WO2002030583A2 - Method for processing letter and/or goods consignments - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for processing letter or merchandise shipments using a mobile computing device. The method according to the invention comprises the following steps: (a) acquisition of at least one code affixed to the sending of a letter or of merchandise using an acquisition module of the computer device; (b) automatic decomposition of the code in a pre-processing module of the computer apparatus into at least a first group containing data linked to the shipment and at least a second group containing additional data; (c) transmission of the additional data to a special processing module of the computer apparatus; (d) automatic evaluation of the additional data and display of the result by the special processing module by means of rules stored in the memory of the computer device.

Description

 Process for processing letter and / or

shipments

The invention relates to a method for processing letters and / or goods by means of a mobile data processing device.

Addressed bulk mailings such as catalogs, letters, advertising leaflets, documents and info post are usually delivered by post or by private delivery companies by throwing the mail into mailboxes and mailboxes. As a rule, there is no confirmation of receipt.

At the same time, it is of great importance for the sender of such letters or mail items that the mail items handed over to the delivery company actually reach the desired addressee correctly. Since it is not economically feasible to provide individual proof of delivery for such bulk consignments, the lack of traceability of the delivery often leads to a competitive disadvantage for smaller delivery companies that do not have the reputation of established and generally known reliable large deliverers like Swiss Post.

Furthermore, with the currently practiced delivery of addressed bulk mailings, for economic reasons it is not possible for the deliverer to report back to the sender with delivery or recipient specific data provided, since this would be far too expensive with the large number of such programs.

In many cases, however, a selective data feedback on the part of the delivery company would be desirable for the sender of bulk mailings. For example, the collection of address data for address correction for the maintenance of commercial address lists is of particular economic importance. The existing procedures for the delivery of bulk mailings do not provide such data feedback on the part of the delivery company.

Methods of handover processing and handover proof are known from the prior art, in particular in the branch of courier, express and parcel services for delivery to the recipient. For this purpose, the delivery personnel, when delivering a package, for example, reads in machine-readable information, for example a barcode or the information stored in a transponder, on the package by means of a reader, in particular a barcode or transponder reader. This identifies the delivered item. When the package to be delivered is handed over, the recipient then confirms receipt, for example with a signature made on a pressure-sensitive display, in the mobile detection devices currently in use. This documents the delivery of the shipment. However, the implementation of such a delivery method, designed for individual items, is generally too complex for bulk items such as catalog items and info post and is therefore not economically feasible. Starting from the prior art described above, the present invention is based on the object of providing a method for processing letter and goods consignments which enables the delivery personnel to carry out additional services automatically during delivery.

According to the invention, the previously derived and shown object is achieved by a method for processing letter and / or goods consignments by means of a mobile data processing device, which at least by

(a) detecting at least one coding attached to the letter or goods shipment with a detection module of the data processing device;

(b) automatic splitting of the coding in a preprocessing module of the data processing device into at least one first group with shipping-related data and at least one second group with additional data;

(c) supplying the additional data to a

Special processing module of the data processing device and

(d) automatic evaluation of the additional data and display of the result by the special processing module based on rules stored in the memory of the data processing device

is marked. The advantages of the processing method according to the invention become clear when one considers the following example of use: When delivering bulk items such as Infopost, the delivery staff reads one in front of the recipient's mailbox for all or for individual, possibly separately identified, items that the sender has attached to the item Coding into a mobile data processing device that the delivery personnel ("deliverers") always carry with them on their delivery tour. The coding, which is, for example, a bar code affixed in the address field of the shipment, contains, in addition to the usual coded address information (e.g. postcode, etc.), at least additional information which is not recognizable to the recipient of the shipment and which is, for example, one of the sender desired additional service to be carried out during delivery. An example of such an additional service during delivery is the checking of the recipient's address by the deliverer and feedback of the corrected address to the sender. By means of technical modules provided in the mobile data processing device, the additional data contained in the coding are separated from the other data, decrypted, evaluated and shown on a display. On the basis of the data shown on the display, the delivery personnel can then perform the desired additional service on site and enter the additional data collected in the process for feedback to the sender in the mobile data processing device. The data received during the execution of the additional service are stored in the data processing device and, for example, transmitted to a central server of the delivery company after the delivery tour has ended. In the central server, those of the Data received from individual deliverers is collected, sorted, consolidated and appropriately processed and sent to the sender electronically or in another form.

For the delivery service company, the method according to the invention offers the possibility of additionally offering novel service levels in addition to its standard delivery services. The control and monitoring of deliverers can also be made more efficient and paperless, and the usual registration forms can be omitted.

The method according to the invention enables the senders to receive up-to-date and high-quality delivery information (current address data, type of house, garden, garage, residential area, floor, etc.), which enables much more precise dispatch and optimization of e.g. Enable Infopost. Such information is already collected today in order to identify target groups (e.g. garden accessories for home owners with a garden), however the previous procedures are complex and sometimes incorrect (usually a manual entry by the deliverer and subsequent entry and transmission).

The method according to the invention enables the sender to maintain the database of the address pool quickly and easily by using the mobile data processing device. By means of this

Both the sender and the service provider have the option of setting up or automatically maintaining an up-to-date address database with additional information. Address data link on House number level with the location coordinates obtained by the method according to the invention are possible. Time-consuming double entries, additional analyzes by the marketing department and costs due to misdirection or overproduced quantities are eliminated. In addition, the shipper has the option of sending electronic work instructions per individual item to the deliverer and electronically receiving the results, which are recorded immediately.

The method according to the invention is suitable for processing all types of mail and goods and supports the handover procedure in the collection / collection, transport, storage and delivery of loading aids, goods and goods including parcels as well as letters, written messages and other messages. The method according to the invention is particularly suitable for processing Infopost or mass mailings, i.e. a large number of similar letters or goods addressed to different recipients.

The method according to the invention is described in detail below:

The delivery personnel carry a mobile data processing device as work equipment. The

Data processing device comprises a recording module, a preprocessing module, a special processing module, a memory module and optionally further components such as an input element, a display element and / or a printer.

When the shipment is delivered to the delivery point or drop-in point, the delivery staff will First of all, a code attached to the consignment is read into the data processing device. This is done with the aid of a data acquisition module, which can be configured, for example, as a reading unit for bar codes or magnetic codes and / or as an input unit for manual entry of an alphanumeric code.

The coding applied to the mailing can be any coding, such as a bar or bar code, a magnetic code, a transponder and / or an alphanumeric code. It is preferably a two-dimensional barcode (e.g. matrix code) or a barcode, as is already used for addressing letters. The coding can contain various types of data such as the usual shipping data (e.g. customer number of the sender, order number, payment method, address data of the recipient, sending date, etc.) and additional data such as special delivery requests (e.g. personal delivery and registration; obtain confirmation of receipt; delivery at a specific time; type of notification capture) or the request of special additional services by the delivery personnel (e.g. capture of address, geo and / or object data; determine recipient identity).

Codings are to be applied by the sender in such a way that the deliverer can record / read them with the mobile device (e.g. directly on the letter in the envelope window or on the envelope, e.g. with a sticker). If a so-called transponder (RF-ID tag) is used as the information carrier, it does not need to be applied visibly. It is to be expected that it is not always possible for the deliverer to record each individual package / document or

Enter additional information. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, provision is therefore made for an optical or other identifier to be attached to the mailing in addition to the coding. This indicator is intended to induce the delivery personnel to read / scan the coding (eg two-dimensional barcode) on the shipping item at the transfer point or drop-in point. In this embodiment, the method according to the invention accordingly offers the delivery personnel the option of proceeding selectively and of processing only the subsets identified by the shipper. Also, the sender has the option to introduce by the random or targeted sprinkling of flags, a control function ^'(cycle times, delivery rate, etc.). He expects a correspondingly defined feedback for this marked goods / mail.

After detecting the coding by e.g. Scanning or reading will be the same in one

Preprocessing module of the data processing device into shipping-related data (e.g. address data) and additional data (e.g. special delivery or

Additional services requested by the sender). If a coding designed as a bar code contains, for example, the sender ID as well as the customer number, name and address of the recipient as shipping-related data and the order to the delivery company to check the recipient address as additional data, the bar code is stored in the preprocessing module of the data processing device in split a first group of data with the sender ID, customer number, name and address of the recipient and a second group of data containing the order for address verification. The way in which the coding is split up in the preprocessing module largely depends on the type of coding read. The splitting can take place, for example, in that certain positions within the coding are always reserved for additional data and certain other positions are always reserved for shipping data. In this way, a distinction can be made in the preprocessing module based on the position of the data within the coding between additional and shipping data. However, the splitting can also take place by first decrypting the coding in its entirety and splitting it into additional and shipping data on the basis of the data obtained during the decryption.

After splitting the coding into shipping data on the one hand and additional data on the other hand, the additional data are fed to a special processing module of the data processing device and are automatically evaluated there according to rules stored in a memory. The result of the evaluation is shown on a display element of the data processing device, for example an LCD display. If the coding specified on the mailing is, for example, an eight-digit numerical code with the sequence of digits "12345678", which is split into a shipping data subcode ("123456") and an additional data subcode ("78") in the preprocessing module the additional data subcode is decrypted in the special processing module by comparison with data or rules stored in the memory. The result of the decryption is then shown on the display. Is the Additional data subcode "78" in the aforementioned example, for example for an order to carry out an address check, the message "check recipient address" or a corresponding graphic symbol ("icon") appears on the display of the data processing device.

The shipping-related data ("shipping data") obtained during the splitting in the preprocessing module, such as the shipper ID, shipper order number, recipient name and address, are stored in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention in the data processing device with the generation of a data record, so that they can be called up and processed as required can be.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the additional data received by the delivery personnel when the additional service is carried out are entered into the mobile data processing device, where they are assigned to a specific data record and stored. For example, after performing an address check, the delivery personnel can enter the correct address of the recipient determined into the data processing device using an input device (e.g. keyboard or touch display). In addition, further data such as date, time and identification of the delivery personnel at the time of delivery can be entered into the data processing device. This data can also be entered automatically, e.g. by a time, date and / or geodata stamp provided in the data processing device. in the

Data processing device, the correct address data and possibly additional data are assigned to the corresponding recipient data record and stored. An application program is preferably to be kept ready for the data acquisition, so that the delivery personnel can choose from predefined standard terms and the pure acquisition is thereby minimized. In addition to the automatic initiation of the detection instruction described, it is of course also possible to call up a detection program manually on the basis of the visual indication or other indications. The coded work instructions can also contain other instructions. For example, the delivery service company receives a request by reading the deliverer that for this delivery or for the delivery attempt z. B. a status, proof of delivery or other tracing and tracking information are to be returned to the sender.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is further provided that the data stored in the memory of the mobile data processing device is at least partially transmitted to the sender after the shipment has been delivered. This can expediently take place in that the data stored in the mobile device is transmitted to a central server of the delivery company after the end of a delivery tour, where the data are collected by various suppliers, sorted by consignor, consolidated and finally transmitted to the consignor in a processed form. However, the data can also be transmitted to the central server immediately after data acquisition via mobile radio or other wireless transmission. For example, the sender can use the corrected address data or other data determined on delivery together with the date and time of the delivery Delivery of the shipment and, if applicable, the names of the delivery personnel are transmitted electronically or in any other way. It is preferably provided that the coding of the goods / mail has unique identification features of the sender and the addressee, so that the transmitted data can be assigned by the sender.

An example of the content of a transmitted delivery transaction data record is: date, time, goods identification, service provider, delivery location, delivery name, delivery status, geographic information, address correction, object information.

A preferred embodiment of the invention also provides a clear and electronically documented identification of the delivery personnel responsible for delivering the shipment. For this purpose, the delivery personnel can have a personal

Identification card, e.g. in the form of an electronically readable magnetic card, chip card / smart card,

Carry a transponder / barcode ID card or other suitable ID card. First of all, one

Supplier identification (supplier ID), usually one-off at the beginning of delivery. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, this is held and stored in the mobile data processing device during the delivery tour. If e.g. the name of the respective deliverer is clearly available for the provision of evidence.

Depending on the application, it may be advantageous to be able to document the place of delivery. For this purpose, the method according to the invention can be further advantageous be designed such that the handover location (geodesics) is determined with the aid of a locating unit. To this end, it is expedient to equip the mobile data processing device with a GPS module, with which a geodata stamp can be generated at any time. The geodata stamp can be assigned to a specific data record and stored in the memory of the data processing device.

In order to document the delivery tour of the delivery personnel, it may also be expedient for the locating unit provided in the mobile data processing device to continuously record and store the geodesics at certain time intervals during the delivery tour. In this way, the delivery tour of the delivery staff can later be checked and positively verified based on the location coordinates.

Obstacles to delivery can be immediately recorded electronically with the mobile device (delivery status).

The method according to the invention can be implemented, for example, as follows:

(a) basic reading in of a coding attached to the consignment by the delivery staff or optionally selective reading in of the coding by the delivery staff on the basis of a request from the sender in the form of an optical or other identification;

(b) Display of, among other things, the work instructions of the shipper contained in the coding and display the address data and / or other data of the recipient also contained;

(c) execution of the work instructions by the delivery personnel using the application program of the mobile data processing device, such as address data checking / correction, detection of delivery status, object data and / or geographic information;

(d) temporarily storing the recorded data in the mobile data processing device, including the delivery ID and

(e) transferring the data to a central data processing unit.

There are now a number of possibilities for designing and developing the method according to the invention. For this purpose, reference is made, for example, on the one hand to the claims subordinate to claim 1 and on the other hand to the description of an exemplary embodiment in conjunction with the drawing. In the drawing shows the only one

Fig. 1 shows schematically the method steps in an embodiment of a method according to the invention for processing goods and / or letters.

The exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 shows the processing according to the invention of a letter or goods shipment 1 at a specific handover point or delivery point 2. A letter or goods shipment 1 is at a handover. Delivery point 2 delivered by a logistics service provider, not shown in detail, by throwing in or handing it over to a recipient 3. A code 4 and an optical identifier 5 are attached to the shipment 1 by the sender 9. In the present example, the coding 4 is designed as a bar code, but it can be designed in any form, in particular also as an inconspicuous bar code contained in the address field, as an invisible magnetic code or the like. The encoding 4 contains the following data in encrypted form: sender ID, order number, name and address data of the recipient and a work order to the deliverer, for example the order for checking the delivery address.

The deliverer (not shown in detail in FIG. 1) carries a mobile data processing device (“mobile device”) 6 with him during the entire delivery tour, in which he identifies himself at the beginning of his delivery tour by means of a personal chip card 7. At the delivery point 2, the deliverer is informed by the optical indicator 5 that an additional service is to be provided for the delivery to be carried out now. The deliverer then uses a detection unit (scanner), which is provided in the mobile device 6 and is not shown in more detail, to read in the coding 4 applied to the shipment.

In the mobile device 6, the encoding 4 that has been read in is broken down into corresponding modules (not shown in more detail), decrypted and, if appropriate, stored to generate a data record. On one The touch-controlled display automatically shows the work instructions contained in the coding 4 for address checking, for example by means of a graphic symbol ("Icon"). The deliverer then carries out an address check and enters the correct address determined, for example via a menu-driven application program, into the mobile device 6, where it is stored under the corresponding data record.

The mobile device 6 can also be equipped with a time and date transmitter (not shown) and / or with a locating unit (GPS module), so that at the time of delivery or the execution of the additional service in the corresponding data record, a time, date and and or

Geodata stamp is generated. After delivery and after completion of his delivery tour, the deliverer logs out of the mobile device 6 using his chip card 7.

All data are temporarily stored in the mobile device 6 and can be continuously processed, e.g. via mobile radio, or after the delivery tour of the supplier has ended, bundled to a central data processing unit 8 of the

Delivered to the delivery company. In the central data processing unit 8 of the delivery company, the data of the individual deliverers can be collected, sorted by consignor, consolidated and transmitted in whole or in part in an appropriately prepared form electronically or in some other way to the consignor 9.

Claims

claims 1. A method for processing letters and / or goods by means of a mobile data processing device (6), characterized by (a) detecting at least one coding (4) attached to the letter or goods shipment (1) with a detection module of the data processing device (6); (b) automatic splitting of the coding (4) in a preprocessing module of the data processing device (6) into at least one first group with shipping-related data and at least one second group with additional data; (c) supplying the additional data to a Special processing module of the data processing device (6) and (d) automatic evaluation of the additional data and display of the result by the special processing module on the basis of rules stored in the memory of the data processing device (6). 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the additional data are data for carrying out additional services, such as determining geodesics of the delivery address, recording object information, determining and / or registering the recipient identity, Check the delivery address, get a receipt and / or record the type of notification included. 3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shipping-related data contain the recipient name, the recipient address, a sender identification, a customer identification and / or an order identification. 4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coding (4) comprises an optical or magnetic coding, in particular a two-dimensional bar code or a bar code. 5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an optical indicator (5) is also attached to the letter and / or goods shipment (1). 6. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the additional data obtained during the execution of the additional service are recorded by the data processing device (6). 7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the data is stored in the data processing device (6) and / or transmitted to a center (8) with the aid of a mobile radio unit. 8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, as a further step (e), the delivery of the letter and / or goods to a recipient (3) by a deliverer. 9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that the supplier is in the mobile data processing device before the start of the delivery process (6) identified. 10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mobile data processing device (6) during the Delivery process is in constant spatial proximity to the deliverer. 11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mobile data processing device (6) is provided with a locating unit. 12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the geodesics of the data processing device (6) for monitoring the delivery process are continuously recorded and stored.