Streamlining of package processing in a mailcenter service system

A mailcenter service system for a community, comprising:

• a package processing workstation to process an incoming package for a specified customer, the package processing workstation including
• a tracking code assigning device to apply a tracking code unique to the package being processed, and
• a route assignment device to assign a default route to the package, the assigned route being one of plural candidate routes including locker pickup, mailcenter pickup and delivery to specified delivery address;
• plural package storage lockers at respective assigned locations and having respective unique device identifiers, each package storage locker having a code entry device to receive user entry of an unlock code specific to unlocking the package storage locker at an instant moment;
• a mail service controller to communicate with the package processing workstation, monitor status of the plural package storage lockers, and control service provided to each service customer amongst plural service customers registered in a customer database registering contact information for the plural service customers;
• a locker assignment device including
• a device identifier reader to read the device identifier of a package storage locker when the package specified for locker pickup is being deposited at the package storage locker, and
• a wireless communication interface through which the locker assignment device communicates to the mail service controller, the device identifier of the package storage locker in association with the tracking code of the deposited package, and
• wherein the mail service controller, upon receiving from the locker assignment device the device identifier of the package storage locker in association with the tracking code of the deposited package, transmits a locker pickup notification to an electronic address of the specified customer registered in the customer database, the locker pickup notification informing arrival of the deposited package, identifying the deposited package by the tracking code of the deposited package, indicating the location and device identifier of the package storage locker, and indicating an unlock code to unlock the package storage locker for removal of the deposited package from the package storage locker.