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Originally Posted On: https://www.elocker.com/blog/it-asset-click-and-collect-techbar/
Switching to IT Asset Click & Collect Helps Your Bottom Line
From laptops and monitors to smartphones and tablets, organisations constantly face the challenge of deploying, exchanging, and returning IT equipment while minimising loss and damage. According to a recent study of 275 organisations in Europe, more than 72,789 laptops (or 265 per organisation) were lost in a 12-month period, at a cost of €4.7 million per organisation. This cost doesn’t just represent the physical replacement of the laptop. There are forgotten costs and dangers related to security, including lost intellectual property, productivity and legal costs, forensics, IT costs, detection, and potential data breaches.
This is where an IT Asset Click & Collect system, like eLocker’s smart delivery lockers, proves invaluable. Providing secure, accessible, and accountable asset management, these smart lockers streamline the equipment distribution process, creating a better experience for employees and enabling IT teams to focus on strategic work.
What is an IT Asset Click & Collect System?
The concept behind IT Asset Click & Collect is simple: employees can access and return IT assets through self-service lockers where every ‘transaction’ is logged and you can see who last collected/returned what item and when. Organisations don’t need to rely on manual processes where IT teams organise equipment exchanges or track down missing equipment. Instead, an asset is securely stored in a smart locker until the employee receives an automated notification to collect it at their convenience.
With a smart Click & Collect system, companies can deploy IT resources in seconds, reduce administrative burden, and ensure that every piece of equipment is accounted for.
At so many organisations you see thousands of pounds of equipment left on tables and desks that are completely unaccounted for and leave security risks. This solution eliminates the need for IT staff to act as storemen and reduces equipment downtime, thus improving productivity across the board.
Core Benefits of IT Asset Click & Collect Lockers
Using smart lockers to deploy IT assets has multiple benefits for the organisation. When onboarding new hires, a Click & Collect system can make a remarkable difference. Instead of distributing devices manually, the IT team can provision a locker for new employees, who simply receive a notification to collect all the equipment needed to begin working. For regular workers, you can keep a bank of essential equipment and allow them to collect it at any time, reducing the downtime and allowing them to get back to their tasks sharpish. This system reduces setup time and ensures a seamless onboarding experience, allowing employees to be productive from day one.
These benefits only increase over time, and include:
Simplified Device Exchanges and Device Management
Equipment malfunctions are unavoidable, and traditional exchange processes can be time-consuming and disruptive. Smart lockers simplify device swaps by allowing employees to deposit malfunctioning devices in an assigned locker and retrieve a replacement immediately. The IT team can then access the faulty device at their convenience, streamlining the repair or replacement process and ensuring that employees aren’t left waiting for vital equipment.
When employees leave the organisation, retrieving their equipment can become challenging. An IT asset locker system offers an easy, secure return process, helping companies maintain control over valuable devices and reduce loss. These smart lockers provide a hassle-free method for departing employees to return equipment, which helps organisations manage device end-of-life (EOL) processes while ensuring data security standards are met.
Enhanced Security and Accountability
With manual systems, IT equipment can easily be misplaced or left unattended, especially if left in shared spaces like reception desks. Smart lockers ensure devices are securely stored until they are collected. Since lockers can only be accessed by authorised users, they act as a deterrent to theft and significantly reduce the risk of equipment loss or accidental damage.
Knowing who last accessed a device and when can be challenging without a systematic tracking solution. Click & Collect lockers automatically record each user’s access, creating a transparent log of asset utilisation. This tracking feature holds users accountable, reduces misuse, and offers valuable data on device usage patterns, which can inform future purchasing decisions.
Many IT assets contain sensitive or proprietary information. A Click & Collect locker system minimises the chances of data breaches, as assets are only accessible by authorised personnel. This system complies with data protection regulations (such as GDPR) and can meet high standards for secure access, ensuring sensitive information remains protected at all times.
Seamless User Experience
Employees simply use their access card or can use their web browser to retrieve devices, eliminating the need for IT staff intervention. This self-service approach makes it easy for users to access the equipment they need, whether at the beginning of their shift, for an emergency replacement, or as part of their return process. The reduction in wait times and streamlined access make for a significantly improved employee experience.
eLocker’s Click & Collect system supports remote access via a browser-based app, so employees don’t need to interact with a kiosk which can often be faulty or create bottlenecks.
Operational Efficiency and Cost Savings
One of the biggest drawbacks of traditional asset management systems is the time IT staff spend on administrative tasks. With smart lockers, these responsibilities are automated, freeing IT teams to focus on strategic initiatives.
Asset delivery lockers provide real-time analytics on who has provisioned, collected or returned what item and when. These insights give organisations the opportunity to spot patterns on faulty devices and on stock levels.
Smart asset management systems are not only about convenience—they deliver significant cost savings. By preventing equipment loss and minimising downtime, organisations experience a rapid ROI, often within months.
In Conclusion
An IT Asset Click & Collect system transforms asset management from a time-consuming process into a streamlined, self-service experience. By improving security, accountability, and operational efficiency, smart lockers offer a robust solution that reduces equipment downtime, enhances the employee experience, and ultimately saves organisations time and money. For companies that want to optimise IT resource distribution, Click & Collect lockers are a cost-effective choice with proven results across various industries.
