All organizations share the same challenges today: the exponential growth in incoming packages, the need to share resources between hybrid workforces, heightened health and safety concerns and heightened expectations regarding intuitive digital experiences. Smart parcel lockers are the perfect solution to these emerging realities. Automated Parcel Locker offer an improved alternative to P.O. boxes, as both postal service and couriers can use them. With automated parcel lockers, you can choose when and where you would like to collect or send packages. These services are ideal for people who do not have the time to wait for deliveries or collections yet still want to ship a package through the postal system.
In a digital world, if your company doesn’t provide the frictionless, fast digital experiences that your staff and customers expect, the competition will catch up.
How exactly do intelligent locker solutions work? and for what purposes are Automated Parcel Locker used? Let’s explore more on the ins and outs.
What is an Automated Parcel Locker System?
Automated parcel locker, or delivery lockers, are self-contained storage containers available at any time to ship and receive packages. Package lockers allow users to manage package delivery and collection using unique codes.
Everyone today has the luxury of shopping online at any time of the day and then receiving their shipment from a parcel terminal so that it is not dependent on working hours. Automated service systems are a great option for those who wish to receive their parcels late at night or early in the morning before courier offices are open.
How Does a Smart Locker Work?
Parcel lockers operate in a fairly straightforward manner. Rather than having a shipping company go to each address with your package, your package will be delivered to the parcel locker of your choice.
The Delivery Process
Shipping companies drop your package off at the secure parcel looker location of your choice when it comes to delivery. Depending on how the parcel lockers are set up, the shipping companies either have master keys to all the individual lockers (which will enable them to fill them) or will have access to a secure backside area of the lockers that will allow them to fill them this way.
No matter how it’s delivered, it goes like any other delivery. After your parcel has been delivered, the driver places it in the parcel locker and updates container tracking app the tracking system.
Notification
As well as the tracking information (which is passive and requires you to search for updates), you’ll also receive a notification from a parcel locker in real-time, notifying you that your package was dropped off. Track your shipment anytime, anywhere!
It can be a text message, a phone call, an email, a quick update through a mobile application, or any combination of these options. Ultimately, the big takeaway is that you will be notified instantly when your package or parcel has been dropped off.
Collection
Following the delivery of the parcel and your notification, you will receive instructions on collecting it. Electronic key codes are often used in parcel lockers that change each time a parcel is dropped off. These setups give you a one-time-use code for opening your parcel locker and retrieving your package. When you arrive, you simply need to type in the code you’ve been provided on the keypad.
You can also lock your parcel locker using Q.R. code readers, barcode scanners, and other tools and technology to prevent unauthorized access. A few parcel locker services use more traditional key retrieval systems. For lockers like these, you’ll need to speak to someone on staff, prove your identity, and then return the key once you have opened your locker.
Some of the Most Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I locate a parcel locker?
Parcel lockers are in common such as lobbies, sidewalks, and office reception areas. They are located in a place where USPS postal workers can easily access them.
2. What happens to uncollected parcels?
Package lockers can usually store packages for up to 48 hours after delivery, depending on the company. You may also choose to extend the use of your parcel locker in some cases. Any time limits should be communicated to you by your courier company if your package is delivered to a parcel locker. In the event you are unable to pick up your parcel within that period; usually, it will be taken to a depot or post office where it will be held for a limited time.
3. What cannot be delivered to a parcel locker?
Using automated parcel lockers may not be ideal for delivering larger packages as they are designed to store parcels and packages only. Package lockers generally come in a few different sizes, depending on the size of the package. If you plan to send an item to the parcel locker by courier, you should first verify that the item is not restricted or forbidden by the courier company.
Put Your Own Spin on It
The possibilities for applying a smart locker are only limited by your imagination. You can customize smart lockers to meet your specific volume, space, layout, and workflow requirements. They are available in all sizes and configurations. The possibilities for Automated Parcel Locker or smart lockers that are integrated with third-party software are endless-from managing shared equipment to delivering confidential documents. Furthermore, you have options to consider when it comes to what goes on them as well as where you install them. Branding and communication opportunities abound with a smart locker.
Parcel Locker – A staple for Convenience
A smart parcel locker is a cutting-edge solution to smartly manage ever-evolving delivery demands while providing secure, anytime pick-up options for recipients. They have become a key focus for the e-commerce, postal, logistics, and delivery supply chains more than ever.
E-commerce companies use parcel lockers because they are the most convenient, most economical way to deliver packages, particularly to those who cannot accept deliveries at home. E-retailers should take advantage of parcel lockers to improve the customer experience and stay ahead of the competition. Incorporating final mile logistics into your strategy can make all the difference for shipping companies wanting to increase customer-side transparency.
