METHOD FOR MANAGING THE INBOUND FREIGHT PROCESS OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN ON BEHALF OF A RETAILER DISTRIBUTION NETWORK
First Claim
1. A method for managing the transportation and logistics of an inbound freight process on behalf of a retail distribution network, the method comprising:
- a. processing a purchase order for a planned inbound shipment of a vendor'"'"'s goods, including a date on which the shipment is required by the retail distribution network;
b. determining an optimal carriage arrangement to meet the date requirement on a just-in-time basis, including proactive reduction of order cycle time where opportunity exists;
c. scheduling a pickup appointment with the vendor, the pickup appointment being notified to the vendor and the retail distribution network;
d. assigning an available carrier, and notifying the carrier as to the scheduled pickup appointment and delivery date requirement;
e. arranging for delivery of the order by the carrier;
f. monitoring the pickup and delivery of the order; and
g. notifying the retail distribution network and the vendor of a successful delivery meeting the delivery date requirement, or notifying the retail distribution network and the vendor if there is a service failure such that the date requirement cannot be met and confirming the resolution (or recovery) plan.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method for managing the transportation and logistics of an inbound freight process on behalf of a retail distribution network is provided. A purchase order is processed for a scheduled inbound shipment of a vendor'"'"'s goods, including a delivery date on which the shipment is required by the retail distribution network. An optimal carriage arrangement is determined so as to meet the delivery date requirement on a just-in-time basis, including proactive reduction of order cycle time where opportunity exists. A pickup appointment is scheduled with the vendor, and notified to the vendor and the retail distribution network. An available carrier is assigned, and notified as to the pickup appointment and the delivery date requirement. Delivery of the order by the carrier is arranged, and the status of the order is monitored. The retail distribution network and the vendor are notified of a successful delivery meeting the delivery date requirement, or if there is a service failure, the resolution thereof.
31 Citations
14 Claims
-
1. A method for managing the transportation and logistics of an inbound freight process on behalf of a retail distribution network, the method comprising:
-
a. processing a purchase order for a planned inbound shipment of a vendor'"'"'s goods, including a date on which the shipment is required by the retail distribution network; b. determining an optimal carriage arrangement to meet the date requirement on a just-in-time basis, including proactive reduction of order cycle time where opportunity exists; c. scheduling a pickup appointment with the vendor, the pickup appointment being notified to the vendor and the retail distribution network; d. assigning an available carrier, and notifying the carrier as to the scheduled pickup appointment and delivery date requirement; e. arranging for delivery of the order by the carrier; f. monitoring the pickup and delivery of the order; and g. notifying the retail distribution network and the vendor of a successful delivery meeting the delivery date requirement, or notifying the retail distribution network and the vendor if there is a service failure such that the date requirement cannot be met and confirming the resolution (or recovery) plan. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
-
Specification