Delivery mode optimization in supply chain architecture

US11823117B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• TARGET BRANDS, INC. · US

Inventors

• Nicholas E. Kaiser · Minneapolis, US
• Hilary Barr · Minneapolis, US
• Elise Chianelli · Brooklyn Park, US
• Daniel John Chamberlain · Minneapolis, US
• Gavin Myers · Minneapolis, US
• Constantin Lorenzo Tanno · San Francisco, US
• Kristofer Hjelmeland · Minneapolis, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 30, 2018
• Grant date: Nov 21, 2023
• Expiry date: Oct 18, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q30/0641
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

Methods and systems are described for optimizing delivery modes used to transport items to a customer. A delivery optimization system includes an online ordering system, a delivery mode optimizer, an order allocator, and a ship label and manifest generator. The delivery mode optimizer selects an optimal shipping mode based on information received from carriers. The lowest cost option to deliver the goods to the destination by a promised delivery date is selected at the time the order is received. A shipping node is selected that can supply the items needed to fulfill the order within the desired timeframe. The delivery mode is reevaluated after the order is prepared for shipment to determine if available shipping options have changed.