What is a Smart Locker & How it Can Streamline Your Business Operations

Up until recently, if a customer needed to pick up their online order in-store or a hybrid employee arrived at the office in need of a laptop, someone would need to stop what they were doing, switch gears, and hand that product or asset over.

Then came smart lockers. 

In recent years, smart lockers have become the key to convenience in enterprise and retail settings, enhancing operational efficiency and the customer experience.

In fact, the smart locker market is predicted to grow from $1.95 billion in 2022 to about $4.9 billion by 2030, according to Zion Market Research. This statistic clearly indicates that a growing number of businesses are adopting smart lockers to address their needs, and why wouldn’t they? 

Investing in this technology as a means of distributing products and assets is an excellent way to keep customers and employees satisfied while keeping businesses productive. 

But what exactly is a smart locker, and how does it work? Follow along as we explore this technology and its potential impact on your business.

What Is a Smart Locker?

A smart locker is a secure, electronically operated storage system that allows people to access their personal belongings, packages, IT assets and other important items through a unique code, RFID card, or mobile app. These systems streamline the delivery and retrieval process, offering a seamless, contactless experience.

Unlike traditional locker systems, smart lockers have advanced security features such as electronic locks, real-time monitoring, and customizable access controls, allowing users to be confident in the safety of their valuable assets while enjoying the convenience of this technology. 

What Are Smart Lockers Used For?

To put it simply, smart lockers are used for their convenience. With secure 24/7 accessibility, these locker systems have been a game changer for various companies in a range of industries.  

For example, they can be a great tool for workplace asset management. Instead of disrupting IT staff by taking them away from important tasks to distribute equipment, smart lockers allow employees to access laptops or peripherals at any time, reducing labour costs and improving operational efficiency.  

Additionally, smart lockers are often used for retail purposes because they offer a reliable and convenient buy online, pickup in-store solution. After making an online order, customers can pick up, return, or exchange items from a smart locker at their preferred time, bypassing long checkout lines and limited store hours. 

How Does a Smart Locker Work? 

 

To ensure a smooth experience for everyone, smart locker systems have been designed to be user-friendly. Generally, the step-by-step process is as follows:

Step 1: Item Delivery 

• When someone wants to put an item into a smart locker, they scan the asset’s barcode and enter the recipient’s information into the system. 
• Premium lockers can also assign an available locker based on the size and requirements of the package/item. 

Step 2: Item Storage

• The system unlocks the assigned locker, and the IT specialist or delivery person places the item inside. 
• Once the item is placed inside, the IT specialist or delivery person closes the locker door, which automatically locks.
• A notification is sent to the recipient of the item, informing them that the item is ready for pickup. This notification typically includes a unique access code, QR code, or link, and it’s sent via email, SMS, or mobile app. 

Step 3: Item Retrieval 

• At the smart locker location, the recipient authenticates themselves by entering the access code on the locker’s touch screen or keypad, scanning the QR code on the locker’s scanner, or using the mobile app to communicate via Bluetooth or near-field communication (NFC). 
• Upon successful authentication, the smart locker system identifies the locker containing the recipient’s item and unlocks it.
• The recipient opens the door, retrieves the item, and closes the locker door. 

Step 4: System Update

• The system updates its status to reflect that the locker compartment is available to store the next item. 
• The smart locker logs the time and date of the pickup, the item retrieved, and the ID of the person who picked it up.
• Administrators can manage lockers remotely, monitor usage, and address any issues through an online dashboard. 

What Are the Key Components of a Smart Locker?

A smart locker system comprises several key components that provide a secure and convenient storage solution. Here’s a breakdown of its essential parts:

Hardware

The locker hardware is the foundational component of a smart locker system. It’s typically made with premium-grade sheet metal, ensuring durability for the security of stored items. Each of the individual compartments, which often vary in size, can be electronically locked and unlocked. 

Software

The software component is what turns a traditional locker system into a smart locker system, and it usually includes a management platform. This feature allows administrators to monitor and control the locker remotely. It uses advanced technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), to provide real-time data on locker usage, availability, security status, and content management, making the locker system a preferred choice for modern logistics and storage needs. For example, Signifi’s smart lockers are powered by SignifiVISION™, offering advanced analytics to help you optimize your IT Asset Management, merchandising, and forecasting.

Additional Features

Because smart lockers are used in a range of industries, many companies choose to add additional features to their systems.  

To ensure that the technology can be customized to meet the needs of our valued customers in any industry, our smart locker systems at Signifi Solutions Inc. offer:

• Flexible compartment sizes
• Heating and cooling
• Charging ports
• UV-light protection
• And more

Additionally, as a company driven by the conviction that smart tech should provide a seamless experience to everyone, our smart lockers are intentionally engineered with accessibility in mind. Our systems feature a variety of accessible elements, such as:

• ADA compliance, ensuring they offer a compartment at the right height for someone in a wheelchair
• Audio feedback/prompts for the hearing-impaired
• High contrast and simplified UI for the visually impaired (larger fonts, high contrasting colours, minimal graphical distractions)
• Braille touchpad for people with visual impairment
• Enable bottom compartments only in lockers for easy reach when depositing or retrieving items
• Voice prompts guide visually impaired users through the steps of vending a product using the braille touchpad
• Supplementary physical buttons to complement the next-gen system

Are You Ready to Strengthen Your Business with Smart Locker Technology?

As the world continues to embrace digital transformation, the market size for smart locker systems is expected to rise due to their range of benefits for various businesses, such as corporate offices, warehouses, and retail stores. This technology reduces the risk of theft and unauthorized access while providing convenient storage solutions for employees and customers. 

Workplaces using these technology systems are experiencing improved operations, better insights into device usage, around-the-clock operation, reduced asset losses, reduced labour costs, and increased employee and customer satisfaction.   

At Signifi Solutions Inc., we have over 2.2 million daily users in more than 45 countries. We are dedicated to helping our customers transform their businesses by creating transformational solutions with smart locker technology. Keep your business productive with Signifi smart lockers. Contact us to receive a quote today.