A - C

Asset Locker - An asset locker is a smart locker configured specifically to store and track valuable physical items — such as electronics, keys, tools, or equipment — rather than incoming parcels. In commercial or mixed-use buildings, asset lockers give management full chain-of-custody records every time an item is accessed, removed, or returned. For property managers overseeing large buildings with shared equipment or maintenance supplies, this functionality can eliminate lost-item disputes and manual logbooks entirely.

Attended Locker - An attended locker is a locker system that requires a staff member to be present to facilitate deposits or pickups. This differs from an unattended locker, which operates entirely on its own without any staff involvement. Most modern smart locker installations are unattended by design, which is precisely what eliminates the staff labour burden that traditional package rooms create.

Barcode Scan - A barcode scan is the process by which a courier deposits a parcel into a smart locker by scanning a package's shipping barcode at the locker's kiosk interface. The scan registers the delivery in the system, assigns the parcel to the correct resident or unit, and triggers an automatic notification. For property managers, this step is what makes the entire process self-sufficient — no staff member needs to log the delivery or look up a resident's name.

BOPIS - Stands for Buy Online, Pick Up In Store. It refers to a retail fulfilment model where a customer purchases a product online and collects it from a physical location rather than having it shipped to their home. Smart lockers are increasingly used as the collection point in BOPIS arrangements, allowing retailers to automate pickups and reduce counter congestion. For mixed-use or retail properties in the GTA, BOPIS lockers represent an opportunity to add a revenue-generating amenity that serves both tenants and their customers.

Carrier Integration - Refers to the technical connection between a smart locker system's software and a courier company's own logistics platform. When integration is in place, the courier's system and the locker's system communicate automatically — eliminating manual data entry and enabling real-time tracking. Not all locker systems integrate with all carriers, so it is worth confirming which couriers a vendor supports before signing a contract.

Cloud-Based Locker Software - The platform that runs and manages a smart locker system remotely, without requiring software to be installed or maintained on a local computer. Because the platform lives in the cloud, administrators can monitor locker activity, generate reports, adjust settings, and respond to issues from anywhere with an internet connection. For property managers overseeing multiple buildings or working off-site, cloud-based management is a significant operational advantage.

Compartment - A compartment is a single lockable unit within a locker bank — the individual slot into which a courier deposits a parcel. Compartments come in a range of sizes (small, medium, large, and oversize) to accommodate different parcel dimensions. The total number and size mix of compartments in a locker installation should be matched to a building's daily parcel volume and typical package sizes. Learn more with our smart locker buyers guide. 

Concierge Package Handling - Refers to the traditional method of receiving, logging, storing, and distributing parcels through a building's front-desk or concierge staff. While widely used, this approach is labour-intensive and creates liability for staff who handle residents' personal property. Smart lockers are the primary alternative that eliminates this workload. If you're currently weighing the two options, the Definitive Guide to Smart Lockers walks through the comparison in detail. 

Courier - In the context of smart lockers, a courier is any delivery company — such as UPS, Purolator, FedEx, Amazon Logistics, or DHL — that deposits parcels into a locker on behalf of the sender. A key distinction for property managers to understand: Canada Post does not deposit parcels into third-party locker systems, so a building's parcel management plan needs to account for Canada Post deliveries separately.

D - L

Dead Parcel - A package that has remained uncollected in a locker compartment beyond the building's designated expiry window — typically 3 to 7 days — and has not been retrieved by the recipient. Most locker software tracks dead parcels automatically and can escalate notifications or flag the compartment for manual review. Left unaddressed, dead parcels reduce available compartment capacity and create friction for incoming deliveries.

Delivery Exception - Occurs when a parcel cannot be delivered as intended — for example, because a locker is full, the package is too large for any available compartment, or there is a technical issue with the system. Exception events are logged in the locker software and may trigger an alert to building management. Monitoring your exception rate is a useful signal for whether your locker configuration is appropriately sized for your building's volume.

Dimensional Weight - Sometimes called DIM weight, is a pricing method used by couriers that calculates shipping cost based on a package's size rather than its actual weight. A large but lightweight box may cost significantly more to ship than a small, heavy one. For property managers, understanding dimensional weight matters when reviewing package volume data, because it affects how couriers categorize and handle shipments destined for your building.

Dwell Time - The length of time a parcel sits in a locker compartment between when it was deposited and when it is collected by the recipient. High average dwell times — meaning residents are slow to pick up their parcels — reduce compartment availability and can cause overflow issues during peak delivery periods. Locker software dashboards typically report dwell time so property managers can identify patterns and adjust notification settings accordingly.

Dynamic Allocation - A locker software feature that automatically assigns an available compartment to an incoming parcel at the moment of deposit, rather than pre-assigning fixed compartments to specific units or residents. This approach maximizes the efficient use of available space across the locker bank. Buildings with dynamic allocation rarely run out of compartments at the same rate as those using fixed-slot systems.

Failed Delivery Attempt - Occurs when a courier tries to deliver a parcel but cannot complete the drop-off — often because no compartment is available, the parcel is too large, or the courier cannot access the building. Failed attempts result in re-delivery costs for the courier and frustration for the recipient. One of the primary values of a properly configured smart locker system is the near-elimination of failed delivery attempts for eligible parcels.

First-Mile / Last-Mile Delivery - First-mile delivery refers to the movement of goods from a manufacturer or seller to a distribution hub, while last-mile delivery refers to the final leg of a shipment's journey — from the courier's local facility to the recipient's door. Last-mile is consistently the most expensive and logistically complex part of the delivery chain. Smart lockers reduce last-mile costs by enabling couriers to deposit multiple parcels in a single stop rather than attempting door-to-door delivery across a multi-unit building.

Heated Locker - A smart locker unit equipped with internal temperature management to prevent mechanical failure or frozen compartment locks in cold weather. In Canada's climate, this is a practical consideration for any outdoor or partially covered installation. For most GTA buildings, indoor locker placement is recommended and eliminates the need for heating elements altogether.

Integration (Software) - In the context of smart lockers, integration refers to a technical connection between the locker platform and another software system — most commonly a property management software (PMS) platform. When integration is active, resident data flows automatically between systems, which means new move-ins are registered in the locker without manual entry and departing residents are removed promptly. Integration depth varies by vendor and should be confirmed during the evaluation process.

IoT - Stands for Internet of Things — a term used to describe physical devices that are connected to the internet and can collect and exchange data. Smart lockers are IoT devices: they communicate with cloud-based software in real time, report on compartment status, log every deposit and pickup, and can be monitored and managed remotely. Understanding that smart lockers are part of the IoT ecosystem helps explain why internet connectivity at the installation location is a hard requirement, not a nice-to-have.

Kiosk Interface - The physical touchscreen terminal mounted on or near a locker bank that couriers and residents use to interact with the system. Couriers use it to scan barcodes and open compartments for deposit; residents use it to enter a PIN, scan a QR code, or input an OTP to retrieve their parcel. A clear, intuitive kiosk interface directly affects resident satisfaction and the speed at which couriers can complete a drop-off.

LEED Certification (Relevance to Lockers) - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design — is a globally recognized green building certification program. Smart locker installations can contribute to a building's LEED score by reducing the number of vehicle trips required for parcel re-delivery, thereby lowering the building's overall carbon footprint. For condo developments seeking LEED certification or pursuing sustainability credentials in their marketing, smart lockers are a legitimately relevant amenity to include in documentation.

Locker Bank - A single physical column or row of compartments within a smart locker installation. A complete locker system typically consists of one host unit — which contains the computer, screen, and scanner — plus one or more additional banks that expand capacity. Banks are modular, meaning they can be added as parcel volumes grow, provided space is available. Check out our smart locker buyers guide to learn more.

Locker Module - An individual, self-contained section of hardware that can be added to or removed from a locker installation to adjust capacity. Unlike a fully custom-built system, modular locker hardware gives property managers flexibility to scale their installation over time without replacing the entire unit. Modularity is one of the key questions to ask any vendor during the evaluation process.

M - R

Missed Delivery - Occurs when a courier attempts to deliver a parcel but is unable to complete the drop-off — leaving a notice card and scheduling a re-delivery attempt. In multi-unit residential buildings, missed deliveries are among the most common sources of resident complaints and add cost to the courier's operation. Smart lockers eliminate missed deliveries for any parcel that fits within an available compartment.

Multi-Carrier Locker - Sometimes called a courier-agnostic locker — is a smart locker system that accepts deposits from any courier service, not just one specific carrier. This is the standard expectation for residential and commercial installations in Canada, where a single building may receive shipments from UPS, Purolator, FedEx, Amazon Logistics, and others on the same day. Confirming that a locker is genuinely multi-carrier is an important step before purchase. ParcelPort smart lockers accept all major couriers without requiring carrier-specific agreements.

Notification (SMS / Email) - Automated notifications are the messages sent to a resident when a parcel is deposited in their designated compartment, typically via SMS text message and email. Timely, reliable notifications are critical to keeping dwell time low and compartment availability high. Most locker platforms allow building managers to configure notification frequency and escalation rules for uncollected parcels.

OTP (One-Time Passcode) - A unique numeric or alphanumeric code generated by the locker system and sent to a resident when a parcel arrives. The resident enters this code at the kiosk interface to open their assigned compartment. OTPs expire after use, which is what makes them a secure access method — the same code cannot be used twice, and codes are tied to a specific parcel transaction.

Outdoor Locker - A smart locker unit designed for installation outside a building, typically at a building entrance, in a covered driveway, or on an exterior wall. Outdoor units require weatherproof casing, and in Canada's climate, heated components are advisable. While outdoor lockers can be useful for buildings with limited lobby space, indoor placement remains the preferred option for resident comfort and hardware longevity.

Oversize Compartment - A locker slot significantly larger than a standard-sized unit, designed to accommodate unusually large or bulky parcels that would not fit in a regular compartment. The proportion of oversize compartments in a locker configuration should reflect the actual mix of parcel sizes a building receives. Lockers that include oversize compartments as part of the configuration reduce the number of deliveries that must be handled manually by building staff.

Package Room - A designated room or storage area within a building where staff accept, log, and store incoming parcels until residents collect them. While inexpensive to set up initially, package rooms require ongoing staff time to manage and create liability exposure for mishandled or lost items. Smart lockers are the most common alternative considered by buildings looking to reduce staff burden while improving resident experience. For a detailed comparison, see the smart locker vs. package room analysis on this site. 

Parcel Management - Refers to the full set of processes a building uses to receive, store, track, and distribute incoming packages to residents or tenants. Effective parcel management reduces staff labour, minimizes lost-parcel incidents, and improves the resident experience. As e-commerce volumes continue to rise across the GTA, parcel management has moved from a minor administrative task to one of the most significant operational challenges facing property managers and condo boards. 

PIPEDA - the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act — is Canada's federal private-sector privacy law. It governs how organizations collect, use, and disclose personal information. In the context of smart lockers, PIPEDA is relevant because locker systems collect data about residents: delivery records, access timestamps, and contact information. When evaluating a vendor, confirm how resident data is stored, who can access it, and how long it is retained, as these practices need to align with PIPEDA obligations.

PIN Code - A numerical password a resident enters at the kiosk interface to open their compartment and retrieve their parcel. PINs are one of the most common access methods used in smart locker systems alongside OTPs and QR codes. Some buildings configure their systems to use fixed PINs linked to individual units, while others use dynamically generated PINs for each individual delivery transaction.

Property Management Software (PMS) - The platform many condo corporations and property management companies use to manage resident records, maintenance requests, communications, and building operations. Leading PMS platforms used in Ontario include Yardi, BuildingLink, and others. When a smart locker system integrates directly with a building's PMS, resident onboarding and offboarding become automatic — reducing administrative errors and eliminating duplicate data entry.

QR Code Access - A retrieval method where a resident receives a QR code — typically embedded in a notification email or SMS — and scans it at the kiosk interface to open their compartment. QR codes are popular because they are fast, require no memorisation, and work reliably even for residents who are less comfortable with numeric passcodes. Most modern smart locker platforms support QR code access alongside PIN and OTP methods.

Refrigerated Locker - A temperature-controlled locker compartment designed to store food, pharmaceuticals, or other perishables that require cold storage between delivery and pickup. While not yet common in residential condo buildings across the GTA, refrigerated compartments are becoming more relevant as grocery delivery and meal-kit services grow. Buildings considering long-term locker scalability should ask vendors whether refrigerated modules are available for future addition.

Remote Management - Refers to the ability of a property manager, building administrator, or locker vendor to monitor and control a smart locker system from any location via the cloud-based software dashboard — without needing to be physically present at the locker. Capabilities typically include viewing compartment status, releasing stuck doors, resending resident notifications, and pulling audit reports. For managers overseeing multiple properties, remote management is an essential feature.

Returns Locker - A smart locker configured to accept outgoing parcels from residents who need to return a purchase to a retailer. Residents deposit their return package into the locker, and the courier collects it on their next visit. This feature eliminates the need for residents to travel to a shipping depot and adds a meaningful convenience amenity that is especially valued in urban residential buildings.

Revenue Sharing - A commercial arrangement between a property and a smart locker provider in which the building receives a portion of the revenue generated by courier usage of the locker system. Not all vendors offer this model. For condo boards and building owners evaluating the true cost of a smart locker installation, revenue sharing can meaningfully offset or in some cases eliminate the net monthly cost. ParcelPort's revenue-sharing model is one of the distinguishing factors that separate it from competitors who charge flat monthly fees without any return to the building.

RFID - Radio Frequency Identification — is a technology that uses radio waves to identify and track objects. In smart locker systems, RFID can be used for access control, asset tracking, or integration with building security systems. RFID-based access is less common in residential parcel locker settings than PIN, QR, or OTP methods, but is more frequently used in commercial or corporate asset locker deployments where employees carry RFID-enabled access cards.

S - Z

Smart Locker - An automated, internet-connected locker system that streamlines the deposit, storage, and retrieval of packages without requiring staff involvement. Smart lockers combine physical hardware — individual lockable compartments of varying sizes — with cloud-based software that manages notifications, access codes, audit logs, and reporting. For condo boards and property managers, a smart locker replaces the need for manual parcel handling by concierge staff or a managed package room. If you're new to this category, the Definitive Guide to Smart Lockers is the best place to start. 

Software Dashboard - The administrative interface — typically a web-based portal — where building managers and locker administrators monitor locker activity in real time. A typical dashboard displays current compartment occupancy, pending notifications, dwell time reports, delivery history, and system alerts. The quality and clarity of the dashboard is worth evaluating carefully during any vendor demonstration, as it is the tool your team will use on a daily basis.

Touchscreen Interface - The on-locker screen used by couriers to initiate a deposit and by residents to retrieve their parcels. A well-designed touchscreen interface should be intuitive for first-time users, visible in various lighting conditions, and responsive even when users are wearing gloves — a practical consideration for Canadian winters.

Unattended Locker - A smart locker system designed to operate without any staff present. Couriers deposit parcels and residents retrieve them entirely on their own, guided by automated notifications and secure access codes. This is the standard operating model for residential smart lockers in condominiums. The transition from an attended package room to an unattended smart locker system is the most common upgrade property managers across the GTA are making today.

Unit Count - Refers to the total number of residential units in a building. It is one of the two primary inputs — alongside daily parcel volume — used to size a smart locker system correctly. As a general benchmark, buildings typically receive between 16 and 20 parcels per 100 units per day. Understanding your building's unit count and parcel density is the starting point for any accurate locker sizing conversation.

Uptime SLA - Service Level Agreement — is a contractual commitment from a vendor specifying the minimum percentage of time the locker system will be operational. For example, a 99.5% uptime SLA means the vendor commits to having the system available for 99.5% of all hours in a given period. For property managers, the uptime SLA is one of the most important terms to review in any locker contract, as system downtime directly affects resident experience and building operations.

Have questions about any of the terminology above — or want to see how a specific feature applies to your building? The ParcelPort team is based in Vaughan and serves property managers and condo boards across the Greater Toronto Area. Reach out at hello@theparcelport.com or 1-800-818-0870 to start a conversation or request a quote.