Nested Package Identifiers for Cross-Level Logistics Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems struggle to associate events and conditions with items across packaging levels during logistics operations, lack versatility in identifying and tracking transaction information, and fail to share detailed item handling data among logistics supply chain parties, leading to inefficiencies and reduced efficiency, security, and timeliness.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that automatically and dynamically identify items across packaging levels, track transaction information attributes, and share detailed item handling data among logistics supply chain parties using machine-readable identifiers and shared databases, enabling seamless communication and authentication across different logistics operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional logistics systems use multiple packaging levels for transportation, then items can be efficiently distributed, but it becomes difficult to associate events and conditions with items across packaging levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested identifier system where identifiers are organized in a hierarchical structure corresponding to packaging levels. Each packaging level (individual item, carton, case, pallet, container) has its own identifier that is nested within the identifiers of enclosing packages. This allows tracking information to be maintained at each level while preserving the ability to associate events and conditions with the specific item throughout the entire logistics chain, resolving the information loss problem while maintaining logistics efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the tracking system into distinct identifier components corresponding to different packaging levels. Each identifier is divided into segments that represent specific packaging hierarchies (item-level, carton-level, case-level, pallet-level, container-level). This segmentation allows the system to independently track and associate events with each packaging level while maintaining the overall item context, thereby preserving information across multiple packaging levels without compromising logistics operation efficiency.
2Productivity
If conventional systems track items through multiple packaging levels, then logistics operations can proceed, but detailed item handling data cannot be shared among supply chain parties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal identifier system that serves multiple functions simultaneously. The hierarchical identifiers can be used for individual item tracking, aggregate package tracking, event association, condition monitoring, and data sharing across different supply chain parties. This multi-functional identifier system enables detailed item handling data to be shared among manufacturers, distributors, and transportation companies while maintaining logistics operation efficiency, as the same identifier structure supports all these purposes.
3Reliability
If conventional logistics systems use proprietary information systems, then each party can maintain security, but detailed item handling data cannot be accessed by other parties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a standardized identifier system as an intermediary that bridges proprietary information systems of different supply chain parties. The hierarchical identifiers serve as a common language that can be implemented within each party's secure system while enabling data exchange and sharing. This intermediary identifier structure allows detailed item handling data to be accessible to authorized parties without compromising the security of proprietary information systems, as the identifiers themselves are standardized while the data they reference remains protected within each party's system.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for tracking item handling data are disclosed herein. The method associates, by a first device of a first user, a first identifier of at least one first package comprising at least one item and a second identifier of a second package where the second package comprises the at least one first package and the association is indicative of a nested relationship. The method generates transaction information associated with the at least one item based on the association and packaging information of the at least one item, and generates a third identifier indicative of the transaction information associated with the at least one item applied to the second package. The method tracks at least one attribute of the transaction information associated with the at least one item via the third identifier.