Collaborative logistics information exchange method and apparatus
First Claim
1. A collaborative logistics information exchange system, comprising:
- a provider server configured to provide information exchange and data processing capability;
a data storage device coupled to said provider server;
at least one provider workstation;
at least one client workstation;
at least one carrier workstation;
at least one proof of delivery device; and
communications means coupling said provider, client and carrier workstations and said proof of delivery device to said provider server, wherein said provider server is configured to enable entry and retrieval of data via one or more of said provider, client and carrier workstations relating to the transportation of product from one location to another and wherein said proof of delivery device is configured to provide physical and electronic evidence of product delivery.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed is an apparatus and methodology for collaborative logistics information exchange that permits the entry, storage, retrieval and viewing of data pertinent to the transportation of freight loads or product coordinated through a logistics provider and/or his agent(s). Information exchange may be conducted over a local or wide area network or the Internet substantially in real time and may include capabilities of storing and transmitting images of selected paper documents, conducting instant messaging sessions and attaching load relevant electronic notes to selected stored information. Proof of product delivery may be establish through the provision of specially formatted labels printed and attached to selected paper documents coupled with the electronic transmission of corresponding data to the logistics provider.
54 Citations
19 Claims
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1. A collaborative logistics information exchange system, comprising:
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a provider server configured to provide information exchange and data processing capability;
a data storage device coupled to said provider server;
at least one provider workstation;
at least one client workstation;
at least one carrier workstation;
at least one proof of delivery device; and
communications means coupling said provider, client and carrier workstations and said proof of delivery device to said provider server, wherein said provider server is configured to enable entry and retrieval of data via one or more of said provider, client and carrier workstations relating to the transportation of product from one location to another and wherein said proof of delivery device is configured to provide physical and electronic evidence of product delivery. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for collaboratively exchanging product delivery information, comprising the steps of:
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establishing an information repository and processing center;
establishing a plurality of information entry and retrieval centers;
coupling said information repository and processing center and said plurality of information entry and retrieval centers together for information transfer;
providing selective information entry and retrieval capabilities for selected ones of the plurality of information entry and retrieval centers; and
providing physical and electronic evidence of product delivery. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of providing evidence of product delivery, comprising:
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providing a product to be transported from a first location to a second location;
providing physical documentation regarding the product to be transported;
transporting the product together with the physical documentation from the first location to the second location;
printing a data encoded label with a printer located at the second location;
attaching the data encoded label to the physical documentation;
creating an image of the physical documentation after the step of attaching;
transmitting the image to a predetermined location; and
separately transmitting data corresponding to data encoded in the data encoded label to the predetermined location from a device at the second location, whereby a comparison of data contained in the transmitted image and the separately transmitted data may establish evidence of product delivery from the first location to the second location. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification