We see our world as a digital one, yet we still look forward to packages arriving. The digital transformation of our economy has led, in fact, to increased demand for a package system. You can better secure access, document activity and meet user's various delivery needs with the latest in package lockers.
Package deliveries are made daily to college dorms and university mail rooms and a variety of businesses. Each of these may have its own system for accepting packages and getting them to the appropriate party. Yet, most of the traditional ways of doing this are time consuming and require a human presence. Still, that’s not always feasible. Certainly, it’s not as convenient as users might want to collect a delivery at odd hours of the day.
Upgrading to package lockers can address these challenges. Plus, these lockers are developed to increase security and help you better document delivery activity. It all makes a difference to overall workflow and the satisfaction of students, faculty, employee or business tenants.
Enhance Security With Package Lockers
The theft of packages is so familiar the term “package pirates” has entered the vernacular. This refers to individuals stealing packages before the intended recipient can collect them. Package lockers prevent this from happening. Plus, they do it without a human having to be involved. That’s a win for mail rooms across all types of environments.
Package lockers allow only permitted users to access the locker. The delivery driver arrives at the building or dorm with the package. Instead of having to interact with a doorman or security personnel, they walk up to the lockers and tap on a touch screen.
Selecting the recipient’s name from the database, they can open a specific locker to drop off the package. The system then sends an SMS or email notifying the recipient their package is available and where to collect it. A student might use their RFID card to open that locker. Or an employee could use their smartphone. There are also key fob, wristband or key card options. However, they’re configured, touch-less lockers open automatically without use of keys or combinations, which helps reduce the spread of germs too.
Customize for Added Convenience
The touchless technology for package lockers isn’t the only way to enhance well-being in the environment. You might also select a locker material such as bamboo or recycled plant materials, to create a more environmentally friendly environment. You might also reduce unwanted sounds with lockers using acoustic-rated sound-absorbing materials.
The wide assortment of steel lockers and laminate finishes are also customizable. You can make the lockers a design focal point by choosing strong, durable steel lockers in your brand colors. Or you might add custom graphics with the team mascot or business logo.
Don’t worry, though, you don’t have to draw attention to the package lockers if you don’t want to. You can also select a look that integrates fully into your existing design. Build lockers into a wall or use them as wall partitions. Select varying locker sizes and offer assigned and unassigned user modes depending on your needs.
These lockers also suit smart buildings. Package lockers can integrate seamlessly with your high-level tech. Customize your touchscreen design, integrate with existing software, and offer smart app connections to provide a truly frictionless user experience.
This also means no more waiting in line to pick something up. Users can collect their purchases whenever it’s convenient for them, 24/7.
Document Locker Activity Easily
You don’t need to worry about who is accessing what, even when the package drop-off and collection happen without human oversight. Cloud-based software automates package and delivery receipt with chain of custody and security features.
Wireless smart lockers let administrators access an online portal to see what lockers are being used, where and when. This can help improve user experience by letting you identify where you need more lockers or can improve workflow and floor plan use.
Administrators also gain the ability to control and restrict locker use. They might set up locker banks for mixed-use if package delivery isn’t generating enough need. Some of the lockers could be pre-assigned or made available for guest or visitor access. Plus, the configurations can be easily changed whenever needed.
Along with keeping up with locker activity to prevent theft and track traffic, managers can also easily oversee and open all lockers through their phones in the event of an emergency. The data dashboard also shows real-time data on usage and battery life.
Smart lockers also make cleaning easier with a custom groups function providing specialized access to targeted banks of lockers. The cleaning crew also benefits from the new design of lockers. Touchless lockers don’t use keypads or locks, so there are fewer uneven surfaces to wipe down to reduce the spread of bacteria.
Popular Package Locker Applications
The parcel shipping boom began even before COVID. The pandemic only gave it more fuel. “In the U.S., 17 percent more parcels were shipped in 2019 than in 2018. Between 2019 and 2020, that increase was 37 percent,” according to Statista. In 2021, UPS, FedEx and other small carriers all reported growing parcel volumes.
Yet at the same time, there is a labor shortage. It is, after all, a lot of work for one person to sign for, safely store, and organize all the packages coming in on a given day. Focus on hiring in other areas when lockers are more secure and can offer convenience along with valuable data insights.
University campuses are adopting package lockers to take the pressure off mail center personnel, make it possible to retrieve library and other materials at all hours, and facilitate food delivery in dorms.
For business, goods lockers can streamline the exchange of confidential records when hybrid workforces use the offices at different times. These lockers can also help with employee engagement as people are able to get their packages safely delivered at work. Healthcare institutions have even put package lockers near employee parking lots to enable grocery delivery and save their people valuable off-duty time.
Simplify Your Package System with Patterson Pope
Package lockers simplify delivery and collection for everyone involved. Find the package system solution that suits your environment with Patterson Pope. Our experts can help you find the right security approach, understand the technology options and select the best designs and configurations for your particular needs.
