US Universities are widely using Smart Electronic Parcel Lockers (PodBanks). These PodBanks offer several benefits to students, faculty members, and staff – enhancing convenience, efficiency, and security. Here’s how they help:
1. Convenience to Collect & Return Package and Time Savings:
- 24/7 Access: Students and faculty can pick up their packages at any time, which is particularly helpful for those with busy or irregular schedules.
- Eliminates Wait Time: There’s no need to wait in long lines at the campus mail-room or post office to retrieve packages, especially during peak times like the beginning or end of the semester.
2. Enhance Security:
- Reduced Package Theft Risk: Parcels are stored securely in the lockers, reducing the risk of package theft, which can be a concern with traditional mailrooms.
- Provide Secure Pickup: Only the recipient can access their package, typically using a code or mobile app.
3. Better Package Management:
- Notifications are Automated: Recipients receive instant notifications when their package arrives, along with instructions for retrieving it. This helps ensure that packages are picked up promptly, which reduces clutter and backlog in mailrooms.
- Streamlined Operations: The system reduces the workload for campus mailroom staff, who no longer have to manually manage the distribution of packages.
4. Flexibility to Receive Packages:
- Deliveries during Off-Hours: Students and faculty don’t have to adjust their schedules to coincide with mailroom hours. They can collect parcels at their convenience.
- Avoids Redelivery Attempts: For those living off-campus, it eliminates the need for failed delivery attempts due to not being home.
5. High Support to Online Learning and Remote Work:
- With more students and faculty involved in online learning or remote work, the demand for personal deliveries (books, supplies, electronics) has increased. Parcel lockers facilitate seamless delivery and pickup, supporting a digital-first environment.
6. Reduce Physical Contact:
- Help in Contactless Pickup: In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, these lockers also provide a contactless method of receiving deliveries, minimizing physical contact and potential health risks.
7. Provide Sustainability:
- Reduces Failed Deliveries: Electronic parcel lockers help eliminate the environmental cost of multiple delivery attempts by ensuring packages are delivered the first time.
In summary, Electronic Parcel Lockers (PodBanks) provide a practical solution for managing the high volume of packages at universities, offering students and faculty a secure, convenient, and efficient way to receive their deliveries.
