Abstract: The communication hardware of the system is controlled by software processes that are preferably grouped as engines that also retrieve process and store data using system hardware. The engines control the communication system hardware to send and receive signals to and from users of the system. The communication signals may include data and control signals for exchanging information and also control signals for remote hardware that, for example, generate displays on user hardware such as smart devices. The communications system allows coordination of segmented order deliveries in a segmented order distributed distribution system. The infrastructure described supports efficient communication to a network of couriers and smart device APPS. Systems, methods and applications for using electronic lists to facilitate commerce, excursion organization and political discourse are also described.