LUXER ONE BLOG

[CR80 News] How Smart Lockers Improve Your Campus Mailroom

As package volume continues to rise across university campuses, traditional mailroom processes are being pushed to their limits. What once worked for handling student deliveries is quickly becoming inefficient, time-consuming, and difficult to scale.

In this 2019 interview, Tyler Hansen, former Vice President of Sales at Luxer One, shared how smart lockers improve campus mailrooms by streamlining operations and enhancing the student experience. Watch the interview or read the article below to learn more.

The Growing Challenge for University Mailrooms

University mailrooms have historically relied on a mix of manual and semi-automated processes. In many cases, staff manually notify students when packages arrive, while others use basic software systems to manage deliveries.

However, with the continued growth of online shopping, these systems are struggling to keep up.

“There are different ways that mailrooms handle packages,” Hansen explained. “Some are hand typing emails to students, some have software in place. What we’re doing is allowing students to pick up packages 24/7 from an automated locker.”

This shift highlights why university package lockers are becoming an essential solution rather than a luxury.

A Faster, More Convenient Student Experience

Smart lockers fundamentally change how students interact with package delivery.

Instead of waiting in line or working around mailroom hours, students receive a notification on their phone when their package is ready. From there, the pickup process is quick and intuitive.

“They walk up to the locker, hold up their phone, and it prompts for a signature and opens the locker,” Hansen said. “It takes about eight seconds to pick up a package.”

This level of convenience not only improves the student experience but also reduces congestion and workload for mailroom staff.

From Emerging Solution to Campus Standard

At the time of the interview, Luxer One was already seeing strong adoption across higher education.

“We’re currently serving just over 20 campuses with our solution,” Hansen noted, “and we have about another 20 that will be rolling out over the next month and a half to two months.”

This rapid growth reflects a broader industry shift, as more institutions recognize how smart lockers improve campus mailrooms by addressing rising package volume and operational inefficiencies.

Flexible Solutions for Every Campus

Not every university has the same layout, budget, or infrastructure. That is why flexibility is key.

“From a hardware standpoint, we have the lockers themselves, and it comes with the software, service, and support. That is all included,” Hansen explained. “The alternative is smart rooms, if you do not have the capital or the space, or if you already have a package room.”

Whether through lockers or smart rooms, universities can implement solutions that align with their existing operations while still benefiting from automation.

Built to Handle Campus Scale

University environments require systems that can support high volumes of deliveries.

Locker installations are typically designed based on student population. For example, a residence hall with 2,000 students might include 300 to 400 lockers to meet demand. These systems are often placed near mailrooms or in dedicated package areas for easy access.

In addition to QR codes and six-digit one-time PINs, lockers can also integrate with student credentials, including campus ID cards and mobile access. This allows universities to customize workflows based on their needs.

A Carrier-Agnostic, Integrated Solution

One of the key advantages of university package lockers is their flexibility.

Luxer One’s systems are designed to accept deliveries from any carrier, retailer, or even internal campus departments.

“We accept packages from any carrier, any retailer, and really any department on campus,” Hansen said. “It depends on how you want to tailor that specific locker system.”

The system also integrates with existing package management software. This allows universities to maintain their current processes while enhancing them with automation.

Managing Overflow and Peak Demand

Even with lockers in place, campuses must still account for oversized packages and seasonal surges in deliveries. Smart locker systems are designed to complement existing workflows rather than replace them entirely.

“If you still want to store packages in a back office, our system will track that and notify the student,” Hansen explained. “That is especially useful for oversize or overflow around the holidays.”

This hybrid approach ensures that all deliveries are tracked and accessible, even during peak periods.

A Tipping Point for Campus Mailrooms

As eCommerce continues to drive higher package volumes, university mailrooms have reached a critical point.

“We have hit a tipping point with how many packages are coming in,” Hansen said. “In many cases, it has become unmanageable, so you need some type of automated solution in place.”

This is exactly where smart lockers improve campus mailrooms, by providing a scalable, efficient solution that supports both staff operations and student expectations.

Christina Draper

Christina Draper, Marketing Content Manager at Luxer One, creates storytelling-driven content that connects with property management professionals and highlights innovations in multifamily package management. With a marketing background from UNC Charlotte, she develops cross-channel campaigns that showcase how Luxer One is redefining the resident experience.

See Posts

The Hidden Cost of Off-Site Package Models

At first glance, some package management solutions seem like a win for property teams. They promise fewer packages on-site, less clutter, and less day-to-day handling.
But what looks convenient on the surface often comes with hidden tradeoffs. While these models may reduce visibility on the property, they do not eliminate the problem. They shift it somewhere else.
And in many cases, they shift it directly onto residents.

Luxens on the Rise: Employee Highlight | Saular Moaddeli

At Luxer One, growth is part of the job. We prioritize promoting from within, provide clear paths for advancement, and encourage every team member to explore new opportunities! Our Luxens on the Rise series highlights team members who have carved their own paths within the company, taking on new challenges and evolving their careers along the way.

The Middleman Problem: Why More Delivery Logistics Creates More Problems

On paper, adding more steps to a delivery process can sound like progress. More coordination, more handling, and more structure.
But in reality, more logistics often leads to more problems.
This is the core issue facing today’s multifamily delivery logistics strategies. In an effort to manage growing package volume, many systems have introduced additional layers between the carrier and the resident.
And while those layers are meant to help, they often create the opposite effect.
Because every extra step is another opportunity for something to go off track.

From Food Banks to Food Access Networks: How Distribution Is Evolving

Modern food pantries are being asked to do more with less. They need to serve more people, offer greater flexibility, and operate with fewer staff and volunteers. As organizations look for ways to expand access without increasing overhead, many are wondering: Is there a better way to distribute food?
This Q&A explores the kinds of questions partners are already asking, and how smart locker solutions are helping provide answers.

Luxer Liaison: Scalable Package Management Solutions That Work for Every Community

From boutique properties to high rise luxury buildings, every community faces a different mix of challenges. Limited space, growing delivery volume, resident expectations, and staffing constraints all play a role. The common thread is the need for scalable package management solutions that adapt instead of overwhelm.
That’s where the Luxer Liaison package service stands out. By combining on site expertise with flexible service models, Liaison supports communities of all sizes without forcing them into rigid systems or delayed delivery models.

TOPICS