WO2002040187A2

WO2002040187A2 - Method and system for delivering products which have been ordered via a communication network

Info

Publication number: WO2002040187A2
Application number: PCT/NL2001/000820
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stijn Wortelboer; Jan Boudewijn Van Der Ark
Original assignee: Eliverit B.V.
Priority date: 2000-11-14
Filing date: 2001-11-13
Publication date: 2002-05-23
Also published as: NL1016605C2; WO2002040187A3; AU2002223157A1

Abstract

Method, system and device for delivering products, wherein products are ordered by customers from suppliers with the aid of communication means via a communication network. The products, ordered from different suppliers, are transported to a central depot and in this central depot sorted into batches, according to a particular delivery device determined at ordering. Subsequently, the products sorted into batches are transported in frames from the central depot to the local delivery devices associated with the central depot and delivered batch-wise to these delivery devices. Then, the products from the batch are delivered, via the delivery device, to recipients.

Description

Title: Method and system for delivering products which have been ordered via a communication network.

The invention relates to a method for delivering products, which products are ordered by customers with the aid of communication means via a communication network.

It is known from practice to offer and order products via a communication network, for example the Internet, and communication means connected therewith, such as a computer or telephone. This remote trading of products offers advantages to both the suppliers and the customers. The suppliers can offer their products twenty-four hours a day, without them needing an exhibition space or even having the products in stock. At any time of the day, the customers can look at what is on offer and place an order. Moreover, they can readily and rapidly compare the offer of the different suppliers, while they do not have to limit themselves to suppliers in their immediate surroundings.

The delivery of goods ordered in the above-described manner is generally done by a parcel delivery service. The door-to-door delivery of products requires a relatively large deployment of manpower and means. Moreover, flows of goods between the different suppliers and recipients can at least partly overlap, so that the available transport capacity is not always fully exploited. This inefficient use of transport means leads to extra strain on the infrastructure and the environment. A further drawback is that a recipient needs to be at home at the intended time of delivery, which takes up his time and can disturb his schedule for the day. When a recipient is not at home, the deliverer has to return at a later time, or deliver the product at another location, for instance at a depot for non-deliverable products. This also demands extra deployment of manpower and means.

The invention contemplates a method for delivering products, wherein the above-mentioned drawbacks have been obviated while maintaining its advantages. To that end, the method according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 1.

By collecting the ordered products in one central depot and distributing them thence over a number of delivery devices associated with this depot, the transport flows of various suppliers can be joined. As a result, double or partly overlapping transport flows can be avoided and, thus, a more efficient use can be made of manpower and means. Further, by the introduction of delivery devices, the number of delivery addresses can be reduced and the number of transport flows can be limited still further. This contributes to a relief of the infrastructure and the environment.

Moreover, the delivery devices are available twenty-four hours a day, both for receiving products coming from the depot and for delivering products. A recipient does not need to stay at home for the delivery of a product destined for him and can collect the product at any desired time. Moreover, he can receive several products, which may or may not come from different suppliers, at the same time.

In a further elaboration, a method according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 2.

When a substantial outlet area is involved, several central depots can be provided, each being associated with a different set of local delivery devices. By already determining during the ordering of a product with which delivery device his product has to be delivered, the respective product can always be brought to the proper depot. Once having arrived at the proper central depot, the products can be subdivided into batches, each batch comprising at least one and preferably more products, which are all destined for one specific delivery device. By thus regrouping the goods and transporting them batch-wise and placing them batch-wise in the delivery device, an efficient transport network can be created, wherein transport units are optimally filled and double transport flows are avoided. In a further elaboration, the method according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 3.

What is achieved by coupling the release of a product from the delivery device to a code, is that the product can only be collected by the^" particular person the product is intended for. This can be the customer himself or a recipient designated by him. The code can be a once-only code, associated with the order, which, during the delivery path, is passed on to the recipient, for instance directly after ordering or after payment or after the arrival of a product at a delivery device and the respective recipient is informed accordingly. However, the code can also be a personal code, which, for instance, is assigned to a customer or recipient further to a subscription taken out by him to the use of the delivery devices or a selection thereof. Further, the code can be a software code or a hardware code or a combination of the two.

In a further elaboration, a method according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 4.

By further subdividing a batch into sub-batches, wherein each sub- batch comprises products for one specific recipient, the efficiency in delivering the products can be enhanced. The fact is that such a sub-batch can be delivered to the respective recipient in one operation. Preferably, in accordance with the features of claim 5, a code is then issued with which a sub-batch can be released from the delivery device in its entirety. Also, a product code can be used for releasing a batch. Then, the composition of the batch can be a surprise to the recipient, for instance when the batch comprises a gift for the recipient, ordered by a different person. In an advantageous embodiment, a method according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 6.

As the customer can choose with which delivery device the ordered product has to be delivered, he can always have the product brought to a delivery device which suits the recipient best, for instance near his home, work or holiday address, or to a delivery device near the address of a different person to whom the product is to be delivered. Also, a customer can choose to collect an ordered product from a delivery device while passing through.

The degree of freedom of choice in delivery devices can be coupled to a rate, the rate for instance increasing according as the customer wants to be able to choose from a larger number of delivery devices or from delivery devices located at a larger distance from the depot.

In a further elaboration, a method is characterized by the features of claim 8.

By transporting the products batcb wise in frames, with each frame only comprising products from one batch all destined for one specific delivery device, a large number of products can be transported with a minimum of actions. The products only have to be sorted and distributed over the frames once, whereupon they can travel the entire route in the respective frames from the central depot to the moment of delivery to a recipient. Hence, further transfer, loading and unloading activities can be avoided, thus saving time and manpower.

By providing drawers in the frames, wherein in each drawer a product or sub-batch of products destined for one customer can be received, the frames can further cooperate in an advantageous manner in the delivery of products to recipients. With such drawers, each time the contents of one drawer can be released to a respective recipient, without giving the recipient access to other products stored in the frame. Moreover, in this manner, a sub- batch of more than one product destined for the same recipient can be delivered at one time. Hence, the frame forms an aid for storing, transporting and delivering a batch of goods, all destined for one specific delivery device, while a drawer in the frame corresponds to a sub-batch of goods destined for one specific recipient.

In an alternative elaboration, a method according to the invention is characterized by the features of claim 11. By traversing the method in reverse direction, products can not only be delivered from a supplier to a recipient, but also between two different delivery devices and their designated recipients. Thus, a delivery service from recipient to recipient is obtained, with all the associated earlier-mentioned advantages, such as a twenty-four hour availabiEty of the delivery devices and a large freedom of choice in delivery devices.

Further, the invention relates to a system for delivering products ordered by a customer, characterized by the features of claim 12.

With such a system, a method for delivering products according to the invention can be efficiently executed. By locating the or each central depot at a thinly populated location, intensive traffic to and from this depot can take place without causing inconvenience to the people living in the vicinity.

In a further elaboration, a frame according to the invention is characterized by the features of claims 15, 16 and 17. Owing to a flexible dimension and partitioning of the frame, this frame can always be geared to the number of products and their individual dimensions. Thus, the space in the frame can be used more fully and a higher degree of filling can be achieved, which increases the cost-effectiveness of the transport. In a further elaboration, a delivery device is characterized by the features of claims 24 and 25.

By providing the delivery device at least partly underground, its implementation can be simplified as the delivery device can be more easily fitted in among the already existing buildings, for instance underneath a car park. Moreover, in this manner, destruction of the landscape is avoided.

Implementing the delivery system can be further simplified by designing the delivery devices as prefab building elements of a standardized shape and dimension. Then, preferably, the dimensions are chosen such that the underground part of the device does not reach the groundwater level, thus circumventing problems associated therewith. Moreover, digging work and costs can be limited.

In the further subclaims, further advantageous embodiments of a method according to the invention and a system for the use of this method are described.

In clarification of the invention, an exemplary embodiment of a system for delivering products as well as a method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawing. In the drawing:

Fig. 1 schematically shows a system according to the invention for delivering goods;

Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a rack with several frames according to the invention;

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a delivery device according to the invention; Fig. 3a shows a schematic front view of an issuing window with horizontally and vertically movable shutters for delivering products; and

Fig. 4 shows the delivery device of Fig. 3 in sectioned view.

It is noted that the Figures are only schematic representations of a preferred embodiment of the invention. Fig. 1 schematically shows a system for delivering products 3 according to the invention, comprising a communication network 5, a central depot 8 and local delivery devices 10 associated with this central depot 8. With the aid of the communication network 5, for instance the Internet, products 3 are offered by a group of supphers 11. From this offer, products are ordered by a second group, hereinafter called 'customers' 12, by means of communication means 6 such as a telephone or a computer connected to this communication network 5. When placing his order, the customer 12 indicates to whom or where the product 3 is to be delivered. Based thereon, a most obvious delivery device 10 with which the product can be delivered to the destined recipient 13 is determined. Then, the ordered products 3 are brought from a supplier 11, by a transporter to a central depot 8 which is associated with the respective delivery device 10. The central depot 10 is at a location having good logistic accessibility and preferably located in a thinly populated area, so that - intensive supply and conveyance traffic of products 3 can take place without causing inconvenience to the people living in the vicinity. If the area where the ordered products 3 are to be distributed is large, several central depots 8 can be set up, each central depot 8 covering a subarea and being associated to that end with its own network of local delivery devices 10. The delivery devices 10 are located at a regular mutual distance, preferably in a densely populated area. The number of delivery devices 10 and their locations are chosen such that a high coverage is obtained, so that the walking distance between a place of residence of a random recipient 13 and the nearest delivery device 10 is preferably not more than approximately 10 minutes. What is meant here by place of residence of the recipient does not only include his home address, but also a temporary address such as a holiday address or an office address.

In the central depot 8, the products 3 are sorted in batches on the basis of their intended delivery device 10. Each batch is accommodated in a frame 15 to be described further, and, in this frame 15, in a batch-wise manner, transported to the respective delivery device 10, for instance with the aid of a low-noise, small truck. Once having arrived at a delivery device 10, the frames 15 with products 3 are stored in a storage space arranged to that end in the delivery device 10. By using the frames 15, a large number of products 3 can be handled in one operation and labor-intensive actions during the various stages of the transport path, such as loading, transferring and unloading of products 3 can be reduced to a minimum. The products 3 only need to be loaded in the frames 15 once, whereupon they remain in this frame 15 up to the moment of their delivery to a recipient 13.

As soon as a frame 15 with products 3 has arrived at a delivery device 10, the recipients 13 for whom the products are destined are informed accordingly, so that they can come and collect the products 3, For receiving the products 3, the recipients 13 can use a code, with which they can identify themselves at the delivery device 10. This code can be a digital code, such as a PIN-code or a password, or can be a hardware code, in the form of, for instance, a key or a magnet card. The issuance of this code can take place in different manners and at different times. When the customer 12 and the recipient 13 are one and the same person, such a code can be issued when the order is placed. When the customer 12 and the recipient 13 are not the same person, the recipient 13 can be given a code simultaneously with the collection notice with which he is informed that he can collect a product 3 at a particular delivery device.

After the recipient 13 has identified himself by means of the code at the issuing window of the respective delivery device 10, he will gain access (in a manner to be described hereinafter) to that part of the frame 15 in which the product 3 destined for him has been accommodated, so that he can receive this product 3.

Empty frames 15, the products 3 of which have all been delivered in the above-described manner, can be returned with the transport unit supplying the full frames 15 at the delivery device, to the central depot 8 to be deployed again, there. To prevent "clogging" of a deKvery device 10 with non- collected products 3, it is preferred that a maximum time of residence of a frame 15 in a delivery device 10 be defined. Not completely emptied frames 15 can be returned to the central depot 8, where the remaining products 3 can be collected in, for instance, a separate depot. The products 3 which are accommodated in the frames 15 can vary strongly as to shape and dimension and also the order in which they enter or leave the frame 15 is not fixed. To that end, the frame 15 is preferably of flexible structure. In Fig. 2, a frame 15 is represented meeting this requirement. The frame 15 comprises a rectangular framework 16 having a height H and a width B. The depth D of the framework 16 can vary between the values Di, D₂ and D3, with D₂ and D3 being preferably twice and thrice the value of Di, respectively. The framework 16, at least an inner space surrounded by this framework, can be subdivided into compartments 17 by means of horizontal and vertical partitions 19, 21. Preferably, the partitions 19, 21 are adjustably and detachably connected to the framework 16, so that, thus, a variable subdivision of the frame can be brought about, wherein the number of compartments 17 and their dimensions can vary. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the frame 15 can be subdivided into 1, 9 or 18 compartments 17 as desired. It will be clear that many variations thereon are possible. In this manner, the subdivision of the frame 15 can be adjusted to both small and large products 3, or a combination thereof. As a result, the frame 15 can always be optimally filled. The compartments 17 can be provided with drawers 18, which, preferably, are guided or carried by the partitions 19, 21. In each drawer 18 a product 3 destined for a recipient 13 can be accommodated. As the drawers 18 can be opened independently of each other, the products 3 can be loaded into and unloaded from the frame 15 in any desired order. Moreover, in one drawer 18 a sub-batch of several products destined for one recipient 13 can be received, so that this sub-batch can be delivered to the recipient 13 in one operation. Preferably, the drawers 18 are detachably arranged in the compartments 17, so that, if so desired, a drawer 18 can be taken along by a recipient 13 and be returned after use.

Further, on opposite sides near a lower side and an upper side, the frames 15 are provided with projections 26, 27, with which they can be retained by the various transport means during transport. As already indicated, the frames 15 are included in their entirety in a delivery device 10 and stored there. To that end, each delivery device 10 is provided with racks 20, in which the frames 15 can be arranged above each other and behind each other. In Fig. 2, an example of such a rack 20 is shown. The rack 20 has a width B and a depth D3 and further comprises two floors. Here, two layers of frames 15 can be placed above each other and one, two or three layers of frames 15 behind each other, depending on the depth D of each frame 15. The frames 15 are disposed in the racks 20 and held together with the aid of frame holders 22. A frame holder 22 comprises a rectangular bottom plate 23 having a width B and a depth D3, corresponding with the dimensions of a rack 20. At both end faces, the bottom plate 23 is provided with two upstanding edges 24, in which, on the sides proximal to each other, grooves 25 are arranged, at right angles to the bottom plate 23. With the earlier described projections 26, the frames 15 can be received in these grooves and thus be held together by the frame holder 22. In Figs. 3 and 4, a delivery device 10 according to the invention is shown, in perspective front view and in sectioned perspective front view, respectively. Preferably, the delivery device 10 is placed partly underground, so that it adversely affects the existing surroundings only minimally and can be relatively easily fitted into these surroundings, for instance under a car park. The delivery device 10 comprises an aboveground part 30 and a bin- shaped underground part 31. The aboveground part 31 provides for the interaction with the surroundings. To that end, this part 31 is provided with an access opening 33, via which opening 33 full frames 15, supplied by the central depot 8, can be received, and empty frames 15 can be discharged. Further, the opening 33 can serve as an issuing window 34 for products 3 to a recipient 13. It is also possible to provide a separate opening for the issuing window 34, so that the delivery of products 3 and the supply and discharge of frames 15 can take place simultaneously. The issuing window 34 has a same width B and height H as a frame 15 and can be entirely closed off or partly opened by means of a vertically moveable shutter 40 and two horizontally moveable shutters 41, as schematically represented in Fig. 3a. With these shutters 40, 41, always exactly that part of the opening 33 can be opened up which gives access to one drawer 18 of a frame 15 arranged behind the issuing window 34 during the delivery of a product 3. The shutters 40, 41 are moved by driving means, not shown in Fig. 3a but known from practice.. The issuing window 34, at least the opening 33, communicates with an elevator 36 with which the frames 15 can be transported between the aboveground and underground part 30, 31. The elevator 36 comprises a retaining element 38 provided with grooves, in which the frames 15 are retained by means of their projections 27 described hereinabove. The underground part 31 of the dehvery device 10 comprises a storage space 35 in which the frames 15, during their residence in the delivery device 10, are stored. In view of this storage function, at least a part of this storage space 25 is preferably provided with a climate control, so that the products 3 can be stored under favorable climatologic conditions. As the number of frames 15 resident in a delivery device 10 will constantly vary, depending on the frequency with which new, full frames 15 will be supplied and old frames 15 already present in the dehvery device 10 are emptied, the storage space 35 needs to have sufficient buffer space.

The storage space 35 is provided with two rows of racks 20 located opposite each other, wherein frames 15 can be arranged in the manner shown in Fig. 2. Between the rows, a path 42 is left clear in which a transfer device 37 can move along the racks 20. With this transfer device 37, a frame holder 22 carrying one or several frames 15 can be lifted from a rack 20 and be transferred to another rack 20 or to the elevator 36. Preferably, the dehvery device 10 is designed as a prefab building element, the underground part 31 preferably comprising a concrete, watertight bin. The dimensions of the underground part 31. in particular its height, are chosen such that this part, in buried condition, remains above the groundwater level. To that end, the height is, for instance, smaller than 2 meters. As a result, drainage facilities and other groundwater management measures can be omitted. Moreover, in this manner, the necessary digging operations and the costs associated therewith can be limited.

The delivery device 10 works as follows. Frames 15 supplied by the central depot 8 are placed, via the access opening 33, in the aboveground part 30 in the elevator 36. This elevator 36 takes the frames 15 down to the storage space 35 where, with the aid of the transfer device 37 and a frame holder 22, each frame 15 is placed in a rack 20, to await the moment a product 3 is to be delivered from this frame 15 to a recipient 13. When a recipient 13 reports at the issuing window 34 and identifies himself on the basis of a code, it is - determined on the basis of this code which product 3 this recipient 13 comes to collect. Then, with the elevator 36, the respective frame 15 is disposed behind the issuing window 34 at a height such that the lower side of the compartment 17 to be released is at exactly the same level as the lower side 39 of the opening 33. Any compartments 17' above and next to the compartment 17 to be released are covered with the aid of the vertically moveable shutter 40 and the two horizontally moveable shutters 41, respectively, as indicated in Fig. 3a. Then, via the thus realized access opening, the recipient 13 can open 'his' compartment 17 and take out the or each product 3 destined for him or even the entire drawer 18. The other compartments 17' present in the frame 15 remain closed off to the recipient 13.

The above described receiving of full frames 15, delivering of products 3 therefrom and discharging empty frames 15 can take place in a fully automated manner. As a result, the delivery device 10 is available twenty-four hours a day for both supply and discharge of frames 15 and the delivery of products 3.

The system of dehvery devices 10 and an associated depot 8 can also be used for sending a product 3 from a first dehvery device 10 via the central depot 8 to a second delivery device 10. With his method, also, use can be made of the communication network 5 to indicate to which second delivery device 10 the products 3 is to be sent and to pass a code and, optionally, an accompanying message to the destined recipient 13. The thus obtained dehvery system is available twenty-four hours a day, both to the recipient 13 and to the sender. Moreover, the product 3 can be delivered at a location which at that time is most favorable to the recipient 13, for instance near his office, holiday or other temporary address. The use of the dehvery device 10 can be paid for per event each time by the customer and/or recipient, or can, for instance, be included in the price of the ordered product 3. It is also possible to introduce a subscription for the use of the delivery devices 10 or a selection thereof. The invention is not in any way limited to the exemplary embodiments presented in the description and shown in the drawings. Many variations thereon are possible within the framework of the invention as outlined by the claims.

For instance, notably when the delivery area is very large, it may be favorable to introduce one or more extra levels into the distribution network, wherein, for instance from a regional depot a number of central depots are serviced which, in their turn, are associated with a number of sub-depots, whence, subsequently, the products are distributed over a network of local delivery devices. Further, it is possible, at ordering, to state a delivery term, so that a customer can place an order well in advance at his convenience and have it delivered during his absence, for instance because of a holiday, at third parties. For the transport and storage system of the frames within a delivery device, many variants are possible, such as, for instance, a paternoster, a carrousel, or a warehouse crane. The flexible subdivision of the frames too can be realized in many manners, for instance by means of freely moveable or detachable partitions. The frames, frame holders and racks may have other dimensions, wherein more or fewer frames can be placed in the rack behind and above each other. Further, the frames can be retained in the respective transport and storage means in another manner than with the above-described projections.

Also, the delivery device may be provided with a registration system, with which relevant information about the products stored therein can be stored, so that, for instance, when a product has a hmited shelf life, the respective recipient can be warned timely or, when the shelf life has expired, the product can be removed from the device to avoid the other products being affected.

In an advantageous manner, in the frames at least one active or passive climate controlling unit can be included with a closable, preferably thermally insulated housing in which products can be placed which need a specific climate. An example is a cooling box with an active electric or electromechanical cooling unit or a passive cooling battery. Another example is a heated box with an active electric heating element or a passive heating battery. With passive units, the accumulated thermal energy can also be stored in the product itself. For that matter, in this context, active climate controlling should be understood to mean that in the case of heating, thermal energy from outside the unit is supplied to the closed space and in the case of cooling, thermal energy is extracted from the closed space and is discharged outside the closed space. Preferably, such a climate controlling unit is designed as a detachable unit which can be included in the frame when desired. In particular, such a detachable unit, such as the above-described drawers, can be included in the compartments formed between the horizontal and vertical partitions. Then, the climate controlling unit forms, for instance, a cooling, freezing or heating drawer. Then, the drawer can be closed off by cooperation with the partitions of the frame, but can also be provided with a closable opening to be independently climate-controlled in detached condition. The detachable variant of the active climate controlling unit is preferably provided with an electric contact which, when the unit and the frame are coupled, can cooperate with a corresponding electric contact arranged on the frame.

These and many variations are understood to fall within the scope of the invention as outhned by the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for delivering products, wherein products (3) are ordered by customers (12) from suppliers (11) with the aid of communication means (6) via a communication network (6) and wherein ordered products (3) are transported from different supphers (11) to a central depot (8) and are delivered at the central depot (8), wherein, further, the delivered products (3) are transported from the central depot (8) to local dehvery devices (10) associated with the central depot (8) and, via the delivery devices (10), are delivered to recipients (13).

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein, at ordering, a dehvery device (10) is determined with which the product (3) is to be delivered and wherein ordered products (3), depending on a chosen delivery device (10), are transported to a central depot (8) associated with the dehvery device (10) and are delivered at the central depot (8), wherein, further, in the central depot (8) the delivered products (3) are sorted into batches for the delivery device (10) for which they are destined and wherein the sorted products (3) are transported in batches from the central depot (8) to the local delivery devices (10) associated with the central depot (8), and are delivered batch-wise per delivery device (10), and wherein, subsequently, the products (3) from the batch are delivered via the delivery device (10).

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a code is issued with which a product (3) can be released from a delivery device (10) to be delivered.

4. A method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the products (3) within a batch are subdivided into sub-batches and wherein the products, via the delivery device (10), are delivered in sub-batches.

5. A method according to claim 4, wherein a code is issued with which a sub-batch can be released from the dehvery device.

6. A method according to any one of claims 2 - 5, wherein a delivery device (10) is determined in that, at ordering, a customer chooses a delivery device (10) from a group of dehvery devices available to him.

7. A method according to any one of claims 3 - 6, wherein the customer determines to whom the code is issued.

8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the products (3) are placed in frames (15), and wherein the products (3) are transported in frames (15) from the central depot (8) to the delivery devices (10) associated with the central depot (8) and wherein the frames (15) are placed in the dehvery devices (10) and wherein, subsequently, the products (3) are dehvered from the frames (15) via the delivery devices (10).

9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the products (3) are placed in drawers (18) in the frames (15).

10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the products (3) are dehvered from a delivery device (10) to a recipient (13) by each time releasing the access to a part of the frame (15) in which a product to be dehvered is located with the aid of releasing means.

11. A method for delivering products, wherein these products (3) are delivered by senders at different first local delivery devices (10), wherein the senders, with the aid of communication means (6), via a communication network (5), determine with which second local delivery device (10) the product (3) delivered by them is to be delivered to a recipient (13) also to be determined by them, wherein the products (3) are transported from the first local delivery device (10) to an associated central depot (8) and, there, on the basis of their destined second local dehvery device (10), are sorted into batches, whereupon the batched products (3) are transported from the central depot (8) to the respective second local delivery devices (10) and are delivered batch-wise per second local delivery device (10), wherein, subsequently, the products (3) from the batch are delivered via the second local delivery device (10) to the respective recipients (13).

12. A system for dehvering products, comprising a communication network (5) with which customers (12) can order products (3) from supphers (11), at least one central depot (8) for collecting products (3), a number of local delivery devices (10), associated with the central depot (8), for delivering products (3) and frames (15) for receiving products (3), during transport and storage, wherein the central depot (8) is preferably located at a relatively thinly populated location and wherein the local dehvery devices (10) are preferably distributed over a relatively densely populated area which is located at a distance from the thinly populated location.

13. A system according to claim 12, wherein the frames (15) are subdivided into compartments (17), wherein the number of compartments (17) and their dimensions, as well as the dimensions of the entire frame (15) can differ per frame (15).

14. A system according to claim 13, wherein all frames (15) have the same width (B) and height (H) and a depth (D) which is a whole number of a particular unit depth (Di),

15. A frame suitable for use in a system according to any one of claims 12 - 14, comprising a substantially rectangular framework (16) surrounding an inner space, wherein horizontal and upstanding partitions (19, 21) are included which subdivide the inner space into compartments (17).

16. A frame according to claim 15, wherein the partitions (19, 21) are adjustable.

17. A frame according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the partitions (19, 21) are detachable.

18. A frame according to any one of claims 15 - 17, wherein the compartments (17) are provided with one or more drawers (18), for receiving a product (3) or a sub-batch of products (3) destined for a recipient (13).

19. A frame according to any one of claims 15 - 18, wherein the separate drawers (18) are detachably connected to the compartments (17).

20. A delivery device, suitable for use in a system according to claims 12 — 14, comprising receiving means for receiving products (3) delivered in frames (15), storage means for storing the frames (15), releasing means for releasing products (3) from the frames (15) and transport means for moving the frames between receiving, storing and releasing means.

21. A delivery device according to claim 20, wherein the storage means comprise a frame holder (22), for holding together frames (15) and racks (20) arranged one behind the other, for arranging above each other frames (15) held together in frame holders (22).

22. A delivery device according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the releasing means comprise an issuing window (34), provided with an opening (33) with the same width (B) and height (H) as a frame (15) and slideahle shutters (40, 41), with which a part of the opening (33) can be cleared, which part gives access to exactly one compartment (17) of a frame (15) arranged behind the opening (33) during release of products (3), and wherein the other compartments (17) are closed off by the slideable shutters (40, 41).

23. A delivery device according to any one of claims 20 — 22, wherein the temperature of at least a part of the delivery device (10), in particular the part where frames (15) filled with products (3) are stored, is controllable.

24. A delivery device according to any one of claims 20 - 23, wherein at least a part of the dehvery device (10), in particular the part where the frames (15) are stored, is located underground.

25. A delivery device according to any one of claims 20 - 24, wherein the part (31) located underground comprises a watertight bin preferably designed as a prefab concrete building element.

26. A frame according to any one of claims 15 - 19, provided with a detachable climate controlling unit with a closable, thermally insulated housing.

27. A frame according to claim 26, wherein the climate controlling unit is provided with an active cooling unit.