponding to the at least one fulfillment center, and work information of each of a plurality of registered couriers; and allocating at least one among the plurality of couriers to the at least one fulfillment center based on the delivery plan information, the courier allocation condition, and the work information and an electronic apparatus are provided.