What Are Smart Lockers? Modern Tech Meets Security

Since the pandemic is not going away any time soon, more people are shopping online, and relying on e-commerce to get what they need.

Whether it be textbooks, prescriptions, retail, or pretty much millions of products online, students are now accustomed to buying everything they need online.

With that increase in deliveries, safety measures with COVID-19, and wanting added security, many universities are looking to University Parcel Smart Lockers.

There is a growing demand for retail pickup services, and many businesses are leaning on smart storage and distribution systems as a means to meet that demand. On modern college campuses, lockers are being re-envisioned to serve a real need for busy students.

Today’s lockers often feature sleek designs to integrate into any setting, while new technology is replacing metal keys, and combination locks with contactless smart cards and mobile phones.

What Is a Smart Locker?

College students are among the largest groups of online shoppers, causing issues of long times at campus mail centers, limited hours for the student, and multiple issues with liability and theft. Contactless delivery has become so popular these days that it’s become our new normal for now.

The dramatic rise in package deliveries is straining storage, security, and campus staffing. Many colleges lack the budget to add more personnel. 

PR Newswire reports “With current safety and security concerns across university campuses during this pandemic, we are seeing Parcel Pending by Quadient smart lockers being used as distribution hubs for not only packages but also mail, IT assets like laptops, university bookstore pick-ups, and returns, library books, and other items,” said Christopher O’Brien, Executive Vice President. University lockers are now becoming the norm across a growing number of college campuses.

This automated, electronic locker system is a convenient solution for deliveries to universities, corporations, and more. The easy-to-use interface enables users to track parcels and notify recipients of delivery in real time. Package pick-up takes seconds, and lockers can be accessed 24/7 for convenient self-service pick-up.

Parcels are securely stored within the lockers and require a custom PIN entry code to open. For a minimal-touch experience, users can also scan the barcode provided in the parcel pick-up notification. For any returns made to the smart locker, the process is just as simple, creating a convenient, user-friendly process.

It also helps to declutter campus mail centers with easy storage. To further promote the security of packages, an automatic log is kept of every drop-off and pick-up for full chain-of-custody visibility, enabling powerful data insights to help enhance student and faculty experience on campus, while sturdy steel lockers keep their contents safe.

Benefits and Customization

To help accommodate corporations and organizations of any size, smart lockers are customizable and can be adjusted based on the space and needs of each location. Institutions can even add their logo to the lockers for a more personalized touch.

The US startup Parcel Pending provides lockers of any size and color to suit the exterior design. Their lockers also protect the packages from any external weather conditions.

Lockers can be designed to meet any space requirements, and are offered in custom colors and wrapped to match school colors, mascots, or campus settings. Rest assured lockers are made of ATM-style, theft-proof steel for durability and longevity. Professional installation and maintenance are a must, with local service staff on call.

From the University of Pittsburgh, the Director of Business and Auxiliary Services states “The benefits I like most about our lockers are the ability to free up my time with the staff to do other things besides delivering packages and mail, the ease of the use for the students, faculty, and staff to pick up their parcels and the 24/7 access.”

Service capability is a big factor in the efficiency of smart lockers. This is paramount when a customer is shopping online. Customers are prompted to order because they know that it will eliminate the disadvantages that ordinary delivery offers, such as delayed delivery, higher costs, and compliance with the opening hours of courier companies.

In short, their package is at their fingertips and can be picked up whenever they want. This facility is convenient and highly appreciated by every customer.

One of the best inventions of our time, smart lockers are an easy-to-use solution to help manage the overwhelming influx of parcels, especially amidst COVID-19 restrictions. Spaces for Learning notes adding parcel lockers to your package delivery system can place your campus ahead of the curve when it comes to the college experience.

Universities both in the United States and around the world are leveraging this very wise investment saving both faculty and students, time, and money, and ensuring everyone remain safe and happy.