Nested Identifier System for Logistics Item Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional logistics systems face challenges in associating events and conditions with items across multiple packaging levels during transportation and distribution, and in sharing detailed item handling data among logistics supply chain parties, leading to inefficiencies and errors.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that dynamically identifies items across packaging levels, tracks transaction information, and shares detailed item handling data using identifiers and databases accessible by multiple logistics supply chain parties, enhancing item tracking and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple packaging levels are used for item transportation, then item protection and logistics efficiency are improved, but the ability to associate events and conditions with specific items across packaging levels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a hierarchical identifier system where unique identifiers are assigned at each packaging level (item, carton, case, pallet, container) and nested within parent identifiers. This allows tracking of individual items while maintaining association with parent packaging units throughout the logistics chain, resolving the information loss problem while preserving logistics efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the logistics tracking system into discrete identifier components for each packaging level, allowing independent tracking and association of events at each level. This segmentation enables precise item identification while maintaining the nested packaging structure for efficient logistics operations.
2Measurement precision
If detailed item handling data is tracked across multiple packaging levels, then item tracking accuracy is improved, but system complexity and data management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital representation (identifier) of each physical packaging level and its contents. These identifier copies traverse the logistics system independently, allowing accurate tracking without requiring physical inspection or complex data management at each handling point, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining tracking accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal identifier system that functions across all packaging levels and logistics operations. The same identifier structure serves multiple purposes: item identification, packaging level association, event tracking, and condition monitoring, reducing the need for separate systems and lowering overall complexity.
3Measurement precision
If identifiers are assigned at each packaging level, then item identification accuracy is improved, but the time and resources required for data management increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns unique identifiers to items and packaging levels in advance, before logistics operations begin. This preliminary identification eliminates the need for real-time data collection and processing during handling, significantly reducing data management time while maintaining high identification accuracy throughout the supply chain.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a centralized system tracks all item data, then data consistency is improved, but accessibility and sharing among logistics parties deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a nested data structure where identifier information is embedded at each packaging level and can be accessed independently or collectively. This allows centralized data consistency while enabling any logistics party to access relevant information at their level without requiring full system access, thus improving both consistency and accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for tracking item handling data are disclosed herein. The method identifies, by an end user via an end user device, order information of at least one item designated for return and receives return identification information of the at least one item based on the identified order information. The method generates return shipment information in response to the received return identification information and generates return transaction information associated with the at least one item based on the order information, the return identification information, and the return shipment information. The method generates a return identifier indicative of the return transaction information associated with the at least item to be applied by the end user to a return package comprising the at least one item and tracks at least one attribute of the return transaction information associated with the at least one item via the return identifier.