Can smart charging lockers be managed remotely — and if so, how much control do you actually get?
The short answer: Yes. LocknCharge smart lockers like the FUYL Tower are designed specifically for unattended access and cloud-based control. That means IT can assign locker access, pre-stage devices, track usage, and monitor returns — all without being on-site.
If you’re evaluating whether smart charging lockers are worth the investment, this is the operational detail you won’t find on a product brochure.
New to smart lockers? Find out how smart lockers work before diving into remote management.
What does remote management actually mean?
In the context of smart charging lockers, remote management doesn’t just mean “seeing who accessed what.” It means giving IT full smart locker remote management — so you can assign access, manage users, deploy devices, and monitor usage from anywhere.
At LocknCharge, remote functionality is built into both models of our FUYL smart charging locker system:
- FUYL Classic offers essential remote features via the LocknCharge Cloud portal — ideal for assigning users individual basic bay access, user control, and leveraging API’s and webhooks for further customisation/automation.
- FUYL Enhanced adds a powerful layer of workflow automation, kiosk customisation, and user management via the FUYL Portal and iOS-based Kiosk App.
Both systems are designed for remote workspace environments, multi-campus educational setups, and lean IT teams that need to scale device support without scaling headcount.
Need a refresher on what smart lockers are and what they’re used for? Explore smart locker 101.
What you can do with remote management
Smart charging lockers become far more valuable when you can manage them without being on-site.
With LocknCharge’s FUYL systems, remote access is built into the core experience — whether you're using the standard LocknCharge/PCLocs Cloud (Classic) or the more advanced FUYL Portal (Enhanced).
Here’s what you can do remotely — and what changes depending on the model.
See how LocknCharge helps IT teams manage devices remotely.
Control access in real time
The most essential feature: IT can unlock or lock any bay remotely. Whether you're deploying devices to students or employees, or reclaiming unreturned tech, you can take action instantly from your browser.
Admins can also add and remove users, assign access methods (like PIN, RFID, or QR code), and manage credentials across locations.
With FUYL Classic, you can go further — assigning different permission levels to site managers vs. central admins to support distributed oversight.
Pre-schedule or automate access windows
Both models of FUYL allow you to pre-schedule when a user can access a device. For example, you can unlock Bay 4 for John Doe between 8–9am and then revoke access automatically.
What sets FUYL Enhanced apart is automation. Instead of managing each bay manually, you can build workflows that automatically assign devices based on role, location, or schedule — ideal for large-scale rollouts or multi-campus deployments.
Track usage, returns, and issues
Every locker interaction is logged. You can see who accessed which bay, when it was opened, and whether the device was returned on time. This level of visibility helps with compliance, accountability, and asset tracking.
With Enhanced, the system goes one step further: users can report a broken device directly from the locker kiosk. That report can automatically trigger a workflow — like unlocking another bay with a replacement device — without any admin involvement. Plus, email notifications allow helpdesk ticket creation, automating other processes in the device life cycle management.
Configure the kiosk experience (Enhanced only)
FUYL Enhanced includes an iOS-based Kiosk App that users interact with on-site. From the admin side, you can customise instructions— then push updates instantly from the portal.
This level of control is especially valuable for organisations with multiple sites or user groups that require localised experiences.
Integrate with your existing systems
Both Classic and Enhanced models support platform integrations — so lockers don’t sit in a silo. You can connect the system with your help desk or MDM platform to trigger events automatically (like assigning a loaner device when a support ticket is opened).
Authentication is flexible, too. Depending on your setup, users can sign in via SSO, PIN, badge, or barcode — integrated with your directory or student information system.
Note: All remote features require a stable internet connection at the locker site. Offline use is limited to on-site physical access.
Key use cases for remote locker management
Remote locker management unlocks a wide range of use cases for education, enterprise, and IT teams working across campuses or distributed offices.
- With FUYL Classic, IT can manage lockers flexibly — assigning access, tracking usage, and supporting scheduled handoffs from anywhere.
- With FUYL Enhanced, teams can go further by using built-in workflows that automate device loaners, repairs, deployments, and charging access:
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- Loaner device programs. When a user’s device goes missing or breaks mid-day, IT can pre-load a spare and assign access remotely. With FUYL Enhanced, this can be fully automated — including overdue alerts and self-serve device pickup.
- Long-term deployments. Distribute 1:1 devices to students or employees across multiple locations without needing in-person handoffs. Lockers can be pre-staged, and access granted remotely with a defined pickup window.
- Charging access. Keep backup devices charged and ready to go — especially useful for shared device programs or high-turnover teams. With FUYL Enhanced, access to charged devices can be automated by role, shift, or location.
- Device returns and repairs. Allow users to drop off malfunctioning devices securely and outside of IT working hours. Enhanced workflows even allow a user to report an issue and automatically receive a replacement device — all without opening a ticket.
- Loaner device programs. When a user’s device goes missing or breaks mid-day, IT can pre-load a spare and assign access remotely. With FUYL Enhanced, this can be fully automated — including overdue alerts and self-serve device pickup.
Limitations: What remote management can’t do
While LocknCharge smart charging lockers offer robust remote management features, it's important to understand what they aren’t designed to do. Some limitations are technical, others procedural — but knowing them upfront helps teams integrate the system realistically.
You can’t troubleshoot the device itself
Remote device management lockers help oversee physical access to devices but not device diagnostics. If a device is returned broken, IT still needs to handle repairs or configuration separately using standard support tools.
Charging is passive — not remotely controlled
LocknCharge lockers include built-in charging and LED indicators that show bay status (in use, reserved, offline, etc.). However, IT teams cannot monitor charging progress for individual devices remotely, nor control when charging starts or stops. Charging begins automatically once a device is plugged in.
Remote access doesn’t replace user compliance
You can assign return deadlines, send alerts, and log usage — but users can still miss deadlines or forget to return devices. Remote control improves accountability but doesn’t eliminate manual follow-up when users fall out of process.
Network dependency
All remote features require internet connectivity at the locker site. Without a reliable connection, the system can’t sync access updates, issue alerts, or record usage data.
Final takeaway: Why remote locker management matters for IT
Remote locker management isn’t just a feature — it’s a shift in how IT teams handle device access, support, and accountability at scale.
With LocknCharge’s FUYL smart locker systems, IT teams can:
- Manage locker access across locations through a cloud-based portal
- Pre-schedule or automate device pickup and returns
- Monitor usage, enforce deadlines, and reduce loss
- Support users around the clock — without growing the help desk
Whether you're managing 1:1 deployments in schools or supporting hybrid employees across offices, smart locker systems give you the control and visibility to work smarter.
Want to see it in action? Schedule a personalised demo to explore how FUYL lockers fit your environment.
FAQ
Can smart lockers be managed from offsite locations?
Yes. With LocknCharge FUYL Towers, IT teams can manage access, monitor usage, and release devices remotely through a web-based platform.
Do smart lockers work without an internet connection?
Basic functionality may still work, but cloud-based features like remote access control and real-time updates require a reliable internet connection.
Can smart lockers integrate with my existing IT systems?
Yes. LocknCharge lockers support integrations with platforms like Microsoft Azure AD, ServiceNow, and other identity or help desk tools via APIs, SCIM, or webhooks.
What happens if a device isn’t returned on time?
The system flags the overdue status and can send automated alerts to both the user and admin, helping reduce loss and enforce accountability.
Can I manage lockers at multiple locations from one portal?
Yes. LocknCharge smart locker systems are designed to scale, allowing admins to manage lockers across multiple campuses or offices even across the world all from a single portal.