JP2001318974A - Server sharing system, web portable terminal and physical distribution management system utilizing the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To use functions almost same as the case that a server is installed in the present company only if Internet access environment exists without the need of installation of the server in the present company. SOLUTION: Software and data to be used by business enterprises and individuals are shared by using the Internet 50 as a communication means by a Web server 52.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a server sharing system for sharing a server between a plurality of companies and individuals, a web portable terminal suitable for use in the system, and a package for real-time use of these. A logistics management system for tracking.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, inventory management of a company, optimal arrangement of packages in a warehouse, grasp of dynamics (where the packages are currently located),
In systems for logistics management such as operation management of trucks and the like, it is common to install a server in the company where the system is to be introduced, and to install and use software there.

[0003]

However, the cost of a client server for collecting such information, dedicated portable information terminal equipment and software is extremely high, and the investment of the middle and lower companies is burdensome. It was a heavy factor that made it difficult to invest in IT.

[0004] Also, the product name, product number, number of members, packing form, unit price,
At present, logistics information such as delivery date / delivery date, shipping source company information, and shipping destination (delivery destination) information is not shared among a plurality of businesses, which has the following problems.

For example, when a shipping company such as a manufacturing company manages product inventories on its own computer using barcodes, the barcode information is recognized in advance by a carrier at the time of shipping. For this reason, the shipping company or the transportation company has to separately prepare a delivery slip or a tag, and attach it to the product packaging.

In order to solve these problems, it is reasonable that the shipping company and the transportation company share the physical distribution information and manage them with the same barcode. However, the transport company has to establish a common system with each company, and there is a problem that the computer terminals and applications corresponding to the systems are different.

[0007] Further, when the transport company delivers the goods to the destination, the receiving company sends the goods to a computer at the time of goods inspection in order to check the goods with a company code or a JAN code or the like in order to adapt the goods management system. Input work is required.

In order to make the input to these systems common with a bar code and a scanner, a bar code label for the company should be sent to the shipping company and attached before shipment, or the system should be unified. This is only possible in the case of headquarters and affiliated companies. Therefore, in general, there is a problem that most companies continue to pay the cost of input work because they have a plurality of trading companies.

[0009] In addition, the tracking of packages carried out by the current major transportation companies is to read the bar code of the slip attached to the package with a dedicated handy terminal, receive the data from the handy terminal after returning to the office, and add delivery information. Luggage management. However, in this case, the situation during operation is not known, and it is not possible to cope with the situation requiring advanced services in terms of time. That is, even if an inquiry is made, a customer can receive a response only after receiving the data at the office or making an inquiry to the delivery person by telephone. Further, since only the barcode of the slip is input and the content of the slip is not linked, it is impossible to make an inquiry if the slip is lost.

[0010] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and a first object of the present invention is to enable a plurality of companies and individuals to share a server without installing a server in the company. And

A second object of the present invention is to provide a web portable terminal suitable for collecting data for distribution management.

A third object of the present invention is to provide a distribution management system capable of tracking a package in real time.

[0013]

The present invention solves the first problem by sharing software and data used by individual companies and individuals on a web server using the Internet as communication means. It is.

Further, the data to be input to the web server is collected by a mobile phone or a mobile terminal (collectively referred to as a web mobile terminal) capable of displaying the contents of the web by connecting to the Internet.

Further, the web portable terminal is, for example, NTT
It includes a web mobile phone such as DOCOMO's i-mode and a scanner connectable to it.

Further, various kinds of identification codes can be handled by registering the types of identification codes such as bar codes read by the scanner in advance on the web server.

[0017] In addition, by grouping a plurality of companies and individuals according to the setting of the web server, seamless exchange of information can be performed within a single company or group, and information can be disclosed to the outside. It is something that can be restricted.

The present invention also solves the second problem by making the web portable terminal include a web portable phone of i-mode or the like and a scanner connectable thereto.

Further, the exchange of information between the web portable telephone and the scanner is performed in a non-contact manner using infrared rays or electromagnetic waves, so that a mechanical connection by a cable or the like is not required.

Further, the web portable telephone and the scanner are integrated to facilitate carrying and simplify operation.

The present invention also provides a physical distribution management system,
A web server that receives a transport request on the web, grasps the status of the package being transported, and stores the completion of the delivery,
A web portable terminal provided on the delivery vehicle side that can display the contents of the web, and a scanner also provided on the delivery vehicle side that can exchange information with the web portable terminal, and an identification code attached to the package Is read by the scanner at the time of loading, at any time during transportation, and at the completion of delivery, and is transmitted to the web server by the web portable terminal, thereby solving the third problem.

Also, the web portable terminal can transmit information on the longitude and latitude of the current location to the web server so that the current location can be reliably grasped.

Further, the web portable terminal can display a direction and a distance to a destination so that the web portable terminal can reliably reach the destination.

Further, at the time of loading, the contents of the transportation request are displayed on a web portable terminal, and then the identification code attached to the luggage is read to associate the contents of the luggage with the identification code. It is.

Further, at the time of transmitting the pickup instruction to the web portable terminal, information on the longitude and latitude of the receiving place and the delivery destination is transmitted, so that the information on the receiving place and the delivery destination is surely transmitted. is there.

The present invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a program for realizing the above-mentioned physical distribution management system.

[0027]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention applied to a physical distribution management system will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

As shown in FIG. 1 (overall image diagram) and FIG. 2 (detailed diagram), this embodiment employs
An Internet 50 connecting the transport company 20, the retailer 30, the general consumer 40, and the like, and a Web (WEB) server 52 connected to the Internet 50 for sharing software and data used by individual companies and individuals. When,
A web (WEB) mobile phone 62 provided on the delivery vehicle 60 side that can display the content of the web by connecting to the Internet, and a control unit 6 connected to the web mobile phone 62 for reading a barcode label 68
Barcode reader (BC) having a scanner 4
R) 66.

The shipper 10, as shown in detail in FIG.
11 major manufacturers, 12 subsidiaries, 1 overseas factory
3. Includes outsourced manufacturers 14, factories 15, and warehouses 16, and has established a group network among them. Each shipper 10
Each has a personal computer 10C and a printer 10P in which necessary software 10S is installed, as shown in detail in FIG.

As shown in detail in FIG. 2, a plurality of (three in FIG. 2) transport companies 21, 2
2 and 23, and a group net is constructed between them. As shown in detail in FIG. 4, each transportation company has a personal computer 20C and a printer 20P in which necessary software 20S is installed.

As shown in detail in FIG. 2, the retailer 30 includes a plurality of (three in FIG. 2) retailers 31, 32,
33, and a group net is constructed between them. Each retailer, as shown in detail in FIG.
For example, a personal computer 30C linked to the JAN code is provided.

As shown in detail in FIG. 2, the general consumers 40 include a large number (three in the figure) of general consumers 41, 42, 4
3 and, for example, a joint purchase net is constructed between them. As shown in detail in FIG. 6, each consumer has a general personal computer 40C that does not require special software.

The web server 52 can be installed at any location.

In FIG. 2, 70 is a distribution center, 72
Is a logistics business management system proposed by the inventor in Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-3317, 74 is an e-commerce, and 76 is a local delivery vehicle.

The operation will be described below with reference to FIG.

First, the computer of the shipping company is connected to the Internet 50, and the physical distribution information is registered in the shared web server 52 (step 110). Here, the code of the barcode is automatically determined, and the code on the Internet is shared among the shipping company, the transportation company, and the delivery company.

Next, the barcode is printed in the business place of the shipping company or the business place of the transportation company (step 1).
20).

When a request for transporting luggage is made via the Internet using the web (step 130), the order requested on the web is transmitted to the web mobile phone 62 of the delivery vehicle 60 designated by appropriate processing (step 130). 14
0). Therefore, the requester can save the trouble of handwritten slip creation,
In addition, a transport request can be made instantly.

A delivery person driving the delivery vehicle 60 receives an instruction of a pickup destination by the web portable telephone 62, and at a pickup place,
By reading the barcode already attached to the cargo by the shipping company, the contents of the package and the barcode are linked (step 150). Next, by connecting to the Internet, the information read by the barcode reader 66 is transmitted to the web server 52 (step 160), and collated with the registered data of the shipping company on the server (step 17).
0), confirming on the monitor of the web portable telephone 62 whether there is any omission of shipment. When a general consumer or the like does not prepare a barcode, a barcode label prepared in advance by a carrier can be attached to the package at the time of collection.

The exchange of signals between the web portable telephone 62 and the bar code reader 66 can be performed without direct connection, for example, by transmitting and receiving infrared rays, electromagnetic waves and ultrasonic waves. Of course, it is also possible to connect a cable and exchange signals by wire. Alternatively, a mobile terminal in which the web mobile phone 62 and the barcode reader 66 are integrated can be prepared.

The package is carried via various routes before being delivered to the final destination. During this time, intermediate input is performed using the barcode reader 66 (step 1).
80). Therefore, by connecting to the web server 52 from a computer in each business establishment such as a shipping company, a transportation company, a delivery destination company, etc., it is possible to grasp the current position (dynamics) of the package.

At this time, even if the destination is not known during the transportation, the contents can be instantly inquired by reading the barcode label with the barcode reader 66 and referring to the web server 52. On the other hand, conventionally, if a slip is lost, even if there is a bar code label, the contents cannot be known before the association, so that the slip has been lost. On the other hand, according to the present invention, there is no possibility that the slip is lost.

When the delivery is completed after arriving at the final destination, the delivery person reads the bar code attached to the delivered luggage with the bar code reader 66 and reads the bar code from the web mobile phone 6.
In step 2, information is sent to the web server 52 to register that the delivery is completed (step 190).

On the other hand, the delivery destination company reads the barcode at the same time as the receipt, transmits the barcode to the web server 52, and registers the receipt (step 200). Since the web server 52 has logistics information registered in advance by the shipping company, the collation can be automatically performed, and an error such as a difference in delivery can be immediately recognized.

By registering the logistics management code or JAN code in the web server 52, the delivery destination company can check the barcode issued by the present system, and can store the information in accordance with the logistics management database of its own computer. Because it can be incorporated, existing logistics management systems are not wasted.

Since this system cannot be operated unless it is known that communication has been securely performed, the sender transmits data and confirms that the data has been stored in the web server.
You can see if it was sent successfully. If the mobile phone is out of the service area or in a place where the radio wave is weak, the call cannot be made or the transmission cannot be performed well, and the data cannot be entered into the server. In this case, resend the signal in a place with good radio waves. Since the sender can also view the data transmitted by himself, the degree of security increases.

In Japan, an address is used to indicate a place. However, in many cases, a destination cannot be determined due to a change in a place name, a flying place, a kanji which is difficult to read, a large factory or a wilderness.
In such a case, it is possible to input not only the address but also the longitude and latitude in order to facilitate future receipt and delivery. That way you can easily reach your destination,
Since the delivery location can be specified, reliable management can be performed. The longitude and latitude of the current location and the arrival position can be acquired by, for example, GPS.

It is to be noted that, as a dedicated machine, when the coordinates of the destination are entered and the coordinates of the current location are confirmed, it is possible to display how many meters east, west, south and north from the current location.

Also, in the case of the present system in which one barcode is reused among many companies, convenience can be enjoyed as a whole by commonization beyond company lines. However, on the other hand, in the case of a single company or between existing company groups, or in the case of a head office, a shopping mall association, a trade association, or an union, etc., seamless information can be seamlessly transmitted within a single company or group. In some cases, while exchanging information, it is desirable to restrict disclosure of information to the outside.

In such a case, in the present system, grouping can be freely performed by setting the web server 52.

For example, in the case of a transportation company, when a truck owned by the company does not correspond to a customer's request, the trucker contacts a plurality of traders without notifying the customer and finds a truck that is adapted. Although the user frequently searches for the information, the information can be exchanged via the web server 52 so that the information can be exchanged only within the group by the group net constructed by the same company.

In the case of the prime contractor factory, efforts are being made to reduce logistics costs while standardizing forms and procedures among subcontractors, suppliers, in-house warehouses, and other companies' warehouses. In the present system, the grouping of these cooperating companies can be set from the web server 52, and the relation between the work-in-progress logistics management information and the product-based logistics management information and shipping information at the time of production is established. It is possible to provide smooth shipping information to the consignment warehouse or the transport company via the web server 52 with ample time while keeping the confidentiality of the parts supplier and the like.

In the case of grouping of retailers, a group is formed at each retail store in a shopping street or the like, and from the establishment of a cyber mall (e-commerce 74) in the shopping street for local customers, to joint delivery and local delivery. Services such as home delivery can be performed consistently.

Also, by registering the types of barcodes in advance on the web server 52 and referring to them through the Internet at the time of use, all types of barcodes can be handled.

In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied to the physical distribution management system, but the present invention is not limited to this.

The web mobile phone is not limited to NTT DOCOMO's i-mode, but may use cdmaOne (registered trademark) EZ access (registered trademark), PHS (edge) open content, or the like.

The identification code is not limited to a normal one-dimensional bar code, but may be another identification code, such as a two-dimensional bar code or an OCR font, on the assumption that an optical reader is used. The scanner is not limited to a barcode reader.

[0058]

According to the present invention, by building a model in which a plurality of companies and individuals share a server using the Internet, there is no need to install a server in the company, and an Internet connection environment is established. If there is, the burden on each company can be reduced by using the functions that are completely the same as those when placing the server in the company.

In particular, the data input to the web server is
When the content is collected by a web portable terminal capable of displaying the content of the web, data input operation can be omitted, cost can be reduced, and accuracy can be expected.

When the server sharing system is applied to a physical distribution management system, it is possible to track a package in real time.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overall image of a physical distribution management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the same details.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration and management contents of a shipper's computer in the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration and management contents of a computer of the carrier;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration and management contents of a computer of the retailer.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration and management content of a general consumer computer.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the same processing procedure.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Shipper 20, 21, 22, 23 ... Carrier 30, 31, 32, 33 ... Retailers 40, 41, 42, 43 ... General consumers 50 ... Internet 52 ... Web server 60 ... Delivery vehicle 62 ... Web carrying Phone 66 ... Barcode reader 68 ... Barcode label

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing from the front page (71) Applicant 500214288 Kimitoshi Iwayanagi 4-7-13-306 Maehara Nishi, Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture (72) Inventor Katsuhiro Mori 5-2-2 Tsukimicho, Toyama City, Toyama Prefecture ( 72) Inventor Satoshi Otake 741 Wanagaya, Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture (72) Inventor Hiromi Hirota 2-2-16-11104 Himonya, Meguro-ku, Tokyo (72) Inventor Kimitoshi Iwayanagi 4 Maehara Nishi, Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture 4-7-306 F term (reference) 5B049 BB33 CC21 CC27 DD02 GG02 GG03 GG06

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A server sharing system, wherein software and data used by individual companies and individuals are shared by a web server using the Internet as a communication means. 2. The server sharing system according to claim 1, wherein the data to be input to the web server is collected by a web portable terminal capable of displaying web contents by connecting to the Internet. 3. The server sharing system according to claim 2, wherein the web mobile terminal includes a web mobile phone and a scanner connectable to the web mobile phone. 4. The server sharing system according to claim 3, wherein the type of the identification code read by the scanner is registered in the web server in advance. 5. The server sharing system according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of companies and individuals are grouped by setting the web server. 6. A web mobile terminal including a web mobile phone capable of displaying web contents by connecting to the Internet and a scanner connectable thereto. 7. The web portable terminal according to claim 6, wherein the exchange of information between the web mobile phone and the scanner is performed in a non-contact manner using infrared rays or electromagnetic waves. 8. The web mobile terminal according to claim 6, wherein the web mobile phone and a scanner are integrated. 9. A web server for receiving a transport request on the web, grasping the status of a package being transported, and storing the completion of delivery, and a web portable terminal provided on the delivery vehicle side for displaying web content. And a scanner that is also provided on the delivery vehicle side and that is capable of exchanging information with the web portable terminal.When the identification code attached to the package is loaded, at any time during transportation, and when the delivery is completed, A logistics management system, wherein real-time tracking of luggage is possible on the web by reading with a scanner and transmitting the web server to the web server. 10. The physical distribution management system according to claim 9, wherein said web portable terminal is also capable of transmitting information on the longitude and latitude of a current location to a web server. 11. The distribution management system according to claim 10, wherein said web portable terminal is capable of displaying a direction and a distance to a destination. 12. The method according to claim 1, wherein, at the time of loading, the contents of the transportation request are displayed on a web portable terminal, and then the identification code attached to the luggage is read to associate the contents of the luggage with the identification code. The logistics management system according to claim 9. 13. The physical distribution management system according to claim 9, wherein information on a longitude and a latitude of a receiving place and a delivery destination is transmitted when the pickup instruction is transmitted to the web portable terminal. 14. A computer-readable storage medium storing a program for realizing the physical distribution management system according to claim 9.