GB2542697A - Method for distributing items by means of a delivery vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for identifying the position of items in a delivery vehicle 10 comprises; reading an identification code of each item or object to be loaded; loading the items onto a shelving system 16; transporting the shelving system to distribution points where items are to be delivered; and unloading at least one of the items at its respective distribution point. The shelving system is provided with a weight sensor device [70, fig. 2], by means of which the location of each item on the shelving system is determined. The location of each item is also determined on the basis of the read identification code. At each distribution point, a signal indicating the position of the items to be delivered is output. The single may be wirelessly transmitted, and may comprise at least one symbol indicating the vehicle or shelving system. The symbol may be shown on a display.

Description

Method for Distributing Items by means of a Delivery Vehicle

The invention relates to a method for distributing items by means of a delivery vehicle according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

Such a method for distributing items by means of a delivery vehicle is known from WO 2008/138866 A2 or EP 2 145 298 B1. In the method, each item has an identification code. Moreover, the method comprises a first step of reading the respective identification code of the respective item by means of a reading device. The method comprises a second step in which a shelving system is loaded with the items. The method comprises a third step of transporting the shelving system and, thus, the items arranged on the shelving system to predetermined distribution points. In a fourth step of the method, at least one of the items is unloaded at the respective distribution point.

It is an object of the present invention to further develop a method of the kind indicated in the preamble of patent claim 1 in such a way that the items can be distributed in a particularly time- and cost-effective way.

This object is solved by a method having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient developments of the invention are indicated in the other patent claims.

In order to further develop a method of the kind indicated in the preamble of patent claim 1 in such a way that the items can be distributed in a particularly time- and cost-effective way, according to the present invention, the shelving system is provided with a weight sensor device by means of which, when the shelving system is loaded with the respective item, a position of the respective item on the shelving system is determined on the basis of the read identification code of the respective item, wherein, at the respective distribution point, at least one signal indicative of the position of the respective item to be unloaded at the respective distribution point is output. For example, said signal is an optical signal which comprises at least light that is emitted by at least on light emitting element. Alternatively or additionally, for example, the signal comprises at least one symbol which is displayed on a display. For example, the display is a component of a terminal which can be arranged in the interior of the delivery vehicle. Moreover, the terminal can be a mobile terminal. Therein, said symbol is indicative of the position of the respective item to be unloaded at the respective distribution point.

It has been found that, with a growing trend in e-commerce, last mile delivery processes are becoming increasingly inefficient due to growing complexity. The biggest challenges fleet managers are currently faced with are the inefficiently designed loading and unloading processes, the not fully utilized capacity of delivery vehicles, and couriers wasting a considerable amount of time searching for parcels, i.e. items in a cargo compartment of the respective delivery vehicle. Further, there is no guidance on how to unload and/or load the vehicle optimally. All these factors lead to significant profit losses for delivery fleet operators.

The method according to the present invention offers a solution to the problem of wasted time as it allows for a maximum of flexibility in the loading process. The method or system automatically records the individual position or location of the respective item during loading the shelving system with the respective item, and guides a courier during the unloading process in such a way that the method or system identifies and indicates the respective location of the respective next item which is also referred to as a parcel. This, for example, is accomplished by means of a range of weight sensors of the weight sensor device, the weight sensors being, for example, installed on the shelving system which, for example, comprises a floor of the vehicle and/or at least one shelf or rack which, in the vertical direction of the delivery vehicle, is arranged above and at a distance from said floor which is also referred to as a vehicle floor.

For example, the weight sensors or at least one of the weight sensors record or records an impulse when the respective item is placed on the shelving system. Moreover, for example, the weight sensor device records the respective impulse of weight placed on the shelving system to an application that, for example, runs on said mobile terminal. For example, the mobile terminal is a mobile phone or a tablet PC, the mobile terminal comprising at least one central processing unit (CPU) executing said application. For example, said application is a software application which is also referred to as an app. In said app, the information of the location of the respective item is stored, including details on the respective target location, i.e. the respective distribution point. Upon arrival at the target location (distribution point), the app signals, for example, LEDs in the cargo compartment of the delivery vehicle to indicate the parcel location, i.e. the position of the respective item, for guided and fast unloading. Thus, the method according to the present invention is optimized for a maximum capacity, more packages in the delivery vehicle which is, for example, a van. For example, more than 80 items can be stored in the delivery vehicle, wherein the current standard is around 60 items that can be stored in the delivery vehicle. By means of the method according to the present invention, more packages can be stored in the delivery vehicle by using floor space as well as, for example, a second shelf level. Since many delivery services offer to ship bulky items, a flexible compartment is imperative and will be provided in the method according to the present invention. Another important aspect relates to ergonomics in the loading and unloading process. The driver of the delivery vehicle does not need to climb or jump off the delivery vehicle, causing stress on joints and muscles, as the method is designed for optimal reachability of the items stored in the delivery vehicle’s cargo compartment. Moreover, the method according to the present invention decreases loading and unloading time by at least 20% since the driver does not have to group the items and the driver knows exactly where the items (parcels) are by looking at, for example, a display or a screen of the mobile terminal, wherein, for example, said symbol is displayed on the screen. In addition, the search is supported by lighting up a space or an area where the respective item is located via said LEDs and/or at least one different light emitting element.

The system can also incorporate a voice-guided audio feature. Each time the driver stops the engine at a customer stop, he/she can automatically be guided through the unloading process. For example, upon stopping the engine at a particular drop-off point, the voice-guide feature can instruct a driver to: “Go to the back door and pick up 5 items for Sarah Nash.” The audio feature does not necessarily need to only be voice-guided and can also assist the driver when he/she is loading the vehicle by playing a chime each time the driver places a parcel in the vehicle. This way the system confirms that a package has been placed in the vehicle and helps reduce future delivery failures. The audio system can also be utilized if perishable packages are to be loaded/unloaded into an onboard cooler. If, upon scanning a new package to be loaded it is indicated via the bar code, QR code or other indicia that the package contains perishables and the package is not placed in the cooler, the system can provide either a unique notification chime or appropriate voice notification to do so.

The method according to the present invention allows to combine mechanical and digital components inside the delivery vehicle, thereby making unloading and loading easier and more efficient, in particular by at least a 20% reduction in time. For example, said system consists of said shelving system that is, for example, tailored to the ergonomics of the driver, weight sensors that detect parcels and, for example, said mobile terminal which is, for example, a tablet computer acting as an intersection between the physical and digital elements. For example, in the following, the method will be described in further detail: Firstly, the driver loads the items (parcels) on the shelving system and, thus, for example, in the vehicle in the way they like. The driver does not have to group the parcels any longer. Secondly, every time the driver scans/places one of the items when loading the respective item into the delivery vehicle and/or onto the shelving system and places it somewhere on the shelving system and/or in the cargo area of the delivery vehicle, at least one of said weight sensors will automatically send geoinformation to said application. When the driver reaches the respective distribution point which is, for example, a customer stop, the application will show an outline of the delivery vehicle and will guide the driver by illustrating where exactly to find the item to be unloaded at the respective distribution point.

For example, the weight sensors are adjusted to detect heavy and extremely small weights that shall be placed all across the shelving system. The shelving system and/or the delivery vehicle, in particular its cargo area, can be divided into multiple zones for easy access to the items which are, for example, packages. The respective weight sensor itself is a part of at least one detachable shelf built for delivery vehicles, which makes the exchange of the shelves easier, in case the technology behind the shelving system fails.

The respective weight sensor communicates over, for example, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and detects any changes in weight (big or small). The respective weight sensor is capable of detecting any vibrations, movements, or changes in temperature. In the field, it was realized how often drivers sort around and move the positions of the items. With the method according to the present invention, these movements can still be tracked. The application is shown to the driver in the form of a dashboard screen fixed at a location most accessible to the driver, for example. The application running on hardware is connected and paired with all the weight sensors of the shelving system which is, for example, arranged in the delivery vehicle, in particular in the cargo area. Apart from the weight sensors, a BLE capable HID-based barcode scanner is paired with the application as well. Therein, for example, the respective identification code is a barcode which can be read by scanning the barcode by means of at least one barcode scanner of the reading device. Since hands-free access when delivering goods is very beneficial, the application can assist the driver with useful information through at least one wearable synchronized with the application. Further, it is also contemplated as a variation to the method of use that RFID technology could be used to identify, place and deliver packages thereby reducing or eliminating the need to scan printed codes.

The method according to the present invention has a variety of advantages, wherein its full potential can unfold in a milk run system (dynamic routing): A first one of said advantages is utilization. These days, some services work with individual and/or private drivers operating their own vehicles for delivery fulfillment. However, using private vehicles as well as company vehicles such as cars, vans and/or trucks has a huge disadvantage from the perspective of the service: The operation manager/service provider does not have knowledge about the precise utilization of their transport mediums. During field work, it was realized that most of the time vehicles were not fully utilized. Usually, the drivers would only use the floor space. Fleet managers expressed a desire to having a mobile warehouse/mobile inventory monitoring system. This way, they would always be able to see how much space is used and potentially left in their vehicles. For instance, in case the driver is half way through their delivery, their route can be dynamically adjusted and thus create better utilization of the delivery vehicle. A second one of said advantages relates to standardization of last mile logistics so that training for drivers is no longer needed: The industry is characterized by its high turn-over rate (>100%). Thus, logistics provider currently need to invest considerable budgets on hiring new drivers on board as well as training them to operate in their processes. With the method according to the present invention, competitors can be leapfrogged by making a big effort towards standardizing the last mile. Drivers can load their vehicle however they want. They do not even have to group customers together, which usually takes up a long time. A third one of said advantages relates to low maintenance: Fleet managers have expressed their affinity towards automatization technology in the process. However, it is paramount that a system is extremely reliable and does not lead to downtime in the processes, also remaining accessible when the electronic components should fail. The method according to the present invention remains physically accessible even in the event of electronic failure. A fourth one of said advantages relates to guidance through unloading which reduces time and increases the driver’s confidence. Drivers have a physically as well as psychologically challenging job. By creating the method according to the present invention, it was aimed at offering assistance to the drivers that will ease some of the stress that the delivery process poses. Drivers spend several minutes at each stop (distribution point) to figure out where the parcels (items) are, oftentimes in busy traffic situations on the side of heavily occupied roadways. With the method according to the present invention, the application tells the driver exactly where they can find the parcels fast, adding to safety for the courier. A fifth one of said advantages relates to realizing an offline solution: The method according to the present invention does not rely on permanent Internet connection via 2G/3G or the like, which has proven to be an issue in underground parking situations or remote areas. This adds to overall process stability and reliability.

The method according to the present invention can offer a variety of applications. The technology cannot be only applied to a variety of different shelving systems, such as normal shelves, Ferris wheel, chutes and ladders, it can also be applied to a variety of industries, ranging from last mile logistics to general parcel delivery services. The method according to the present invention is designed as an ecosystem that is integrated via data services, a mechanical system geared towards the specific process requirements and sensor software and hardware solutions, thereby offering a particularly advantageous solution.

Further advantages, features, and details of the invention derive from the following description of a preferred embodiment as well as from the drawings. The features and feature combinations previously mentioned in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the figures and/or shown in the figures alone can be employed not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in any other combination or taken alone without leaving the scope of the invention.

The drawings show in:

Fig. 1 a schematic perspective sectional view of a delivery vehicle by means of which the method according to the present invention can be realized;

Fig. 2 a schematic perspective view of a shelf element of a shelving system used in said method;

Fig. 3 a schematic view of said method;

Fig. 4 a schematic perspective view of said shelving system;

Fig. 5 part of a schematic perspective view of said shelving system;

Fig. 6 part of a schematic and perspective view of said shelving system; and

Fig. 7 part of a schematic perspective view of said shelving system.

In the figures the same elements or elements having the same function are indicated by the same reference signs.

Fig. 1 shows in a schematic perspective sectional view a delivery vehicle 10 which is configured as a van. As will be described in greater detail below, the delivery vehicle 10 is used in a method for distributing items which are, for example, parcels or packages. As can be seen from Fig. 1, the delivery vehicle 10 comprises at least one body 12 bounding a cargo area 14 in which said items can be transported. In said method, a shelving system 16 is used to transport and distribute said items in a particularly time- and cost-effective way. As can be seen in Fig. 1, the shelving system 16 is arranged on the body 12 and in particular in the cargo area 14 so as to arrange the items on the shelving system 16 and, thus, in the cargo area 14. The shelving system 16 comprises a plurality of shelf elements 18a-f, wherein, as illustrated by arrows 20 in Fig. 1, at least one of the shelf elements 18a-f can be moved, in particular translationally moved, in relation to the body 12. For example, at least one of the shelf elements 18a-f can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the delivery vehicle 10 in relation to the body 12. For example, at least the shelf elements 18a and 18d can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the delivery vehicle 10 in relation to the body 12. Thus, for example, the respective shelf elements 18a and 18d can be moved between respective loading positions and stowage positions. In the respective stowage position at least a portion of the respective shelf element 18a or 18d is arranged outside the cargo area 14. However, in the respective stowage position, said portion is arranged inside the cargo area 14. Thus, items can be loaded onto and off the shelving system 16 in a particularly easy and ergonomical way. The cargo area 14 is also referred to as cargo compartment.

Preferably, the respective shelf element 18a or 18d can be slid in and out in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Moreover, the shelving system 16, in particular the shelf elements 18a-f, are provided with at least one light source 22 respectively. For example, the respective light source 22 is an LED configured to emit light in at least one color. Thus, the respective light source 22 is also referred to as an indicator, a light indicator or an LED indicator.

As can be seen from Fig. 2, for example, the respective shelf element 18a-d comprises a plurality of tiles 24, wherein in Fig. 2 one of the tiles 24 of the shelf element 18a is shown. As can be seen from Fig. 4, the shelf element 18a forms at least a part of a floor 26 of the delivery vehicle 10, the floor 26 bounding the cargo area 14 in the vertical direction of the vehicle downwards at least partially. Moreover, for example, the shelf element 18a comprises a plurality of elements 28 and 29, each comprising at least one tile 24.

Preferably, the shelving system 16 is designed to accommodate a wide range of parcel volumes with a minimum capacity of 70 standard large brown bags (12 inches x 7 inches footprint, 20 inches height). This can be accomplished by using two storage levels 30 and 32, wherein the storage level 30 comprises the shelf element 18a, and the storage level 32 comprises the shelf elements 18b-f. As can be seen from Fig. 1, the storage level 32 is arranged above and at a distance from the storage level 30 in the vertical direction of the delivery vehicle 10. A particularly large capacity can be accomplished by using at least two storage levels with minimal obstructions for maximum cargo space flexibility. A shelf width of 14 inches allows for a .5 inch lip on both sides and still be able to accommodate the standard bag with a safety factor. Because this system will be designed from the ground up for the delivery vehicle 10, it will be possible to maximize space efficiency by building shelves which conform to the vehicle’s interior and minimize space lost in corners and curves. The shelving system 16 is a shelving structure which, for example, holds the tiles 24 which are, for example, electronic tiles. For example, the tiles 24 are brains behind said method. Each tile 24 can be built to conform to a specific shape, but will have, preferably, a 6 inch x 6 inch footprint by default. Preferably, the shelving system 16 fits the tiles 24 seamlessly.

The mechanical structure of the shelving system 16 can be seen from Figs. 1,2 and 4. The shelf element 18a is a floor containing at least four individual surfaces for cargo storage, said surfaces being provided by the elements 28 and 29. For example, the rear elements 28 and, thus, the rear surfaces can be slid out to provide access to the rear area. The shelf elements 18b-f provide a second set of surfaces on the storage level 32, the shelf elements 18b-f being five individual sections. The shelf elements 18c and 18b are sections adjacent to a rear wall of the delivery vehicle 10, wherein the shelf elements 18e and 18f are forward center sections which, preferably, remain static. The shelf element 18d is a center section or center shelf which, for example, can be slid towards the rear of the delivery vehicle 10.

Not shown in the figures is a substructure to support the shelf elements 18a-f. For example, the shelf elements 18a-f use said substructure to hold the shelf elements 18a-f in place and support loading. For example, the elements 28 and 29 are floor sections or floor elements which may be mounted directly to a floorboard of the delivery vehicle 10, including a slide mechanism for the rear sections (elements 28). The shelf elements 18b-e are second floor shelves which may be mounted using a combination of support columns, places beneath and wall mounting using the standard cargo mounts available on the respective side wall. The columns will support vertical loads - weight of parcels. The wall mount will support lateral forces due to vehicle movement. Diagonally mounted columns will further reinforce against lateral forces.

For example, a slide mechanism is used to realize said movements of the shelf elements 18a and 18d in relation to the body 12. The center second-floor shelf (shelf element 18d) and the rear floor shelves (shelf elements 28) can be slid out to provide access to the user. A few different mechanisms may be employed to achieve this. The mechanisms will be mounted below the shelves while keeping the sliding shelf level with the adjacent static shelves.

For example, a roller and track mechanism shown in Fig. 5 can be used. Such a roller and track mechanism can allow for heavy loading at a low cost. Such a roller and track mechanism can comprise at least one small wheel 34 acting as a roller, and a track 36 for the roller to roll in. The roller may mount on the mobile shelf, while the track remains fixed to the stationary mountings and, thus, the body 12. These may be swapped so that the roller remains stationary and the track 36 mounts to the sliding shelf, respectively. The high loading capacity of this mechanism makes it ideal for the floor shelves (shelf element 18a).

Alternatively or additionally, compound slides can be used. Such a compound slide is shown in Fig. 6 and indicated by 38 respectively. As can be seen from Fig. 6, such a compound slide 38 has a height h and a width w. Compound slides allow for a low profile slide mechanism. The sliding shelf can slide outside the mounting points with this system. This system is best suited for lighter loads in space restricted environments. While normally mounted on the side of the shelf, they may also be bottom mounted where needed.

Moreover, for example, a linear bearing can be used. Such a linear bearing is shown in Fig. 7 and indicated by 40. In other words, a linear shaft with linear bearings may also be used to provide said sliding mechanism. For example, the linear bearing 40 comprises a fixed shaft 42 rotatably mounted on guides 44. Moreover, the linear bearing 40 comprises a free shaft 46 which is floatingly arranged on mounting elements 48 so that, for example, the free shaft 46 can move translationally in relation to the mounting elements 48 as illustrated by an arrow 50. For example, a loading platform 52 is mounted on the shafts 42 and 46 by means of linear rotary bearings 54 so that, by rotating the shafts 42 and 46, the loading platform 52 can be translationally moved along the shafts 42 and 46 as illustrated by an arrow 56 in Fig. 7. The linear bearing 40 can provide a high load capability and a high quality feel. A drawback may be that the shelf cannot be extended beyond the mount of the linear shafts 42 and 46. The center second-floor shelf may be mounted with this system.

The respective shelf surfaces will be built initially out of 3A” plywood for allow for rapid iterations in-house. This can be converted to production material after a final design is chosen. The substructure will be made of extruded aluminum in a combination of L- and U-channels. The support columns may be of aluminum tubes. This may also be built of aluminum T-slotted framing. For example, the plywood is sanded to remove rough surfaces, and any metal substructure will need to be deburred. Any exposed rough or sharp edges can be covered or removed if possible. The plywood may be sealed to protect from water damage. For presentation, the surface may be painted or stained. There may also be applied a vinyl graphic over the surface for both aesthetic and protective purposes. The specs presented above and below are starting points and not final forms. Provided are multiple solutions which may be tested to determine the best fit and which are subject to change and revision. Said method can help increase efficiency in fulfilment processes, wherein transparency regarding vehicle cargo capacity utilization can be realized. Process instability created by high turnover rates and different skill levels among couriers can be tackled by means of the method. Moreover, downtime due to mechanical failures can be avoided, maintenance can be easy, and the system can be functional during signal offline situations. In the method, chaotic or guided (drop-by-light) loading is possible. The light emitted by the respective light sources 22 can guide the courier for fast unloading at respective destinations. Preferably, at least 80 parcel items can fit into the shelving system 16 and are easily accessible via moving at least the shelf elements 18a and 18d.

In the following, the method will be described in greater detail with respect to Fig. 3. Said items to be transported and distributed by the delivery vehicle 10 are indicated by 58 in Fig. 3. Each item is provided with an identification code 60 which is, for example, a barcode. In a first step S1, when loading the shelving system 16 with the items 58, the respective identification code 60 is read or scanned by means of a reading device which is, for example, configured as a scanner 62. In a second step S2 the scanned items 58 are loaded onto the shelving system 16 and, thus, into the cargo area 14. The second step S2 comprises, for example, a substep S2.1 in which the items 58 are collected. For example, the reading device is an optical scanner, which may be configured as a laser scanner.

In the second step S2 the items 58 are loaded onto the shelving system 16, which can be realized in a particularly easy way since at least some of the shelf elements 18a-f can be moved, in particular slid, in relation to the body 12 in the longitudinal direction of the delivery vehicle 10.

In a third step S3, the shelving system 16 and the items 58 arranged on the shelving system 16 are transported to predetermined distribution points 64 so that, for example, the respective item 58 can be handed over to at least one customer 66. In order to transport the items 58 to the respective distribution point 64, the delivery vehicle 10 is driven to the respective distribution point by a driver 68 of the delivery vehicle 10. At the respective distribution point 64, in a fourth step S4, at least one of the items 58 is unloaded.

In order to distribute the items 58 in a particularly cost- and time-effective way, the shelving system 16 is provided with a weight sensor device 70 (Fig. 2) comprising a plurality of weight sensors 72. For example, each tile 24 is equipped with four weight sensors 72 so that the respective tile 24 is configured as a sensor tile. Moreover, the respective tile 24 is provided with a microcontroller unit 74 having a temperature sensor 76.

As can be seen from Figs. 2 and 3, each tile 24 can communicate with a mobile terminal 79 via a wireless data connection which is, for example, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). For example, the mobile terminal 26 is arranged in the delivery vehicle 10, in particular in the driver compartment of the delivery vehicle 10.

By means of the weight sensor device 70, a position of the respective item 58 on the shelving system 16 is determined on the basis of the read identification code 60 of the respective item 58 when the shelving system 16 is loaded with the respective item 58. At the respective distribution point 64, at least one signal indicative of the position of the respective item 58 to be unloaded at the respective distribution point 64 is output. Said signal can be said light emitted by the respective light source 22. Alternatively or additionally, the signal can comprise an optical signal which can be displayed on a display 78 of the mobile terminal 79. As can be seen from Fig. 3, in a fifth step S5, the respective position of the respective item 58 is uploaded on the mobile terminal 79, in particular via said data connection.

In a sixth step S6, said signal is output, in particular displayed on the display 78, wherein said signal can be indicative of the item 58 to be unloaded at the distribution point 64. Moreover, said signal is indicative of the position of the item 58 arranged on the shelving system 16 and to be unloaded at the distribution point 64. Since the respective light source 22 is used to output the signal, the respective position of the item 58 to be unloaded can be lit up.

List of reference signs 10 delivery vehicle 12 body 14 cargo area 16 shelving system 18a-f shelf element 20 arrow 22 light source 24 tile 26 floor 28 element 29 element 30 storage level 32 storage level 34 wheel 36 track 38 compound slide 40 linear bearing 42 fixed shaft 44 guide 46 free shaft 48 mounting element 50 arrow 52 loading platform 54 linear rotary bearing 56 arrow 58 items 60 identification code 62 reading device 64 distribution point 66 customer 68 driver 70 weight sensor device 72 weight sensor 74 central processing unit 76 temperature sensor 78 display 79 mobile terminal 51 first step 52 second step S2.1 substep 53 third step 54 fourth step 55 fifth step 56 sixth step h height w width

Claims (5)

Claims

1. A method for distributing items (58) by means of a delivery vehicle (10), each item (58) having an identification code (60), wherein the method comprises the steps of: - Reading the respective identification code (60) of the respective item (58) by means of a reading device (62, step S1); - Loading a shelving system (16) with the items (58, step S2); - Transporting the shelving system (16) and the items (58) arranged on the shelving system (16) to predetermined distribution points (64, step S3); and - Unloading at least one of the items (58) at the respective distribution point (64, step S4); characterized in that the shelving system (16) is provided with a weight sensor device (70) by means of which, when the shelving system (16) is loaded with the respective item (58), a position of the respective item (58) on the shelving system (16) is determined on the basis of the read identification code (62) of the respective item (58), wherein, at the respective distribution point (64), at least one signal indicative of the position of the respective item (58) to be unloaded at the respective distribution point (64) is output (step S6).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal comprises at least one symbol which is displayed on a display (78), in particular of a mobile terminal (79) different from the delivery vehicle (10).

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that data indicative of the position of the respective item (58) are wirelessly transmitted to and received by the mobile terminal (7)), wherein the symbol is displayed on the basis of the data.

4. The method claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a further symbol indicative of the delivery vehicle (10) and/or the shelving system (16) is displayed on the display (78).

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the weight sensor device (70) comprises a plurality of weight sensors (72) configured to determine at least one force and a position of the force exerted on the shelving system (16) by the respective item (58) when arranging the respective item (58) on the shelving system (16), wherein the position of the respective item (58) is determined on the basis of the determined position of the determined force.