Adopt to adapt: Smart lockers transform parcel and asset delivery

The struggle is real. Mail centers are already overwhelmed with parcels, and the situation is only expected to intensify. Shipping volumes are projected to grow by 61.5% from 2022 to 2027, adding even more pressure to their operations. (Pitney Bowes Global Shipping Index)

The ecommerce boom has mail centers struggling to keep pace not only with the tasks at hand, but also with the rising expectations of those they employ and serve. As a hybrid mix of onsite and remote work becomes the norm, more and more organizations are adapting with technology-enabled solutions—including smart lockers.  

Smart lockers: more than just package delivery

Smart lockers are being embraced by enterprises, higher education and government entities to modernize the entire mail center experience and help those they employ and serve stay safe and productive. But many of these same organizations are discovering that the smart locker is far too useful to confine to mailroom duty only.

1. Enterprises

Whether we’re talking a 500-strong corporate office or a facilities management firm, the challenges are similar: you need a safe, secure way to manage packages and assets, as well as visibility into everything that moves across the organization. It’s not an easy task when “across the organization” increasingly includes remote worker locations.

Some 90% of companies are transitioning to a “hybrid” workforce that combines on-site and remote employees. Ensuring employees feel safe, productive and valued whether working remotely at home or hot-desking it in the office is critical. This helps explain why over more and more enterprises are planning to invest in smart locker technology. The shift towards smart locker solutions are for companies looking to enhance efficiency and security in parcel.

Day Use has become an invaluable component of technology supporting the hybrid workforce. For employees without a dedicated workspace, smart lockers provide a secure place to store personal belongings. They are also ideal for visitors who need temporary storage while at the office. In addition to offering short- or long-term storage, smart lockers can be used to distribute low-value items such as supplies, gifts, or tools efficiently and securely. For these reasons and more you can add smart lockers to the list of technology-enabled solutions the modern workplace demands.

2. Colleges and universities

Campus mail centers have long been bustling hubs that offer both students and staff access to critical services. Today, the bustle has grown more chaotic as overburdened mailrooms deal with an influx of packages and a generation of students that have come to expect convenient digital service options. Let’s be real—parents and staff expect the same.

With package delivery through smart lockers, college mail rooms are seeing that the majority of their package pick-ups take place after mail center operating hours. Whether it’s before or after dinner or even at 2am, students can avoid long package pick-up lines and get what they need when it's convenient for them.

College campuses, much like enterprises, are adopting smart lockers for asset distribution and a variety of other services. Whether it’s ordering a book for class, borrowing video equipment, or returning it, smart lockers make the process seamless. Even resource-constrained services like campus lost-and-founds can benefit, offering an efficient way to store and return lost items.

Smart lockers are also empowering campus food pantries to discreetly and securely distribute pantry goods to students in need. This innovative use enhances accessibility and reduces stigma, making support services more effective.

A Pitney Bowes survey revealed that “day use” is one of the most attractive applications of smart lockers on campuses. With packed schedules, students don’t always have time to run back to their dorms for gym bags, book bags, or laptops. Day-use lockers allow them to securely store belongings while they focus on classes, workouts, or social activities.

From simplifying operations for campus mail centers to enhancing the overall student experience, smart lockers are transforming how campuses operate. They’re not just a tool—they’re a modern solution for a more connected, efficient, and student-friendly campus environment.

3. Government agencies

From administrative offices to court of law, maintaining business continuity is both a pledge to those they serve and a mandate that must be fulfilled—often by law. This places a special burden on government employees managing packages, mail and assets.

Smart lockers for state and municipal agencies

Consider the challenges: ensuring the health and safety of staff and community, tracking every document and asset moving across the agency, keeping whatever needs to be secure under lock and key. Smart lockers with their security, tracking and auditing capabilities are a game changer for this sector.

In addition to package and mail distribution, asset management and other secure services for staff, many state, county and municipal agencies are adopting smart lockers to enhance citizen services. Rather than have a staff member wait on someone who needs to pick up a document or permit, smart lockers allow citizens to request what they need online and pick it up when they’re able. For example, a Tax Collector office, can easily distribute license plates, or other important documents without the need for in-person appointments. Not only is this a boon to busy staff, but it also helps serve those who may not have the ability to get the help they need during office hours.

Smart locker systems for the military

Smart lockers can also make the military’s management of incoming parcels more efficient. Similar to the situation at many colleges and universities, the post offices at most military bases weren’t built to accommodate the volume of today’s parcel shipments. Servicemen and women on military bases often have long waits to receive their online orders or packages from home. Today, military smart lockers can provide secure, convenient self-service parcel delivery for military personnel and their families.