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A Smart Locker is a type of electronic and automated locker that is used for the secure storage and distribution of various types of products.
Through the use of sophisticated technology, people can deposit, pick up, or return items to a locker at any time of the day or night, autonomously and without the need for human personnel present.
These Smart Lockers are extremely flexible and versatile: depending on specific needs, Smart Lockers can be installed either indoors or outdoors to be placed in highly accessible locations for users, whether it is an indoor office, a corridor of a residential building, or an outdoor area of a shopping mall.
In addition, the configuration of Smart Lockers can be adapted to meet specific requirements, such as refrigerated lockers for storing and distributing products that require low temperatures, such as food, drugs, or other heat-sensitive products.
Customization of Smart Lockers does not stop with temperature, however: the cells, or individual compartments within the locker, can be designed with different sizes to accommodate items of various sizes. In addition, they can be equipped with power and lights to support electronic devices or to improve the visibility of the items inside.
Of course, it is! Customization of Smart Lockers is possible at various levels:
Design, size, and customization: Smart lockers offer incredible flexibility in terms of both structure and aesthetics. These smart lockers can be designed and sized specifically to each company's unique needs. Whether to fit particular physical spaces or to accommodate items of specific sizes, Smart Lockers can be molded to perfectly meet these needs. In addition to this structural versatility, Smart Lockers can be customized to reflect the company's brand identity. This customization can include applying specific colors, inserting logos, using images, or adding any other graphics that reinforce the brand image. This not only enhances the overall aesthetics of the cabinets but also serves to create a more cohesive and recognizable experience for users, solidifying brand identity within the work environment or point of service.
Software functionality: The software allows for a high level of customization, ensuring flexible adaptation to each organization's unique business processes. This customization can range from integrating with other existing business systems to implementing specific functionality to modifying the user interface to better meet the needs of different users. A key element of this process is the availability of evolved APIs: these APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) allow software systems to interact with each other, facilitating the integration of Smart Lockers with other digital infrastructures in the enterprise. Thanks to these APIs, data communication between Smart Lockers and other systems can take place smoothly and automatically, making integration particularly fast and functional.
Access methods: Smart lockers can support various access methods, depending on the needs of the business and customers. This can include PIN codes, magnetic cards, smartphone apps, ID reading, and more.
To learn about all the possibilities for customizing Smart Lockers contact our team of experts!
Smart Lockers can be used for a variety of applications, not just parcel delivery. Here are some examples:
Office or school locker management: Smart Lockers can be used as personal lockers in offices or schools, providing a secure and easily accessible solution for storing personal belongings
Asset management: especially for companies that need efficient control and management of assets
Libraries: libraries can use Smart Lockers for borrowing and returning books, allowing people to access (or return) materials outside of opening hours
Equipment rental: Smart Lockers can be used to store and distribute rented equipment, such as sports equipment, musical instruments, photography equipment, and more
Laundry and dry cleaning services: people can leave their garments in a Smart Locker, which will then be picked up by the laundry, cleaned, and returned to the same locker for pickup
Catering and corporate canteens: some restaurants or corporate canteens use Smart Lockers to store orders ready for pickup, reducing the need for direct interaction with staff
Drug delivery: pharmacies can use Smart Lockers to enable people to pick up prescriptions safely and conveniently
These are just a few examples of how Smart Lockers can be used but the flexibility and security offered by these devices make it possible to use them in many other scenarios!
WIB offers Smart Lockers that can be placed inside airport, train or a subway station, a fitness center, a mall, or any other point of contact with the public.
Adopting Smart Lockers in an enterprise can lead to several benefits, among them:
Greater efficiency: Smart Lockers can automate the management of assets and resources, saving time and reducing staff workload. They can facilitate the distribution and collection of company assets, such as equipment, documents, or personal property.
Flexibility: Smart Lockers provide 24/7 access to assets and resources, allowing employees to pick up or return items at the most convenient time. This is especially useful in a flexible work environment or with staff who work primarily remotely and occasionally access the company location(s).
Security: Smart Lockers can provide a safe place to store valuable or sensitive assets; access can be restricted to specific individuals, reducing the risk of theft or misuse.
Traceability: with Smart Lockers, companies can monitor the use of assets in real-time. This can help prevent asset misuse, better plan asset procurement and maintenance, and identify useful usage patterns to improve operational efficiency.
Employee welfare: the adoption of Smart Lockers can be an important piece in the corporate welfare framework. Indeed, these smart lockers can greatly enhance the employee work experience by providing easy and convenient access to goods and resources. The opportunity to pick up or drop off items independently, without having to coordinate pickup or delivery with others, reduces waiting time and minimizes effort, contributing to a more peaceful and productive work environment.
Space savings: Smart Lockers can help save space by consolidating storage in a compact and organized area.
Sustainability: implementing Smart Lockers can minimize the number of delivery trips required, contributing significantly to the company's sustainability goals.
One of the great advantages of Smart Lockers is precisely the ability to access items at any time, 24/7. This offers a significant convenience, as there is no constraint with the opening hours of a store or office, and items can be picked up or deposited at the most convenient time.
Models designed for outdoor installation can be supplemented with special lights and covers to enhance the user experience even in adverse weather conditions.
The WIB patented technology allows the delivery of a whole shopping trolley at once (not only one product at a time), enabling the use of traditional promotional offers, such as ‘three for the price of 2’ | ‘multi-packs’ and many more through our expandable stock capacity.
A Food Locker, or Refrigerated Smart Locker, is a specific type of Smart Locker designed to store and distribute food safely and hygienically. These lockers have a built-in refrigeration system, which keeps food at a safe temperature to prevent the growth of bacteria and other forms of spoilage.
These lockers can be used in a variety of ways. For example, restaurants can use them to store orders ready for customers to pick up, or supermarkets can use them for online food delivery.
Even in a corporate setting, Food Lockers can be used to distribute meals to employees. For example, an employee could order a meal from a company cafeteria or catering service, and then pick up the meal from the locker when it is ready.
These lockers can be configured to maintain different temperatures, enabling the storage of various types of food, from frozen to fresh produce. In addition, they can be equipped with tracking and monitoring technology to ensure that food is always kept in a safe condition.
Yes, our refrigerated smart lockers keep food at the right storage temperature, as if it were in the refrigerator; so you can easily and safely store a meal or groceries in the Smart Locker for several hours.
In addition to business, they can be used in a variety of contexts:
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These solutions are useful in all those situations where you want to keep food at the right temperature in order to pick it up/consume it later.
The experience gained in the field of refrigerated Smart Food Locker allows WIB to be an ideal supplier for office canteen solutions for companies and not only; among the realities that have already chosen us there are also Camst and Sodexo that has successfully introduced in its Italian headquarters the refrigerated WIB Smart Locker for the Lunch Box project.
The cells in our Food Lockers can reach temperatures between 2°C (35,6 °F) and 8°C (46,4 °F).
Our Grocery Lockers, on the other hand, can go as low as -20°C (-4 °F) guaranteeing the cold chain.
Parcel Lockers are a specific type of Smart Lockers designed to facilitate package delivery and pickup: they function as secure, automated mailboxes that can be used by couriers, businesses, and customers to deposit and pick up packages.
Here is how Parcel Lockers typically work:
- a courier or customer deposits a package in a locker
- the recipient receives a notification (often via email or text message) with a unique code or QR code
The recipient can then go to the locker at a convenient time, enter the code or scan the QR code to open the locker and pick up the package.
Parcel lockers offer several advantages, including the convenience of being able to pick up parcels 24/7 and the security of knowing that the parcel is kept in a secure location until it is picked up.
This can be particularly useful in settings where direct home delivery is not practical or safe, or where people may not be home during typical delivery hours.
Parcel Lockers are often located in easily accessible locations, such as supermarkets, gas stations, or shopping malls, but they can also be installed in apartment buildings or offices; some companies also offer the ability to return items through Parcel Lockers, simplifying the return process.
A Sport Locker is a type of Smart Lockers designed to meet the specific needs of people who play sports, sports teams, gyms, or sports centers.
They can be used to securely store sports equipment, clothing, shoes, gadgets, or any other type of sports equipment.
Here's how Sport Lockers typically work:
- you deposit sports equipment or other items in the sport locker
- the end user receives a notification (often via email or SMS) with a unique code or QR code.
The user can then access the locker at any time, enter the code or scan the QR code to open the locker and pick up or deposit items.
Sport Lockers offer several benefits: for example, they can help maintain order and organization, reducing the risk of loss or theft of expensive equipment.
They can also improve efficiency by allowing people to pick up or deposit equipment without the need to coordinate with other staff members.
In addition, these lockers can be equipped with advanced features, such as the ability to track equipment usage and monitor the status of equipment in real time-this can help to better manage resources, plan equipment maintenance, and ensure that it is always available when needed.
Smart Lockers are an important resource for corporate welfare because they enhance employees' experience and overall well-being, creating a more efficient, productive, and welcoming work environment.
Corporate Smart Lockers are also a valuable asset for facility managers, and the reasons are numerous:
- They operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making them always available and allowing for an asynchronous receiving/delivery process.
- They can be used for asset management as they enable automation of document and asset management processes (laptops, smartphones, company car keys, etc.), saving time and resources (no dedicated personnel is needed).
- They ensure greater security in asset management through usage tracking and unique codes for cell opening.
- They guarantee increased efficiency in the entire corporate resource management system.
- When used as Daily Lockers, they offer employees greater flexibility, freedom, and security in managing their personal belongings, or when used as Parcel Lockers, they improve the work climate and increase satisfaction by streamlining order reception within the company.
- They can make corporate cafeterias smarter: employees can book their meals through an app and retrieve them from the Smart Food Locker, ensuring maximum security and flexibility.
Corporate Smart Lockers help facility managers save time and resources in managing employees' personal items (keys, bags, coats, and anything they don't strictly need during working hours) by automating the management process.
Instead of manually handling the storage and retrieval of personal items or orders received in the company, facility managers can rely on the automated system of Smart Lockers, which automatically handles transactions and records all activities within the system.
This results in reduced management costs: no dedicated personnel is required, and maximum security is ensured.
Corporate Smart Lockers can improve the overall employee experience in accessing their personal items or workplace orders, increasing satisfaction and enhancing the company's image.
Among the virtuous initiatives of corporate welfare implemented by companies for the benefit of employees, there is also the introduction of Smart Lockers to make various processes easier, safer, and more immediate.
There are also a series of customization options for Corporate Smart Lockers that can be useful for facility managers and should be taken into consideration. Here are some of them!
LOCKER AND CELL DIMENSIONS AND DESIGN
Smart Lockers can be customized based on the required dimensions and design to adapt to the specific needs of the company and the available space.
WIB Smart Lockers require minimal space for installation and are modular and customizable, allowing for capacity expansion by adding columns with compartments of varying sizes, while the modular architecture allows for capacity extension.
CUSTOMIZED SECURITY CONFIGURATIONS
Facility managers can choose from various customized security options based on the company's security needs: WIB Smart Lockers are equipped with encryption protocols and secure connections, and offer the possibility to integrate electronic ID card readers.
INTEGRATION WITH OTHER CORPORATE SYSTEMS
Smart Lockers can be integrated with other corporate systems, such as human resource management software or access control systems, to create an integrated corporate resource management system.
WIB Smart Locker software has advanced APIs that allow integration with various systems and applications, and there are numerous solutions and pre-developed integrations available for various use cases.
CUSTOMIZATION OF MENUS AND USER INTERFACE
Facility managers can customize the menus of the Smart Locker user interface to facilitate navigation and enhance the overall user experience.
At WIB, we have a development team capable of efficiently responding to even the most complex needs. Moreover, we collaborate with a network of selected partners who are highly competent in specific areas.
CUSTOMIZED CELLS
Facility managers can choose from various customized accessories for Smart Locker cells, such as power outlets for charging electronic devices, clothing hooks, or additional shelves, based on the specific needs of the company and employees.
Smart Lockers are a highly versatile resource for businesses and facility managers. Here are some of the most useful applications for using intelligent lockers in the workplace:
- Asset Management: Managing company assets through Smart Lockers can significantly facilitate various activities within the company.
- Daily Locker: They provide individuals with a personal space to store items they don't need throughout the workday.
- Food Locker for company canteens & smart canteen: Employees can book their meals via an app and retrieve them from the Food Locker, ensuring maximum security and flexibility.
- Parcel Locker: Enables receiving packages and online orders directly in the company without the need for dedicated personnel to manage mail correspondence.
In addition, there are numerous other possible applications. For example, Smart Lockers can facilitate sustainable mobility experiences by providing storage for folding bicycles or other eco-friendly means of transportation (electric scooters, etc.).
Absolutely! WIB's Smart Lockers come with highly customizable software that can be integrated with the company's existing software system.
The goal is to provide a seamless and highly efficient experience for companies and users.
The WIB software is a cloud-based platform that offers an evolved API for integration with other software, making the integration process fast and functional. This feature allows Smart Lockers to interface with online sales systems, warehouse management systems, ERP systems, or any other business software.
This means that companies can manage interactions with Smart Lockers directly from the software they use on a daily basis.
Integration with existing business software allows companies to optimally manage the flow of goods or assets, have detailed control over the entire logistics process, and have access to reporting and data analysis to monitor service efficiency and improve it over time.
The installation of a Smart Locker requires:
- The appropriate physical space to house the locker. Smart Lockers can be installed either indoors or outdoors, and the choice of location should consider ease of access for users and logistical needs. WIB Smart Lockers can also be installed in small spaces.
- Electrical connection to operate the Smart Locker where it will be installed. Energy is needed to power the electronic control system, the internal cell lighting, the touch display for user interfacing, and, in some cases, additional systems such as cooling or for refrigerated Smart Lockers.
- An internet connection to ensure that the lockers interface with the management cloud platform; this enables the operation of the various features, such as delivery notification, cell opening via codes, and locker status monitoring.
The installation phase requires some time and personnel effort to ensure proper deployment of the system, including physical assembly of the locker, configuration of the software, and possible training of the personnel who will manage the system.
However, WIB ensures support throughout the installation process, making the implementation of these systems much smoother.
Finally, from an economic perspective, there is obviously an initial investment in locker purchase and installation operations. However, the Smart Locker is an investment that can lead to significant savings in the long run, due to the automation of logistics processes and the resulting reduction in waiting time and operational costs, and capable of enabling services that would otherwise be impossible or otherwise expensive.
Smart Lockers are designed to be durable and reliable devices, but like any other electronic device, they may require some periodic maintenance to ensure their optimal operation.
Corrective Maintenance: If malfunctions or failures occur, repairs may be required. This may include replacing damaged components or adjusting system elements.
Software Updates: Smart Lockers use software to manage storage, retrieval, and tracking functions. This software may require periodic updates to improve functionality, fix bugs, or implement new features.
Support Service: In case of complex problems, it is important to have a qualified and responsive technical support team. WIB, for example, offers a support service to answer any questions or problems that may arise.
It is important to note that the frequency and extent of maintenance may vary depending on the Smart Locker model, intensity of use, and the specific environmental conditions in which the device is installed.
Smart Lockers can accommodate a wide variety of products, depending on the specific needs of the industry and use case. Here are some examples:
- Package delivery: Parcels of various sizes, from small packages to bulky boxes, can be safely delivered and picked up.
- Food and beverages: With refrigerated or thermally controlled smart lockers, fresh food, beverages, or ready-to-eat meals can be delivered and stored.
- Office equipment and supplies: Smart lockers can be used to store and distribute office equipment, such as laptops, phones, audio/video equipment, and stationery supplies.
- Sports equipment: In sports facilities, smart lockers can be used to store sports equipment, such as gym equipment, ski equipment, or golf equipment.
- Linen and clothing: In some industries such as hotels or health care facilities, smart lockers can be used for the distribution and collection of clean or soiled linen.
- Business assets: Smart lockers can also be used for managing business assets, such as technical equipment, tools, vehicle keys, or any other asset that needs accurate tracking.
It is important to note that smart lockers can be customized to meet specific requirements, such as needing to store products at a specific temperature or having cells of a specific size, but also having cells equipped with power outlets to be able to charge electronic devices.
Access to a Smart Locker is usually based on an electronic authentication system, which can vary depending on the model and implementation.
In general, here is how it works:
- Registration: Before users can use a smart locker, they must generally register or create an account with the service provider. This process usually requires providing some details such as name, email address, or phone number.
- Usage: When an item is deposited in the smart locker, the user receives a notification, usually by email (or by SMS upon request), with instructions for pickup. This notification usually includes a unique code or QR code.
- Access: To access the smart locker, the user enters the unique code or scans the QR code on the smart locker control panel. This unlocks the specific cell in which the item was deposited.
- Withdrawal: Once the cell has been opened, the user can withdraw his or her item.
It is important to note that the specific procedure may vary depending on the service provider and smart locker model. In addition, some smart locker implementations may offer additional access methods, such as the use of badges or smartphone apps.
Smart Lockers are designed to be secure and reliable with several security measures implemented.
- Authentication: Access to smart locker cells is usually controlled through an authentication system, which may require a unique code, QR code, or RFID badge. This ensures that only the authorized user can access the contents of the locker.
- Robust construction: Smart lockers are usually robustly constructed, with strong doors and secure locks, to prevent break-in attempts.
- Video surveillance: In many installations, smart lockers can be monitored by external security cameras to deter vandalism and theft.
- Transaction logging: Every interaction with the smart locker is usually recorded, providing a transaction log that can be used to track down any problems.
- Data encryption: User and transaction data are encrypted to prevent unauthorized access.
As with any system, security also depends on proper use by users. For example, users must be careful not to share their access codes and to follow the instructions provided by the service provider for using the locker.
Yes, Smart Lockers are extremely versatile and can be adapted for a range of both personal and business uses.
For personal use, smart lockers can be used as secure drop boxes for packages, as storage lockers for personal items in places such as gyms or swimming pools, or as storage spaces for food in shared apartments or hostels. They can also be used to share items among friends or neighbors, or to provide a secure exchange point for online transactions.
For business use, smart lockers can be used to improve internal logistics, for example in the distribution of mail, supplies or equipment. They can also be used as security lockers for employees, as delivery stations for customers, or as pickup points for the delivery of goods. In addition, they can be used as a solution for secure storage and distribution of valuable items, such as high-tech or pharmaceutical products.
In either case, the flexibility of smart lockers makes them an ideal solution for many different needs. Through integration with advanced software systems, they can be customized to meet the specific needs of the user or company.
There is no problem if a package is stored in the Smart Locker while the recipient is away: one of the main features of smart lockers is their ability to keep items securely until the recipient is ready for pickup.
When a package is delivered to the locker, one receives an email notification (or by SMS upon request) informing of the delivery: this notification usually includes a unique code or QR code that one uses to open the locker and pick up the package.
If we are elsewhere when the package is delivered, it will be safe in the smart locker until the recipient is able to pick it up: it is important to note that there may be a time limit on how long the package can remain in the locker, depending on the smart locker operator's policies.
Absolutely, Smart Lockers are an extremely suitable solution for retail stores, offering a number of significant benefits:
- Click-and-Collect: With the rise of online shopping, Smart Lockers can facilitate click-and-collect service, allowing customers to order online and pick up in-store at their convenience, thus reducing wait times.
- Reduced shipping costs: By using Smart Lockers for deliveries, retailers can reduce shipping costs and improve the efficiency of the delivery process.
- Extended opening hours: With Smart Lockers, customers can pick up their purchases outside of store hours, thus providing a more convenient service.
- Security of goods: Smart Lockers provide a safe place to store goods until pickup, reducing the risk of theft or damage.
- Easy return of goods: Smart Lockers can also facilitate returns, allowing customers to return items easily and without stress.
- Customer service customization: Smart Lockers can be customized to match store branding, enhancing the customer experience and strengthening brand image.
Refrigerated food lockers, or food smart lockers, are a special type of smart locker designed to safely and properly store food or beverages. These lockers use refrigeration technologies to maintain a constant temperature, ensuring that food remains fresh until picked up. Here's how they work:
- Storage at the right temperature: Refrigerated food lockers are equipped with a refrigeration system that maintains an appropriate temperature inside the cells. This ensures that food is stored in optimal conditions, reducing the risk of spoilage and ensuring food safety.
- Deposit and withdrawal: As with other smart lockers, users can deposit or withdraw food using a digital interface. This can be a touchscreen built into the locker or a mobile application. The process is generally automated and can be done at any time, providing maximum convenience.
- Notifications: When the food is ready for pickup, the user receives a notification, often by email (or on request, by SMS or mobile app integrated with the system). This notification usually contains a code or instructions for accessing the locker.
- Safety and hygiene: Refrigerated food lockers are designed to be safe and hygienic. They are equipped with electronic locks and some models may also have sensors that monitor temperature and other conditions inside the locker.
Refrigerated food lockers are an ideal solution for restaurants, supermarkets, food delivery companies, and other businesses in the food industry. They offer a safe, hygienic, and convenient method of food storage and distribution, improving customer experience and operational efficiency.
Food lockers, due to their technical refrigeration and storage features, are particularly versatile and capable of storing a wide range of food products. Here are some examples of foods that can be stored:
- Fresh, ready-to-eat foods: Prepared meals, sandwiches, salads, desserts, juices and other beverages. These foods are often picked up by customers for immediate consumption.
- Dairy products: Milk, cheese, yogurt and other dairy products that require refrigeration can be handled through these lockers.
- Packaged foods: Many types of packaged foods, such as pasta, sauces, canned foods, can be stored in food lockers, especially if refrigerated.
- Frozen foods: Some food lockers can also maintain subzero temperatures, making it possible to store frozen foods such as ice cream, frozen pizzas, frozen vegetables, etc.
- Fruits and vegetables: Fresh fruits and vegetables can be stored in food lockers, ensuring that they remain fresh until picked up.
The type of food to be stored depends on the specific characteristics of the food locker, such as the range of temperatures it can reach and maintain, the presence of dedicated compartments, etc.
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