How does the CiPiObox parcel locker work?
We receive requests on a regular basis from people who would like to have access to a parcel locker. They experience issues with home parcel delivery and are aware that a parcel locker like the CiPiObox can provide the solution. However, there are quite a few providers, and one parcel locker is not the same as another. Therefore, it's good to explain how the CiPiObox actually works and what makes it unique.
Who's asking? In other words, what is the parcel locker used for?
We receive requests for a parcel locker from various angles. They often come from homeowner associations (VvE's), owners, or managers seeking a solution to the hassle of parcels in apartment complexes. Additionally, we also see (online) shops looking to expand their services with pickup options, as well as holiday parks, campuses, or large business premises.
The use of the parcel locker differs significantly depending on whether you want to use a CiPiObox to allow your customers to pick up orders after closing time at your shop or if you live in an apartment complex and simply want something delivered to your doorstep. Since the latter is the largest user group for CiPiO, we focus on that in this article.
Is the parcel locker indoors or outdoors?
When we receive a request to install a CiPiObox at an apartment complex, there are several factors that determine what the solution might look like. Firstly, it's important whether the locker will be placed indoors or outdoors. Although these two variants of the CiPiObox may look the same, there are certainly some differences (which also result in a higher price). The outdoor locker is weatherproof, has burglar-resistant doors, and is placed on concrete feet that are recessed into the pavement.
For an outdoor locker, it's important to know if it's on private property. But even if it's a visible location, it might still require a permit from the municipality. Therefore, it's always important for the future user to find this out first!
How big should the parcel locker be?
This is obviously an important question that needs to be answered. You don't want the locker to become overcrowded and unable to accommodate more items, but you also don't want it to be too large (and therefore too expensive)! Ideally, you would know the number of parcels delivered on an average day... But that kind of information is hardly obtainable, especially in larger complexes.
Therefore, we use a theoretical "golden formula" to estimate the number of required compartments, based on the number of residents in a particular complex. Additionally, the composition of the residents is also a significant factor. Students or young families tend to order more than older individuals. However, on average over a year (considering busy and less busy days), we usually come up with a fairly accurate estimate.
Once we know the number of required lockers, we also know how many columns the CiPiObox will consist of. This is the last important factor because there must be (an easily accessible) place for the parcel locker.
White label parcel locker
The CiPiObox is a so-called White Label or agnostic parcel locker. This means that all delivery services can deposit packages in it! And that's convenient because it increases the success rate of a delivery towards 100%. We are completely independent of any delivery service. Essentially, with the CiPiObox, we're setting up a sort of second mailbox, but for parcels. Because the locker is intuitively operated and multilingual, any delivery person can easily use it.
When the delivery person arrives with a package at the CiPiObox, they can scan the barcode, after which we immediately check if there is a match with a (registered) resident. Often, we already know the size of the package and open the appropriate size locker. If scanning doesn't work, the delivery person can easily search via the screen and also choose the correct compartment size.
How do I know if a package has been delivered for me in the parcel locker?
If a delivery agent comes with your parcel, you also want them to be able to securely store it in the locker and for you to receive a notification! Just like with the intercom, we use some personal information for this. This allows the delivery agent to correctly deliver the parcel for you, and you will receive a notification from CiPiO that it's ready for pickup. This message contains a one-time, unique PIN code to open the respective locker. Of course, we fully comply with the European privacy law (GDPR), and all your personal information is safe with us. 
If you're not registered, this won't work. If the delivery agent does his job properly, they will ring the bell afterward, but in practice, things are often a bit more challenging... That's why we always emphasize during installation that the parcel locker can only truly be successful if all residents participate!
And what if something goes wrong...? The moderator is indispensable
Changes in the resident list, packages left behind, a wrongly delivered package, an empty compartment found... These are just some real-life events that all require follow-up. And this is often overlooked when selecting a parcel locker. At CiPiO, we summarize this follow-up under the term "moderator tasks". Often, there is a manager or caretaker on-site who can take on these tasks and assist residents. A moderator is provided with their own dashboard where they can view and manage all transactions on a locker. If no moderator is available, CiPiO can handle these tasks (for an additional fee) neatly.
Curious if the CiPiObox parcel locker is right for you? Feel free to request advice from us without obligation!