Locker admin platform with secure remote access
A fast, robust web panel for in-store locker pick-up.
This project was developed under NDA, so all brand and product names have been anonymized.
Project idea
Our client set out to create an effortless pick-up experience in beauty retail. Their vision was to give customers the freedom to shop for their favorites online, then walk into any boutique and pick up their purchases from an in-store locker — no lines, no waiting.
The client’s team had already invested in locker hardware and an e-commerce mobile platform. What they needed next was a convenient admin system to tie everything together, empower staff, and let the whole network of lockers run smoothly with full remote support.
To achieve the client’s vision, we focused on building a solution that would:
— Give store managers a user-friendly dashboard to assign lockers for orders and manage locker operations at their boutique
— Enable headquarters administrators to oversee the locker network, resolve technical issues remotely, and maintain system health
— Seamlessly connect with our client’s systems for rapid data exchange and the elimination of delays
— Make scaling easy so new boutiques could onboard lockers with minimal setup
Services we provided
As part of the project, our aim was to deliver the following services to the client:
UI/UX design
Create an easy-to-use interface, helping store managers work confidently and reducing training efforts.
Admin web panel development
Provide tools for efficient locker processing and real-time monitoring, to simplify in-store workflows.
Secure remote management
Implement encrypted remote access for admins, cutting response times and minimizing locker downtime.
API integration
Connect lockers with existing retail systems, automating access codes and pick-up alerts for a seamless customer journey.
UI/UX Design
Visual concept
Our design vision was to give the admin panel ease in use that would speed up monitoring and sales. The concept was inspired by the brand’s palette: crisp whites paired with bold beauty-red accents, bringing a sense of clarity to everyday operations.
Layout structure
A prominent header anchors every screen, instantly letting an admin know which location or locker network they’re currently managing.
Tabs allow users to switch effortlessly between roles or functional sections. It’s all about quick access without clutter or confusion.
User management
The core of the design is an easy-to-navigate table listing relevant users.
Each row is straightforward, showing only necessary information such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, and order details. Contact and management options for each user are always visible but never in the way.
Visual style
Colors
As accent colors, we have chosen gentle pastel shades that reflect the concept of the cosmetics brand.
Font
UI kit
We gathered all design components into a robust custom UI kit, to guarantee consistency and scalability across all current and future boutiques as the network grows.
Spacing
We use white space around each icon, row, and button, providing optimal usability for both mobile touchscreens and desktop computers.
Development
System fit: Hardware and integration
Our client supplied both the smart locker hardware and the customer mobile application. Their team managed the selection, installation, and network integration of the lockers, as well as the development and operation of the ecommerce platform and mobile app that process orders, payments, and customer communications.
We provided comprehensive API documentation so the client’s team can connect the platform with their broader retail systems and automate processes as needed.
This custom admin solution fits seamlessly into their existing operations, supporting both local in-store tasks and top-level network oversight.
Tech stack
Backend
Laravel — robust, secure, and maintainable
Frontend
NextJS — for a responsive, modular user interface
Locker communication
Python FastAPI — enabling efficient, secure communication between lockers and the admin dashboard
Database
PostgreSQL — provides reliable, scalable storage and fast access to all order, locker, and user data
VPN
WireGuard — providing secure, reliable remote access
Our contribution was a robust administrative platform bridging two user roles:
Store managers:
Assign and release lockers for online orders, mark pick-ups as complete, help customers on site, review activity logs, and report technical problems if needed.
Corporate administrators (HQ IT/Support):
Have full visibility across all boutiques, perform remote diagnostics, troubleshoot locker issues, and manage integration APIs for the network.
Killer feature
Remote locker management
In beauty retail, locker availability and uptime are critical. Any downtime or lack of available lockers can lead to customer frustration, missed pick-ups, and a negative brand experience, directly impacting customer satisfaction and loyalty.
The client had a clear mandate: minimize locker downtime and resolve technical issues rapidly — without the delays of on-site visits or cumbersome troubleshooting.
Our solution
We configured each locker system to maintain a secure, always-available connection to a central server, using WireGuard VPN.
It creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between each locker and the central management system, protecting sensitive commands ‑ like opening lockers, firmware updates, or diagnostics — from interception or tampering.
How the system works in practice
Intuitive admin panel
Store managers instantly see locker status and manage assignments for customer pick-up.
Easy locker assignments
Assigning a locker to fulfill a customer order is quick and straightforward; staff simply select an available unit and confirm — all within a few clicks.
Remote support
Authorized corporate administrators can securely access any locker system to diagnose issues and deploy fixes, all made possible by the encrypted VPN tunnel.
Comprehensive integration
Automating locker access codes or pick-up notifications is fully supported via our API. The platform is designed to evolve alongside the brand’s technology ecosystem.
Results
We finished the admin panel in 2 months and delivered all documentation, source code, and design files to our client to enable straightforward scaling across new store locations.
The client is currently piloting the system in one mall and preparing for broader rollout. With secure remote capabilities, their tech team can now support any boutique locker, anytime, from anywhere.
