Abstract: A delivery scheduling method for goods ordered from an etailer which uses a locker management system controlling automated collection points. An automated collection point is selected from a number of such points to receive the ordered goods and generates a code relating to the ordered goods. A corresponding instruction is communicated to the selected automated collection point.

Abstract: Systems and methods to deliver goods ordered from e tailer to an automated collection point are described. The e tailer employs a single courier to deliver goods to automated collection points. Systems and methods are describe to select an automated collection point for delivering the goods. The system may segregate pending deliveries into groups, with each group of deliveries assigned to a distinct automated collection point. In embodiments of the invention, the groups are selected so that the customers corresponding to each group reside within the vicinity of the corresponding collection point. In embodiments of the invention, the customers receiving orders at an automated collection point may receive a discount for consolidating deliveries. In some embodiments, this may comprise a flat discount. In other embodiments, the discount may be applied on a pro-rata basis.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for arranging delivery of an item ordered from the Internet to a automated collection point by selecting one of a number of couriers. The plurality of couriers may be stored in a database accessible by the e tailer, either locally or remotely. The courier may be selected on the basis of price. In embodiments, the user is sent a plurality of prices for delivering the item to the collection point by the plurality of couriers. In some such embodiments, the system then selects the courier with the lowest price. The system may also determine whether or not couriers listed in the database deliver to the requested automated collection point. A string identifier may be sent from the e tailer to the customer via the web client. The string identifier may indicate an identifier for the courier; it embodiments, it may indicate a password for entry to the locker in the automated collection point. In some embodiments, the string identifier may be dynamically generated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to implement and operate a network of automated collection points is described. The automated collection points facilitate the delivery of goods to a customer. The invention allows customers, delivery agents, or retailers to arrange for the delivery of goods ordered from a retailer to an automated collection point which can be accessed by a customer. The automated collection point may include different type of interfaces, such as barcode readers, smart card readers, biometric scanners, or keypads. The automated collection point is connected via a network medium to a collection of one or more servers referred to as a Locker Management System. A Locker Management System may control two or more automated collection points. These automated collection points may be located at separate geographical locations. When a package is delivered to an ACP site, it is identified to an interface on the ACP by its package ID.