Zodiac Workspace: A Smart Locker System for Workspaces

Users can access lockers in seconds by simply tapping an RFID card or entering a secure PIN code on a clear, easy-to-use touchscreen.

The system’s cost-effectiveness goes beyond just the initial price. It is also achieved through a combination of highly efficient workspace utilisation and enhanced employee well-being.

• Efficient Workspace Utilisation: By offering flexible storage modes like Registered Public and Guest, Zodiac helps companies make the most of their physical space. Instead of assigning a permanent locker to every employee, lockers can be shared and allocated dynamically as needed. This is especially beneficial for hybrid and agile workplaces where not all employees are in the office at the same time. The system’s analytics also help identify usage patterns, allowing administrators to optimise locker allocation and avoid “locker blocking.” This prevents wasted space and can even reduce the need for larger office footprints.
• Employee Well-being: A well-designed workspace that includes flexible storage options is proven to contribute directly to employee engagement with a business’s Return to Work strategy, which in turn leads to higher employee satisfaction and productivity. A smart locker system will ensure the provision of a simple, secure and readily available way for employees to store their belongings, whilst eliminating the all-too-common frustration of lost keys and restricted availability. This contributes to a smoother workday, reduces stress, and fosters a more positive work environment. A happier, more productive workforce can, in turn, lead to greater efficiency and financial benefits for the company.

Storage can be assigned on a personal, registered user, or guest basis, offering flexibility to suit various work environments.

Yes, the Zodiac terminal can be tailored to match a company’s branding and colour scheme on an individual system-by-system basis.

Administrators have comprehensive management tools to ensure efficient operation and high storage availability. They can control system settings directly through a menu on the terminal, which provides access to permission-managed functions.

Additionally, a robust web-based portal allows for real-time remote management from any location. This portal provides actionable insights and analytics through clear, easy-to-read dashboards in both graphical and tabular formats. These features enable administrators to:

• Monitor usage capacity in real time.
• Identify high-demand zones and past usage patterns.
• Instantly increase locker availability by detecting and addressing “locker blocking.”
• Optimise locker allocation based on data-driven decisions for an evolving workspace.
• Usage logs are also available for audit purposes in case of investigation requirements, offering full transparency and control over the locker system’s operations.

The three main components are the Touchscreen Control, Electronic Latches, and Distribution Boards. The system is designed for easy installation with minimal wiring.

The touchscreen is a slimline 10.1-inch, high-resolution LCD display with Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity. It has an energy-efficient LED backlight and is designed for flush mounting.

The latches are motor-driven and include a floating door bolt to accommodate misalignment. They have mechanical key and cable overrides, a push-to-lock action, and sensors to detect whether the door is open or closed.

Distribution boards connect the touchscreen to the latches. Each board can control up to 12 latches, and additional boards can be linked together to control thousands of latches to suit storage configuration needs.

The web portal is a cloud-based tool that allows administrators to manage their locker system remotely from any location. Accessible from any major browser without special software, it provides a centralised dashboard for complete control.

With the portal, administrators can not only assign lockers and track usage in real time, but also leverage powerful features to measure and drive high utilization:

• Real-time remote control: Manage your entire network of lockers, whether in a single office or globally, from a single location.
• Actionable insights and analytics: The dashboard provides clear, easy-to-read data in both graphical and tabular formats, allowing you to see past usage patterns and identify high-demand zones.
• Optimise availability: Proactively monitor usage capacity and instantly increase locker availability by detecting and managing ‘locker blocking’.
• Data-driven decisions: Use the insights to make informed decisions about locker allocation and optimise your workspace for evolving needs.

The Zodiac system stands out by focusing on simplicity and flexibility for everyone involved—from the end-user to the administrator.

For the user, it provides a blend of security and convenience with its simple RFID/PIN access, eliminating the hassle of keys. Accessing a locker takes only seconds with a clear, intuitive touchscreen menu.

For the administrator, the system is refreshingly easy to manage and install. It’s designed to be simple to install with no complex wiring, and the cloud-connected web portal provides real-time control from anywhere. This ease of use is complemented by:

• Flexible storage modes: Easily adapt locker use to your environment with Private, Registered Public, and Guest modes.
• Cloud-connected, real-time control: Manage your entire locker network remotely and instantly address issues like “locker blocking” to ensure high availability.
• Actionable insights and analytics: Make data-driven decisions to optimise locker allocation and space utilisation with easy-to-read dashboards.

Ultimately, the Zodiac system provides a streamlined and adaptable experience that supports the evolving needs of any agile workspace.

Yes, the system supports multiple languages, making it suitable for international workforces and visitors.

It offers three flexible operating modes:

• Private Mode: Assigns lockers to individual users for ongoing, exclusive access (e.g., permanent staff).
• Registered Public Mode: Allows pre-approved users to access any available locker, ideal for hybrid teams.
• Guest Mode: Makes lockers freely available to anyone, perfect for co-working spaces or visitor zones.

The Zodiac system is distinguished by its holistic approach to modern workspace challenges, providing a seamless experience for both users and administrators. While many systems offer smart features, Zodiac’s unique advantages are in its:

• Frictionless User Experience: With simple RFID card or PIN code access, Zodiac provides a truly “no keys, no waiting, no hassle” experience. The intuitive touchscreen and streamlined process make every interaction quick and easy, which is a key differentiator from systems that may be more complex to use.
• Faster Return on Investment: Zodiac is designed to be one of the most cost-effective smart locker systems on the market. This is achieved not only through an accessible price point but also by enabling highly efficient utilisation of workspace, reducing the need for excess real estate, and enhancing employee well-being and productivity.
• Closer Alignment to Return-to-Work Strategies: The system is built with agile and hybrid working in mind. Its flexible operating modes (Private, Registered Public, and Guest) allow organisations to easily adapt their storage solutions to the evolving needs of their workforce, whether for permanent staff, hybrid teams, or visitors.
• Higher Occupancy Storage: Through cloud-connected, real-time control and actionable analytics, administrators can monitor usage and optimise locker allocation. The system’s ability to identify and address “locker blocking” and analyse usage patterns ensures that storage space is used to its maximum potential, directly leading to higher occupancy rates and more efficient use of office space.

Both options are available. As a complete solution, we work with partners to supply lockers, hardware, software, installation, and project management. As an integration kit, we supply the Zodiac components, including the touchscreen terminal, electronic latches, distribution boards, and web portal access for integration into your own locker or cabinet design. Technical support and commissioning are included with both options.

Private mode assigns lockers to individual users for ongoing, exclusive access. It is suited to permanent employees or teams with fixed workstations. Registered Public mode allows pre-approved users to access any available locker on each visit. It is suited to hybrid teams or shared offices where users do not need a permanently assigned locker. Guest mode makes lockers available to any user without pre-registration. It is suited to co-working spaces, visitor areas or any high-turnover open environment. All three modes can run simultaneously within a single installation. Contact our team if you need help selecting the right mode for your workplace.

For a complete Zodiac solution, we manage the project from initial design through to installation, commissioning and administrator training, working with trusted installation partners. For a Zodiac integration kit, we provide integration guidance, commissioning support, and technical assistance. Contact our team with your project timeline and requirements, and we can outline the process in more detail.

Use the form on this page to tell us about your workplace, user numbers and locker requirements. A Zodiac specialist will contact you to discuss next steps, including the option to book a product demonstration. Alternatively, call us on +44 (0) 121 505 0400.