Belgian postal operator bpost is planning to deploy hundreds of KePol lockers, supplied by the global automation solutions provider KEBA, throughout Belgium for parcel pick-ups, drop-offs and returns in the coming years to offer customers a convenient delivery option round the clock.
Bpost explained that after a thorough benchmarking analysis which included a pilot phase, it was convinced by the flexibility of KEBA’s modular concept, as well as the high-quality and weatherproof design of the KePol lockers.
Parcel lockers: bpost’s fastest growing pick-up option
A recent study by bpost revealed that parcel lockers are one of its fastest growing pick-up option. “With their ease of use, constant accessibility, and eco-friendliness, parcel lockers are particularly well-suited for high-traffic locations such as retail stores and supermarkets. This move aligns with bpost's mission to encourage end customers to choose pick-up points for their deliveries, as this method reduces emissions through batch delivery into the lockers and is seen as the most environmentally friendly option,” the company stated.
KEBA has been supplying parcel locker solutions to the top postal and logistics companies in Europe for more than 20 years. Due to the modular design of the KePol lockers which allows flexible configurations of between 24 and 400 boxes, they are ideally suited for high-volume locations such as shopping centres, municipalities, supermarkets and petrol stations. Additionally, they perfectly fit outdoor installations due to their proven robustness and durability to withstand the harshest of conditions including strong winds and snow.
Nick Bond, Head of bpost's Partner Network, said: "We are excited to have partnered with KEBA for a flexible, safe and reliable locker solution for our busy parcel locker locations. KEBA's expertise is clear in the premium quality and durability of their lockers, which are critical for high-traffic areas. With these parcel lockers, we will provide residents with an eco-friendly and a convenient 24/7 pick-up or return option at premium locations”.
Innovation and continuous improvement
KEBA continuously improves its KePol lockers to match customers’ needs while also developing newer and better future generations of lockers. Jürgen Kusper, CEO of KEBA Handover Automation GmbH, pointed out: “We ensure that our products meet all quality and safety standards in order to guarantee that our customers are getting a product they know is high-quality. The reliability of our hardware can be seen by the long-time the KePol lockers continue in operation. It is not uncommon to see KePol lockers that work as good as new, even when their warranty expired long ago. In fact, KePol lockers work better after they have been upgraded and continue in operation for several years after the upgrade.”
To fulfill most, if not all, of customers’ needs, KEBA offers hardware solutions for outdoor or indoor, small or large number of boxes, with or without certain components. “We are very excited with the extension of the partnership between bpost and KEBA for the implementation of the most sustainable parcel locker network in Belgium, and we are looking forward to the adoption of more green zones worldwide,” Kusper concluded.
Based in Linz (Austria), KEBA is an internationally successful high-tech company with subsidiaries worldwide. It is active in the three operative business areas including industrial automation, handover automation and energy automation.
