Any organization’s nightmare is a haphazard depositing system for assets such as laptops, ID proofs, and essential reports. Since storage and distribution is a routine in any business, it is no surprise that parcel lockers play a vital role.
That being said, smart technology is a factor that depicts progress in a work environment. The growth is modeled by integrating a computer and sensor system in the storage locker, often termed as smart lockers. They are an automated version of parcel lockers that analyze their own data and implement various performance changes.
To illustrate the versatility, it is seen that, while a traditional locker simply stores your electronic devices, a smart locker even has a provision of charging them when it is not in use. Such upgrades make the system more user-friendly.
Components of a smart locker
The basic components of smart lockers are stated below.
1) Locker
Storage space is the primary requirement of a dependable system, regardless of it being smart. They appear to look like a traditional locker but have additional facilities like ventilated metal doors or high-impact polycarbonate doors.
2) Authentication Panel
The first differentiating component of a traditional and smart locker is the authentication panel. The most generic authentication process is a PIN code, which can be reliable but has its backlogs.
Smart lockers provide better control to the users with secure alternatives like biometric scans, smart cards, or smartphone apps. The panel records the user activity and restricts it if any form of uncertainty occurs.
3) Content Monitor
Content Monitoring is a system of tracking the individual assets of the user. A dependable and cost-effective method of doing this is through the use of passive RFID tags, which can be attached to the assets. These tags are read and tracked by the smart lockers.
Another alternative is USB charging cables which are inbuilt inside the locker. They perform a dual function of charging the electronic device and identifying it to the locker.
4) Management Software
The management software acts like an output device that delivers all the analyzed data in an easy-to-read dashboard. Its portal allows customizing the user and transaction reports which helps with regulatory compliance.
Seven reasons your business needs smart lockers
1) Decrease in Labour costs
Smart lockers conduct vital tasks such as carrying out transactions, recording the sign-in and sign-outs without any manual interventions. This eliminates the need to occupy the staff in counter-productive work without compromising the security of the belongings.
2) Comprehensive insights into device
Content surveillance becomes a gateway to know the where-about of the devices. In addition, it also acts as a data set to model the performance trends of the entire system. This gives a comprehensive insight into the device which can be used to improve the system.
3) Customisable approach
Smart technology is the one that can be accustomed to change. Accordingly, smart lockers can be customised in compliance with the requirements of the business operations. Sensors and management software can be tailored according to the company’s goals to record different forms of information.
4) Prompt solution
A business environment usually has very high traffic. Therefore, the design of smart lockers is made specifically to render solutions in case of any emergency. Power cuts and network outages are routine in a workplace. So, it shouldn’t become a reason for the disruption of data. Smart lockers function even during that situation without harming the user’s data. It makes them ideal for businesses because they provide a prompt solution.
5) Decrease in asset losses
Transaction logging is free of any form of human error because it is entirely automated. Supervisors can keep a stringent check on the access of the lockers that ensures a timely return of the devices. Content surveillance corroborates that the correct device was returned.
6) Automated Regulation
Maintenance of regulatory compliance is possible through smart lockers. The automated process helps in tracking the assets. Furthermore, customizable reports deliver accurate data from lockers while the transactions happen. Inculcation of video surveillance can help in adding accountability.
7) Betterment in Operation
The addition of smart lockers can change the entire workflow. Their intelligent technology and features serve a broader purpose than simply securing assets. Providing feedback and communication can improve the functioning. For instance, one particular locker is assigned solely for maintenance. Hence, when a device that needs to be repaired is returned, the dashboard automatically marks it as damaged and allots it to the maintenance locker. This makes the flow more prolific.
Parting words
As seen above, smart lockers integrate well in the corporate environment because of their benefits. This can give your operation system a well-defined structure. Depending on your specific business objectives, you can choose from a wide variety that serves your purposes to the fullest.
