Patterson Pope Blog

How Digital Lockers Evolve with You

Written by Stuffey | Dec 1, 2022 7:00:22 PM

How Digital Lockers Evolve with You

When you think of lockers, do high school hallways and the local skating rink come to mind? Lockers have come a long way since then. And, digital lockers have taken storage and parcel delivery to a whole new level. Beyond the gym changing room, today’s smart lockers enhance decor and make package pick-up a breeze. The formerly bulky eyesores have become handy digital assistants by combining simplicity and evolving technology.

No more losing keys or replacing locks. These digitally enhanced models place access squarely in your hands. Smart lockers can be locked, opened and updated with ease. All with the tap of an app. Beyond securing packages, digital lockers are changing the face of workplaces and universities.

Convenient. Safe. Digital storage for your stuff.

Tech Basics: Wired vs. Wireless

You can wire smart lockers through a central device or operate them wirelessly through a management app. Choosing the right technology for your locker system starts with knowing the ins and outs of both options.

Wired

The main component of our wired digital locker system is a touchscreen device centrally located on the locker bank. Users simply access their locker with an RFID card, mobile credentials or a 4-digit PIN. The intuitive user interface allows for the temporary or permanent assignment of lockers. The system can auto-assign lockers temporarily or allow for user self-selection. For permanent use, you can configure the system to require RFID media, a 4-digit pin or both – depending on the desired security level. The touchscreen device can also be customized to match your company’s brand.

Wireless

Instead of a digital display on the locker bank, our wireless locker system can be managed entirely via the Yellowbox app. Users can book and unlock their chosen locker via the app or with an RFID card. Customer service for the app is available 24/7. If apps aren’t your clients’ thing, managers can also assign and open lockers for them. The app gives managers access to real-time usage and battery data (if applicable), locking and unlocking control over single or groups of lockers and more.

Three-in-One Digital Locker Technology

Have stuff to store, share or exchange? Need a secure location for deliveries? Temporarily or permanently, digital lockers conveniently meet all your storage needs.

Personal Storage

Coworking spaces and universities are the two very public places in need of flexible, secure storage for personal items. As many workers embrace a hybrid work schedule, locked desks and solo office space are becoming a thing of the past. Whether storing all of your work essentials in a permanent locker or locking up your laptop for a lunch run, workplace lockers provide security for workers in shared spaces.

Students on university campuses have similar needs for flexible storage. From sharing textbooks with a peer to storing a gym bag during class, digital lockers allow students to store items on campus with ease. Our digital lockers can even be tied to a university or work ID for added simplicity. No lock combinations or special codes to remember. The system manager can assign a permanent locker or allow users to select their own via the app.

Multipurpose

Flexibility is a huge benefit of digital lockers. In the morning, it might hold laptops and textbooks for students. Then at midday, temporarily store a lunchtime food delivery. Later that evening, the same locker might store heavy coats and purses for a performance or event. With easy programming, a smart pick-up locker can switch uses with ease. It’s the perfect way to multipurpose space in smaller environments.

Exchange of Goods

When you can’t deliver or exchange goods face to face, digital lockers provide the security you need. In coworking spaces, these lockers can serve as IT and HR support. With Click & Collect, exchanging devices in need of repair or delivering papers that need an actual signature can be monitored securely through the app. Think of it as a high-tech mailbox for the office.

Universities are also taking advantage of the exchange options smart lockers provide. From loaner textbooks to borrowed A/V equipment, students can order, collect and return items effortlessly. No lines, less contact and a built-in tracking system. Even mail and food deliveries can be easily stored and retrieved through Click & Collect.

Test and Learn with Smart Lockers

Like any aspect of business, you need data to drive decisions. Implementing a smart locker system is no different. How do you know your locker needs and uses without first collecting data? Would employees like to schedule a desk and a locker in your coworking space? Are you running out of lockers on Wednesdays? The answers are all in your data. Our app keeps track of busy periods, length of locker rental and more. With our data tool, you can easily alternate uses and assignment methods to meet your specific needs and best utilize your investment.

Trend insights

The key to testing or understanding a pilot program is the data. With smart lockers, both our wired and wireless solutions collect data with each transaction or use. This data provides insight into how employees or students prefer to use lockers around the office or university.

Utilization Rates

See real-time data or a long-term report of how the lockers are being used – and which lockers are being used. The data will help you determine if you need to add more locker banks to particular areas.

Secure. Flexible. Convenient. Smart Lockers are taking the storage scene to new heights. Ready to upgrade your storage options? Speak to one of our specialists today. Let’s get your stuff stored in a smart locker.