WO2021019328A1

WO2021019328A1 - Logistics system and method for fresh food products

Info

Publication number: WO2021019328A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/056337
Authority: WO
Inventors: Antoine PULCINI
Original assignee: Promus
Priority date: 2019-07-26
Filing date: 2020-07-06
Publication date: 2021-02-04
Also published as: FR3099276A1

Abstract

Logistics system for delivering fresh food products for food producers, comprising a central server (10), a plurality of producer workstations (20), a plurality of recipient workstations (50), at least one near storage depot (30) provided with a near storage workstation (31), a plurality of deliverer workstations (40), wherein the central server (10) comprises a batch generation module (12) and a sorting module (13) that is designed to generate data on product packages and locations for the placement of the batches and packages in a near storage depot (30), storage ticket data, delivery ticket data, and batch tag data for the batches to be prepared by the producers.

Description

LOGISTICS SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR FRESH FOOD PRODUCTS

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a logistics system for the delivery of fresh food for food producers, in particular for agricultural producers, comprising a central server, a plurality of producer workstations, and a plurality of workstations of recipients. The invention also relates to a corresponding logistics method.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

In the field of agro-food, most of the food products are marketed and distributed to consumers by distribution companies operating on the basis of large warehouses ensuring deliveries to a network of supermarkets and shops. proximity where consumers come to shop.

[0003] Many producers also carry out direct sales, either in markets where several producers sell their products directly, or "on the farm", where consumers go directly to obtain their supplies.

However, these distribution channels are no longer sufficient to meet all the demands of all consumers. For example, delivery systems for fresh produce make it possible to ensure deliveries from a producer to one or more recipients. Each producer offering a delivery service must therefore set up his own delivery system, which is inefficient, expensive and very restrictive.

[0005] To overcome these drawbacks, various delivery systems have been devised. For example, the document FR3Q48Q93 describes a method for managing logistical routing of objects to multiple users, for distribution and / or collection by a logistics operator, in particular an operator independent of said users. It comprises transfer, deposit and then withdrawal operations in a BAC container controlled by an electronic lock, which can be installed without an electronic connection with the management server Si. A package to be delivered is placed in this container. The recipient user receives an availability code valid for a few days on his UPT computerized telephone, indicating where to collect his package. Arrived at the container, he enters the container code in the application. This then provides an opening code valid for a few minutes, and automatically prepares a report message. The container checks the opening code and opens his locker. As soon as the phone is connected to the network, it automatically sends its report to the IS management server. This method does not make it possible to carry out logistical operations for a plurality of products from several producers, in particular for fresh products.

[0006] Several documents illustrate systems making it possible to manage packages in relation to an enclosure where customers will directly collect their packages.

[0007] Document WO2019060826 describes a logistics center for the processing and delivery of packages. The logistics center and process provide customers with a plurality of options for delivering and / or collecting a shipped package. The logistics center described makes it possible to carry out the last km of delivery in an optimal mode adapted to each case. However, it does not allow logistical operations to be carried out for a plurality of products from several producers, in particular for fresh products.

[0008] Document WO2015100390 describes a local delivery system based on electronic compartments that can be used for the storage and securing of packages to be recovered by the recipients. Each locker station can include a set of individual lockers of different sizes, each with an electronically triggered door latch. Each locker station has one or more input / output devices electronically connected to a computer. The I / O device controls the intelligent locker system to deliver and retrieve packages. The computer and software are used to store, retrieve and manipulate relevant package recipient information as well as delivery tracking information. The system described makes it possible to carry out local distribution of parcels in a simple and secure manner. However, it does not allow logistical operations to be carried out for a plurality of products from several producers, in particular for fresh products.

[0009] Document US2009 / 254460 describes a monitoring, traceability and inspection process for ensuring the continuous monitoring of food between the place of production and the place of consumption.

[0010] There is therefore a need for a system and a method making it possible to efficiently carry out the delivery to destination of fresh foodstuffs for food producers, in particular for agricultural producers. To overcome these various drawbacks, the invention provides various technical means.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0012] First, a first objective of the invention is to provide a system and a method for ensuring the storage of an order comprising products supplied by a plurality of producers, for a single recipient.

[0013] Another objective of the invention is to provide is to provide a method and a system for ensuring the storage and delivery of fresh food products from several producers, for a single recipient.

Another objective of the invention is to provide a system and a method for ensuring the storage and distribution of an order of fresh food products comprising fresh products from several producers and for a single recipient, using a single supply chain ensuring all the required operations.

To do this, the invention provides an automated storage and sorting process for food producers, in particular for agricultural producers, allowing the delivery of fresh foodstuffs using a storage system and sorting comprising a central server, a plurality of workstations of producers, a plurality of workstations of recipients, at least one storage depot and automated sorting provided with a plurality of locations attributable to incoming batches to be stored, a plurality of warehouse and / or delivery workstations, said method comprising the following steps:

i) a step of reception by the central server of product data from a recipient making it possible to provide the server with the product data selected by the recipient as well as the identifier of this recipient;

ii) a step of preparing batch data to be stored by a batch preparation module of the centralized server;

iii) a step of assigning batches to be stored in assigned locations in one or more storage and sorting depots automated by a sorting module;

iv) a batch sorting step by the sorting module in order to group batches into packages comprising a plurality of batches intended for a single customer;

v) a step of generating batch data, storage ticket data, delivery ticket data, and batch label data by the server sorting module; vi) a step of sending by the centralized data server:

- batches, labels for the workstations of producers;

- storage ticket and delivery ticket intended for delivery workstations;

- storage ticket and delivery ticket, and batch allocation data intended for nearby drop-off stations;

vii) a step of storing the incoming lots in the allocated locations by releasing one or more accesses to these locations by means of a storage ticket;

viii) a step of grouping together lots stored in packages comprising a plurality of lots, by freeing access to the locations allocated to the lots allowing packages to be constituted by means of a delivery ticket.

[0016] These characteristics make it possible to transform the batches prepared by producers and entering a storage depot into packages, each package comprising a plurality of batches from different producers and being intended for a single customer.

[0017] The proposed solution makes it possible, in particular thanks to a sorting module, to automatically assign secure locations to incoming batches. A storage ticket (with access key generated by the sorting module) frees one or more accesses only to the locations assigned to incoming packages. A delivery ticket (with access key generated by the sorting module) releases one or more accesses only to the locations corresponding to the packages to be recovered, each package comprising one or more lots.

[0018] Advantageously, the method further comprises a preliminary step of generating a selection of products for the recipient and sending this selection to the centralized server.

[0019] Also advantageously, the product data includes data on the expiration date (DLV) and / or consumption (DLC) associated with the products offered to recipients, and the sorting module takes into account the date data sale and / or consumption limit during the batch generation phase.

According to various advantageous variants, a step of the method comprises an indication of the dates of deliveries of the products, and / or the identifier allows the server to determine the delivery details of the recipients, or the method comprises a step comprising an indication of these coordinates. The invention also provides an automated storage and sorting system for the delivery of fresh foodstuffs for food producers, in particular for agricultural producers, for the implementation of the previously described method, comprising a central server, a plurality of producer workstations, a plurality of recipient workstations, at least one automated sorting and storage depot serving as a distribution point for food to a plurality of recipients, at least one delivery person workstation, and / or storage and sorting depot in which: i) the central server comprises a data exchange module, a batch generation module designed to generate batch data to be stored and sorted for the producers according to requests of products received from recipient workstations, a sorting module designed to perform batch sorting operations in order to perform groupings of packages in packages comprising a plurality of lots intended for a single customer, said sorting module also being designed to generate allocation data of the lots to be stored and sorted in allocated locations in at least one storage and automated sorting depot, storage ticket data, delivery ticket data, batch label data to store and sort for batches to be prepared by producers, and access key data to allow access to the warehouse and to locations allocated to allow the storage of incoming batches to be stored and the recovery of outgoing packages at the time of delivery, each package comprising one or more lots;

ii) each storage and automated sorting depot comprises a secure enclosure provided with a plurality of assignable secure locations to ensure the storage of incoming batches to be stored, each depot comprising a depot workstation provided with a delivery interface and a product interface, to read the label data and / or exchange data with the workstations of the deliverers and ensure the availability of the allocated locations of each batch to be stored to allow the implementation of the placement of the batches entering the assigned locations, sorting the batches to be stored in order to constitute packages comprising a plurality of batches, and allow the implementation of the withdrawal of the packages during a step of recovering packages from said depot.

[0022] Thanks to this architecture, the system makes it possible to ensure the logistics of an order for fresh food products comprising fresh products from several producers and for a single recipient, using a single logistics chain ensuring all the operations required. The producer no longer has to worry about the delivery system, or even the product ordering system. He can thus concentrate on his exploitation and thus better ensure a production of the best possible quality. [0023] Advantageously, each workstation comprises an interface designed to provide the delivery person with useful data for the storage and delivery phases, and a product or equipment interface designed to interact with the batch labels and / or with a other workstation.

Also advantageously, each producer workstation comprises a module for indicating batches to be constituted designed to generate a user interface making it possible to indicate to the producer the batches to be prepared, a module for creating labels to create labels used to identify each of the lots prepared.

According to an advantageous embodiment, each recipient workstation comprises a product selection module, designed to generate a user interface allowing the recipient to choose at least one product to be supplied by at least one producer.

The invention also provides an automated storage and sorting depot for an automated storage and sorting system as previously described, comprising a secure enclosure provided with a plurality of secure locations attributable to ensure the storage of batches at store incoming goods, each depot comprising a depot workstation provided with a delivery interface and / or a product interface to read label data and / or exchange data with delivery workstations and ensure the provision of locations allocated to allow the implementation of the placement of the batches entering a depot, the sorting of the batches to be stored in order to constitute packages comprising a plurality of batches, and allow the implementation of the withdrawal of the outgoing packages during a step parcel recovery in a depot.

[0027] Advantageously, the automated storage and sorting depot comprises a module for controlling the ambient atmosphere (temperature and / or humidity).

The invention finally provides a central server for automated storage and sorting system as previously described, comprising a data exchange module, a batch generation module designed to generate batch data for the producers in function of requests for products received from recipient workstations, a sorting module, designed to perform batch sorting operations in order to perform groupings of batches into packages comprising a plurality of batches intended for a single customer, said module sorting system being also designed to generate batch assignment data in assigned locations in at least one nearby storage depot automated, storage ticket data, delivery ticket data, batch label data for batches to be prepared by producers and access key data to allow access to the depot and assigned locations to allow the storage of incoming lots and the recovery of outgoing packages at the time of delivery, each package comprising one or more lots.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

All the implementation details are given in the following description, supplemented by Figures 1 to 8, presented only for the purposes of non-limiting examples, and in which:

- Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a logistics system for fresh food products;

- Figure 2 is a functional flowchart illustrating an example of steps for implementing a logistics process to ensure delivery of fresh food products to a final recipient;

- Figure 3 is a schematic representation illustrating the operation of a logistics system for fresh food products;

- Figure 4 is a schematic representation of an example of a batch storage ticket in a warehouse of a logistics system;

- Figure 5 is a schematic representation of an example of a package delivery ticket from a warehouse of a logistics system;

- Figure 6 is a schematic representation illustrating a first example of implementation of a batch storage phase in a depot, in assisted mode;

- Figure 7 is a schematic representation illustrating a second example of implementation of a batch storage phase in a depot, in free or autonomous mode;

- Figure 8 is a schematic representation illustrating an example of the implementation of a phase of withdrawal or recovery of batches / packages in a depot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions:

[0030] Fresh foodstuff: fresh foodstuff requiring control (and possible regulation) of the storage temperature and also preferably of transport. These products have a use-by date (DLC) of a few days or weeks for fresh products to be stored above 0 ° C (agricultural products such as fruits or vegetables, dairy products (cheese, yoghurt), meat, fish. , ready meals) or a few months for frozen or deep-frozen products. This definition excludes food dry or dehydrated, canned goods, and other food products that do not require precise control and monitoring of the temperature of storage and transport.

Lot: product or group of identical or different products to be supplied by a producer for an order. Each lot is identified by a lot label. A lot is single-producer and for a single recipient.

[0032] Parcels: all the products requested by a recipient. A package contains one or more lots, each lot coming from a specific producer.

Proximity deposit: enclosure in a room or building or closed location, preferably secure at controlled temperature, comprising a plurality of locations for storage of orders. Each depot is equipped with a local storage workstation, and if necessary, a temperature control and regulation system.

[0034] Access key: set of elements constituting a unique and secure means allowing access to a local storage depot by a delivery person (or a producer himself carrying out batch storage). An access key corresponds, for example, to a unique encrypted set making it possible to generate a decryptable code for a visual or magnetic reader or the like. A conventional key, for a mechanical lock, can also be used.

Generation of batches: operation performed by the batch generation module, transforming the data of products ordered by each recipient into batches to be supplied by one or more producers.

Packing or allocation of batches: operation performed by the sorting module, allowing, if necessary, to identify an optimal proximity depot to carry out the storage of batches and, if necessary, the grouping of batches into packages. The grouping data is generated by a sorting module. This operation, consisting in bringing together all the batches from a single customer before making the delivery, is managed by the sorting module and implemented physically either during a storage phase, and / or during a package recovery phase, by placing the lots by package in the delivery vehicle. Thus, if a package involves batches from different producers passing through several depots, partial packing takes place in each of the depots, and the final packing is only completed when the last batches of this package are placed in the vehicle. . The physical placement of the packages on the locations can either be proposed by the sorting module: for example, a workstation indicates to the operator the location where he must place several lots to thus constitute a package. The physical placement of packages on the locations can also be directly decided by the delivery person during a storage phase by using a free location in the depot. A double identification operation makes it possible to identify the chosen location and the package (s) located there. Such an operation is for example performed by scanning location identifiers and parcel labels, so that the corresponding data is transmitted to the central server, which can thus provide the data during a parcel recovery phase.

[0038] The preferential packing and placement of packages in the delivery vehicle is advantageously provided in the reverse order of delivery, ie with the last packages to be delivered placed at the back of the vehicle.

[0039] Storage ticket: set of data allowing a delivery person to implement a storage operation of one or more lots in a given local depot. A storage ticket includes data indicating the depot (s) concerned, the batches to be stored. A storage ticket can contain the data of an access key. If a producer is preparing multiple lots for storage, a single storage ticket can include data for all lots, for one or more proximity depots. Data from storage tickets is transmitted to the relevant workstations. They are also visible to a delivery person by means of a work interface to allow the latter to implement batch storage.

[0040] Delivery ticket: set of data allowing a delivery person to implement an operation to recover one or more packages in one or more given local depots. A delivery ticket includes data indicating the depot (s) concerned, the packages to be recovered. A delivery ticket can contain the data of an access key. If a delivery includes parcel pick-ups at several nearby depots, a delivery ticket preferably includes data for all depots affected by the delivery. As a variant, several delivery tickets are provided, ie one for each of the depots. The data from the delivery tickets are transmitted to the relevant workstations. They are also visible to a delivery person by means of a work interface to allow the latter to implement the delivery of packages.

DLC: expiration date for food products. DLV: final date for the sale of food products by a producer.

[0043] Delivery person or logistician: person or robot who works in one or more local depots to store lots and / or recover and / or perform packing tasks. A producer can also be a delivery person. A recipient can also be a delivery person.

Example of required hardware architecture:

[0044] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a configuration of a logistics system for fresh food products. In this example, a central server 10 comprises two main modules, namely a batch generation module 12 and a sorting (or flow) module 13. The batch preparation module 12 is designed to generate, from the product data received from recipient workstations 50, one or more batches. A batch preferably corresponds to a plurality of products prepared for shipment by a single producer, to a single recipient. In the case of an agricultural producer, a lot corresponds, for example, to X apples, Y lettuce and Z zucchini, which can be packed together or separately. A batch label identifies the batch in question. This label can be duplicated if the lot includes several packages.

The sorting module 13 is designed to determine the producer (s) making it possible to provide the requested products optimally, according to one or more criteria such as the distance between the producers and the local depots and / or between the local warehouses and the recipients of the packages, the requested delivery date and / or the DLC of the products of the available producers, etc. These criteria can be fixed or configurable via the workstations of the recipients. Depending on the criteria chosen, the flow module 13 generates the data corresponding to the batches to be prepared by the producers. The sorting module is designed to perform batch sorting operations in order to perform groupings of batches into packages comprising a plurality of batches from different producers and intended for a single customer. To perform the sorting, the sorting module determines the allocation of the lots, so as to assign each lot to a nearby repository 30 and generates the packaging data making it possible to link several lots intended for a single recipient, so as to simplify and streamline the package recovery phase by deliverers. One or more locations identified in one or more depots make it possible to constitute the packages. The sorting module 13 also generates storage tickets and delivery tickets as defined above, which will allow the efficient implementation of the batch storage and package recovery phases. A database 14 makes it possible to store the data received and generated by the batch generation module and the sorting module as shown in FIG. 1. A data exchange module 11 makes it possible to transfer the data between the central server 10 and the multiple stations 20, 31, 40, 50 of a logistics system according to the invention.

According to the architecture chosen, these modules can be combined or the sorting module 13 can be subdivided into several modules or sub-modules, such as for example a specific module for packaging and / or a specific module for the generation of tickets and / or a specific module to generate the access keys to the repositories.

[0047] As a variant, the architecture can be distributed in a different way. For example, the batch generation module 12 can be provided at a recipient workstation 50.

A plurality of workstations 20 of producers capable of being able to exchange data with the server 10 are provided, for example one station 20 per producer. The producer workstation comprises a batch indication module 22 designed to generate a user interface that indicates to the producer the batches to be prepared, with the products contained in each of the batches. The producer workstation 20 is advantageously connected to a scale which makes it possible to control the weight of the products delivered by weight. The station 20 also includes a label generation module 23 designed to produce the labels to be affixed to each batch. A batch and label database 24 and a data exchange module 21 are also planned.

A delivery workstation 40 provides a user interface 41, designed to provide the delivery person with the data of storage tickets and delivery tickets, the contact details of the nearby storage depots where the delivery person must go, and the contact details of producers and / or recipients. The delivery workstation 40 also includes one or more hardware interfaces 42 for exchanging the payload data with the batch labels and the proximity storage workstations in order to make it possible to carry out the batch storage and packing operations as well as the operations to recover previously prepared packages. There are preferably several delivery people, each with at least one delivery workstation 40.

A plurality of local storage depots 30 are provided according to a geographical distribution making it possible to serve a local clientele well with each of the depots. Each depot 30 comprises a proximity depot work station 31 provided with a delivery interface 32 and a product interface 33, for reading the data from the labels of the batches and exchanging data with the work stations of the delivery persons. Alternatively, a The delivery man's work 40 can also serve as a depot workstation. Such a station is then designed to manage the tasks of the delivery person and the depot. Still as a variant, a universal workstation is provided, with a menu making it possible to select or activate the workstation concerned.

A plurality of recipient workstations 50 complete the system. Each station 50 allows recipient users to select products from affiliated producers which will be delivered using the previously described elements of the system. Product selection can also be done automatically, for example by an automated inventory management system.

The workstations can be implemented by known devices such as a computer, tablet, mobile phone, or the like. The implementation of the various modules of the server and of the workstations described above is advantageously carried out by means of processor instructions or commands, allowing the modules to perform the operation or operations specifically provided for the module concerned. Processor instructions may be in the form of one or more software or software modules implemented by one or more microprocessors. The module (s) and / or the software (s) are advantageously provided in a computer program product comprising a recording medium or recording medium usable by a computer and comprising a programmed code readable by a computer integrated into said medium or medium, allowing application software to be executed on a computer or other device comprising a microprocessor such as a navigation device.

According to various variant embodiments, the microprocessor 15, just like the working memory 16 can be centralized for all the modules or else be arranged externally, with connection to the various modules, or else be distributed locally so as to that one or more modules each have a microprocessor and / or a working memory.

Example of steps for preparing useful data for the logistics process:

FIG. 2 is a functional flowchart illustrating an example of a logistics process with the main steps allowing the implementation of this example. In step 200, a recipient workstation sends to the central server data of products being ordered. The central server receives these data in step 201. In step 202, if necessary, a possible selection of producers is made and the batch generation module generates the batches that the producers will have to prepare for sending and storage in one or more nearby depots. In step 203, the sorting module proceeds with the packaging by grouping together the lots intended for a single customer. In step 204, the data for batches, storage tickets, access key delivery tickets and batch labels are generated by the sorting module.

This data is then sent to the various stations. Step 205 provides for sending the batch label data to the workstations of intervening producers for the preparation of these batches, step 206 provides for sending the storage ticket data to the workstations of deliverers and proximity deposit, and step 207 provides for sending the delivery ticket data to the producer workstations. These data are respectively received by the corresponding workstations in steps 208, 209 and 210 as illustrated in Figure 2.

Figures 4 and 5 are schematic representations illustrating examples of data that can be integrated to generate a storage ticket 60 (Figure 4) and a delivery ticket 70 (Figure 5). The storage ticket 60 includes an identifier of the storage depot (s) concerned, the identifiers of the batches to be stored and a possible access key to the depot. The delivery ticket 70 includes an identifier of the storage depot (s) concerned, the identifiers of the batches or packages to be recovered as well as the data of the corresponding recipients, and a possible access key to the depot.

Example of practical implementation:

[0057] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of an exemplary implementation of a logistics system and method.

Prior phase of product selection by a recipient:

A workstation 50 implemented at a recipient user provides a product selection interface where available products are presented. Several presentation options are possible, such as for example with use-by date, a delivery date, an indication of a producer or a choice to be made among a range of producers, a possibility of picking up the packages yourself at the depot of proximity (the recipient then becomes the delivery person in the process as described), or other. As previously mentioned, the product selection phase can be automated and implemented by an autonomous system. The data of selected products and possible other data depending on the options are sent to the central server for processing. The central server then receives the data.

Batch constitution phase at the producers:

[0060] A workstation 20 of a producer receives batch and batch label data from the centralized server. A user interface of the producer workstation tells the producer the data required to prepare one or more batches of product. The workstation is suitable for formatting the batch labels for each of the batches to be prepared by the producer. These may be labels to be printed, or encoded labels with remote reading, for example by RFID or other means.

In the example of Figure 3, four producers must each prepare batches, either batches A1 and B1 for producer F1, batch C2 for producer F2, batches A3, C3, D3 and E3 for the producer F3, and lots A4, D4 and E4 for producer F4.

Storage phase at a nearby depot by a liyror:

A workstation 40 of a delivery person (who may be the producer who then uses the same station as for preparing the batches) receives storage ticket data from the centralized server 10. This is, for example, a digital ticket that can be used with a digital terminal such as a mobile phone. The user interface 41 of the workstation 40 indicates to the delivery person the useful data to locate the producer, identify the affected lots and locate the nearby depot. The delivery person collects the lots to be stored for transport to nearby depot 30.

The delivery person transports the batches from the producer to the local depot elected by the server's sorting module during the generation of the batches. To access the depot, an access key is provided to the delivery person. This key can be attached to the storage ticket or stand alone. It is for example a digital key that can be used with a digital terminal such as a mobile phone. A conventional key for a mechanical lock can also be used. Once at the local depot, the storage ticket makes it possible to establish a dialogue between the work station 40 of the delivery person and that 31 of the local depot where the batches must be stored. This exchange of data between the two stations makes it possible to provide the delivery person with useful data for storage, such as for example which lots he must place as well as the planned location. In the example of FIG. 3, this makes it possible to implement the packing phase as previously determined by the trid module of the centralized server. A possible verification step by the workstation makes it possible to ensure that the batches and packages are indeed positioned, using means such as cameras and / or remote label reading interfaces (for example by RFID).

Parcel recovery phase and delivery to recipients by a liyreur:

A workstation 40 of a delivery person receives from the centralized server 10 delivery ticket data. This ticket makes it possible to interface with a workstation 31 of a nearby depot 30 where the batches must be collected. This is, for example, a digital ticket that can be used with a digital terminal such as a mobile phone.

[0065] To access the depot, an access key is provided to the delivery person. This key can be attached to the delivery ticket or stand alone. This is for example a digital key that can be used with a digital terminal such as a mobile phone. A conventional key for a mechanical lock can also be used.

[0066] Once at the local depot, the delivery ticket allows a dialogue to be established between the workstation of the delivery person and that of the local depot where the packages must be collected. This exchange of data between the two stations makes it possible to provide the delivery person with the data useful for taking the packages, such as which packages he must collect as well as where the locations concerned.

In the example of Figure 3, it is observed that the batches A1, B1 and C2 of the producers F1 and F2 were previously stored at a first depot, and the other batches stored at the second depot to complete the packaging. During the batch recovery phase, package A is initiated at the first deposit with batch A1 and completed at the second deposit with lots A3 and A4 from producers F3 and F4, package B is initiated and completed at the first deposit, on package C is initiated at the first deposit with lot C2 and completed at the second deposit with lots C3, packages D and E are fully prepared at the second deposit.

As seen in the example of Figure 3, a package can be divided into several lots stored in two or more depots. The final packing is then carried out during the installation in the vehicle preparing the delivery to the final recipient.

Delivery to consignee

A delivery route prepared in advance by the centralized server can be provided to the delivery person to optimize his round, preferably through his workstation. The final delivery to the recipient is made by the delivery person. The delivery person's workstation may be used to check and validate this phase and to transmit the confirmation data to the centralized server. The place or type of the final recipient can be a home, a business or professional site.

In the example of Figure 3, package A consisting of lots A1, A3 and A4 is delivered to recipient LA, package B, consisting of lot B1 is delivered to recipient LB, package C consisting of lots C2 and C3 is delivered to recipient LC, and so on.

Figures 6 and 7 schematically illustrate the two main embodiments of the batch storage phases in nearby depots. In the example of Figure 6, the sorting module determines the best locations for placement of the lots, and the corresponding data is transmitted to the delivery person via the workstations. In the example of Figure 7, the deliveryman chooses a free location and places the package there. The data from this location is transmitted to the server's sorting module, which can issue a counter-order if this location is not compatible to allow proper packaging. The data flow is for example ensured by using the data of the labels of batches, scanned by a workstation, either that of the delivery person or that of the depot, then transmitted to the central server, which can thus have the data of batches and of batch positioning updated in real time, thus ensuring optimal management of batches, packages, and depot locations.

[0073] Figure 8 illustrates an example of a phase of recovery of lots and / or packages by a delivery person. In this example, the delivery person is guided by the packaging data transmitted from the server to his workstation, allowing him to know precisely the lots to be recovered and their location in the depot, and how to constitute the packages.

A dynamic signage system designed to indicate to deliverers the locations for placement of the lots and / or the locations for the recovery of the lots or packages is advantageously provided in the depots.

Claims

1. A method of automated storage and sorting for food producers, in particular for agricultural producers, allowing the delivery of fresh foodstuffs using a storage and sorting system comprising a central server (10), a plurality of producer work stations (20), a plurality of recipient work stations (50), at least one automated sorting and storage depot (30) provided with a plurality of locations attributable to batches to be stored incoming, a plurality of depot and / or delivery workstations (31, 40), said method comprising the following steps:

i) a receiving step (201) by the central server of product data from a recipient making it possible to provide the server with the product data selected by the recipient as well as the identifier of this recipient;

ii) a step (202) of preparing batch data to be stored by a batch preparation module of the centralized server;

iii) an assignment step (203) of the batches to be stored in assigned locations in one or more storage and sorting depots automated by a sorting module;

v) a step of generating (204) batch data, storage ticket data, delivery ticket data, and batch label data by the server sorting module;

vi) a sending step (205, 206, 207) by the centralized data server:

- batches, labels for the workstations of producers;

- storage ticket and delivery ticket intended for delivery workstations;

viii) a step of grouping together lots stored in packages comprising a plurality of lots, by freeing access to the locations allocated to the lots making it possible to constitute the packages by means of a delivery ticket.

2. The automated storage and sorting method according to claim 1, further comprising a preliminary step (200) of generating a selection of products for the recipient and sending this selection to the centralized server.

3. Automated storage and sorting system for delivery of fresh food for food producers, in particular for agricultural producers, for implementing the method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, comprising a central server (10), a plurality of producer work stations (20), a plurality of recipient work stations (50), at least one automated storage and sorting depot (30) serving as a distribution point for food to a plurality of recipients, at least one work station (31, 40) delivery and / or storage and sorting depot in which:

i) the central server (10) comprises a data exchange module (11), a batch generation module (12) designed to generate batch data to be stored and sorted for the producers according to the product requests received recipient work stations (50), a sorting module (13) designed to perform batch sorting operations in order to perform groupings of batches into packages comprising a plurality of batches intended for a single customer, said module of sorting being also designed to generate allocation data of the batches to be stored and sorted in allocated locations in at least one automated sorting and storage depot, storage ticket data, delivery ticket data, delivery data '' Store and sort batch labels for batches to be prepared by producers and access key data to allow access to the depot and assigned locations to allow inbound batch storage and retrieval packages leaving at the time of delivery, each package comprising one or more lots;

ii) each warehouse (30) for automated storage and sorting comprises a secure enclosure provided with a plurality of assignable secure locations for storing incoming batches to be stored, each depot (30) comprising a work station (31) deposit provided with a delivery interface (32) and a product interface (33), to read the data from the labels and / or exchange data with the workstations (40) of the deliverers and ensure the availability of the allocated locations of each batch to be stored to allow the implementation of the placement of the batches entering the allocated locations, the sorting of the batches to be stored in order to constitute packages comprising a plurality of batches, and to allow the implementation of the withdrawal of the packages during 'a step of recovering packages from said depot (30).

4. The automated storage and sorting system according to claim 3, wherein each workstation (31, 40) comprises an interface (32, 41) designed to provide the delivery person with useful data for the storage and delivery phases, and a product or hardware interface (33, 42) configured to interact with the batch labels and / or with another workstation.

5. An automated storage and sorting system according to any one of claims 3 or

4, in which each producer work station (20) comprises a module (22) for indicating the batches to be constituted designed to generate a user interface making it possible to indicate to the producer the batches to be prepared, a creation module (23) labels to create labels to identify each batch prepared.

6. An automated storage and sorting system according to any one of claims 3 to

5, wherein each recipient work station (50) includes a product selection module (52), configured to generate a user interface allowing the recipient to choose at least one product to be supplied by at least one producer.

7. Depot (30) for automated storage and sorting for an automated storage and sorting system according to any one of claims 3 to 6, comprising a secure enclosure provided with a plurality of attributable secure locations for storing incoming batches to be stored, each depot (30) comprising a depot work station (31) provided with a delivery interface (32) and / or a product interface (33) for reading the label data and / or exchanging data with the workstations (40) of the deliverers and ensure the provision of the allocated locations to allow the implementation of the placement of the lots entering a depot (30), the sorting of the lots to be stored in order to constitute packages comprising a plurality of batches, and allow the implementation of the withdrawal of outgoing packages during a package recovery step in a depot (30).

8. Deposit (30) for storage and automated sorting according to claim 7, comprising a control module of the ambient atmosphere.

9. Central server (10) for an automated storage and sorting system according to any one of claims 3 to 6, comprising a data exchange module (11), a batch generation module (12) designed to generate batch data for producers based on product requests received from recipient workstations, a sorting module (13), designed to perform batch sorting operations in order to perform groupings of batches into packages comprising a pluralities of batches intended for a single customer, said sorting module also being designed to generate data of assignment of batches in assigned locations in at least one automated proximity storage depot, storage ticket data, delivery tickets, batch label data for the batches to be prepared by the producers and access key data to allow access to the depot and assigned locations to allow storage of the batches e incoming and recovery of outgoing packages at the time of delivery, each package comprising one or more lots.