JP2005523528A - Process for determining the preferred packaging and transportation of products - Google Patents

Abstract

The process for determining the optimal method and price for packing and transporting the product includes order information, product characteristics, packaging material to determine the optimal configuration for packing for the specified mode of transport and time And collect data from sources including specifications, labor wages, and delivery and freight charges. The process combines material costs, labor wages, and freight rates after determining the best method by taking into account any specifications or requirements regarding orders, preparation time, available packaging materials, and shipping options. Calculate the minimum sum. The process is configured to provide real-time packaging and shipping information when the buyer and seller decide whether to initiate transaction processing.

Description

  The present invention relates generally to product packaging and shipping, and more particularly to a process for determining the optimal method and fee for packaging and shipping a product within a required time frame. The process is configured to provide information in real time when determining whether the buyer and seller have completed the transaction process.

  As e-commerce processing evolves, connectivity systems will consider cost-effective and service-efficient supply chains. Speed and cost reductions are achieved through better information for managing product flow, materials, workforce, transportation and carriers. In order to streamline processes, manage costs, and meet the growing consumer expectations of services, companies must provide more flexible and faster operations using critically focused technology.

  While this technology provides many benefits to the supply chain, completing orders in an Internet transaction processing environment becomes more expensive and difficult as companies attempt to maintain product margins. Secondly, due to competition and increased visibility among suppliers who are ready to provide the same or alternative products, suppliers pay attention to their costs and product margins for each order. The price will be so low that it must be managed.

  Here, one problem is that the actual freight and processing costs associated with transaction processing cannot be clearly known before it is accomplished and executed. If the freight charge is kept too low, the product margin will be reduced, and if the freight charge is increased, the customer will have to reconsider the origin. Another problem is that the number of products damaged during delivery by poor packaging leads to high costs and customer dissatisfaction. Buyers also require a high degree of personalization that requires their orders to meet special specifications regarding their commerce processing.

In order to solve these problems, a conventional method for imposing a transportation fee and a processing fee will be described below.
1) After the product is delivered, a transportation fee is charged by another route. As a result, the seller can present or provide the price of the product under the condition of “freight charge, advance payment”. By charging the buyer for all costs, the seller can distinguish between the actual cost of the product and the shipping charge. The problem with this method is that the purchaser eventually accepts a freight charge that is unclear at the time the transaction is processed. Thus, the purchaser cannot compare stores among many sellers based on the total cost of the order. Second, there is no incentive for merchants who are aware of optimizing packing and shipping after an order is placed.
2) Some sellers get an estimate of the actual cost when the order is placed. This is usually done based on the weight of the product and sometimes on the packaging to estimate the shipping fee. The problem with this method is that it takes time and effort to estimate the fee. In addition, the estimate is often inaccurate, and since one set of packing form is not considered for one set of freight charges to reach at least one cost method, an optimum estimate is rarely obtained.
3) Very often, the seller simply charges a certain freight and handling fee, or determines the fee based on the volume sold (ie, if you shop for less than $ 75, the freight and The fee is $ 15, and if you shop from $ 75 to $ 125, the shipping and handling fee will be $ 10). While this makes it clear how much the merchant will have to pay, there is no basis for what the actual shipping and handling costs will be. This provides incentives for buyers to browse many items, or diminishes the seller's margin if shipping and handling fees are lower than the actual packaging and shipping charges.

  The problem with all of the above methods is that the actual costs were incurred after processing in the storage warehouse.

  A second problem with the conventional method of determining freight and handling fees is that the rate established by "pre-emption" is rarely optimal. This is because when a product of a predetermined order is packed, the weight and size of the product change. Also, rate shopping software packaging can be used in many storage warehouse management systems, while rate shopping occurs after the ordered items are packed, so in a packaging format that is ideally suited for a particular freight rate format. Is not optimal.

  The particular size and weight of the shipping container has a significant impact on the shipping charges, especially when rate shopping is done through multiple carriers. That is, there is no optimal packing form, and there is only one optimal packing form for a given transportation fee form based on a given time frame. When rate shopping is done through multiple carriers, or when comparing cost increases that facilitate delivery, the number of optimal packaging forms increases by the number of shipping options. For example, many courier companies use the total weight of the final package of land transport as the basis for calculating shipping costs for customers. However, using the same carrier for "next day" delivery changes the basis of the fee from gross weight to "dimension" weight. The dimensional weight is based on the dimensions of the package, not the actual weight. Under these two scenarios, the optimal packaging form is different for each scenario. To further complicate the basis for optimal packaging, carriers must also set extra charges and size restrictions for packages that must be considered. As another example, when rate shopping is done between an LTL (smaller than truck) and a courier, they are different bases when charging for shipping charges—typically the courier is And the weight per package for the LTL company to use the total weight regardless of the class of shipping. Due to these differences, it is effective to limit the number of packages when using a delivery company.

  Yet another consideration for determining the “optimal” packaging and shipping method is that the degree to which the solution is optimal will vary depending on the choice of packaging available in inventory. For example, if a courier is used for a large number of different products weighing more than 65 pounds, many packers use at least two containers to pack the products. This is because the most commonly sold cardboard containers are over 200 # test with a maximum weight of up to 65 pounds, but by storing a stronger carton in stock, 80 pounds, 95 pounds load, It will also be possible to store loads up to 120 pounds. These containers are typically not transported because they are more expensive. And considering all the different sizes, the packer has to carry a fairly large amount of inventory, which is a packaging material that incurs the cost of carrying higher inventory. The inventor's ability to calculate the minimum total cost combined of labor wages, material costs, and freight charges will allow users to be potentially expensive when increased material costs are guaranteed The shipping cost can be offset. Secondly, providing a packaging material by introducing a packaging company, a third party such as a packaging material supplier, or the carrier itself will maintain a large inventory of packaging materials. Also, a company that is specialized in the industry can work much more efficiently than a seller or shipper who is not very specialized and has a small load and storage capacity. By outsourcing these features, merchants can further reduce their transaction processing costs when offering their products to buyers. If the present invention is used by a third party as a packer and shipper, the third party is required to be the seller's branch office and the product is loaded at the seller's location or the location of the third party It is required to take down the product at. The third party then packs and transports the product (sometimes using other carriers) on behalf of the seller or purchaser.

  Therefore, as accurately and as possible, based on parameters set by buyers and sellers to provide costs and information that are critical factors on whether a third party wishes to initiate transaction processing. There is a need to maintain a process that provides low costs. There is also a need for a process that provides potential product packaging. This process is then evaluated against a different set of possible shipping fee schemes to determine the optimal shipping and packaging form. In addition, maintain inventory and compare with third-party packers and shippers not only to help decide which inventory to use, but also to create such packaging scenarios The process of tracking inventory or accessing third-party packers and shippers is also necessary to determine the possible suppliers. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.

(Summary of the Invention)
The present invention relates to an automated process for determining the optimal method and fee for packing and transporting a given product within a required time frame. The process is configured to provide the cost of information related to packaging and shipping in real time when buyers and sellers decide whether to initiate transaction processing. This process uses data collected from sources including order information, product characteristics, packaging materials and specifications, labor wages, and delivery, shipping charges to determine the optimal form of packaging and designated transportation . According to the present invention, the material cost, labor wage, and shipping cost are determined after determining the optimal method by considering any specifications or requirements regarding the order, the preparation period, available packaging materials, and shipping options. Calculate the combined minimum sum. The data is then used as the basis for pricing transaction processing and for generating product orders at the warehouse level. Alternatively, the data is used for a third party who can prepare and transport the product.

  The process of the present invention comprises the steps of obtaining order information including product availability and delivery time when the product is deemed to have arrived at a given destination. The physical characteristics of the product, including dimensions and weight, are searched. Preferably such physical features are retrieved from a database in which these features have been previously entered. Thereafter, it is determined whether any given packaging specification or unit packaging specification is applied to the product. These specifications may also be retrieved from the database.

  One or more packaging forms are then determined for the product. Such a packing form may be based on the physical characteristics of the product, the quantity of the product, and any applicable packing specifications or unit packing specifications. The packing form may also be based on input from either the seller or the purchaser.

  The type and amount of packaging material required for each packaging form is then determined. The packaging material and labor wages for one or more packaging forms are then calculated.

  The process of the present invention evaluates the seller's packaging inventory to determine if the appropriate material is in inventory for one or more packaging configurations. The present invention also preferably connects or accesses third party packaging and shipping sources to determine whether to use a third party. If a third party is used, the inventory of the third party's packaging, shipping charges and available shipping mode options, labor wages, and applicable service charges are searched.

  The combination of product dimensions and weight and the material to be carried on one or more packaging forms are then determined. These packaging forms are then priced with respect to the transportation load options for the transportation charge forms available for delivery of the packaging form by delivery time. The present invention takes into account all rules appropriate for each carrier, such as oversize, overweight, maximum weight, maximum dimensions. Costs are then provided to the user for each transport load option. This is preferably done in real time, providing the seller or buyer the necessary options and potentially allowing them to make a reported decision before initiating the order transaction process. . Thereafter, the most preferred optimal load option for both is selected. Despite this being the cheapest shipping load option, buyers will be willing to pay an additional fee to deliver the product immediately. The present invention makes it possible to provide this information.

  Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention.

  As shown in the accompanying drawings, the present invention relates to an optimal method and process for determining a fee for packing and transporting a product. This is done in “real time” so that the buyer and seller can quickly obtain information to determine whether to initiate transaction processing. The present invention allows both to achieve an overall purchase price that is classified with respect to product sales price, shipping and handling costs, and any applicable taxes. The packaging form and preparation time to delivery can also be manipulated to see and compare different costs in many custom scenarios such as fast delivery times, special packaging materials.

  The optimal method is determined by calculating the sum of the lowest costs combined with material costs, labor wages, and shipping charges. In carrying out this process, the present invention also provides a collaborative platform in which multiple parties participate in providing critical data or physical processes and / or product shipments. The present invention is suitable prior to undergoing transaction processing between the buyer and seller to provide cost information that determines the cause of whether both parties wish to initiate transaction processing. Decide how. This is accomplished by connecting to a database containing various systems and order information, product characteristics, packaging materials and packaging specifications, labor wages, shipping and shipping charges to determine the packaging and designated mode of transport. The The present invention determines the best method by considering any specifications or orders, preparation periods, available packaging materials, and shipping options, and then the lowest total combined material costs, labor wages, and shipping. Calculate the cost. The data is then used as a basis for pricing transaction processing and as a basis for generating product orders at the warehouse level, or for third parties that can prepare and transport the product. It is done.

  The conventional method of changing the transportation and handling cannot actually realize the optimum delivery cost. Accurate optimal costs can only be realized after execution at the warehouse level. This is because packing the predetermined ordered product changes the final weight and dimensions of the product and the number of products placed in the predetermined container. Second, the specific size and weight of the shipping container has a significant impact on shipping charges, especially when rate shopping is done through multiple carriers. While freight rate software exists on the market, the present invention considers the optimal packaging configuration for different shipping options in order to determine the lowest total cost for performing transaction processing. Determining the optimal packaging form independent of the carrier does not lead to the lowest total cost. In fact, specifying the lowest total cost using the method of determining the lowest cost of the present invention does not necessarily equal the lowest packaging cost or lowest shipping cost, but rather the lowest combined cost. To do. The present invention also allows the user to manipulate any variable on-the-fly orders to compare prices in different scenarios. For example, if the purchaser or seller has specific packaging requirements or specifications with the purchaser's material handling equipment, custom packaging, etc., the packaging and shipping method can be changed. Also, in order to compare different packaging and shipping costs, the purchaser may change the configuration, preparation period, etc. of the ordered product. Sellers may purchase new inventory packaging materials, add available packaging materials for orders, use different carriers, or introduce third parties who are specialists in packaging and shipping. Also good. Sellers also have a large inventory of packaging materials and thus recognize additional benefits and cost reductions. All these options can be quickly and easily determined by connecting to and working with databases that provide the information required to complete different counterparties and transaction processes. Once the packaging and mode of transport is determined, an order is created for the product that must be executed by either the seller or a designated third party.

  The present invention can also be used as a single application not connected to the purchaser or seller. For example, a user can use the present invention to determine the optimal method and cost for the purpose of creating a price list for a product that includes the cost to deliver to a specific location (shipping the shipping cost to the destination Set in). In another example, if the purchaser typically pays for delivery and shipping based on FOB shipping advance payment terms, the purchaser wants to check if the seller charges the shipping cost fairly There is also. This is done by entering the product and its characteristics with respect to the actual order and calculating the optimal method using the common table of packing materials and the shipping charge table. This method may also be used by a packaging salesperson or warehouse employee to determine the highest quality root material to store as inventory.

  1A to 1E are flowcharts illustrating the steps taken in a particularly preferred process of the present invention. The present invention begins by receiving data from a transaction process or by receiving a transaction process (pricing request) between a purchaser and a seller (100). The present invention first needs to consider what is purchased or sold, by what time the product is required, and where the product needs to be delivered. Typical transaction processing data is based on the product itself (referenced by product or part number and description), required quantity, unit price, product origin and destination, required preparation period, and conditions Become.

  Order information can be accessed from an order engine or similar database containing related data. The present invention may be integrated into this database or communicate with it using electronic protocols such as XML, HTML. Also, for example, it is possible to input again for the purpose of responding to a quotation request (RFQ).

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating several types of commercial transaction processing in which the present invention extracts order information. In many types of commercial transactions where both are sold, the purchaser (12) as a purchaser, where the seller (10) "purchases" the product for sale from the catalog (either electronic catalog or paper catalog) (14). Merchants may also sell goods for sale to a large number of buyers at once, in the form of auctions through third-party electronic markets, or through other media in which buyers are connected electronically for procurement purposes. Can be provided. The purchaser can also paste the RFQ (reverse auction) into the market, a procurement site or similar application (16). In all cases, transaction processing media can be communicated electronically on the web via an electronic digital interface (EDI) or via telephone lines to an order entry system, etc. (18). Depending on whether the transaction processing occurs initially electronically, the data can eventually be entered into an order entry system on the merchant side that communicates with or is integrated with the present invention.

  The present invention determines the time that products are available for delivery by considering their ATP (promised available time) listed by the seller. This is typically known on a merchandise basis, or the order engine checks the merchant's inventory to see if the merchandise is in stock or available. If the product has different availability times, there is some indication as to whether to load all goods in one lot (at the latest availability) or another.

  Once the present invention has data on the products ordered or the number of products ordered, data on the physical product characteristics is obtained describing the physical properties of each product referenced in the order information. (102). Referring to FIG. 3, the present invention requires at least the weight and dimensions of the merchandise for the order it is processing. This data is typically provided by the seller (10) when the product is provided by the seller (10), or this data if the purchaser (12) has pasted the product request. Is provided by the purchaser (12). Further, a third party (20) may provide product content including physical characteristics of the product. Such data may be obtained from an existing database or legacy system (22) by either the seller (10), purchaser (12), or third party (20). For whatever reason, if there is no data available regarding physical characteristics, the data may be entered manually at the time of transaction processing (24).

Many catalog databases contain open fields for product SKUs or physical product characteristics per product, but they are rarely filed. FIG. 4 is an example of a table or similar database displaying various product features of different types of products. Such a table or database can be updated to the latest one, and if it is not originally available, it can be used to update the old database. The open fields or parameters for physical product features collected for a given product are: weight, length, width, height, fragility, whether the product is flexible and finished It is about (but not limited to) the packaging specifications associated with the product. A flexible product is a product that can be rolled or folded or is not rigid in nature. This indicates that the dimensions of the product can be changed. The finished product is related to the fact that the surface of the product can be damaged or corroded. Or it indicates that some type of packaging, especially bags, must be used, or that the goods must not come into contact with themselves or with other goods. For fragile items, the present invention determines cushion requirements based on fragility measurements for gravity. An example of the packaging design is shown in the table below with reference to the method of determining gravity and drop height.

^＊パレットに載せられた製品は６インチの落高である。

^{* The} product placed on the pallet has a drop of 6 inches.

  This allows the user to select from a list of similar items in order to select a measure of fragility. The present invention also relates to other selectable features (such as surface finish) that only allow the user to select features that are specific to the product, such as caution that must be kept dry and not rubbed. User friendly.

  The physical features can be provided from a variety of different sources, such as manually entered by a user at any time, or can be provided by a designated user. For example, an operator who delivers a product to a warehouse can enter the required data before it is sold. If the product can be sold in the market and is commonly sold, the content can be provided by one vendor or the market itself. After that, it is reused by future buyers and sellers. A product is also an independently manufactured part when either the purchaser or the seller provides data.

  The next step is whether there are any packaging specifications for any goods selected as part of the order, or are there any special packaging requirements made by the seller, buyer, or third party This is a step of confirming whether or not (104). This is usually done because certain products are, for example, susceptible to moisture, static electricity, very fragile, or expensive.

  The packaging specifications are as shown in the packaging step table that indicates whether the product requires special packaging materials. Note that product numbers 8351 and 9537 in FIG. 4 have a predetermined packaging use. FIG. 5 shows a table of packing specifications, some of which are initially set and others are selected by the user. The packing specifications (A09 and B12) for product numbers 8351 and 9537 in FIG. 4 are displayed, for example, in FIG. 5 and indicate not only the required material type, but at what stage of the packing process or function the material is used (ie The unit packing stage) is shown. For example, a product requires that it be stored in some antistatic packaging such as a bag, and the “packing” function occurs after packing and before storing an object in a container It is. A product must already be placed in a unit container for entry into the product database, but some products may not yet have a unit container. These usually occur when goods are selected from bulk or have some special requirement or procedure that needs to be implemented before the goods are packed in a unit container. . Creating a packaging specification for a product establishes a packer for the following predetermined requirements:

  The present invention also allows the user to add additional instructions and materials to the specification. For example, merchandise may require cleaning and may incorporate a kit or assembly of some parts. This allows the user to customize a particular product for custom packaging and handling. After recording the packaging specifications, the present invention will maintain the data in memory according to the order information and physical product characteristics.

  If the product has features that require special packaging requirements (for example, the product is fragile, damp, or easily charged with static electricity), the product may be affixed to it. However, for example, a product is easily broken without a packaging specification. Thus, by identifying the fragility rating for a given product or identifying a G-factor in physical characteristics, the present invention enables the creation of a packaging specification in the following steps.

  The next step is to ask the seller for instructions on whether to use a third party packer (106). If a third-party packer is used, the third-party database is searched for third-party packing material inventory, shipping costs, available options, labor wages, and applicable service fees (108). If a third party is not used for packing or delivery, the seller's packing material inventory, shipping costs, available options, and labor wages are searched (110).

  In either case, a packing list or material bill (BOM) is required to pack the ordered item. FIG. 6 shows a typical BOM in the present invention.

  At a minimum, the packer must be able to provide the material for filling the gap, the load container, and the means for sealing the load container. This table is somewhat complicated because each listed material also has a function in how the material is applied (more than one method is possible) and the packaging specifications to which the material is applied. This, along with any packaging specifications, provides a process for packaging the goods and provides the essentials by accurately calculating each other's labor and material costs. The material also has one or more packing methods and functions.

  The packing method is a manual procedure or a more automated method using a machine for filling, dispensing, sealing, etc. In any case, the standard time (human and / or machine) conforms to the packaging method. This requires that labor rates be provided in order to measure appropriate labor wages. For example, a material such as a loose filler made of polystyrene has a function of “baggage, void filler”. The packaging method is “use drop chute as a dispenser”. The drop shoot method has a standard time of 30 seconds, and this drop shoot method is used to calculate labor wages every 30 seconds. The amount of loose filler used is calculated by subtracting the volume of goods in the container from the volume of the container. In another example, a method for sealing six strips for applying tape to a carton is shown. In this case, the amount of material used to seal the container is calculated taking into account the size of the fold to which the carton is applied and the number of strips.

  Users set default specifications for their material database, while allowing more custom specifications for specific products that are exceptional to the normal packaging process. For example, the user may configure the initial setting function to use loose filler as packing and void filler, to use craft sealing tape for sealing, and to make all containers into cardboard boxes. it can. However, if some products have unique product features or packaging specifications, the present invention will use the necessary materials rather than the default.

  The user who sets up the BOM also needs to enter the labor wage that he wants to apply against the standard working hours for the packing method. Users will want to add margins to labor wages, and if they are third-party packers, they only need a service fee. Labor rates are segregated by type of work and include the cost of all employees and other commodities that the user wants to define. For example, the labor rate for a typical worker in a warehouse is about $ 20 per hour, while the labor rate for a machine operator is $ 28 per hour.

  Obviously, the BOM contains many materials that have the same function. In the present invention, first, a material to be used is selected based on desired packaging specifications, performance characteristics, product shape, and the like. For example, the degree of fragility of a product describes the actual type of cushioning material that can be used. The materials listed in the database are also organized by type and describe the performance characteristics associated with these materials. For example, the container represents the maximum recommended weight, end crash test, and burst (murren) test of the container and its contents. The cushioning material includes the cushion curve, static load limit, and other measurements necessary to determine the cushioning material.

  As shown in FIG. 6, each material has an identification number, description, measurement unit, unit cost, and unit weight. The user enters the cost of the material in the unit of measurement in which the item was sold. The present invention converts the unit price into a unit of measure or “usage unit” necessary to calculate material and labor wages. For example, a user purchases a roll of craft sealing tape for $ 3.80 and enters this price next to the description "Strengthened sealing tape, craft, size 3" x 450 feet ". Since the seal function determines the unit of measurement in inches, the unit price in inches of tape automatically calculates to $ 0.00070. The same goes for unit weight.

  The present invention also monitors what material is in stock, its quantity, reorder points (maximum, minimum) and reorder quantity. The user also has the option to obtain the material electronically directly from the packaging supplier. As material is consumed or acquired, inventory will be adjusted. The present invention also monitors the history of used materials and the history of materials not purchased. For example, if the owner of a given application can only store 15 container sizes, the present invention monitors which size is most commonly used from a list of 500+ sizes. As a result, the user can additionally order a material having a size more suitable for the usage tendency.

  The shipping fee must be obtained or retrieved from the database used by the present invention for either the merchant or a third party. Charges for courier companies such as UPS and FedEx will be announced. The present invention keeps the latest rates for major carriers and makes them available. The present invention also comprises an LTL (less than truck load) carrier and also utilizes published tariffs. In general, the present invention is configured to show a comprehensive freight rate chart for the majority of major carriers.

  The rate rules for each carrier are also integrated into the system, dimensional weight calculation method, extra charge, etc. Users also want to show any price reductions they get from the carrier, or add margin costs to the freight charges. The shipper (either the seller or a third party) simply needs to indicate which carrier they would like to make a shopping quote along with any price cut structure.

  Although the present invention allows senders to enter a rate card for the carriers they use, the rate table is not as large as publishing the rate card. In the case of LTL carriers, further information such as the class of shipping charges is required. This information must be entered when estimating for each order, depending on the type of freight charge.

  The present invention then determines whether the carrier has a sufficient amount of information to create a packaging and delivery solution (112). If the data is insufficient, the user is encouraged to enter data (114) or the process can be interrupted (116). The user can also set an application to answer in a desired format. For example, if product characteristics are not achieved, the merchant or any user can be encouraged to fill in the table (ie, FIG. 4) during the transaction process. In another example, if a seller or third party bill of materials does not have enough data to meet the packaging usage requirements, the present invention will use an alternative material from the packaging universal database. It is possible to instruct. However, once the transaction process has been confirmed, the merchant must create a new material.

  Once it has been determined that order information, product features, and configuration information have been sufficiently achieved to perform calculations and comparisons, the present invention can be used for any product having a unit packaging specification for packaging, bagging, or cushioning. It is determined whether there is (118). If the product is identified as having a unit packaging specification, the present invention first determines the amount of material required based on the packaging specification and the number of products (120). This requires a series of steps by first matching the BOM database to the product packaging specifications. The BOM has materials that are described in units of measure for calculating the amount of material required for packaging, buffering, etc. Once the unit weight, unit material, and unit labor wage are retrieved from the BOM, the present invention determines the amount of material required.

The following formulas can be used to calculate the length and width of packaging, cushioning and bagging materials for a given product.

Packaging material Length of packaging material = (2 x product width) + (2 x product height) + 2
Packaging material width = product length + product height + 1.5

One roll of cushion material One length of cushion material = number of layers x (2 x product width + 2 x product height + 1)
Width of roll of cushion material = product length + product height + 1

Cut cushion material bottom pad length = Product length Bottom pad width = Product width + 2 x Cushion material thickness Bottom and top pad thickness = Cushion material thickness End pad length = Product length + 2 x Cushion material thickness End pad width = Product height + 2 x Cushion material thickness End pad thickness = Cushion material thickness Side pad length = Product length Length Side pad width = Product height Side pad thickness = Cushion material thickness

Length of flexible (bag) bag = 2 x product width + 2 x product length + 3 to 5
Bag width = product length + product depth + 3 to 5

  All the above numbers are expressed in inches. Note that the above formulas can also be modified to account for usage or wear factors. Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that these equations are merely exemplary. It is within the scope of the present invention to determine the amount of material required for any particular commodity by yet other methods.

  The present invention is then able to calculate incremental unit materials and labor wages for packaging according to specifications (122) and new weights and dimensions of goods to be packed, cushioned, or bagged. Can also be calculated (124). For example, when a product is packed and cushioned, the present invention manages the new dimensions before sizing the given product again for the next step and after the initial processing of the given product. To do.

  Even if there is no unit packing specification for the product selected in the order, the next step is to have physical features that require the cushion or packing material beyond the standard void filler or packing material. (126).

  If a statement is made that the product is fragile as determined by comparison with Tables 1 and 2, the present invention examines the rate and weight of the fragility. The weight of the product determines the drop height and the G factor is used for fragility. The product load (psi) is also determined by dividing the weight by the surface area. All of these measurements are compared with other physical features such as provided by the “cushion curve” of a particular cushion material, static load measurements, and material specification features listed in the material claim. The In general, most cushion materials do not have many of the performance measurements described in BOM, but some materials provide features that measure shear, temperature, and buckling. Also, if the cushioning material used is a “cut” material and not a “rolled” material, a unit container for the merchandise is allocated.

  The present invention best selects a cushioning material based on the information provided (128). The amount of protection that the material provides will vary depending on the thickness of the material used. However, the more materials that are used, the higher the material costs, the more labor that will be invested in it, and the weight and size of the product. Material costs and labor wages are calculated (122) as well as the new weight and dimensions of the buffered goods (124). If more than one cushioning material is acceptable and each is different not only in cost but also in changing the weight and size of the product in question, the present invention selects all options. For example, if the second cushioning material is more expensive but does not reduce the weight or size of the product in question, the present invention excludes this option as an available option. The present invention then aggregates materials, labor wages, and optional new weights and dimensions that are available before moving on to the next step.

  Another physical product feature that requires additional packaging is surface finish. Some product surfaces are described as requiring additional protection. This is because this product can easily be scratched, or it can easily be wet or static. Under the conditions of BOM, some bags, or some packaging materials, provide protection, but surface treatment is described in the physical product characteristics. For cushioning materials, the material used for surface treatment protection is calculated in a similar manner, keeping a record of all viable alternatives when proceeding to the next step.

  The invention then determines whether there is a unit packaging specification (130) for the product in question. If there is a packing specification for a unit container, there are one or more units of a product that can be placed in the unit pack. In this case, the present invention changes the number of unit containers required.

  Thereafter, the container type and size, void filler, and sealant for all container options are determined (132). Unit containers are selected from the BOM based on the size of all possible containers that provide the objects to be packed. This is determined by first selecting a container that can be dimensioned to the required control, and secondly by placing a short list of containers that do not meet the performance requirements for maximum weight allowance etc. Is done. In this case, the requested object is a single product, or many products are already packaged or cushioned. If there are one or more objects that fit into the unit container as called in the specification, the configuration of the possible shapes of the objects will change. The object of the present invention is that if more than one item is in the unit container, they are adjacent to each other so that the height of the new object is the sum of the minimum dimensions of the individual items. And stack up. For example, if six products with dimensions of 8 "x 3" x 2 "are stacked, the final dimension will be 8" x 3 "x 12". Similarly, another possibility is that the product consists of two stacks, each dimension being 8 "x 3" x 6 "and the total dimension being 8" x 6 "x 6".

  The possible final dimensions of the object to be unit-packed are then confirmed against the available selection of unit containers described in the BOM. This is simply done by listing the dimensions of the objects and potential containers in descending order, making sure that the maximum, middle and minimum dimensions of the objects are greater than each number of containers. For example, an 8 "x 3" x 12 "object is identified for two container sizes of 10" x 6 "x 6" and 12 "x 4" x 10 ". Then, 12" x 4 " Only a second container of x10 "will fit. This is because the number of objects rotated on the side is 12 × 8 × 3 versus 10 × 6 × 6 and 12 × 10 × 4. A 10 × 6 × 6 container does not work because the first and second maximum numbers of “10 and 6” are not greater than “12 and 8”. However, if an 8 "x 6" x 6 "object is again identified for the size of the two containers, the 10 x 6 x 6 container will fit, but the 12 x 10 x 4 container will If one or more containers are listed in the BOM, the present invention keeps a possible container record as an option for the lowest cost solution.

  The present invention applies U.S. Pat. No. 5,430,831, entitled "Method for packing rectangular objects in rectangular area or space by determining free subarea or subspace". The contents of the invention are here included in the reference part. However, it should be noted that reducing the amount of free space in a given container does not necessarily lead to an optimal solution. The best way to reach the most optimal solution is to test as many possible packaging configurations as possible against the available carrier options.

  As noted above, unit container requirements, the required amount of void filler or loading, container seals, and any labels and / or markings for any level and / or all unit containers are also determined. This is done by first checking (as a material requirement) whether there is any packaging specification for a given product, and then searching the BOM for the desired void filler, sealant, etc. . Material costs and labor wages for completed unit containers and new weights and dimensions are calculated for each container option.

  Because there are several possible size options, the present invention allows the user to select a subset of the options that are determined to be “best”. The criterion for “highest” can also be manipulated. For example, the present invention can be configured to select the best six options. The six best options are: the first and second lowest capacity measurements of the container; the first and second lowest cost option (material cost + labor wage) option so far; The combination of the first and second minimum weights. If the best option is repeated, the best option is not duplicated or replaced unless the number of options increases. Note that the lowest cost options include void filler and sealing costs and are necessary to complete the unit container.

  The next step is to check whether there is a packing specification for the intermediate or second container (136). Similar to the steps taken for unit container packaging specifications (130 to 134), if there is a second container packaging specification, the container type and size, void filler and sealant for all container options Is determined (138). The present invention then calculates 140 the material cost and labor wage, and the new capacity and weight of all containers. If a second container packaging specification is needed, this allows many second container options. Unless otherwise notified, it is assumed that merchandise with the second container packaging specification is not confused with merchandise on a different line. As described above, instead of all options, a new best set of options may be selected before further processing.

  The actual configuration of the exterior or delivery container is then determined. Whether this step is followed by a single or second packaging operation is irrelevant to this step. This step is necessary in all scenarios unless it is determined that a single packing unit container is configured and deliverable for the entire order.

  Because there are multiple line product orders-such as those with or without unit packaging, or those with more than one number-a more careful configuration can be pre-configured at this single second container level. It is desired to be done at this level (130 to 140) rather than. The exterior containers are also priced by different carriers. Thus, the more exterior container configurations or options that can be used, the greater the likelihood that an optimal minimum cost solution will be reached.

  The present invention contemplates differently shaped configurations based on placing an object next to another object. Therefore, the shape of the combined object is changed. However, unless otherwise notified, it is assumed that more than one line item is kept closely with the same item. Thus, multiple shapes of the same product can be combined into a single representative object and packed into a delivery container up to a predetermined container weight and size limit.

  Further, according to the present invention, the number of combined units (exterior containers) must be considered according to the number of objects. For example, one object can be placed in one exterior container; two objects can be placed in two separate exterior containers, or combined into one container; and three objects Objects can be provided in three separate outer containers, in two outer containers having three different combinations, or all three objects can be provided together in one outer container. Use the best optional method described above and some additional capacity or mathematical algorithms to reduce the number of shape combinations as the number of shape configurations increases exponentially as the number of unit packs increases Is required.

  An object of the present invention is to allow a user to select a selected number of ranked options based on a particular strategy. For example, the present invention may choose the top three options: a) minimum number of containers, b) minimum total weight, c) minimum total cost of materials and labor wages, and c) minimum total capacity of containers. it can. These are all viable container options that should be ranked against all available carrier options. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that there is a predetermined packaging specification for the outer packaging of a particular product or selected product. Of course, the specifications of such packaging will be described below.

  For the unit container, the exterior or delivery container is selected based on the size of the object provided in the container and the execution request of the selected container (144). The exterior or shipping container selected from the material cost bill must meet the requirements for maximum weight and maximum dimensions and other means of implementation.

  To meet the requirements for exterior or shipping containers, also determine void filler or packing requirements, container seals, and any labels, and / or all unit containers to be the “best” option (146). This can be done by checking to see if it is any packaging specification for a given product (as a requirement for material costs) and by searching the BOM for a specified void filler, sealant, First executed. Material costs and labor wages and new weights and capacities for completed unit container options are calculated for each container option (148 and 150).

  The next step is to determine if the exterior or delivery container is the final shipping module (152). For example, if there are a large number of shipping containers, the packaging specifications should be used before calling them and pricing shipping costs. In any case, if the present invention uses a carrier that requires a single package, or if the purchaser requires a single package (depending on the material handling equipment), the package will be combined. Possible combinations of loads or bundled loads are constructed. A unit load can be a larger container, pallet cargo, slip sheet cargo, etc. These materials are available and are described by function within the BOM. It is also required and determined to stabilize the material, such as the material used to bind or pack the unit load (154). Material costs and labor wages are aggregated as in the previous step (156). In the present invention, a set of algorithms is executed based on the characteristics of the delivery or outer container (158) to determine the final cargo configuration.

  The final set of options for carriage is then priced. The present invention determines the speed of delivery required and which carrier can carry the package between the source and destination. Then, the appropriate freight rate table is examined and any freight rules, conditions, and freight rate classifications (weight, dimensions, etc.) are applied to each carrier to determine a freight fee for each option of the freight (160 And 162). The present invention also allows for additional or special fees per carrier (164).

  Once the freight charges are determined for each option of the freight, the freight charges are combined with labor and material costs for that particular configuration or option. The present invention then selects its configuration from a set of options having the lowest total of material costs, labor wages, and shipping charges (166). A single optimal packaging configuration and delivery form is selected, but preferably a plurality of optimal packaging and delivery methodologies are selected to give the user choice. The result is then sent to the media used by the purchaser or seller to display the sales transaction process (168). The result indicates the packing and delivery costs for the selected order within the required time frame according to the recommended set of packing and delivery support. Either the buyer or seller reconfigures variables related to product mix, order itself, packaging materials, delivery options, etc., and then re-executes the present invention to select a wider selection of packaging materials, or Probably more favorable results are obtained, such as based on different preparation periods (170 and 172). Once transaction processing is authorized, the present invention creates work orders for those defined as packers and shippers. Typically, the seller or a third party selected by the seller (174 and 176). This work order provides a set of instructions on how to pack and deliver a given order. In order to better explain the direction of the goods to be packed, these instructions are also displayed so as to be naturally noticeable.

  If the transaction process is unacceptable, or if either the seller or purchaser wants to recalculate or reconfigure variables for the product mix, the process ends (178).

  An example of how the present invention works for the benefit of the user is shown below. For example, suppose that Joel, who lives in California, wants to auction parts for a car at his favorite auction website. One day, potential buyer John bid for a car part Joel is auctioning. Only he is paying for car parts, including delivery costs to his address in Florida. Sarah also bid, but her price was not as good as John's price, but she lives in Texas. The auction site uses the present invention for the convenience of members of the site, and a third-party packer that packs and delivers goods at a low cost for members like Joel, A delivery company is specified. Packing and shipping stores are also very close to Joel. Joel then used the present invention to determine that it was best for him to sell the goods to Sara, considering the packaging and delivery costs for John and Sarah. In fact, Joel was very pleased with the very low cost of packing and shipping to Sarah and realized that the packing and shipping store would pack and deliver for him. I also noticed that they don't have to carry them because they choose the packaging. He was also convinced that the car parts would be safely delivered to Sarah's house. All he has to do is deliver the parts of the car that he sells to Sarah in the neighborhood packing and delivery store.

  While several embodiments have been described in detail for purposes of illustrating the present invention, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.

It is the flowchart which showed the step regarding this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the step regarding this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the step regarding this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the step regarding this invention. It is the flowchart which showed the step regarding this invention. FIG. 4 illustrates a potential transaction processing type and order information source used in connection with the present invention. It is the figure which showed the manual input or search of the characteristic of the physical product used regarding this invention, and the predetermined packing form by the matrix. Figure 2 is a table representing product characteristics of a typical product used in connection with the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a typical template for packing specifications used in connection with the present invention. FIG. 5 shows an exemplary template for a bill of materials used in connection with the present invention.

Claims (37)

An automated process for determining the preferred packaging configuration and mode of delivery of the product to be delivered,
Obtaining order information including product availability and delivery time for the product to arrive at a given destination;
Determining one or more packaging configurations for the product;
Calculating packaging material costs and labor wages for one or more packaging configurations;
Determining product dimensions and weight and packaging material for one or more packaging configurations;
Pricing shipping options for one or more packaging configurations, as opposed to available carrier modes of delivery for packaging configurations by delivery time;
Providing a cost for each shipment option;
An automated process characterized in that it comprises the steps of selecting an optimal cargo option.   The process of claim 1 including retrieving physical characteristics of the product including product dimensions and weight.   The process of claim 1 including determining the type and amount of packaging material required for one or more packaging configurations.   The process of claim 1, wherein the step of pricing includes considering all appropriate rules for each carrier.   The process of claim 1, wherein an optimal shipment is selected prior to initiating the processing of a potential order transaction.   The process of claim 1 including determining whether the product has a predetermined packaging specification.   The process of claim 6, wherein the packaging specifications are retrieved from a database.   The process of claim 6, wherein the one or more packaging configurations are based on packaging specifications.   The process of claim 1 including determining any applicable unit packaging specifications for the product.   The process of claim 9, wherein the unit packaging specification is retrieved from a database.   10. The process of claim 9, wherein the one or more packaging configurations are based on applicable unit packaging specifications for the product.   The process of claim 1 including the step of determining whether the product requires additional packaging based on physical characteristics of the product or purchaser requirements.   The process of claim 1, wherein the one or more packaging configurations are based on product physical characteristics and product quantity.   The process of claim 1, including the step of evaluating the inventory of the package to determine whether a suitable material is present in the inventory for one or more packaging configurations.   The process of claim 14, including the step of determining whether to use a third party for packaging and delivery.   16. When using a third party, the method includes a step of searching for inventory of the third party's packaging material, transportation fee and available transportation form, labor wage and applicable service fee. The process described. An automated process for determining the preferred packaging configuration and mode of delivery of the product to be delivered,
Obtaining order information including product availability and delivery time for the product to arrive at a predetermined destination;
Retrieving physical characteristics of the product including product dimensions and weight;
Determining one or more packaging configurations for the product;
Determining the type and amount of packaging material required for one or more packaging configurations;
Calculating packaging material costs and labor wages for one or more packaging configurations;
Determining, for one or more packaging configurations, product size and weight combinations and packaging materials;
Pricing options for carriage for one or more packaging configurations, relative to available carrier modes of delivery for packaging configurations by delivery time, taking into account all appropriate rules for each carrier Steps,
Providing costs for each shipment option before initiating the processing of potential orders;
An automated process characterized in that it comprises the steps of selecting an optimal cargo option.   The process of claim 17 including determining whether the product has a predetermined packaging specification.   The process of claim 18, wherein the packaging specifications are retrieved from a database.   The process of claim 18, wherein the one or more packaging configurations are based on packaging specifications.   The process of claim 17, comprising determining any applicable unit packaging specifications for the product.   The process of claim 21, wherein unit packing specifications are retrieved from a database.   The process of claim 21, wherein the one or more packaging configurations are based on applicable unit packaging specifications for the product.   The process of claim 17 including determining whether the product requires additional packaging based on physical characteristics of the product or purchaser requirements.   18. The process of claim 17, wherein the one or more packaging configurations are based on product physical characteristics and product quantity.   18. The process of claim 17, including the step of evaluating the inventory of the package to determine whether a suitable material is present in the inventory for one or more packaging configurations.   27. The process of claim 26 including determining whether to use a third party for packaging and delivery.   28. The method according to claim 27, including the step of searching for inventory of a third party's packaging material, transportation fee and available transportation form, labor wage and applicable service fee when using a third party. The process described. An automated process for determining the preferred packaging configuration and mode of delivery of the product to be delivered,
Obtaining order information including product availability and delivery time for the product to arrive at a predetermined destination;
Retrieving physical characteristics of the product including product dimensions and weight;
Determining whether a predetermined packaging specification applies to the product;
Determining the applicable unit packaging specifications to be applied to the product;
Determining one or more packaging configurations for the product based on the physical characteristics of the product, the quantity of the product, and any applicable packaging or packaging specifications;
Determining the type and amount of packaging material required for one or more packaging configurations;
Calculating packaging material costs and labor wages for one or more packaging configurations;
Determining, for one or more packaging configurations, product size and weight combinations and packaging materials;
Pricing options for freight on one or more packaging configurations against available carrier modes of delivery for packaging configurations by delivery time, taking into account all appropriate rules for each carrier Steps,
Providing costs for each shipment option before initiating the processing of potential orders;
An automated process characterized in that it comprises the steps of selecting an optimal cargo option.   30. The process of claim 29, wherein the packaging specifications are retrieved from a database.   30. The process of claim 29, wherein the one or more packaging configurations are based on packaging specifications.   30. The process of claim 29, wherein unit packaging specifications are retrieved from a database.   30. The process of claim 29, wherein the one or more packaging configurations are based on applicable unit packaging specifications for the product.   30. The process of claim 29, including determining whether the product requires additional packaging based on physical characteristics of the product or purchaser requirements.   27. The process of claim 26, including the step of evaluating the inventory of the package to determine whether a suitable material is present in the inventory for one or more packaging configurations.   30. The process of claim 29 including determining whether to use a third party for packaging and delivery.   37. The method according to claim 36, further comprising the step of searching for inventory of the third party's packaging materials, transportation charges and available transportation modes, labor wages and applicable service charges when using a third party. The process described.

Images