Best ForwardPass Alternatives: Smart Locker Vendors

The best smart locker vendors for a given deployment depend on the required device workflows, integration model, and regional support. This guide compares ForwardPass with LapSafe, Bretford, Traka, Signifi, Velocity Smart, Ricoh, Smartbox, Blocks, Vecos, and iLockerz. The goal is to help IT and operations teams identify which platforms best match their device-management requirements, existing systems, and regional deployment needs.

Key takeaways

• ForwardPass is differentiated by a device-focused model built around device management workflows: Loaners, Repairs, Deployments, Replacements, and Charging.

• Some alternatives focus closely on device handoffs, while others extend further into workplace storage, shared assets, parcel management, or retail pickup.

• Charging capabilities vary by vendor, from USB-C Power Delivery and AC charging to MicroUSB and Lightning.

• Access and integration models also differ, so buyers should verify authentication methods and whether software connections are native, API-based, or dependent on additional platforms.

• Regional coverage, installation support, pricing structure, and indoor or outdoor requirements can materially affect which smart locker platform fits a deployment.

What to look for in a ForwardPass alternative

The best smart locker companies are those whose locker systems fit the required device workflows, hardware needs, access model, software environment, and deployment footprint.

The comparison criteria should be the following:

• Category/specialty: The primary jobs the platform is designed to support, such as device management, asset management, workplace storage, or parcel handling. Device management locker vendors represent the narrower part of the smart locker market focused on recurring IT device handoffs.

• Device charging: Whether lockers can charge devices and the supported charging method, connector type, or power level.

• Access methods: PIN, RFID, access card, QR code, or SSO where supported.

• ITSM/software integration: The software layer and connection options available for linking locker activity with IT service, identity, asset, or other business systems.

• Regions/scale: Where the vendor sells and supports its systems, including regional availability and the ability to support multi-site or international deployments.

Read more: Learn about helpful smart locker buying tips and download the full smart locker buyer checklist.

ForwardPass alternatives: 10 smart locker vendors compared

ForwardPass alternatives include LapSafe, Bretford, Traka, Signifi, Velocity Smart, Ricoh, Smartbox, Blocks, Vecos, and iLockerz. These vendors differ in their focus, from device operations and broader asset management to workplace storage, parcel handling, and retail use cases. Among IT device locker vendors, charging, authentication, and software integration are especially important comparison points.

LapSafe

LapSafe is a UK-based smart locker provider covering device handoffs, IT service workflows, asset loaning, and personal storage through ONARKEN. Its products are designed and manufactured in the UK and available across multiple international markets, including Europe, the USA, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand.

Key product considerations include:

• Quote-based purchasing is available directly or through resellers.

• Smart lockers are designed for indoor use.

• LapSafe’s engineers can handle installation.

• ONARKEN licensing and some integrations may be priced separately.

• Diplomat Pro and Envoy include limited lifetime warranty coverage, with shorter terms for some components.

Best for: Organizations that want a configurable locker platform for device workflows and broader shared-asset use, particularly in UK and European environments.

Read more: Compare ForwardPass to LapSafe directly across device workflows, charging, integrations, commercial models, and deployment considerations.

Bretford

Bretford is a U.S.-based charging-locker provider focused on managed device access in education, corporate, and manufacturing environments. Its TechGuard Connect system supports charging, distribution, and tracking for shared devices, with current sales coverage in the United States and Canada.

Key product considerations include:

• Supported workflows include Assigned, Shared, and Check-In/Check-Out modes.

• TechGuard Connect lockers are factory-configured to order and arrive fully assembled.

• The lockers are for indoor use only.

• Pricing is quote-based and includes a 3-year Bretford Connect software license.

• Bretford lists a 7-year electrical and mechanical warranty for TechGuard Connect.

Best for: U.S. and Canadian organizations that need configurable indoor lockers for charging, distributing, and tracking shared devices.

Traka

Traka is a UK-based smart locker and asset-management provider focused on controlled equipment access in manufacturing, logistics, retail, healthcare, and other operational environments. Traka is part of ASSA ABLOY and operates across more than 70 countries.

Key product considerations include:

• Workflows include shift equipment distribution, faulty-device exchange, repairs, and controlled issue/return.

• Traka offers project management, site planning, installation, and post-installation support.

• Traka’s smart locker product line is for indoor use.

• Pricing is quote-based, with optional support and maintenance contracts.

• Traka provides a 12-month parts warranty when installed by Traka engineers or authorized partners.

Best for: Organizations that need tightly controlled access to shared devices or equipment, especially in shift-based and high-accountability environments.

Signifi

Signifi is a Canadian smart locker provider serving IT asset management, retail, parcel, and other self-service use cases. Its systems are designed for large, distributed deployments, with service locations across North America and Europe and worldwide deployment support.

Key product considerations include:

• Signifi supports indoor and outdoor deployments. Indoor units can be adapted for outdoor use with retrofit kits.

• Global services include shipment, installation, project planning, and on-site support through a worldwide technician network.

• Pricing is quote-based and varies by locker configuration, software, integrations, installation, and support.

• Signifi also offers ITAMaaS, a subscription model that bundles hardware, software, support, and services into a monthly fee.

Best for: Large enterprises that need configurable IT asset lockers with international deployment support and complex software integrations.

Read more: For a broader view of the category, see our full smart locker systems comparison, which covers device management, workplace storage, parcel delivery, and retrofit platforms.

Velocity Smart

Velocity Smart is a UK-based smart locker provider focused on IT hardware fulfillment through its ServiceNow-native Smart Collect platform. The company is registered in the UK, has an engineering center in Sofia, Bulgaria, and supports deployments across North and Latin America, Europe, South Africa, the Nordics, and APAC.

Key product considerations include:

• Velocity offers indoor locker configurations and ruggedized outdoor units through multiple hardware manufacturers.

• Workflows include click-and-collect, break-fix replacement, hardware lending, and returns.

• Deployment services include site surveys, hardware delivery, installation, commissioning, and go-live support.

• Commercial options include direct purchase and leasing, with hardware, support, and refresh services available within the lease.

• Support is tiered, with extended warranty available on some plans and included at the highest tier.

Best for: ServiceNow-centered organizations that need automated IT hardware handoffs across distributed or multi-site environments.

Ricoh

Ricoh is a Japan-based technology company that offers smart locker systems for IT assets, workplace storage, parcel handling, and retail fulfillment. Its broader service network spans North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and Japan, with support available across roughly 200 countries and territories.

Key product considerations include:

• Indoor and outdoor locker configurations are available.

• Ricoh provides site surveys, installation, and ongoing field service.

• Asset workflows include checkouts, returns, and loans.

• Pricing is quote-based, and warranty coverage is available.

Best for: Enterprises that need smart lockers for IT assets alongside broader workplace, parcel, or retail applications, with installation and support across multiple regions.

Smartbox Lockers

Smartbox is a smart locker provider with offices in the United States and India, serving customers across more than eight countries. Its systems cover IT asset management, parcel handling, workplace storage, and retail pickup, with products including Smart Serve, Smart Storage, Smart Collect, and Smart Last-Mile.

Key product considerations include:

• Smartbox offers both indoor and outdoor locker configurations.

• The company provides consultation, installation, and system configuration support.

• Smart Serve supports device exchange and loaner workflows, while other Smartbox products cover parcel and storage applications.

• Pricing is tailored by configuration and deployment scope.

Best for: Organizations that want IT asset lockers alongside parcel, storage, or retail pickup workflows, with indoor and outdoor deployment options.

Blocks

Blocks is a Prague-based, software-first smart locker provider with offices and showrooms in Prague and London. Its platform serves workplace storage, IT equipment distribution, asset sharing, parcel delivery, and retail use cases across Europe, the Americas, and APAC.

Key product considerations include:

• Workplace workflows include employee lockers, IT equipment distribution, shared assets, visitor storage, and parcel handling.

• Blocks offers both full modular locker systems and a software-and-locks option for integrating with existing cabinets.

• Indoor and outdoor configurations are available.

• Blocks provides project management, customer care, and deployment support through its own teams and partner network.

• Blocks offers hardware purchase and subscription options, with software, support, and deployment services bundled by package.

Best for: Organizations that need flexible workplace locker infrastructure, including the option to combine new modular systems with existing cabinets under one software platform.

Vecos

Vecos is a Netherlands-based smart locker technology provider that sells the technology layer rather than a standardized locker cabinet range. Its offering combines electronic locks, control hardware, and SaaS software for retrofitting existing cabinets or integration with partner-supplied locker furniture for turnkey projects. Vecos is based in Eindhoven and supports customers in 62 countries through local offices and a global installation network.

Key product considerations include:

• Supported workflows include personal lockers, team storage, visitor use, parcels, and IT asset distribution.

• Vecos works with furniture partners to deliver turn-key locker systems using a wide range of cabinet designs and materials.

• Installation is available through Vecos’ in-house teams and trained local partners.

• The platform is designed primarily for indoor workplace storage and shared-asset use.

• Pricing is quote-based and varies by locker count, technology, installation complexity, and support requirements.

Best for: Global enterprises and hybrid workplaces that need flexible employee storage, shared-asset or IT-item distribution, and the option to retrofit existing locker cabinets.

iLockerz

iLockerz is a UK-based smart locker manufacturer that builds configurable systems for shared equipment, personal storage, and unattended item exchange. Its lockers are made in the UK and deployed internationally across logistics, retail, education, healthcare, and emergency services.

Key product considerations include:

• Workflows include equipment issue/return, drop-off and collection, personal storage, and click-and-collect.

• Indoor and outdoor models are available, including weather-resistant configurations.

• iLockerz provides installation, system setup, and ongoing support.

• Pricing is quote-based and varies by hardware, software, integrations, and service scope.

Best for: Organizations that need configurable smart lockers for shared equipment, device handoffs, or personal storage, including deployments that require outdoor-rated hardware.

How ForwardPass structures device workflows

ForwardPass is built around recurring device handoffs rather than treating device access as one use case within a broader locker platform. The ForwardPass smart locker platform includes five defined workflows — Loaners, Repairs, Deployments, Replacements, and Charging — so IT can apply consistent rules and records across common device exchanges.

The main distinction between ForwardPass and broader smart locker platforms is the depth of its device workflows. Its device-focused model keeps the user, device, handoff status, and next action connected across IT processes.

The five workflows reflect distinct operational needs across recurring device handoffs:

• Loaners provide temporary devices to authorized users and apply return rules and overdue handling.

• Repairs allow users to drop off broken devices for service and receive a temporary replacement during the repair period.

• Deployments support scheduled or pre-assigned device pickup without an attended distribution desk.

• Replacements provide a new device when the current one needs to be replaced.

• Charging lets authorized users place a device in a secured bay, connect it to power, and retrieve it later fully charged.

That workflow depth reduces the amount of routine device support handled manually. At Brasher Falls Central School District, ForwardPass reduced daily time spent managing forgotten or uncharged Chromebooks from as much as 2.5 hours to about 30 minutes — an approximately 80% reduction.

ForwardPass smart locker hardware and markets

ForwardPass is a full smart locker system designed for mobile devices in K-12, higher education, workplaces, and manufacturing. Its hardware is available in multiple bay configurations, with charging options that vary by model and generation. The platform is available across North America, Europe, Australia, and other international markets, with regional availability and services depending on the deployment.

Key hardware considerations include:

• 5-, 8-, 15-, and 23-bay configurations.

• 36W USB-C Power Delivery on supported models.

• AC charging on selected configurations.

• Bays designed for laptops, tablets, and other managed mobile devices.

ForwardPass software and commercial model

ForwardPass combines locker hardware with software, support, and lifecycle services under a subscription-based commercial model. The software configuration determines how much workflow automation and self-service functionality is available.

ForwardPass subscriptions include shipping, professional installation, and networking support. Ongoing maintenance, technical support, replacement parts, and end-of-life pickup are also included.

Key commercial and software considerations include:

• Enhanced supports the five named device workflows.

• Classic focuses more on secure storage, charging, and controlled access.

• Subscription terms can bundle hardware, software, support, and lifecycle services.

• Warranty coverage applies for the subscription term, with repair or replacement available for covered defects in materials or workmanship.

Bottom line

ForwardPass alternatives vary widely in device-workflow depth, charging, access methods, integrations, deployment model, and geographic coverage. Some vendors focus on broader workplace storage, parcel handling, or asset control, while others are more closely aligned with managed-device use cases. The right choice among the best smart locker brands depends on how well the platform fits existing IT processes, hardware requirements, and support needs.

ForwardPass stands out for its device-focused workflow model, which connects Loaners, Repairs, Deployments, Replacements, and Charging within one platform.

Book a Discovery to see how ForwardPass can support your device workflows.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best alternatives to ForwardPass smart lockers?

The best smart locker alternatives depend on the workflow you need to support. Options include LapSafe, Bretford, Traka, Signifi, Velocity Smart, Ricoh, Smartbox, Blocks, Vecos, and iLockerz, covering device management, broader asset control, workplace storage, and parcel use cases.

What should I look for in a smart locker alternative for IT device management?

A smart locker alternative for IT device management should match the required device workflows, charging needs, access model, software environment, and deployment footprint. Buyers should also check whether integrations are native or API-based and whether the platform is designed specifically for managed-device handoffs or for broader locker use cases.

Is Ricoh a good alternative to ForwardPass for device lockers?

Ricoh is an alternative for organizations that need broader workplace, parcel, or retail applications. Its offering supports IT asset workflows such as checkout, return, loan periods, and overdue alerts, with indoor and outdoor configurations available depending on the model.

Are Traka lockers the same as smart device lockers?

Traka offers smart device lockers, but its intelligent locker portfolio also covers personnel storage, medication distribution, and shared-equipment management. Its systems can manage devices alongside personal belongings, medical items, radios, body-worn cameras, and other controlled assets.

What’s the difference between an IT device locker and a key management cabinet?

An IT device locker stores and charges laptops, tablets, and other managed equipment. It can also support device exchanges. A key management cabinet instead controls access to physical keys and logs who takes or returns them. For example, Traka sells key cabinets and intelligent lockers as separate product categories, while ForwardPass focuses on IT device lockers.