Mail Sorting Entry Numbers for Faster Delivery Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing delivery systems face inefficiencies in sorting and delivering shipments that are not machine-ready, leading to increased time and space requirements at distribution centers and local distribution locations, as well as delays in delivery initiation due to insufficient sorting capacity and manual sorting by delivery drivers.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the assignment of sorting destination-specific entry numbers to shipments, followed by sorting and determining a delivery sequence based on shipment information, allowing for efficient classification and delivery order determination, which can be facilitated by computer programs and devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional sorting by route sequence in multiple sorting runs is used, then shipments can be sorted according to delivery order, but sorting capacity is insufficient for large shipment volumes and processing time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by assigning entry numbers to shipments upon their arrival at the distribution center, before the complete route sequence is known. This allows shipments to be pre-classified into sorting destinations based on available information, enabling immediate processing without waiting for all shipments to arrive or for complex multi-run sorting procedures.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual sorting by delivery driver at local distribution location is performed, then shipments can be sorted into delivery sequence, but additional space is required and delivery time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs the sorting action in advance at the distribution center using automated systems. Shipments are classified into sorting destinations and assigned entry numbers before being transferred to local distribution locations. This preliminary sorting eliminates the need for manual sorting by delivery drivers, saving both time and space at local locations.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple sorting runs are conducted to achieve route sequencing, then complete delivery order is achieved, but sorting capacity requirements increase and processing duration extends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sorting process into two distinct stages: (1) preliminary classification into sorting destinations based on entry numbers and available shipment information, and (2) final sequencing at local distribution locations using output sequences. This segmentation allows each stage to operate independently with appropriate complexity, avoiding the need for multiple complex sorting runs at the distribution center.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is, among other things, a method comprising: determining, for each shipment from a number of shipments, a respective sorting destination from a number of sorting destinations; assigning, to each of the shipments from the number of shipments, a respective sorting destination-specific entry number; wherein the method for at least one sorting destination of the number of sorting destinations further comprises: sorting those shipments for which the sorting destination was determined into the sorting destination based on the sorting destination-specific entry numbers assigned to these shipments; and determining a delivery sequence for the shipments sorted into the sorting destination based on shipment information and outputting a sequence of the entry numbers assigned to these shipments, sorted according to the delivery sequence of the shipments sorted into the sorting destination;or outputting, for each of the mail items for which the sorting destination was determined, the respective assigned entry number and a respective piece of mailing information, wherein a delivery sequence for these mail items can be determined based on the mailing information of the mail items. A related second method is also disclosed, the method comprising: detecting, by a delivery entity, or outputting, to a delivery entity, the entry numbers in the sorted sequence, wherein a number of mail items are sorted according to the entry numbers and a delivery entity can locate the mail item assigned to the entry number within the sorted number of mail items based on an entry number. In addition, corresponding devices, systems, and computer programs for the respective execution and/or control of the disclosed methods are disclosed.