Updateable Electronic Shipping Label for Dynamic Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The package delivery industry faces inefficiencies due to manual routing processes that require substantial training and are costly, with human errors leading to delays, and existing solutions are impractical due to the high cost of providing access to dynamic shipping data for package service providers.
Innovation Solution
An electronically updateable shipping label with a unique package identifier, which can be in the form of a barcode or RFID tag, integrated with an updateable visual display, allowing dynamic display of handling instructions, reducing the need for human memory and training by providing real-time routing information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual routing processes are used with human package service providers, then routing decisions can be made based on experience and knowledge, but training costs are high and errors occur leading to delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by providing automated routing information directly on the package label. The label displays routing instructions autonomously without requiring human service providers to have specialized knowledge or undergo extensive training. The package essentially routes itself by presenting clear visual instructions to any worker.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system between the package and the human worker - an electronic display on the label that translates complex routing data into simple visual instructions. This intermediary eliminates the need for human knowledge transfer through training while ensuring accurate routing decisions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic shipping data is made accessible to all package service providers, then routing information can be updated in real-time, but providing terminals to each employee is too expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the dynamic display functionality from expensive terminal equipment and places it directly on the package label itself. This extraction allows real-time routing information to be displayed without requiring each worker to have access to costly terminal equipment or database systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing expensive terminals to each employee, the system creates a copy of the essential routing information on the package label. This copy contains all necessary dynamic data in a human-readable format, eliminating the need for workers to access central databases through expensive equipment.
3Productivity
If extensive training is provided to package service providers, then routing efficiency improves, but the cost of training increases and process changes become difficult to implement
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates the need for trained expertise by making the package label self-explanatory with visual routing instructions. Any worker can efficiently route packages by following the displayed instructions, achieving high productivity without extensive training programs that would reduce flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A novel shipping label is described that includes an electronically updateable visual display that can be updated throughout the shipping process to provide routing instructions to package handlers. Instructions shown on the updateable display can provide such information as an indication of a particular conveyor belt or vehicle or a particular location in a vehicle for the package to be placed. A label interface device for updating the new shipping label is also described herein along with systems for updating the shipping label over the course of the package delivery. In addition, novel methods of providing shipping services that are made possible by these devices and systems are included in the disclosure.