WO2017172481A1

WO2017172481A1 - Last mile product management system

Info

Publication number: WO2017172481A1
Application number: PCT/US2017/023814
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Cronin; Steven Matthew PHILBIN
Original assignee: Carrier Corporation
Priority date: 2016-03-28
Filing date: 2017-03-23
Publication date: 2017-10-05
Also published as: EP3437042A1; CN108885736B; CN108885736A

Abstract

A method and system to manage a product associated with a customer within a cold chain distribution system includes a product database containing at least one product parameter of the product, a customer travel database containing at least one customer travel parameter of the customer, a customer capability database containing at least one customer capability parameter of the customer, and a determination engine to analyze the at least one product parameter, the at least one customer travel parameter, and the at least one customer capability parameter, and to provide a determination value to the customer corresponding to the at least one product parameter, the at least one customer travel parameter, and the at least one customer capability parameter.

Description

LAST MILE PRODUCT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to providing a product determination parameter, and to a system and method for providing a product determination parameter regarding a product journey with information from multiple sources to a user.

[0002] Typically, cold chain distribution systems are used to transport and distribute temperature sensitive and perishable goods. For example, products such as food and pharmaceuticals may be susceptible to temperature, humidity, contaminants, and other environmental factors. Advantageously, cold chain systems allow perishable and environmentally sensitive goods to be effectively transported and distributed without damage or other undesirable effects.

[0003] However, customers of goods that utilize cold chain systems may transport the goods to or from distribution centers either to purchase or return the goods. Various parameters during the customer's transportation of the goods may affect the quality and safety of the goods. A system and method that can provide a product determination parameter regarding a product journey from information multiple sources to a user is desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] According to an embodiment, a system to manage a product associated with a customer within a cold chain distribution system includes a product database containing at least one product parameter of the product, a customer travel database containing at least one customer travel parameter of the customer, a customer capability database containing at least one customer capability parameter of the customer, and a determination engine to analyze the at least one product parameter, the at least one customer travel parameter, and the at least one customer capability parameter, and to provide a determination value to the customer corresponding to the at least one product parameter, the at least one customer travel parameter, and the at least one customer capability parameter.

[0005] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the determination value includes at least one of a proceed value and a do not proceed value.

[0006] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the determination value includes at least one of a return to vendor value, a return to shelf value, a donate value, and a destroy value. [0007] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the customer travel parameter includes at least one of a distance value, a travel time value, an environmental temperature value, and an environmental humidity value.

[0008] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the customer capability parameter includes at least one of a cooling temperature value, a cooling time value, and a humidity value.

[0009] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the product parameter includes at least one of a product shelf time, a product expected shelf life, a product temperature range value, and a product humidity range value.

[0010] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the product is at least one of a will-call product and a return product.

[0011] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include a query interface to provide at least one of the at least one product parameter, the at least one customer travel parameter, and the at least one customer capability parameter.

[0012] According to an embodiment, a method for managing a product associated with a customer within a cold chain distribution system includes providing at least one product parameter of the product to a determination engine via a product database, providing at least one customer travel parameter of the customer to the determination engine via a customer travel database, providing at least one customer capability parameter of the customer to the determination engine via a customer capability database, analyzing the at least one product parameter, the at least one customer travel parameter, and the at least one customer capability parameter via the determination engine, and providing a determination value to the customer corresponding to the at least one product parameter, the at least one customer travel parameter, and the at least one customer capability parameter via the determination engine.

[0013] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the determination value includes at least one of a proceed value and a do not proceed value. [0014] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the determination value includes at least one of a return to vendor value, a return to shelf value, a donate value, and a destroy value.

[0015] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the customer travel parameter includes at least one of a distance value, a travel time value, an environmental temperature value, and an environmental humidity value.

[0016] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the customer capability parameter includes at least one of a cooling temperature value, a cooling time value, and a humidity value.

[0017] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include that the product parameter includes at least one of a product shelf time, a product expected shelf life, a product temperature range value, and a product humidity range value.

[0018] In addition to one or more of the features described above, or as an alternative, further embodiments could include providing at least one of the at least one product parameter, the at least one customer travel parameter, and the at least one customer capability parameter via a query interface.

[0019] Technical function of the embodiments described above includes a determination engine to analyze the at least one product parameter, the at least one customer travel parameter, and the at least one customer capability parameter, and to provide a determination value to the customer corresponding to the at least one product parameter, the at least one customer travel parameter, and the at least one customer capability parameter.

[0020] Other aspects, features, and techniques of the embodiments will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The subject matter is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the embodiments are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like elements are numbered alike in the several FIGURES: [0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a product management system; and

[0023] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a method of managing a product associated with a customer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, a management system 100 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the management system 100 includes a query interface 130, a determination engine 140, a product database 150, a customer travel database 152, a customer capability database 154, and at least one sensor 112 that is associated with the product 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the management system 100 can provide determinations regarding the acceptability and the product condition after the "last mile" journey of products 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the "last mile" journey may refer to the transportation of products from a distribution center to a customer's location after a purchase, or in other embodiments, may refer to the transportation of products from a customer's location to a distribution center for returns. Advantageously, the management system 100 can provide determinations regarding the acceptability and the product condition of products 102 that are transported outside of the control of a conventional cold chain, such as via a customer provided transport to minimize the risk to the customer and the risk to the distribution center.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the product 102 that is stored in the cold chain and later transported the last mile may be any suitable good. In the illustrated embodiment, the product 102 can include perishable goods including but are not limited to fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, eggs, dairy, seed, flowers, meat, poultry, fish, ice, blood, pharmaceuticals, or any other suitable cargo requiring cold chain transport. It is also understood that embodiments described herein may be applied to shipping goods that are not perishable.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, customers may transport products 102 in customer provided transportation 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the customer provided transportation 110 is outside the control of traditional cold chain management and therefore have unknown capabilities. Accordingly, the condition of the products 102 during last mile journeys from a distribution center to a customer location as well as returned products during the last mile journey from a customer location to the distribution center is typically unknown. In certain embodiments, customer provided transportation can include any suitable transportation including refrigerated or otherwise climate controlled containers, passively cooled containers (ice or thermally insulated containers), or non-climate controlled containers, such as a trunk of a car, etc. Customer provided vehicles may provide various levels of thermal performance that may be suitable for certain journey durations and product conditions, etc. Management system 100 can provide determinations and estimated product conditions with respect to the last mile journeys described herein.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, the customer provided transportation 110 can include at least one sensor 112. Sensors 112 can monitor parameters including, but not limited to temperature, pressure, humidity, carbon dioxide, ethylene, ozone, light exposure, vibration exposure, and other conditions. Advantageously, sensors 112 may be selected for certain applications depending on the type of products 102 to be monitored and the corresponding environmental sensitivities. Additionally, a global positioning system (GPS) location may also be detected by the sensors 112. The GPS location may help in providing time-based location information for the products 102 that will help in tracking the travel route and other parameters along that route. Additional information regarding environmental parameters may be determined using location information. In other embodiments, provided sensors 112 can be located or associated with the products 102, or be environmental sensors 112 to provide environmental parameters such as weather along a travel route.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the management system 100 can be utilized in a designated will call area 120 of a distribution center to determine if products 102 will be of a desired or predetermined quality upon reaching the customer destination. In the illustrated embodiment, customers can place an order for products 102 to be picked up at a will call area 120 to take home. In the illustrated embodiment, the will call area 120 can be used to assemble the product order and further assess the last mile journey of the products 102. In the illustrated embodiment, customers may interface with the query interface 130 at this location.

[0029] In other embodiments, the management system 100 can be utilized in a returns area 122. In the illustrated embodiment, customer returned product 102 can be assessed in a designated area to determine the last mile journey taken from a customer location to the distribution center to determine the next course of action via the determination engine 140. In certain embodiments, the determination engine 140 can utilize journey parameters to identify various determinations.

[0030] In the illustrated embodiment, the product database 150 includes product parameters. In the illustrated embodiment, product parameters can include product information values regarding product availability, quantity, etc. Advantageously, product information available in the product database 150 allows customers to pre order or allow employees to forecast inventory. Parameters may include attributes of the products 102 such as, temperature, weight, size, sugar content, maturity, grade, ripeness, labeling, and packaging. Parameters may further include, for example, temperature, pressure, humidity, carbon dioxide, ethylene, ozone, vibrations, light exposure, weather, time and location of storage. The parameters may further be augmented with time, location stamps or other relevant information. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the product database 150 can include information regarding required or desired temperature ranges, humidity ranges, acceptable light exposure, allowable gas exposure, etc. Further, the product information database 150 can further include information about the current and projected quality of products 102, such as determining the relative time of harvest, freshness, storage time, etc. Advantageously, the determination engine 140 can use the current production condition to provide determinations regarding the last mile journey. In certain embodiments, entries within the product database 150 can be generated from software, user queries, connected databases, or historical information.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the customer travel database 152 can include customer travel parameters. In certain embodiments, customer travel parameters can include values including, but not limited to customer route values, expected traffic values, stationary time, total travel time, altitude, humidity, temperature, etc. In certain embodiments, sensors 112 can be utilized to record historical and contemporary data, as well as environmental sensors 122 to determine environmental conditions a customer may experience. In certain embodiments, GPS location and traffic information can be utilized and recorded in the customer travel database 152. In certain embodiments, entries within the customer travel database 152 can be generated using routing software, user queries, or historical information.

[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, the customer capability database 154 can include customer capability parameters. In certain embodiments, customers can self-report customer capability values, such as cooling capabilities, cargo capacity, humidity ranges, etc. In certain embodiments, customers can identify a transport type, such as a cooler, a refrigerated compartment, vehicle trunk, etc., and allow customer capabilities to be determined based on reported characteristics. In certain embodiments, employees can verify or use historical information to determine if previous performance corresponds with the described customer capabilities. Advantageously, the determination engine 140 can compare the customer capability values with the product information and the planned route to determine if the described customer capabilities are acceptable to send products 102 with the customer. [0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the management system 100 includes a query interface 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the query interface 130 can receive information and values from customers, employees and any other suitable users in order to provide a determination regarding the condition of the product 102 after a last mile journey. In certain embodiments, the query interface 130 can receive suitable information from sensors 112. Further, in certain embodiments, the query interface 130 can prompt a secondary review or verification of information that is input. In the illustrated embodiment the query interface 130 can input or display values from the product database 150, the customer travel database 152, or the customer capability database 154. In the illustrated embodiment, the query interface 130 can be a computer application, a web application, a phone application, a server process, etc.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, the determination engine 140 is an engine to receive and analyze information from the product database 150, the customer travel database 152, and the customer capability database 154 to provide determinations regarding the expected or predicted quality of the product 102 after a last mile journey. The determination engine 140 may also include a processor (not shown) and an associated memory (not shown). The processor may be but is not limited to a single-processor or multi-processor system of any of a wide array of possible architectures, including field programmable gate array (FPGA), central processing unit (CPU), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP) or graphics processing unit (GPU) hardware arranged homogenously or heterogeneously. The memory may be but is not limited to a random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), or other electronic, optical, magnetic or any other computer readable medium.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the determination engine 140 can analyze the parameters received from the product database 150, the customer travel database 152, and the customer capability database 154 to provide various determinations either before or after a last mile product journey. In certain embodiments, the determination engine 140 may provide a proceed or do not proceed determination before a last mile journey, based on the parameters of the products 102 being taken, the characteristics of the customers travel journey and the customers transit capabilities. In certain embodiments, the determination engine 140 can be utilized to provide a product determination after a last mile journey, such as for customer returns. The determination engine 140 may determine whether to restock the product 102, return the product 102 to a vendor, donate the product 102, or destroy the product 102. The determination engine 140 can receive information regarding the last mile journey, such as the travel time, the product type, temperature range to be experienced or experienced, storage time, etc. The determination engine 140 can match and correspond parameters to determine or otherwise provide a determination value regarding the product 102. In certain embodiments, such determination values can be provided or displayed via the query interface 130.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 2, a method 200 for managing a product associated with a customer is shown. In operation 202, at least one of the at least one product parameter, the at least one customer travel parameter, and the at least one customer capability parameter is provided via a query interface. In the illustrated embodiment, the query interface can receive information and values from customers, employees and any other suitable users in order to provide a determination regarding the condition of the product after a last mile journey. In certain embodiments, the query interface can receive suitable information from sensors. The query interface can further receive information regarding the requested products, the reported customer capabilities, and a desired destination.

[0037] In operation 203, a product availability value of the product is identified. In the illustrated embodiment, products requested by a user via the query interface are checked against the product database to determine the availability of the product. In certain embodiments, the product database can identify a location of a product to bring to the will- call area or provide alternative locations for the product. In certain embodiments, the product database can identify if a product is available or not available.

[0038] In operation 204, at least one product parameter of the product is provided to a determination engine via a product database. In the illustrated embodiment, product parameters can include product information values regarding product availability, quantity, etc. Advantageously, product information available in the product database allows customers to pre order or allow employees to forecast inventory. Parameters may include attributes of the products such as, temperature, weight, size, sugar content, maturity, grade, ripeness, labeling, and packaging. Parameters may further include, for example, temperature, pressure, humidity, carbon dioxide, ethylene, ozone, vibrations, light exposure, weather, time and location of storage.

[0039] In operation 206, at least one customer travel parameter of the customer is provided to the determination engine via a customer travel database. The customer travel database can be utilized to provide routing information to the determination engine for a user provided destination. In certain embodiments, customer travel parameters can include values including, but not limited to customer route values, expected traffic values, stationary time, total travel time, altitude, humidity, temperature, etc. In certain embodiments, sensors can be utilized to record historical and contemporary data, as well as environmental sensors to determine environmental conditions a customer may experience.

[0040] In operation 208, at least one customer capability parameter of the customer is provided to the determination engine via a customer capability database. In certain embodiments, customers can self-report customer capability values, such as cooling capabilities, cargo capacity, humidity ranges, etc. In certain embodiments, customers can identify a transport type, such as a cooler, a refrigerated compartment, vehicle trunk, etc., and allow customer capabilities to be determined based on reported characteristics.

[0041] In operation 210, the at least one product parameter, the at least one customer travel parameter, and the at least one customer capability parameter is analyzed via the determination engine. In the illustrated embodiment, the determination engine can analyze the parameters received from the product database, the customer travel database, and the customer capability database to provide various determinations either before or after a last mile product journey.

[0042] In operation 212, a determination value to the customer corresponding to the at least one product parameter, the at least one customer travel parameter, and the at least one customer capability parameter is provided via the determination engine. In certain embodiments, the determination engine may provide a proceed value or do not proceed value before a last mile journey, based on the parameters of the products being taken, the characteristics of the customers travel journey and the customers transit capabilities. In certain embodiments, the determination engine can be utilized to provide a product determination after a last mile journey, such as for customer returns. The determination engine 140 may determine values such as a restock value, a return value, a donate value, or a destroy value.

[0043] As described above, the exemplary embodiments can be in the form of processor- implemented processes and devices for practicing those processes, such as determination engine 140. The exemplary embodiments can also be in the form of computer program code containing instructions embodied in tangible media, such as floppy diskettes, CD ROMs, hard drives, or any other computer-readable storage medium, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into and executed by a computer, the computer becomes a device for practicing the exemplary embodiments. The exemplary embodiments can also be in the form of computer program code, for example, whether stored in a storage medium, loaded into and/or executed by a computer, or transmitted over some transmission medium, loaded into and/or executed by a computer, or transmitted over some transmission medium, such as over electrical wiring or cabling, through fiber optics, or via electromagnetic radiation, wherein, when the computer program code is loaded into an executed by a computer, the computer becomes an device for practicing the exemplary embodiments. When implemented on a general-purpose microprocessor, the computer program code segments configure the microprocessor to create specific logic circuits.

[0044] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the embodiments. While the description of the present embodiments has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, it is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the form disclosed. Many modifications, variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangement not hereto described will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the embodiments. Additionally, while various embodiments have been described, it is to be understood that aspects may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the embodiments are not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but are only limited by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A system for managing a product associated with a customer within a cold chain distribution system, comprising:

a product database containing at least one product parameter of the product;

a customer travel database containing at least one customer travel parameter of the customer;

a customer capability database containing at least one customer capability parameter of the customer; and

a determination engine to analyze the at least one product parameter, the at least one customer travel parameter, and the at least one customer capability parameter, and to provide a determination value to the customer corresponding to the at least one product parameter, the at least one customer travel parameter, and the at least one customer capability parameter.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the determination value includes at least one of a proceed value and a do not proceed value.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the determination value includes at least one of a return to vendor value, a return to shelf value, a donate value, and a destroy value.

4. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the customer travel parameter includes at least one of a distance value, a travel time value, an environmental temperature value, and an environmental humidity value.

5. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the customer capability parameter includes at least one of a cooling temperature value, a cooling time value, and a humidity value.

6. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the product parameter includes at least one of a product shelf time, a product expected shelf life, a product temperature range value, and a product humidity range value.

7. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the product is at least one of a will-call product and a return product.

8. The system of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a query interface to provide at least one of the at least one product parameter, the at least one customer travel parameter, and the at least one customer capability parameter.

9. A method for managing a product associated with a customer within a cold chain distribution system, comprising: providing at least one product parameter of the product to a determination engine via a product database;

providing at least one customer travel parameter of the customer to the determination engine via a customer travel database;

providing at least one customer capability parameter of the customer to the determination engine via a customer capability database;

analyzing the at least one product parameter, the at least one customer travel parameter, and the at least one customer capability parameter via the determination engine; and

providing a determination value to the customer corresponding to the at least one product parameter, the at least one customer travel parameter, and the at least one customer capability parameter via the determination engine.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the determination value includes at least one of a proceed value and a do not proceed value.

11. The method of claim 9 wherein the determination value includes at least one of a return to vendor value, a return to shelf value, a donate value, and a destroy value.

12. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the customer travel parameter includes at least one of a distance value, a travel time value, an environmental temperature value, and an environmental humidity value.

13. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the customer capability parameter includes at least one of a cooling temperature value, a cooling time value, and a humidity value.

14. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the product parameter includes at least one of a product shelf time, a product expected shelf life, a product temperature range value, and a product humidity range value.

15. The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising providing at least one of the at least one product parameter, the at least one customer travel parameter, and the at least one customer capability parameter via a query interface.

16. A computer program product tangibly embodied on a computer readable medium, the computer program product including instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations comprising:

providing at least one product parameter of the product to a determination engine via a product database; providing at least one customer travel parameter of the customer to the determination engine via a customer travel database;