JP2001222616A - Transaction assisting facility - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make the whole distribution industry much more efficient and low-cost by enabling speedily distribute with proper freight without any waste under proper competition. SOLUTION: A communication line system which uses computers, e.g. the Internet is used to smoothly exchange information between the side of a distributor DLR and the side of a consignor CLT and also determine the distributor DLR by a unique automatic system at a delivery request.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a transaction support facility for supporting, via a computer, a transaction relating to package delivery between a shipper and a distributor.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In the logistics industry in Japan, in addition to several major logistics companies, a large number of small and medium-sized logistics companies are mixed.
These small and medium logistics companies are playing a major role in the logistics industry. Many of these small and medium-sized logistics companies accept orders by telephone or fax when receiving orders.
The fact is that contact is first made by telephone, etc., and then contracted individually for delivery.

[0003] On the other hand, with the increasing number of companies trying to reduce production costs by introducing a production system such as a kanban system, POS, or SCM, smooth transportation of parts and products is required. Therefore, demands for mobility and flexibility in logistics are increasing.

[0004]

However, with such a structure of the logistics industry, the situation of the entire distributor or the entire shipper cannot be grasped not only by each distributor but also by each shipper. Occurs.

[0005] For example, when requesting delivery, the shipper must search for a distributor by telephone or the like, and then negotiate a fare, etc., and conclude a contract, which is troublesome. In addition, price comparison between logistics companies cannot be performed sufficiently. In addition, since it is difficult to quickly find a distributor, it is difficult to secure just-in-time delivery.

[0006] On the other hand, the logistics company also has to sign a contract with the shipper for each delivery, which makes it difficult to adjust schedules and contracts, or to charge different freight charges for each shipper. In addition, it is difficult for the shipper to know the desired delivery status of the shipper and to appeal to the shipper about their own delivery status, which makes it difficult to level up work, increases the number of wait states for delivery, and receives delivery requests to Yoshinba. Even if
It is not possible to secure return delivery and the number of return routes with empty vehicles increases, which leads to a large problem that the vacancy rate increases.

When the vacancy rate increases, the logistics company sets fares in consideration of the vacancy rate, so that the transportation cost increases. In addition, the logistics functions of the industry as a whole will be wasted, making it impossible to carry luggage that could be transported, or causing inconsistencies in the delivery of small lots in particular, resulting in a lack of mobility and flexibility in logistics. Maybe.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, the present invention utilizes a communication line system using a computer represented by the Internet so that information can be smoothly exchanged between a distributor and a shipper. In addition, by making the decision of the logistics company for the delivery request using a unique automatic bidding method, it is possible to achieve prompt logistics at appropriate freight without waste under appropriate competition, and the efficiency of the entire logistics industry The main purpose is to greatly promote cost reduction and cost reduction.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A transaction support facility according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, performs a transaction related to package delivery exchanged between a plurality of shippers CLT and a plurality of logistics companies DLR by a computer system. A transaction support facility for supporting via CS, which accepts an order request including order conditions such as a delivery place desired by the shipper CLT, package contents,
It accepts the shipper's input support means 1 as order request data and stores it in association with the shipper CLT, and receives an order request including order conditions such as a price offer desired by the distributor DLR, and associates the request with the distributor DLR as order request data. An input support means 2 for a logistics company to be stored, and an automatic search means for searching and extracting, based on the order request data and the order request data, the order request including the order conditions satisfying the order conditions for each order request. 3 and an order deciding means 12 for selecting an order request including the most favorable order condition from the order requests extracted by the automatic search means 3 and deciding the selected order request as an order for the order request. The automatic search means 3 accepts an order request not selected by the order determination means 12 for an order request for which an order has not yet been determined. Characterized by comprising a carry-forward device 4 automatically added to the search target when searching for Nozomu.

[0010] In this case, from the point of view of the shipper CLT, if only the order request including the order conditions is made, the distribution company DLR that presents the most favorable conditions by the automatic search means 3 and the order determination means 12 becomes available. Automatic and quick selection eliminates the trouble of searching for a logistics company DLR and negotiating fares as in the past, making it possible to request a quick delivery by just-in-time contract and to reduce shipping costs. Can be suppressed.

[0011] The order determination means 12 performs an auction for each order request, but even if the condition of the distribution company DLR that failed to make a successful bid for one order request is satisfied, the transfer means 4 Automatically participates in the auction for the next order request, so that for the logistics company DLR, once the order request including the order conditions is once made, the subsequent operations are carried out in chronological order by the carry-over means 4. Any one of the order requests that are accepted one after another can be made a successful bid with an extremely high probability, and the vacancy rate can be reduced and the work can be leveled. In addition, as a result, the number of idle vehicles decreases, which can also contribute to the improvement of the environment.

That is, as a result of eliminating various wastes in the logistics industry in this way, the mobility and flexibility required for recent logistics such as "what is necessary, when necessary, at required price", or Low cost can be realized.

[0013] In order to eliminate excessive competition and unfair competition between the logistics companies DLR and to ensure delivery at an appropriate price, at least one order request is determined before an order is received. Against other logistics companies DLR
It is preferable to provide a security means that prohibits browsing of the order conditions presented by. In this case, fraud prevention can be more reliably prevented by prohibiting the distribution company DLR from changing the order conditions relating to the order request once accepted.

[0014] In addition to just-in-time delivery, in order to allow reservations to be made to some extent in advance, and in particular to ensure that the logistics company DLR can secure the return delivery route, an order request must be made at least a predetermined time period. In the case where a reservation order is designated, an order request including an order condition for requesting an order earlier than a predetermined period is extracted, and the automatic search means 3 and the order determination are performed only for the extracted order request. Means 1
It is desirable to have a scheduler for making an order decision by the system 2.

The labor involved in billing and paying the delivery fee is particularly troublesome. For example, a small logistics company such as DLR that performs contract-to-transportation at an individual level tends to cause troubles such as forgetting to bill in the past. Omit such trouble,
In particular, to realize labor savings related to accounting, after confirming from the shipper CLT or the logistics company DLR that the ordering and ordering work has been performed or surely performed, the order conditions, including at least the delivery price, of the order request should be checked. Based on the above, it is preferable to provide an accounting agent for automatically accounting for both the shipper CLT and the logistics company DLR.

[0016]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The transaction support equipment in this embodiment is for supporting and facilitating transactions related to distribution, and as shown in FIG. 2, terminal devices P1 and P2 provided respectively in the distribution company DLR and the delivery shipper CLT. And a computer system CS via a communication line such as the Internet.

Here, the distribution company DLR refers to an unspecified number of companies registered as a person who can use this facility. Registration is by registration support means (not shown)
It is performed using. When the unspecified trader accesses the computer system CS online, for example, the registration support means requests input of basic information of the trader, issues an ID as an identifier to the trader, The basic information is stored in association with an ID. One ID can be obtained for each company, or one ID can be obtained for each individual, and can be obtained according to various specific modes. Distributor D
After being registered as an LR, the facility can be used by inputting its ID and, if necessary, a password into the terminal.

The shipper CLT also refers to a person who is registered as a person who can use this facility, like the distribution company DLR. Note that the procedure for registration, ID acquisition, and the like are the same as those described above, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Next, a description will be given of a device configuration used for constructing the transaction support equipment. The terminal devices P1 and P2 are not only so-called personal computers but also include facsimile machines, telephones, and the like. These devices may be used together, but in the following description of the present embodiment, the terminal devices P1 and P1
The case where 2 is a personal computer will be described. Further, the locations of these terminal devices P1 and P2 are not limited to domestic ones, but may be overseas.

As shown in FIG. 3, the computer system CS includes a CPU 101, an input / output interface 102,
It is equipped with a storage device 103 and the like,
In addition to the P server and the like, the storage device and the peripheral devices are managed, and software for realizing various functions which are the core of the transaction support equipment is installed, and has a function of communicating with the outside. In addition to the software, the storage device 103 is provided with a database for storing information handled in the transaction support equipment and various data derived from the information. In this embodiment, the computer system CS is constructed, for example, by being attached to a site server on the Internet. However, the computer system CS may be constructed in other forms, may be provided in one place, or may be distributed. It does not matter if it is provided. The location is not limited to Japan, but may be overseas.

Next, various functions of the facility realized by software installed in the computer system CS will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, this transaction support equipment is implemented by using the above-mentioned software and has the following three systems, namely, a system interposed between a shipper CLT and a logistics company DLR. An ordering support system S1 for supporting ordering, and status information and the like relating to logistics handled or processed in the transaction support equipment are transferred to shipper C.
Information providing system S provided to LT and logistics company DLR
2 and a billing system S3 for controlling the billing procedure.

The order receiving support system S1 includes an input support means 1 for a shipper, an input support means 2 for a distributor, an automatic search means 3, an order determination means 12, a scheduler 13, a carry-over means 4, And a proxy means 5.

As shown in FIG. 5, the shipper input support means 1 receives an order request including the order conditions desired by the shipper CLT, and stores it as order request data in association with the shipper CLT. , An order input screen including general order condition input fields such as a delivery destination location, a delivery source location, a desired delivery date and time, and a package form (capacity, contents, etc.) is displayed on the display of the shipper-side terminal device P1 (step S5)
1), prompt the shipper CLT to place an order request (step S5)
2). In addition, special order conditions such as designation of a specific distributor DLR can be determined. Then, the order request entered here is sent to the shipper CL along with the order conditions.
It is associated with the registration ID of T and stored in the database as order request data (step S53).

As shown in FIG. 6, the distribution supporter input support means 2 is for the distribution trader DLR to input the order request including the order conditions such as price presentation to the computer. Then, an order input screen including general order condition input fields such as a desired charge, a form of parcel that can be delivered, a parcel receivable area, and a parcel receivable date and time is displayed on the display of the distributor P2 (step S61). DL
The user is prompted to enter an order receiving condition for R (step S62). Also,
Special order conditions such as designation of a specific shipper CLT or a specific order request can be determined as needed. The request for order input here is associated with the registration ID of the distributor DLR together with the order conditions and is stored in the database as order request data (step S63). In the present embodiment, the order conditions related to the order request once accepted are described as the logistics company DLR.
Is prohibited in principle.

As shown in FIG. 7, the automatic search means 3 sequentially receives, based on the order request data and the order request data, order requests including order conditions satisfying the order conditions for each order request. Search (step S75) and extraction (step S76). On the other hand, since the order requests are sequentially input from each of the logistics companies DLR, it is important to determine up to which time the order requests are to be searched for in one order request. Of the accompanying ordering conditions, in particular, based on the desired date and place of delivery,
The deadline is set (step S74).

As shown in FIG. 7, the order receiving means 12
From the order requests extracted by the automatic search means 3,
The one containing the order condition of the most favorable condition (the lowest price in this embodiment) is selected (step S77), and stored in the database as order decision data associated with the order condition, the presented distributor ID and the shipper ID (step S77). Step S7
8). This order determination data is transmitted to order confirmation means 7 described later.
Etc. Then, this order determination means 1
No. 2 gives a transportation right to the order request to the distribution company DLR presenting the most favorable conditions, and can be said to be a kind of a kind of bidding in addition to the operation of the security means 11 described later.

The scheduler 13 is executed in step S7 of FIG.
As shown in 1 to S73, if the order request is earlier than the predetermined period and the reservation order is designated, the order request including the order condition that the customer wants the order earlier than the predetermined period is extracted and extracted. The order is determined by the automatic search means 3 and the order determination means 12 only for the requested order. Specifically, for example, a button for selecting whether to select the scheduler 13 is displayed on the order input screen and the order input screen, and the shipper CLT or the distributor DLR is displayed.
When the scheduler 13 is selected, the operation is performed so that the order determination is performed earlier than usual.

As shown in FIG. 7, the carry-over means 4, which is one of the major features of this embodiment, changes the unselected order request to the automatic order request for an order request for which an order has not yet been determined. The search means 3 automatically adds the order to a target when the order is extracted (step S79).

Although the contents of the order status confirmation means 7 are not particularly shown, an order request is made via the shipper information providing means 8 described later based on the order determination data determined by the order determination means 12. It informs the shipper CLT of the decision of the order receiving party, the distributor DLR who received the order, the order conditions, and the like.

Although the contents thereof are not shown in the drawings, the ordering agency 5 checks the basic information of the ordering contractor (distributor DLR) based on the ordering decision data determined by the ordering deciding unit 12, and then checks the basic information. The contract between the shipper CLT and the distributor DLR is automatically concluded. When the contract is automatically concluded, the terminal of the shipper CLT and the distributor DLR may specify the other party's basic information and the like and request an approval input.

Further, in this embodiment, the delivery instruction means 6 for managing and supporting the scheduling of each distributor DLR is provided. Although not specifically shown, the delivery instructing means 6 directly turns on the portable terminal device of an appropriate driver belonging to the ordered distributor DLR based on the order determination data determined by the order determining means 12, for example. Time transfer is performed to save labor in arranging delivery within one distribution company DLR.

On the other hand, the information providing system S2 includes a shipper information providing means 8 and a distributor information providing means 9.

As shown in FIG. 8, the shipper information providing means 8 searches the shipper CLT for a list of registered distributors DLR and for the basic information, actual results, vehicle information, etc. of each distributor DLR at present.・ It is used when confirming. Specifically, first, a search screen is displayed on the terminal P2 (step S81), and the shipper CLT inputs various search keys (step S82) to obtain information desired on the screen (for example, as shown in FIG. Information, distributor information, fare setting, comparison information, accumulated information, etc.) are displayed (step S83). In the present embodiment, information including the delivery price of the distribution company DLR that has been auctioned off in the past can be displayed. Also, this screen can be displayed in addition to the order input screen by the shipper's input support means 1. With this shipper information providing means 8, the shipper CLT can grasp the situation on the side of the distributor DLR, and can also obtain a standard when inputting order conditions. Furthermore, the difference in cost and the like from the conventional ordinary contract type can be made clear.

As shown in FIG. 9, the distributor information providing means 9 searches and confirms the list of registered shipper CLTs, the basic information of each shipper CLT at present, the order request status, etc., as shown in FIG. It is used when doing. Specifically, first, a search screen is displayed on the terminal P1 (step S91), and the distributor DLR inputs various search keys (step S92) to input information desired on the screen (for example, as shown in FIG. 2, Shipper information, bid information, etc.) are displayed (step S93). In addition, the distributor DLR may be linked with the distributor input support unit 2 so that the distributor DLR can select a shipper via this screen.

The accounting system S3 includes the accounting agent 10
Is provided.

As shown in FIG. 10, the accounting agent means 10 confirms that the order placement / reception operation has been performed or that the order processing has been reliably performed by terminal input from the shipper CLT or the distributor DLR (step S101). The shipper ID and the logistics company I are used as the order determination data as the received data.
D and store it in the database, and based on this received data, the shipper CLT and the distributor DL
It automatically performs the accounting for both R. In this embodiment, the transaction is performed by electronic payment immediately after the confirmation (step S102). As an account serving as a basis for the electronic settlement, for example, an individual account provided in the accounting agent is used. The individual account has a credit function provided by a bank or credit company. Note that this billing system S3
In addition, an interface means may be provided so as to be able to cooperate with an ERP system constructed on the shipper CLT side or the distribution company DLR side.

Further, in this embodiment, a security means 11 is provided in addition to the above-mentioned systems.

Although not specifically shown, the security means 11 performs maintenance in the operation and management of the facility, including an inspection on whether the bidding by the automatic search means 3 and the order determination means 12 is performed fairly. is there. One of the functions is that before an order for at least one order request is determined, another logistics company D receives the order request.
In addition to prohibiting the viewing of the order conditions presented by the LR, the order determination process related to the order request can be viewed on the terminal by each distributor DLR after the order is determined,
It is configured so that each person can be checked by preventing illegal bidding and disclosing information.

An example of a flow until an order for an order request is determined using the above-configured equipment will be briefly described below.

The shipper CLT logs in from his / her own terminal P2, and inputs an order request including order conditions while viewing the order input screen. At this time, order conditions can be determined while referring to various information such as a list of distributors DLR and past delivery prices.

On the other hand, the distributor DLR also logs in from his / her own terminal P1 and inputs an order request including order conditions while looking at the order input screen. At this time, the shipper CLT
The order conditions can be determined while looking at various information such as a list of orders and past order determination processes. As an example, the logistics company DLR refers to the order request information of one shipper CLT, and , And entry into the order competition of one order request.

When the deadline for the order request has passed, the automatic search means 3 and the order determination means 12
Will determine the order. If the distributor DLR obtains an order for this ordering request, a contract according to the order conditions is automatically made by the order agency 5 and after the delivery by the distributor DLR, the accounting agency 10 Payment and receipt are performed by electronic settlement. On the other hand, when an order cannot be obtained, the carry-over means 4 can automatically participate in the bid of the next candidate (order request) that meets the conditions.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the shipper CL
For T, if only an order request including order conditions is made, the automatic search means 3 and the order determination means 12 automatically and promptly select the distributor DLR presenting the lowest price that meets the conditions. This saves the trouble of searching for a logistics company DLR and negotiating fares as in the past,
It is possible to request a quick delivery according to a just-in-time contract, and it is possible to suppress transportation costs and the like. In addition, in this embodiment, the facility can be used via the Internet only by registering as a shipper CLT, there is no need to set up a dedicated server in the company, and no maintenance is required. Can be. further,
Since the logistics field can be completely outsourced, it is possible to facilitate, for example, SCM construction.

Further, from the viewpoint of the distribution company DLR, even if a successful bid cannot be made for one order request, if the conditions are met, the transfer means 4 automatically participates in the bid for the next order request. Therefore, once an order request including an order condition is once made, the automatic search means 3, the order determination means 12, and the carry-over means 4 provide a very high probability of any one of the order requests accepted one after another. , It is possible to reduce the vacancy rate and level the work.

Furthermore, as a result of eliminating various wastes in the logistics industry in this way, the mobility and flexibility required for recent logistics such as "what is needed, when needed, at required price", or Low cost can be realized.

Before the security means 11 determines an order for at least one order request,
Since the viewing of the order conditions presented by other logistics companies DLR in response to the order request is prohibited, the bid price is further reduced even if it is impossible while looking at the price offered by other logistics companies DLR as in auction. Overcompetition and unfair competition can be prevented. As a result, the logistics company DLR will compete properly at the appropriate price, and healthy business transactions will be conducted.
Appropriate profits for both the distributor DLR and the shipper CLT can be achieved.

On the other hand, in addition to the just-in-time delivery described above, a future delivery contract can also be made by the scheduler 13, so that the logistics company DLR can further promote the securing of return delivery routes and the leveling of operations. You can do it.

Further, the ordering agency 5 and the accounting agency 1
With 0, troublesome work related to contracts and accounting, which was conventionally performed manually, is automatically and reliably performed, so that labor can be saved and the procedure can be reduced.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible. For example, by linking with the manufacturer's production system, it is possible to achieve even greater efficiency by total management of production and logistics, and to set up demand survey means and conduct demand survey of end consumers via the Internet, Efficiency can be improved by providing logistics support according to demand trends such as direct sales. In addition, a distributor or a shipper may be able to access the computer system not only by terminal but also by telephone or fax.

In addition, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated example described above, and various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0053]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention,
From the viewpoint of the shipper, if only an order request including the order conditions is made, the logistics agent that has presented the best conditions is automatically and quickly selected by the automatic search means and the order determination means. The trouble of searching for a distributor or negotiating the fare can be eliminated, a prompt delivery request can be made by a just-in-time contract, and transportation costs can be reduced.

The order determination means is to make a bid for each order request, but even a distributor who could not make a successful bid for one order request automatically uses the carryover means if the conditions are met. In order to participate in the bidding for the next ordering request, the logistics trader sees the order once, including the order conditions, once it is received, and the order will be accepted one after another in time series by the carry-over means. Any one of the requests can be made a successful bid with an extremely high probability, so that the vacancy rate can be reduced and work can be leveled. In addition, as a result, the number of idle vehicles decreases, which can also contribute to the improvement of the environment.

That is, various wastes in the logistics industry can be eliminated in this way, and as a result, the mobility and flexibility required for recent logistics such as “what is needed, when needed, at required price”, or Low cost can be realized.

Before an order for at least one ordering request is determined, the distribution company is provided with a security means that prohibits viewing of the order conditions presented by another distribution company for the order request. Excessive competition and unfair competition between them can be eliminated, and delivery can be performed at an appropriate price. In this case, fraud prevention can be more reliably prevented by prohibiting the logistics company from changing the order conditions relating to the order request once accepted.

If the order request is longer than a predetermined period and a reservation order is specified, an order request including an order condition for requesting an order earlier than a predetermined period is extracted, and only the extracted order request is extracted. Scheduler for making an order decision by the automatic search means and the order decision means for the target
If it is equipped with just-in-
In addition to the time delivery, it is possible to make a reservation ahead of time to some extent, and it is particularly preferable that the distribution company can more reliably secure the return delivery route.

After confirming from the shipper or the logistics company that the ordering and ordering work has been performed or reliably performed, the accounting of both the shipper and the logistics company based on the order conditions including at least the delivery price for the order request. In particular, if there is an accounting agent means for automatically performing the above, it is possible to realize labor saving related to accounting and reliable billing and payment.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram corresponding to claims of the invention according to claim 1;

FIG. 2 is a schematic overall configuration diagram showing the transaction support equipment of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a computer system in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exemplary functional block diagram showing a computer system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a schematic flowchart showing the operation of the shipper input support means in the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart showing the operation of the input support means for a distributor in the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary flowchart showing operations of an automatic search unit, an order determination unit, and the like in the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic flowchart showing the operation of a shipper information providing unit in the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic flowchart showing the operation of a distributor information providing means in the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an exemplary flowchart showing the operation of the accounting agent in the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 CS ... Computer system CLT ... Shipper DLR ... Distributor 1 ... Shipper input support means 2 ... Distributor input support means 3 ... Automatic inspection means 4 ... Carry-over means 10 ... Accounting agency means 11 ... Security means 12 ... Order determination means 13 ... Schedule

Claims (4)

[Claims] Claims 1. A transaction support facility for supporting, via a computer system, a transaction relating to package delivery exchanged between a plurality of shippers and a plurality of logistics companies. Accepts an order request including order conditions such as contents, and stores input request means for shippers in association with the shipper as order request data, and receives an order request including order conditions such as price presentation desired by the distributor. Based on the order request data and the order request data, the input support means for the distributor that is stored as data in association with the distributor, and based on the order request data and the order request data, for each of the order requests, the order request including the order conditions that satisfy the order conditions. From the automatic search means for automatic search and extraction, and the order request extracted by this automatic search means,
An order deciding unit that selects the one that includes the most favorable order conditions and determines the selected order request as an order for the order request, and an order request that is not selected by this order deciding unit,
A transaction support facility comprising: a carry-over means for automatically adding an order request for which an order has not yet been determined to a search target when the automatic search means searches for an order request. 2. A security system for prohibiting viewing of order conditions presented by another distributor in response to an order request before at least one order request is determined. The transaction support equipment according to claim 1. In the case where the ordering request is earlier than a predetermined period and a reservation order is specified, an order request including an order condition for requesting an order earlier than a predetermined period is extracted. A scheduler for making an order determination by the automatic search means and the order determination means only for a request.
The transaction support equipment according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: , 4. After confirming from the shipper or the logistics company that the ordering and ordering work has been performed or reliably performed, both the shipper and the logistics company are required to fulfill the order request based on at least the order conditions including the delivery price. 4. The transaction support equipment according to claim 1, further comprising an accounting agent means for automatically performing the accounting of the transaction.