Apparatus for supporting delivery and redistribution of perishable and time-sensitive goods using a shuffle run

US8117095B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Cox Enterprises, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Gary B. Brockman · Marietta, US
• John Philip Modisette · Lawrenceville, US
• John C. Mellott · Marietta, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 23, 2009
• Grant date: Feb 14, 2012
• Expiry date: Oct 23, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06Q40/12
• WIPO field: IT methods for management
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

Systems and methods provide for tracking, controlling, optimizing, and otherwise managing the delivery of perishable and time-sensitive goods such as newspapers, periodicals and promotional materials to consumers, both subscribers and non-subscribers, and to retail outlets. One exemplary arrangement includes a web server, a database server, and handheld computers. A database including at least route delivery information may be created and at least portions of the database may be communicated to respective handheld devices for display. Time-sensitive goods such as newspapers or periodicals may be delivered based at least in part on the information displayed on the handheld devices, which are also used to collect information during said delivery. The collected information is communicated to the database for billing, reporting and analysis. Features include intelligent advanced shuffle handling and tracking, web-based planning tools, sequencing of distribution outlets along a trip or route, delivery without employing paper lists, trip management/tracking, intermittent or continual connectivity and/or data reporting, time stamping/time-based tracking, and retail manager signature input…