Southco’s latches deliver extra security

The Smart Parcel Locker market is set to hit £1,042 million by 2027, increasing from a market value of £420 million in 2019. “With the increasing worldwide use of locker market technology, there has never been such unprecedented reliance on self-service locker security, especially with high-value items,” according to Zygology.

In the UK, the Office for National Statistics reported that the proportion spent online soared to the highest on record in April 2020 at 30.7%, compared with 19.1% in April 2019. The increased investment into locker collection technology follows online retailers suddenly needing to adapt their services, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Critical security

In partnership with self-service solution suppliers, Southco has utilised its R4-EM Electronic Rotary Latch as an enhanced security solution for self-service lockers. R4-EM latches deliver the convenience of electronic access control with the security of a proven, robust, all-metal rotary latch design in a compact, integrated package. The R4-EM latch is concealed from view to deter thieves and significantly reduces repair or maintenance costs, thus delivering a durable and reliable locking solution, providing additional value to locker companies.

Intelligent security

The intelligent R4-EM features an embedded microprocessor that enables signal conditioning for added security. It also accepts signals from access control devices such as pin pads, card readers, biometric devices and remote computers. When accessed, the locking mechanism also generates output that provides traceability for each compartment, an added feature to ensure peace of mind to e-retailers by tracking when each package is delivered and picked up. An optional, convenient mechanical override feature enables manual or emergency release in the event of a power failure.

Increased demand - increasing reliance on security

As the demand for automated consumer services increases, choosing the right security solution is critical to self-service locker and application design. Electronic access allows the owner or manager of the self-service enclosure to easily monitor and control everything from the lock’s electronic and physical states, to data on potential tampering, jam conditions and door closure status. 

Integrating a quality electronic locking solution doesn’t only improve security, it also enhances the functionality of the enclosure and allows a clean exterior design and attractive user interface. 

Medical industry

In addition to the ever-growing self-service locker market, R4-EM latches can increase security for medical industry applications. A Care Quality Commission report found that nearly 75% of patients whose discharge from hospital was delayed resulted from needing to wait for medicine. Just over a quarter of these patients had to wait over four hours. By utilising self-service lockers, hospitals can provide safe, contactless and secure access to medicine to ensure patients can vacate their beds quicker, reducing the strain on staff. 

In addition to the latches, Southco can also provide a complete plug-and-play solution with wiring harnesses, junction boxes, power supplies and associated fittings. Controllers come in a variety of guises, including push button units, black box, proximity card readers, remote control and Bluetooth. Where required, multiple latches can be operated from a single control device or even a single latch operated from multiple control locations. 

R4-EM latches come in a variety of designs and materials. This means that a solution can be a simple standalone latch, to a complete multi latch array with full data capture and auditing. Southco R4-EM latches use gear motors. These are more reliable and less susceptible to jams than the common solenoid type and, by utilising 12-24 volt DC, safety in all environments is enhanced and power consumption much reduced. R4-EM latches are suitable for interior and IP rated for exterior applications

Specialist consultancy 

Discussing the use of Southco’s R4-EM Electronic Rotary Latch to provide extra security in the self-service locker industry, Zygology sales director Richard Avery comments: “When we partner with a manufacturer to develop their products, our consultation process ensures we fully understand the design situation and requirements of the application to provide the best assembly solution.

“Ensuring the retailers have a completely secure solution, so they are confident any high-value items purchased by their customers remain appropriately secured and not at risk of theft, damage or vandalism, is imperative. This is why we recommend and supply the R4-EM latches as a solution to the self-service locker industry to ensure heightened security and end-user satisfaction.”