{"id":25684,"date":"2020-04-11T13:52:52","date_gmt":"2020-04-11T13:52:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.parcelpending.com\/blog\/how-electronic-lockers-fix-student-internet-package-issues\/"},"modified":"2023-04-03T20:31:28","modified_gmt":"2023-04-03T20:31:28","slug":"how-electronic-lockers-fix-student-internet-package-issues","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.parcelpending.com\/en-ca\/blog\/how-electronic-lockers-fix-student-internet-package-issues\/","title":{"rendered":"How Electronic Lockers Fix Student Internet Package Issues"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the final batch of Millennials leave universities and Gen Z goes to college<\/a>, the question often arises\u2014how will colleges change? Every generation brings its own set of issues and agenda. Some of the biggest protest movements happened on college campuses with the <\/span>Baby Boomers<\/span><\/a> in the 60s. Technology progressed from the Walkman to the iPhone X as Millennials went through college. Now, it\u2019s time for Gen Zers to make their mark. And where are they being felt the most right now?<\/span><\/p>\n

Shockingly, in campus mail service centers.<\/span><\/p>\n

With <\/span>75% of Gen Zers<\/span><\/a> preferring to shop online for the convenience it offers, all those packages that were once being delivered to homes across the country are now funneling toward universities. A solution to the student internet package crisis needs to be found. Are smart lockers for colleges<\/a> the answer?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Current Package Problem<\/strong><\/h2>\n

It’s not just university mail services feeling the heat from this \u201cparcel pandemonium\u201d\u2014everybody is feeling it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Student Pain Points<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Students are often trying to grab a care package between classes or waiting for their textbook that they need for a class that started two weeks ago. Unfortunately, it\u2019s not uncommon for mail centers on campuses to be holding anywhere from 500 to 1,000 packages (especially during the holiday seasons). This means backlogged systems where staff may not even realize a student\u2019s package has arrived.<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, once the package has been input into the system and the student has been notified, the long 15- to 30-minute queue times can create extra consternation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Staff Pain Points<\/b><\/h3>\n

If this sounds frustrating from the student\u2019s point of view, imagine how the mail center staff feel. Not only are they finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with the package deliveries, but when their (generally) small mail storage areas become filled, they\u2019re forced to store extra packages offsite. This creates an unneeded clog that, when compiled with the students\u2019 frustrations, can be overwhelming <\/span>for the mail services staff member.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, it doesn\u2019t stop there. Campus mail service centers are often run by hired students<\/span> and<\/span> staff who are employed to handle everything from package delivery to student complaints to resident\u00a0 events and more. By exhausting their time handling packages, the inefficiencies quickly spread.<\/span><\/p>\n

University Pain Points<\/b><\/h3>\n

Any issue gone too far should create a point of investigation for the university or college. Whether it\u2019s dining hall food complaints or not enough <\/span>space to study<\/span> within a library\u2014seemingly small problems can have unforeseen adverse outcomes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A question to keep in mind: is the university receiving complaints about mail service\u00a0 inefficiencies? Or is the university receiving complaints about package theft? One is a hassle; the other is a reportable offense that can increase the on-campus crime rate.<\/span>
\nIs this all a result of the fact that Gen Zers are more inclined to shop online and, thus, receive more packages? The answer\u2014like with many problems\u2014is multifaceted.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Rise of E-commerce<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Over the last twenty years the idea of online shopping went from a credit card theft possibility to a synonym with driving to an outlet and purchasing an item. In fact, \u201conline shopping\u201d isn\u2019t even used in the lexicon anymore\u2014it\u2019s really just \u201cshopping.\u201d This speaks volumes to the rise of e-commerce, which directly reflects in the global data. According to <\/span>DigitalCommerce360<\/span><\/a>:<\/span><\/p>\n