So, you’ve decided to tackle the chaos in your mailroom with a parcel locker system. Great choice – you have already jumped a major hurdle with that decision. Parcel locker systems have a lot of benefits, but they also come in many shapes and sizes, each with different features that your business may or may not need.
As you navigate the sales process, we thought it would be helpful to share some thoughts before you make an investment. Sales reps may try to push you in one direction or another, so it’s best to know what you need before you buy.
Consider A Few Questions For Yourself Before You Begin Searching For Parcel Lockers:
- Consider your property type and what specific needs that will bring
- Will your lockers need cameras or extra theft-prevention measures?
- Do you need weatherproof or refrigerated lockers?
- Are lockers compatible with all mail carriers?
- How will residents know when a package is received?
- Will lockers increase ROI?
- How much time will lockers save you?
- Where will lockers be located?
- What is your anticipated operational cost?
The more questions you ask yourself before investing in parcel lockers, the better idea you’ll have for what you’re going to need. However, let’s consider a few other major differentiators when it comes to parcel lockers or storage lockers of any kind.
1. Locker Types:
While metal is by far the most common material used in lockers, it may not always be the best fit for every setting or storage need. Lockers are primarily constructed with three main material types: metal, wood, and plastic. Each material has its own unique advantages and if you’re making a long-term investment, you should get familiar with all of them. Wood is also a popular material, but most costly in terms of purchase price and maintenance. Plastic can work well in gyms, medical facilities and public spaces where sanitation is important.
2. Ventilation:
This is another surface feature to consider if you plan to buy metal lockers. For everyday use in hallways, offices and staff rooms, just the standard, slot-shaped louvers will do. For locker rooms or athletic centers, you’ll likely want ventilated metal lockers to provide the necessary circulation for damp clothing to dry. Another advantage to perforated doors is the ability to keep your user’s belongings in plain sight, for an added layer of security.
3. Locker Tiers And Configurations:
Lockers can be combined to create endless configurations, but you will usually see them available for purchase as 1 column (1-wide) or 3 columns (3-wide) set. If you’re planning for a long row of lockers in a hallway or large space, the columns will have to be joined together on-site after delivery. Whichever style you choose will all depend on how many compartments you want in a single locker column, as well as the individual storage capacity that each user requires. Fortunately, its very easy to customize locker setups.
4. Handle And Lock Options:
Knowing all the available options for locker handles and locks is important when considering accessibility and security needs. Not all locker styles can accommodate every handle or locker lock, so be sure to determine compatibility before making your purchase. While pull-tabs and recessed handles are most common, your parcel locker system will likely require smart locks or some other form of tech required to get inside.
5. Assembly And Installation:
When your lockers arrive, make sure you understand all the necessary components that go into a complete and structurally sound installation, this is especially crucial if you don’t plan to hire professional help for your project. Most companies offer fully assembled lockers for a small fee so you don’t have to build them yourself, ordering them this way can be a huge time-saver. If you do plan to do the assembly yourself, it is not overly difficult but you will need either a rivet gun or nuts and bolts to assemble the columns. One of the most locker important components in any installation is ensuring your lockers have solid support and are securely anchored to the floor, wall or both. Please contact us if you would like assistance with installation.
6. Apps And Technical Support:
Package management systems can be smart, too, by offering apps that staff and tenants can use to manage the delivery process. Other tech tools to consider are reporting tools that can tell you how many packages are coming and going so that you can increase the efficiency of your operations.
Lockers – while simple in function – can be a more complex purchase and installation process than you might think. Please remember that we’re here to guide you to the best solution for your particular storage needs.
DeBourgh provides Smart Secured systems from Intelligent Access Control, Asset Management, School Lockers, Parcel Delivery Lockers, Weapons Lockers, and Military Lockers, to Smart Cabinets and Desks. Empower your storage today!