Smart Lockers for Offices: Secure, Flexible Storage for Workplaces

According to Stanford, only 12% of businesses currently plan a full return to the office. Most will stay hybrid, with on-site work only 1–4 days a week. With flexible schedules becoming the norm, organizations need new ways to manage and secure shared devices without depending on outdated storage solutions.

Traditional workplace storage systems offer limited security, are inconvenient to manage, and lack visibility into device usage. The future lies in cloud-connected smart systems that combine hardware with intelligent software — functioning like an on-site IT team, without requiring IT staff to be physically present.

This article explores how smart lockers enable device automation and control over device usage, security, and availability.

Key takeaways

• Smart lockers integrate with IT ticketing, identity management, and HR systems out of the box.
• Workplace storage automation excludes IT from active participation in charging, returns, and loaner pickups.
• Round-the-clock, self-service access to devices means no waiting on IT or logging minor support requests.
• Smart lockers integrate into existing office layouts without the need for major changes.

What are smart lockers for office environments?

What is a smart locker, and how does it compare to a regular metal locker box? Built for hybrid work environments, smart lockers enable employees to pick up, return, charge, and exchange devices without waiting on IT staff or filing support tickets. 

Unlike traditional lockers for physical storage only, smart lockets feature digital solutions to automate device management at scale:

• User authentication via ID badge, QR/barcode, or single sign-on (SSO)
• Cloud-based activity monitoring, access control, and alerts
• Digital support for workflows like device imaging, rollouts, loans, replacements, charging, and repairs
• Audit logs and device access history
• Integration with IT workplace systems, such as Active Directory, Google Workspace, and Okta
• Steel construction with mobile base for easy placement, physical security, and long-term durability

The benefits of smart storage solutions for offices

The range of smart locker benefits goes beyond storage:

Enhanced security with full visibility

IoT-enabled lockers make device access traceable. Every locker interaction is logged in the cloud, creating a real-time audit trail that shows who accessed which bay and when. Administrators can define access windows, assign users to specific bays, and receive alerts for unauthorized attempts or overdue returns.

Features like SSO login, role-based permissions, and two-factor authentication (2FA) support internal security policies and help organizations align workplace security solutions with data compliance frameworks such as SOC 2 and GDPR.

Smarter use of office space

Smart lockers are built in vertical tower configurations. And because the lockers support shared use, fewer units can serve more people. This enables space-saving laptop storage for offices without remodeling existing layouts.

Built-in operational efficiency

Smart workplace locker systems automate routine IT workflows, such as charging, loaning, and repairs, reducing manual handoffs and support tickets. Integration with systems like Active Directory and ServiceNow makes IT life easier, letting them focus on higher-value work.

LocknCharge customers report an average 50% reduction in IT tickets, based on data from more than 26,000 organizations worldwide that use FUYL Smart Lockers, the only solution designed to streamline workplace tech handoff, without IT overhead.

A better experience for employees

For end users, the difference is immediate. Modular office lockers provide contactless office storage and are accessible 24/7. Authentication is fast and familiar, using ID badges or workplace credentials. And if power or Wi-Fi goes down, IT staff can still access locker bays manually.

Use cases for cloud-managed lockers in offices

Smart lockers meet the need for cloud-connected infrastructure in the following use cases.

Flexible storage for hybrid and hot-desking teams

In hybrid work models, shared spaces often incur chaos around storing, securing, and accessing devices. Smart lockers are on-demand, personalized storage with built-in charging ports, providing employees with a place to pick up or return devices, tools, or accessories at any time. That helps immensely with:

• Hot-desking
• Bring your own device (BYOD) policies
• Rotating contractor teams

Cutting IT workload on workplace asset management

Employees often request replacements as laptops and accessories get damaged or become obsolete. On average, each device swap takes 30 minutes, including problem logging, inventory updating, and actual handoff, as all those tasks are typically manual. 

With LocknCharge FUYL Smart Lockers, the process takes less than two minutes, a 93.3% reduction in effort. That’s possible because our keyless office storage lockers support a range of pre-defined workflows:

• Loaner checkout. When a user forgets or loses a device, they can retrieve a pre-assigned loaner instantly using their ID badge or login.
• Device returns. Employees can drop off used or temporary devices through a guided return flow.
• Repairs. Faulty devices are checked in via the locker, alerting IT for follow-up without needing a ticket.
• Deployments. Preloaded lockers distribute assigned devices during onboarding or refresh cycles without active participation from IT, as opposed to in-person handoffs.

Choosing the right smart locker system

Here is what to look for when selecting hybrid workplace storage solutions.

Additional reading: Discover how to determine the smart locker cost based on your organization’s needs.