Distributed Ledger Platform for Direct Return Logistics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Re-shelving and re-warehousing of returned items often create bottlenecks in supply chain reverse logistics, requiring significant time and effort to reintegrate items into the supply chain.
Innovation Solution
A distributed ledger platform, such as a blockchain, is used to facilitate efficient return logistics by recording transactions and resource transfers between buyers and sellers, enabling direct item transfer from the returning buyer to a new buyer without re-shelving.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If items are returned to the seller for re-shelving and re-warehousing, then the supply chain can be maintained, but significant time and effort are required to reintegrate items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third party (another buyer) as an intermediary to receive returned items directly, eliminating the need for items to return to the seller's warehouse. The computing platform facilitates this by matching returning buyers with new buyers and enabling direct item transfer, thus resolving the time-consuming re-shelving process while maintaining supply chain reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the return logistics process into distinct stages: item return initiation, matching with new buyer, direct item transfer, and resource transfer. This segmentation allows the system to handle returns efficiently without requiring consolidation at the seller's location, reducing the time and effort needed for re-integration into the supply chain.
2Loss of information
If a distributed ledger is used to track transactions and resource transfers, then transparency and verification are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computing platform performs multiple functions: it processes event requests, creates and manages distributed ledger elements, tracks resource transfers, generates anonymous shipping information, and facilitates direct item transfers. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional platform, the patent reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive transaction transparency through the distributed ledger.
3Productivity
If direct item transfer from returning buyer to new buyer is enabled, then operational efficiency is improved, but trust and verification mechanisms must be enhanced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through the distributed ledger that continuously track and verify each step of the direct item transfer process. The system records event processing information, shipping confirmation information, and receipt confirmation information, providing transparent feedback to all parties involved. This feedback loop ensures trust and verification while maintaining high operational efficiency in direct item transfers.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure relate to return logistics. A computing platform may process a first request, resulting in first information indicating a first transfer of resources from a buyer of an item to a seller. The computing platform may record, in a distributed ledger, the first information. The computing platform may receive a second request corresponding to another sale of the item, and may process the second request, which may result in second information indicating a second transfer of resources from another buyer to the seller. The computing platform may record, in the distributed ledger, the second information, and may cause the item to be sent from the buyer to the other buyer. The computing platform may identify, using the distributed ledger, that the item has been received by the other buyer, and may cause a third transfer of resources from the seller to the buyer.