Pickup Order Batching to Reduce Separate Preparation Waits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional order management systems often result in customers or pickup entities having to wait unnecessarily when multiple orders are made at different times, as they are prepared separately, leading to inefficient use of time and resources.
Innovation Solution
A managing computing device groups orders associated with the same user together into batched orders, determining estimated arrival times and sending messages to the store to prioritize preparation based on these times, thereby improving processing efficiency and reducing waiting times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If orders are prepared separately according to queue order, then order processing follows first-come-first-served principle, but customer waiting time increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual orders from the same customer into a single batched order. When the system detects that a customer has placed multiple pickup orders, it combines these orders into one batch, allowing the kitchen to prepare all items together rather than separately. This reduces the total preparation time and eliminates the need for customers to wait for multiple separate orders to be completed individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively identifying and batching orders before the customer arrives for pickup. The order management system continuously monitors incoming orders, detects patterns of multiple orders from the same customer, and automatically batches them together in advance. This preliminary batching action occurs before the customer reaches the pickup point, ensuring that all items are ready simultaneously rather than requiring the customer to wait for sequential completion.
2Productivity
If multiple individual orders are processed separately, then each order receives individual attention, but resource utilization becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual orders from the same customer into a single batched order. When the system detects that a customer has placed multiple pickup orders, it combines these orders into one batch, allowing the kitchen to prepare all items together rather than separately. This reduces the total preparation time and eliminates the need for customers to wait for multiple separate orders to be completed individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuous useful action in the kitchen by batching orders in a way that maintains steady workflow. Instead of having staff repeatedly start and stop preparation for separate small orders, the batching system creates continuous preparation cycles where multiple items are made simultaneously using shared ingredients and equipment. This continuity reduces idle time and maintains optimal resource utilization throughout the cooking process.
3Loss of time
If orders are batched together, then preparation time is reduced, but order management system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The order management system provides self-service by automatically detecting when multiple orders from the same customer should be batched together. Rather than requiring manual intervention from staff to combine orders, the system autonomously monitors incoming orders, identifies patterns of multiple orders from the same customer, and automatically creates batches. This self-service capability reduces the need for additional staff training and manual coordination while achieving the time-saving benefits of batching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms to continuously monitor order patterns and adjust batching decisions accordingly. The order management system tracks which customers place multiple orders, analyzes the timing and content of these orders, and uses this feedback to make intelligent batching decisions. This feedback loop ensures that batching is applied appropriately without creating excessive complexity, as the system learns from actual order patterns rather than following rigid predetermined rules.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for managing pickup orders are discussed herein. A managing computing device can receive first and second pickup orders made at different time points associated with a first user. The pickup orders can be directed to the same store. The managing computing device can group the first and the second pickup orders as a batched order which can update a priority of the first or second pickup order. The managing computing device can receive location data from a computing device associated with the first user or a third party. The managing computing device can determine an estimated arrival time of the first user or the third party based on the location data. The managing computing device can send a message to a store computing device associated with the store, indicating the estimated arrival time and the batched order associated with the first user.