A smart locker is an automated locker system that uses digital locker technology and secure connectivity to store, charge, and manage mobile devices. This connected locker solution combines cloud software, sensors, and access controls so organizations can automate exchanges and track every transaction in real time.
Unlike traditional metal lockers that only rely on mechanical locks, intelligent locker systems feature three interconnected elements: hardware, software, and connectivity.
Every connected locker solution starts with its physical components. Each compartment has an electronic lock, sensors that detect door status or occupancy, and often charging ports for laptops, tablets, or handheld devices.
Because these lockers safeguard high-value assets that move frequently between users and sites, their hardware plays a direct role in data security as much as in storage reliability.
Verizon’s 2025 Data Breach Investigations Report recorded 149 “Lost and Stolen Assets” incidents, 122 involving confirmed data disclosure — proof that a misplaced device can quickly become a security event. For that reason, reliable electronic locks, tamper detection, and robust compartment construction are essential criteria when selecting smart lockers.
What makes these lockers “smart” is the digital locker technology that operates behind the scenes. Smart lockers connect to a cloud-based management platform that allows administrators to control hundreds of lockers across multiple sites and integrate them with other software systems for coordinated management.
Within that framework, identity integration through Single Sign-On (SSO) is especially valuable. Forrester’s 2023 analysis of Microsoft Entra found a 75% reduction in password-reset requests with SSO, showing how strong software choices can reduce help-desk workload.
To connect with the cloud platform, smart lockers need robust and flexible connectivity options. They typically support multiple communication channels, such as Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Bluetooth, to maintain stable operation across diverse environments. Reliable connectivity keeps the software running 24/7 so that every device handoff, return, or charging session is recorded in real time, even outside regular work or study hours.
The smart locker market reached $4.1 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to $10.2 billion by 2032 — evidence that businesses, universities, and public institutions are increasingly standardizing on connected storage.
Smart locker solutions address everyday operational challenges such as lost equipment, manual handoffs, and limited IT staff availability. In practice, they deliver the following benefits:
Organizations leverage smart locker benefits across multiple settings:
Traditional lockers serve a single purpose — basic storage. Smart lockers, on the other hand, do much more. They serve as fully automated locker systems, turning storage into a secure, trackable, and time-saving management tool.
Here’s how intelligent locker solutions compare with old-school physical lockers.
|
Aspect |
Traditional lockers |
Digital smart lockers |
|
Ease of use |
Require physical keys or combinations, often misplaced or shared |
Accessed by PIN, RFID, SSO, or mobile app — no keys to manage |
|
Security |
No activity tracking; anyone with a key can open a locker |
Encrypted user authentication and digital logs track every access |
|
Automation |
Fully manual; staff must assign and monitor lockers |
Automated assignment, monitoring, and notifications reduce daily workload |
|
Accountability |
No record of who used what or when |
Detailed usage reports ensure transparency and traceability |
|
Maintenance |
Repairs or audits require on-site checks |
Remote diagnostics and alerts simplify upkeep |
|
Scalability |
Difficult to expand or standardize across locations |
Centralized cloud management scales easily across multiple sites |
Modern smart locker systems stand out because they pair operational control with everyday convenience. Here are the standout capabilities that define today’s most advanced intelligent locker solutions.
Intelligent locker systems adapt to specific operational needs across workplaces, campuses, and critical environments.
In hybrid offices, smart lockers manage device issues and returns, break/fix swaps, and click-and-collect pickups without help desk lines. Integrated with directory and ticketing systems, they allow IT teams to preassign bays, automate notifications, and track returns across sites, maintaining 24/7 availability for staff.
Universities deploy asset management lockers in libraries and labs for laptops and tablets. Students and faculty authenticate with campus credentials to borrow, return, or collect devices after hours. A single team can oversee multiple sites from one console, keeping device access efficient during peak academic periods.
Hospitals, utilities, and defense organizations rely on automated locker solutions to manage shared clinical tools and secure handheld devices by shift or role. Administrators control permissions and review access logs to maintain compliance. Enterprise-grade systems also support multi-site coordination vital to high-security operations.
The smart locker market is evolving toward connected, sustainable, and predictive systems. Advances in IoT, analytics, and system integration are turning lockers from static storage into intelligent, data-driven infrastructure.
Modern device smart lockers function as part of the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem.
Networked sensors and cloud software capture real-time data on usage, temperature, and door activity. There is a potential to use artificial intelligence (AI) to interpret this data and reveal utilization trends, identify demand patterns, and improve locker allocation.
As organizations merge IT and operational technology data, more than 52% now view unified data platforms as essential for analytics and process improvement.
Smart lockers feature automated alerts that detect potential issues such as jammed doors or power interruptions. These notifications help IT teams respond proactively and schedule maintenance during low-demand periods, improving reliability and reducing the risk of unplanned downtime.
Manufacturers are adopting energy-efficient designs with USB-C Power Delivery, adaptive charging, and passive cooling. These features lower energy use, protect battery health, and align with sustainability and environmental goals set by enterprises.
Today’s intelligent locker systems link seamlessly with Single Sign-On (SSO) and directory services.
This shift reflects a broader enterprise move toward centralized, phishing-resistant authentication. For example, Okta reports a 162% year-over-year increase in FastPass usage and a decline in SMS-based logins.
Locker APIs also integrate with facility-management and asset-tracking systems, creating a cohesive digital environment that connects locker activity to wider operational workflows.
Selecting a smart locker system is both a technical and operational decision. The checklist below helps organizations define priorities, align functionality with real needs, and avoid long-term inefficiencies or hidden costs.
Begin by identifying what the lockers will store and the conditions in which they will operate:
Smart lockers provide the most value when integrated into your existing IT and facility systems. Make sure your chosen solution includes:
Security of the device management locker should include data protection and visibility. Look for the following features:
A capable system should automate everyday device handling and support IT processes. It’s crucial to validate the following device management features:
A scalable design protects your investment as operations expand. It’s important to confirm that your smart locker system offers:
Estimate financial impact before selecting a vendor:
Additional reading: Explore in-depth smart locker buying tips to compare features, integrations, and ROI before choosing your next solution.
ForwardPass is a premium, connected smart locker platform designed for workplaces, higher education, and K-12. It unifies issue and return, loaner management, and break/fix exchanges within a single cloud-managed system that includes Single Sign-On (SSO), role-based permissions, open APIs, and built-in analytics.