Automated Package Tracking System for Order Processing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current order processing systems are inefficient in tracking individual packages from the moment an order is placed to delivery, leading to issues like lost or delayed packages, human errors, and increased operating expenses due to unnecessary reordering and inspection processes.

Innovation Solution

A computerized system that uses a network of connected processors and databases to track packages by receiving aggregated information, parsing event data, determining package status, and transmitting signals for delivery or reordering based on resource availability and time thresholds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual tracking methods are used for packages, then system complexity is reduced, but tracking accuracy and reliability deteriorate leading to lost or delayed packages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackage tracking accuracyVSAvoidtracking system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical tracking processes with an automated computerized system that uses processors, databases, and algorithms to automatically track packages, parse event data, and determine package status without human intervention in the tracking process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The tracking system performs self-service by automatically monitoring its own package data, identifying delays, and triggering reordering processes without requiring external manual intervention, making the system autonomous in maintaining tracking accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If automated package tracking is implemented, then tracking reliability improves, but system complexity and operating expenses increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackage delivery trackingVSAvoidorder processing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The computerized system performs multiple functions including tracking packages, parsing event data, determining package status, identifying delays, and triggering reordering processes within a single integrated system, reducing overall system complexity through consolidation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors package status through event data and provides feedback by automatically identifying delays and triggering appropriate actions such as reordering or customer notifications, creating a closed-loop control system that self-regulates

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If packages are reordered without accurate tracking, then delivery speed improves, but operating expenses increase due to unnecessary reordering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery speedVSAvoidoperating expenses

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary tracking and monitoring of package status throughout the delivery process, identifying potential delays before they require reordering, thus preventing unnecessary reorders and associated expenses while maintaining delivery speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The automated system replaces manual judgment and decision-making about when to reorder packages with algorithmic analysis of tracking data, eliminating human error and unnecessary reordering while maintaining optimal delivery speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Loss of time

If manual inspection processes are used for delayed packages, then system complexity is reduced, but processing time and accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackage inspection timeVSAvoidinspection system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual inspection processes with automated computerized analysis of event data and package status information, using processors and algorithms to rapidly determine package status and identify delays without human intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The tracking system operates continuously to monitor package status throughout the entire delivery process, eliminating the need for discrete manual inspection events and providing uninterrupted tracking coverage that reduces total processing time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS10664793B1Systems and methods for automatic package tracking and prioritized reordering

Publication Date: 2020.05.26 COUPANG CORP

AI summary

Methods and systems for automatic package tracking and prioritized reordering include receiving, through a network interface, information relating to an order, a first package identifier associated with a first package, and event data associated with a plurality of package identifiers that include the first package identifier, the order comprising a first group of items, where the first package is configured to hold the first group of items and is to be delivered to a first recipient within a first predetermined period of time through one or more existing routes; parsing the event data based on the first package identifier; determining whether the first package exists based on the information; and transmitting a signal to a computer system to deliver the first package or to reorder the first package based on the determinations.