Over the last five years, an increasing number of employees are working from home. With the global pandemic, this trend has only accelerated. The typical 9 to 5 workday is, for many, a thing of the past. According to Statistics Canada, more Canadians will be working from home once the pandemic subsides. This is a result of employers and employees realizing the benefits of work location flexibility.
Technology is supporting the “work from home” movement. Now, more than ever, organizations must equip their employees and keep them updated with IT equipment. Trying to coordinate equipment pick up and drop off obsolete or non-working devices is challenging for larger organizations due to increasing volumes and a workforce that is often no longer at their office desk. Employees want to be able to pick up or drop off items where and when they want, while the IT staff want to manage IT asset movement efficiently.
Smart Parcel Lockers are the Answer
Smart Lockers are intelligent electronic devices that automate the receipt, storage, and pickup of items. Deposits are streamlined through barcode scanning. Once an item is placed into a locker, the recipient is sent a notification with a pickup code that they can enter or scan at the locker to retrieve it. These lockers are secure, modular, easy to use, can be installed indoors and outdoors, and can be finished in various paint types (e.g., anti-microbial) and customized to display your brand or message.
Businesses are adding self-service solutions for their employees with devices like Smart Parcel Lockers. The equipment automates the entire process, electronically tracking drop-offs and pickups while securely storing laptops, computers, accessories, and more.
Three Use Cases:
There are many valuable purposes Smart Lockers fulfill. We’ve listed the top three use cases Smart Lockers are performing today:
Device Servicing – Smart lockers provide a contactless solution for staff to drop off the devices and equipment needing repair.
Equipment Exchange – Smart Lockers can be used to distribute and collect equipment among employees and staff, tracking who and when items are picked up and dropped off.
Micro Warehousing – A Smart Locker allows you to store utility items, such as computer mice, keyboards, or charging cables. Employees may then pick up on demand and return at their convenience.
In addition to these use cases, every transaction is captured electronically, providing a real-time view of the locker’s status, contents, and utilization. Furthermore, employees can be provided with a FOB scan ID tag to access the lockers at any time. Automated reminders and expiries can also be set up if items don’t get picked up within a configurable time frame, which can alert staff for their removal. Lastly, there are different slot sizes to accommodate a variety of equipment, and the locker can connect to the organization’s back-office software and systems via an open API.
Final Thoughts
With mobile working on the rise, installing an “in-building” Smart Parcel Locker is a logical consideration to help efficiently adapt to the new norm. Employees can have a centralized location to safely and securely exchange devices without interrupting productivity – being available when they are. All with the flexibility of indoor/outdoor access and smart features like real-time security cameras, locker content logs, and more! Further, the locker can also be used to securely and efficiently receive, and make available for pickup, inbound courier shipments.
To learn more about how your organization can maximize Smart Lockers to reduce cost, increase revenue, and delight your customers, contact the ParcelPort team online by visiting www.theParcelPort.com, email at sales@theParcelPort.com or calling 1-800-818-0870.