Lockers With Intelligence: How to Transform Traditional Lockers Into Smart Storage in Smart Office Spaces
Smart lockers are revolutionizing the concept of secure storage in the connected workplace. They address the shortcomings of traditional lockers and provide a seamless and efficient experience for users and administrators alike. With the projection that the global automated smart locker system market will reach $4.9 billion by 2030, there are numerous benefits to be gained when organizations drive intelligence into standard storage spaces.
Ditch Dumb Lockers
Traditional lockers reliant on manual locks and keys have long been a staple in various environments such as schools, gyms and offices. However, they’ve always been accompanied by a range of challenges. The cumbersome process of managing keys, locks, spreadsheets and manual allocation of lockers consumes valuable time and resources for facility managers. And the expense associated with replacing lost keys and locks combined with that ongoing maintenance can be significant.
Another key drawback of traditional lockers is their restrictive access and lack of adaptability to modern work-life settings. With the rise of agile workplaces and hot-desking, the inflexible physical setup of traditional lockers is a hindrance to seamless operations. This leads to underutilization of lockers due to mismatched availability and user needs.
Shift to Smart Storage
Enter smart lockers with innovative technology and streamlined features. These digital boxes utilize advanced authentication methods such as mobile credentials, smart cards and best-in-class RFID readers — eliminating the need for antiquated keys and bulky combination locks. The ability to allocate and authenticate users to specific lockers and monitor their usage in real time brings significant benefits.
One prime advantage is optimizing space utilization. Combining RFID embedded modules with smart software working in tandem, multiple users gain access to the same secure compartment at different times. Fewer units can serve the same base by maximizing the use of each locker — saving costs and precious real estate.
The evolution of smart locker systems has also enhanced the user experience. Individuals can access lockers using their existing access credentials — whether that’s an employee badge, student ID, visitor pass, etc. — delivering a frictionless, elevated engagement.
With RFID readers or embedded modules, organizations can leverage dedicated access to tailor storage settings to fit specific use cases, providing data for real-time insights into locker usage, enabling administrators to monitor locker status, identify use patterns and take advantage of other impactful data analytics whether working on-site or remotely.
Ready to Retrofit — Or Implement — An Intelligent Install?
The emergence of smart lockers signifies a transformative shift in secure storage solutions for today’s connected workplace. HID RFID reader innovations overcome the many challenges we’ve endured over the decades working with traditional lockers. Today, through a retrofit or new smart storage deployment, organizations can bring big benefits to users and facilitators while saving money, space and time.
Discover more smart details about modern workplace infrastructure in our newest infographic, Smart Storage: Breathing Intelligence & New Life Into Lockers.
If you’re ready to transform your workplace with reimagined locker solutions — let’s talk about the right combination for your organization!
Find out more about how HID is transforming traditional lockers into smart storage.
Christian is Director of Product & Program Management and responsible for the Embedded and Desktop RFID portfolio for the Extended Access Technologies Business Area, including iCLASS SE Reader Module and OMNIKEY. He has two degrees in electrical engineering and business administration and more than ten years of experience in product management for different industries.