JP2001338031A - Method for providing status information - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a physical distribution trader to efficiently and conveniently disclose the physical distribution status information and settlement status information of articles requested from a client to the client. SOLUTION: A physical distribution trader provides the physical status information of articles requested by a client through a communication network to the client by an electronic mail according to the physical distribution status fluctuation of the articles. Also, when the transfer of money is generated related with the articles, a financial agent dealing with the money transfer settlement provides the settlement status information related with the settlement through the communication network to the client by the electronic mail.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for providing distribution status information and settlement status information to a client in the process of transporting the goods requested by the client.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a distribution company that performs home delivery or the like has a distribution status of articles requested by a requester, that is, during storage,
During the delivery, the status of the recipient has been received and the like is centrally managed by a computer, and the user can check the status information of the article in real time. Further, in recent years, a technique of disclosing such distribution status information to a client has become popular. Hereinafter, the method will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a system used for disclosing distribution status information of articles to a requester. The requester information processing apparatus 10, a distributor information processing system 20, and a system for interconnecting these. Is configured by a communication network 100 connected to. The distributor information processing system 20 is, for example, a host computer 21 such as a server.
And a sub computer 22 such as a personal computer or a mobile phone connected to the host computer via a communication network 110.
Reference numeral 2 denotes a function for inputting status information of each article, a function for searching for status information of each article, a function for displaying a search result, and a function for connecting to the communication network 110 for communication. Provide functions.
Also, the host computer 21 is a sub-computer 22
The service provides a service that centrally manages the input status information of the article from the client and enables the client to search the status information of the article on the network communication 100. The client information processing apparatus 10 is, for example, a personal computer or a mobile phone, and has a communication function for connecting the distributor information processing apparatus 20 to a service established on the communication network 100, and a status of articles in the service. An input device such as a keyboard for performing an operation necessary for searching for information and a display device such as a liquid crystal screen for displaying a search result are provided. The communication network 100 is, for example, the Internet. In this case, the service established by the distributor information processing system 20 on the communication network 100 is H
P (homepage) and the like. Further, the communication network 110 is a communication network such as an intranet or the like, which is independently installed by a distribution company.

Next, how the distribution status information of the article is provided to the client by the system shown in FIG. 1 will be described step by step. The distributor assigns a unique ID (reception number, etc.) to each item requested by the client, and each time the status of the item changes, the handler sends the logistics status information to the sub-computer 22 in accordance with the I / O.
Enter with D. The distribution status information and the ID information input to the sub computer 22 are transmitted to the host computer 21 via the communication network 110. The host computer 21 stores the received distribution status information in an internal storage device in association with the article ID information. When the goods dealer himself / herself wants to know the status information of the goods, the ID of the goods whose distribution status information is to be obtained is input using the sub-computer 22 and transmitted to the host computer 21 via the communication network 110. . Host computer 2
1 retrieves the distribution status information of the article corresponding to the received ID information, and transmits the distribution status information to the sub-computer 22 via the communication network 110.

[0005] When the client wants to know the status information of the article, the host computer 21 accesses the information providing service such as the HP established on the communication network 100 using the client information processing apparatus 10. rear,
The ID of the article described in the receipt or the like when the article was requested is input to the client information processing apparatus 10 and the communication network 1
00 to the host computer 21. The host computer 21 searches for distribution status information of the article corresponding to the received ID, and transmits the distribution status information to the client information processing apparatus 10 via the communication network 100. The transmitted distribution status information is displayed on the display device of the client information processing device 10.

[0006]

As described above, the logistics company independently builds a management system for the logistics status information of articles and provides the logistics status information to the client in conjunction with the management system. The requester can obtain the distribution status information of the article requested by the distributor at any time. However, every time the requester tries to obtain the distribution status information of the article, the host computer 21 of the distribution company establishes the HP opened on the communication network 100.
Access to such information services is troublesome, and the logistics status of the goods may not have changed despite repeated access, which may result in wasteful work. There was a problem that communication costs increased.

[0007] Also, when the receiver bears the delivery cost,
When it is necessary to exchange money in connection with the delivery of goods, the requester cannot easily know the settlement status information such as billing and payment until the settlement is completed. In particular, it is more difficult to obtain the information in the case of payment made through a financial company such as a card payment instead of direct payment by a distribution company.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a distribution company with efficient and simple disclosure of distribution status information and settlement status information of articles requested by a client to the client.

[0009]

According to a status information providing method of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems, a logistics company transmits a logistics status information to a communication network according to a change in the logistics status of an article requested by a client. The request is provided to the requester by e-mail via the Internet. Thus, the distribution status information can be immediately provided to the requester in conjunction with the distribution status change of the article. At that time, the client only has to bear the minimum labor and communication cost.

[0010] A status information providing method according to the present invention comprises:
(1) a step in which the distributor receives the article from the client; and (2) a step in which the distributor assigns an ID unique to the article to the article and displays the ID information on the surface of the article. (3) the client receives ID information given to the article from the distributor, (4) the client transmits the e-mail address to the distributor, (5) The distributor inputting the ID information of the article and the e-mail address of the requester into the distributor sub-computer; (6) the distributor stores the ID information and the e-mail address information; (7) transmitting the ID information and the ID to the distributor host computer via the communication network; And (8) a person in charge of each logistics status when the logistics company handles the article, and stores the logistics status information of the article on the surface of the article. Inputting the ID information together with the displayed ID information to a distributor subcomputer owned by each person in charge, and (9) the distributor subcomputer stores the distribution status information and the ID information via a communication network in a distributor host. (10) each time the distributor host computer receives the distribution status information and the ID information, based on the received ID information, the new distribution status information of the corresponding article. The electronic mail stored in the storage device and associated with the ID information is stored. Transmitting new distribution status information as e-mail to the address via a communication network; and (12) the requester information processing apparatus receives the e-mail from the article supplier host computer and receives the distribution status information. Is displayed on the display device. Thus, the distribution status information can be immediately provided to the requester in conjunction with the distribution status change of the article. At that time, the client only has to bear the minimum labor and communication cost.

[0011] The status information providing method of the present invention comprises:
(1) a logistics company receiving an article from a client; (2) a step in which the logistics company assigns an ID unique to the article to the article and displays the ID information on the surface of the article; 3) the requester receiving the ID information given to the article from the distributor, (4) the client transmitting the e-mail address to the distributor, and (5) the distribution. A trader inputting the ID information of the article and the e-mail address of the client to the distributor subcomputer; (6) the distributor subcomputer inputs the I
Transmitting the D information and the e-mail address information to the distributor host computer via the communication network; and (7) the distributor host computer associates the ID information with the e-mail address information and stores the information. (8) a person in charge of each logistics status when the logistics company handles the article; and a person in charge of the logistics status information of the article together with the ID information displayed on the surface of the article. Inputting to each distributor's subcomputer,
(9) the distributor subcomputer transmitting the distribution status information and the ID information to a distributor host computer via a communication network;
(10) Each time the distributor host computer receives the distribution status information and the ID information, the received I
Based on the D information, the new distribution status information of the corresponding article is stored in the storage device, and the e-mail address information stored in association with the ID information is transmitted to the distribution company subcomputer via the communication network. (11) the sub-computer transmits new distribution status information as e-mail to the address based on the received e-mail address information via the communication network, based on the received e-mail address information;
(12) receiving the electronic mail from the distributor sub-computer and displaying the distribution status information on the display device. Thus, the distribution status information can be immediately provided to the requester in conjunction with the distribution status change of the article. At that time, the client only has to bear the minimum labor and communication cost.

[0012] In the status information providing method according to the present invention, the requester may confirm the delivery completion to the distributor via a communication network after receiving the distribution status information indicating the completion of the article delivery from the distributor as e-mail. The e-mail is returned. As a result, the logistics company finishes the business related to the article by confirming the delivery completion by the client, which contributes to the improvement of reliability.

[0013] In the status information providing method according to the present invention, in the case where the logistics company performs a money transfer for an article requested by the requester, a financing company handling the money transfer settlement communicates settlement status information regarding the payment. It is provided to the requester by e-mail via a network. As a result, not only the distribution status information of the article but also the settlement status information can be immediately provided to the client with the status information. At that time, the client only has to bear the minimum labor and communication cost.

[0014] The status information providing method of the present invention comprises:
(1) the distributor inputs the ID information of the article and the e-mail address information transmitted from the client to the distributor subcomputer; (2) the distributor stores the client To a financing company information processing apparatus of a financing company that performs settlement of money transfer that occurs in connection with the delivery of goods requested by I.
Transmitting the D information and the e-mail address information via a communication network; and (2) the financial institution information processing apparatus associates the received ID information with the received e-mail address information and stores them in a storage device. (3) the logistics company sends the financial institution information processing device to the financial institution information processing device via the communication network by the logistics company subcomputer every time it becomes necessary to transfer money in connection with the delivery of goods. Transmitting the ID information of the article and the settlement request information; and (4) the financing company information processing apparatus performs settlement based on the settlement request information,
Transmitting the settlement status information as an e-mail via a communication network to an e-mail address stored in association with the settlement target article ID information every time the settlement status changes until the settlement is completed;
(5) receiving the e-mail from the financing company sub-computer and displaying the settlement status information on the display device. As a result, not only the distribution status information of the article but also the settlement status information can be immediately provided to the client with the status information. At that time, the client only has to bear the minimum labor and communication cost.

[0015] In the status information providing method according to the present invention, the requester may confirm the settlement completion to the financing company via a communication network after receiving the settlement status information of the settlement completion from the financing company as an e-mail. It is characterized by replying an e-mail. As a result, the financing company terminates the settlement business relating to the goods by confirming the settlement completion by the client, which contributes to the improvement of reliability.

[0016]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration used in the present invention. It is composed of a client information processing apparatus 10, a distributor information processing system 20, and a communication network 100 interconnecting these. The distributor information processing system 20 includes, for example, a host computer 21 such as a server and a subcomputer 22 such as a personal computer or a mobile phone connected to the host computer via a communication network 110.
The sub-computer 22 has a function for inputting distribution status information of each article, a function for searching for distribution status information of each article, a function for displaying a search result, and a communication network 110. A function for connecting and performing communication is provided. Further, the host computer 21 has a communication function for centrally managing the status information of the article input from the sub-computer 22 and connecting to the communication networks 100 and 110. The client information processing apparatus 10 is, for example, a personal computer or a mobile phone, and includes a communication function for connecting to the communication network 100 and a display device such as a liquid crystal screen for displaying information transmitted and received. The communication network 100 includes, for example, the Internet. The network 110 is a communication line network such as an intranet or the like that is uniquely installed by a distributor.

Next, how the distribution status information of the article is provided to the client by the system shown in FIG. 1 will be described step by step. The receiving person in charge of the distributor assigns a unique ID to each article requested by the client and displays the ID on the surface of the article. I
D is, for example, a reception number or the like, and its ID is displayed on the surface of the article.
Is directly displayed in a character or a bar code, so that each person in charge of article handling can recognize the ID of the article.

When the goods are delivered, the requester informs the distributor of the e-mail address. The receiving person inputs the e-mail address information and the ID information to the sub-computer 22, and transmits the information to the host computer 21 via the communication network 110. The host computer 21 associates the received e-mail address information with the ID information and stores it in the internal storage device.

Each time the article handling person changes the distribution status of the article, he or she inputs the distribution status information to the subcomputer 22 together with the ID. At this time, the person in charge may read the ID and manually input the ID into the sub-computer 22, but the ID is displayed as a bar code, and the sub-computer 22 is provided with a bar code reading function, and is directly read into the sub-computer 22. It is also possible to make it. The distribution status information input to the sub-computer 22 is transmitted to the host computer 21 via the communication network 110. Host computer 21
Stores the received distribution status information in the internal storage device in association with the ID information. When the goods dealer himself wants to know the distribution status information of the goods, he or she inputs the ID of the goods whose distribution status information is to be obtained to the sub-computer 22 and transmits this to the host computer 21 via the communication network 110. The host computer 21 searches for distribution status information of the article corresponding to the received ID, and transmits the distribution status information to the sub-computer 22 via the communication network 110.

As described above, the host computer 21
Each time the new distribution status information of the article is transmitted from the sub-computer 22, the ID information of the article is searched and the distribution status information is stored. At this time, the ID
Based on the e-mail address information stored in advance in association with the information, new distribution status information is transmitted as e-mail to the requester information processing apparatus 10 via the communication network 100. Client information processing device 10
By displaying the received e-mail on the display device, the requester can obtain the latest distribution status information of the article.

At this time, further, after receiving the e-mail indicating the completion of the delivery of the goods from the distributor, the client returns a confirmation of the completion of the delivery of the goods to the distributor, and the distributor handles the article handling business by the reply. Can be a complete procedure.

Here, it is assumed that the distributor has independently constructed the communication network 110. However, as shown in FIG.
The communication network 100 may also be used for communication between the server and the server. In this case, the above-described series of procedures is exactly the same.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only different parts will be described. In the above embodiment, the host computer 21
Transmitted the e-mail to the client information processing apparatus 10, but in the present embodiment, the sub-computer 22 transmits the e-mail. The procedure will be described below.

The host computer 21 retrieves the ID information of the article every time new distribution status information of the article is transmitted from the sub-computer 22 and stores the distribution status information. E-mail address information stored in advance in association with
Sub-computer 22 via communication network 110
Reply to The sub-computer 22 transmits new distribution status information as electronic mail to the client information processing apparatus 10 via the communication network 100 based on the electronic mail address information transmitted from the host computer 21. By displaying the e-mail received by the client information processing device 10 on the display device, the client can obtain the latest distribution status information of the article.

In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the host computer 21 integrally manages the ID information of the articles and the distribution status information. However, it is also possible that the host computer 21 manages only the ID information of the article and the corresponding e-mail address information. At this time, the subcomputer 22
Transmits the ID information of the article via the communication network 110, the host computer 21 retrieves the e-mail address information based on the ID information, and returns it to the sub-computer 22. However, in this method, there is no problem in providing the distribution status information to the client, but it is difficult to obtain the distribution status information inside the distribution company. Therefore, it is preferable that the host computer 21 integrally manages the ID information of the articles and the distribution status information.

In the present embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, after receiving an e-mail indicating the completion of the delivery of goods from the distributor, the requester returns a confirmation of the completion of the delivery of the goods to the distributor, and It is possible for the trader to complete the article handling business by replying. Further, the communication network 100 may be used for communication between the host computer 21 and the sub computer 22.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted, and only different parts will be described. In the present embodiment, in addition to the status information relating to the distribution of the article, the status information relating to the settlement of money transfer that occurs with the distribution of the article is also provided to the requester. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a system configuration used in the method of providing status information on articles according to the present invention. The communication network 100 is connected to the communication network 100. The financer information processing apparatus 30 is composed of a computer such as a server, for example, and has a communication function for connecting to the communication network 100.

Next, how the status information of the article is provided to the client by the system shown in FIG. 2 will be described step by step. When requesting goods distribution from a distribution company, the client transmits his / her own e-mail address information to the financing company that performs the settlement, if it is necessary to obtain settlement status information on the goods delivery. At this time, the requester may transmit the information directly to the financing company by telephone, facsimile, e-mail, or the like. As described in the first embodiment, if the information is transmitted from the distribution company to the financing company, the work load of the client is reduced. For example, when the receiving person transmits the ID information of the article and the e-mail address information to the host computer by the sub-computer 22, the information is also transmitted to the financial information processing apparatus 30 via the communication network 100. What is necessary is just to transmit. Alternatively, in the case where the financing company that performs settlement differs for each distribution status, the person in charge of the distribution status that requires settlement transmits the information to the financing company information processing device 30 via the communication network 100. do it. The financer information processing device 30 associates the received e-mail address information with the ID information and stores the information in the internal storage device.

When the distributor needs to settle the payment in connection with the delivery of the goods, the sub-computer 22 sends the information of the goods to the sub-computer 22.
The D information and the payment request information including the payment content information are transmitted to the financing company information processing device 30 via the communication network 100 each time. The financer information processing device 30
A payment operation is performed based on the transmitted payment request information. Each time the settlement status information changes, such as billing, depositing, direct debit, etc., the client information processing device via the communication network 100 based on the e-mail address information stored in relation to the ID information of the article. The new distribution status information is transmitted to E.10 as e-mail. By displaying the e-mail received by the client information processing device 10 on the display device, the client can obtain the latest distribution status information of the article.

At this time, further, after receiving the e-mail of the settlement completion from the financing company, the client returns a confirmation of the settlement completion to the financing company, and the financing company completes the settlement handling business by the reply. Procedure.

[0031]

As described above, according to the present invention, the logistics company can efficiently and easily disclose the distribution status information and the settlement status information of the goods requested by the client to the client. .

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a system configuration used in the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a system configuration used in the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing still another example of a system configuration used in the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Requester information processing apparatus 20 Distributor information processing system 21 Host computer 22 Subcomputer 30 Financial company information processing apparatus 100, 110 Communication network

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A distribution company provides distribution status information to a client by electronic mail via a communication network in response to a change in the distribution status of an article requested by the client. How to provide status information. 2. The distribution company receives an article from a requester, and (2) the distribution company assigns an ID unique to the article to the article and transmits the ID information to the surface of the article. (3) receiving the ID information given to the article from the distributor, and (4) transmitting the e-mail address of the client to the distributor. When,
(5) the distributor inputs the ID information of the article and the e-mail address of the client to the distributor sub-computer; and (6) the distributor stores the ID information and the e-mail. Transmitting the address information to the distributor host computer via a communication network; and (7) storing the information in the storage device by associating the ID information with the e-mail address information. And (8) a logistics agent having a logistics status information on the article together with the ID information displayed on the surface of the article by a person in charge of each logistics status when the logistics company handles the article. Inputting to a sub-computer; (9) the distributor sub-computer is connected to a communication network Transmitting the logistics status information and the ID information to the logistics host computer via a network, and (10) receiving the logistics status information and the ID information each time the logistics host computer receives the logistics status information and the ID information. Based on the information, the new logistics status information of the corresponding article is stored in the storage device, and the new logistics status information is transmitted to the e-mail address stored in association with the ID information via the communication network. Transmitting as an e-mail; and (12) the requester information processing apparatus receiving an e-mail from the article supplier host computer and displaying distribution status information on the display device. The method for providing status information according to claim 1. (3) a step in which the distributor receives the article from the client; and (2) the distributor assigns an ID unique to the article to the article and displays the ID information on the surface of the article. (3) the client receives ID information given to the article from the distributor, and (4) the client transmits the e-mail address to the distributor. (5) the distributor inputs the ID information of the article and the e-mail address of the client to the distributor sub-computer; and (6) the distributor stores the ID information and the e-mail. Transmitting the address information to the distributor host computer via a communication network; and (7) the distributor host computer transmits the ID information. (8) associating the information with the e-mail address information and storing the information in the storage device;
The person in charge of each logistics status when the logistics company handles the goods inputs the logistics status information of the goods to the logistics company subcomputers possessed by each person in charge, together with the ID information displayed on the surface of the goods. (9) the logistics sub-computer communicates with the logistics status information and I via a communication network.
Transmitting the D information to the distributor host computer; (10) the distributor host computer:
Each time the distribution status information and the ID information are received, new distribution status information of the corresponding article is stored in the storage device based on the received ID information, and
Returning e-mail address information stored in association with the D information to the distributor subcomputer via a communication network; and (11) the subcomputer based on the received e-mail address information. Transmitting new logistics status information as e-mail to the address via a communication network; and (12) receiving the e-mail from the distributor subcomputer by the client information processing apparatus, and Displaying the status information on the display device. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the requester returns distribution status confirmation e-mail to the logistics company via a communication network after receiving the distribution status information of the goods distribution completion from the logistics company. The method for providing status information in physical distribution according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: 5. In the case where the logistics company performs a cash transfer for an article requested by the client, the financing company handling the money transfer settlement sends the payment status information to the requester by e-mail via a communication network. The status information providing method according to claim 1, wherein the status information is provided to a user. 6. The logistics company has an ID of the article.
Inputting the information and the e-mail address information transmitted from the client to the distributor sub-computer; and (2) generating the distribution sub-computer in connection with the delivery of the article requested by the client. Transmitting the ID information and the e-mail address information via a communication network to a financing company information processing device of a financing company that performs settlement of money transfer. (2)
A step in which the financial institution information processing apparatus associates the received ID information with the e-mail address information and stores the information in a storage device; and (3) the logistics company transmits and receives money in connection with the delivery of goods. Each time it becomes necessary, the logistics company subcomputer sends the ID of the article to the financial institution information processing device via a communication network.
Transmitting the information and the settlement request information; and (4) the financing company information processing apparatus performs settlement based on the settlement request information and sets the settlement status information every time the settlement status changes until the settlement is completed. Target article I
Transmitting as an e-mail to an e-mail address stored in association with the D information via a communication network; and (5) the requester information processing apparatus transmits the e-mail from the financing company subcomputer. Receiving the payment status information and displaying the payment status information on the display device. 7. The method according to claim 7, wherein the requester returns a settlement completion e-mail to the financing company via a communication network after receiving the settlement status information of the settlement completion from the financing company as an e-mail. The status information providing method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein