Smart parcel lockers are fast-becoming a ubiquitous staple across multiple sectors – most notably in multi-residential buildings, retail outlets offering click-and-collect, and educational institutions replacing antiquated single-user lockers. However, the possibilities for smart locker technology are seemingly endless and, more and more, they are being used to meet the emerging needs of new industrial and commercial applications. With this in mind, Snaile Canada, an industry leader in smart locker solutions, has partnered with Caravan to streamline the transportation company’s supply chain logistics, particularly for shipments assigned to more than one driver.
How Smart Lockers Work
Snaile smart lockers offer a fully automated delivery solution across multiple sectors. The company’s modular and entirely customizable stainless-steel lockers offer endless compartment configurations – from small to extra-large, and even temperature-controlled – depending on the respective application’s requirements. Each unit is powered by robust cloud-based software and equipped with a digital ATM-style terminal, which is used to facilitate the deposit and collection processes.
A deposit occurs by selecting the appropriate compartment size and type, then selecting the recipient from a pre-programmed roster or entering the mobile number of the deposit’s intended recipient. The instant the compartment door closes, a delivery alert containing a secure, single-use PIN is sent to the recipient by SMS or email. The recipient then goes to the locker’s terminal, enters the unique access code (or scans a QR code for a completely contactless experience) and the compartment containing the parcel springs open and the delivery and collection are complete.
This technology is of course invaluable as far as traditional parcel deliveries are concerned; however, it can also be used to streamline and simplify several other processes for multiple industries.
The Caravan Case Study
The Caravan Group offers coast to coast transportation and supply chain solutions, including cross border shipping. Often, shipments – whether domestic or international, local or long-haul – require the exchange of documents between one party and another. For instance, a given trip may be shared between two drivers: Driver A and Driver B. In these instances, the smart locker can serve as the point of exchange between the two. This eliminates the need to coordinate an in-person exchange, thereby maximizing efficiencies and preventing costly delays.
The Snaile-Driven Solution
Here is how Snaile smart parcel lockers are working for Caravan: A dispatcher coordinates the drop-off and pick-up and is responsible for managing driver access to the lockers. A trip number is issued to co-ordinate the drop-off from Driver A and the pickup by Driver B. All parties – both drivers and the dispatcher – reference the same trip number throughout the process.
The workflow enabled by Snaile Lockers is as follows:
At the beginning of day, a designated dispatcher will upload a list of trip numbers to the Snaile application. These trip numbers will be displayed at the locker’s terminal screen.
Driver A will select the trip number from the options provided.
Driver A will deposit the documents to the locker.
The locker will send an email with the trip number and access code to the dispatcher’s email address (a shared email address or distribution list).
The dispatcher will communicate the access code to Driver B (via existing communication channel).
Driver B will enter the access code at the locker’s terminal to retrieve the documents. The locker will open the compartment containing the documents for the trip.
The locker will send an email to the dispatch email address with a notification of pickup.
The above process eliminates the time and effort required to coordinate synchronized, in-person meet-ups, not to mention the costly employee wait-times associated with them, and enables a secure and contactless method of exchange between all parties. And, because the smart lockers offer an entirely digital solution, all of the steps are recorded for easy and convenient reference, including time stamps for delivery and collection.
As our collective needs continue to evolve in this rapidly changing landscape, organizations that equip themselves and their employees to adapt through the adoption of new and emerging technology will be the ones who come out on top. Snaile smart lockers are here to meet today’s needs within the transportation sector, but are also poised to anticipate, meet and exceed the demands of tomorrow as well.
"We have the Snaile lockers installed in my building. Love them!"
"The 1Valet and Snaile solution has changed how resident deliveries enter this building. ensures the seamless operation of the building for its residents. We have recorded zero incidents of theft and never see parcels or delivery cards lying around. This really is the way of the future"
"The lockers (Snaile) have been a welcomed addition by the tenants and delivery companies"
"I appreciate your speedy response to my email about the deleted text with my PIN! Thank you!"
"Our lockers are getting a lot of use, even more so since the pandemic."
"Thank you so much for everything! You (Snaile) are absolutely awesome to deal with"
"I am still receiving the positive feedback from tenants and couriers. Couriers are thrilled with the addition. Especially during this peak delivery season "
"We're very pleased with the new lockers, and getting some good feedback from the tenants. We also like the fact that we are using a Canadian company for this service."
"I was challenged to come up with new and more efficient ways of doing things when it came to accepting inbound and processing outbound packages, after much research, it was a no brainer to go with Snaile. The software is super user friendly and easy to navigate, and the support staff is also very helpful, friendly, and easy to deal with"
"You (Snaile) have been very supportive even though we have so many questions, we really appreciate your help"
"After evaluating parcel locker providers in Canada, Snaile demonstrated to us they have the right solution for the Canadian building industry."
"Collection of the package was flawless. Great system."
"Thank you (Snaile) kindly for all your support; you've been exceptionally efficient and helpful"
"I totally support the system and service. Especially so now, given the new rules with social distancing but also as the demand for home delivery continues to increase. I think Snaile is a valuable service, we all could benefit from it."
"Our Residents Love it!"
"We have had positive feedback from residents that it is a secure way to deposit packages. All packages have been received on a timely basis with no missing packages"
"We love the Snaile system. We currently have it in our 93-unit building in Guelph, Ontario and our 78-unit building in Breslau, Ontario."
"This is our 3rd year now with Snaile Parcel Lockers and it is my pleasure to highly recommend this great system. It is very convenient and secure for our Residents to accept their packages from all carriers even when they are not home. The Snaile parcel delivery system is an excellent business partner."
"Great customer service. Very much enjoy our partnership with Snaile! Julie and Kirstin thank you for your help and assistance through our onboarding process!"
"I used the Snaile Parcel Locker System while I stayed at Monte Kwinter Court Apartments in Toronto. They came in very handy through out the pandemic when purchasing online items. Texts with codes for sent immediately. Very easy to use system!"
"90% of our buildings have Snaile lockers installed in them. I know the CEO very well. We first met when the firm was doing the installation at Monde. I love your product. It makes life so much easier for our staff in terms of parcel management. I look forward to working with the Snaile team."
"We love your product and have it installed in a number of our communities both in BC and Ontario."
"We have two lockers installed now and a third one on its way.
These are better than sliced bread."
