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Smart lockers, digital reading gates, and advanced tracking
technologies

by
MARZIO NAVA

In the evolving textile care world, smart lockers, digital reading gates, and advanced tracking systems have emerged as indispensable technologies, significantly enhancing the management of garments, linens, and uniforms. These innovations not only streamline operations within laundries but also extend their impact far beyond, touching every link in a complex and diverse supply chain. At the heart of all lies one key element: logistics. Let’s begin with smart lockers. Drawing inspiration from Amazon’s locker systems, these hightech units have quickly gained traction in our industry. Today, they are essential in selfservice laundromats, hospitals, nursing homes, shopping centres, B&Bs, and other facilities. Their appeal lies in simplicity and efficiency: users can pick-up items using smart cards, USB keys, numeric codes, or mobile apps, making the entire process seamless and secure. Reading gates and tracking systems, powered by RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) or barcode technology, allow for real-time monitoring of garments throughout every stage of the cleaning and distribution cycle. These systems provide a lot of advantages: greater automation, reduced human error, enhanced visibility and control, and considerable time savings. Ultimately, integrating these smart technologies into laundry operations doesn’t just improve safety and efficiency but it also enables more accurate, sustainable garment management, cuts operational costs, and elevates the overall quality of service. Now, let’s hear from the industry professionals to discover the latest innovations...

SCAL

We start our Reportage with industrial laundries, exploring the intricacies of traceability, RFID and automation technology, by speaking with Mattia Battoraro, the IT Manager of SCAL. “SCAL-ID enables us to pursue greater efficiency in industrial laundry operations. It offers an ideal solution for smart linen management, both within the facility and throughout the external supply chain”.
What exactly does SCAL-ID include, and which technologies it is based on?
“SCAL-ID is built on different advanced technologies (including RFID) and is specifically designed to ensure maximum control and traceability across every stage of the laundry process. From the intake of soiled items to the return of cleaned garments, the system perfectly integrates at every stage of the workflow. At the core of SCAL-ID system is EXACO, a cloud-based, web-accessible software platform developed to be intuitive, secure, and fully customizable. EXACO allows real-time tracking of each individual item, collecting data such as wash cycles, garment condition, ownership, and every movement across the supply chain. Thanks to its modular configuration, SCAL-ID can be tailored to meet the unique operational demands of industrial, healthcare, hospitality, and other specialized laundry facilities”.

What does it involve this complete traceability, from the fabric source to the final delivery to the end user?
“The process begins with the Initialization phase, during which each item is assigned a customizable RFID tag that can be attached by sewing, heat-sealing, or integrated directly during the manufacturing stage. Key information such as item type, colour, fabric composition, and weight, is stored in a centralized database and uniquely linked to each garment. Once the garments are returned as soiled linen, they are automatically read in bulk using RFID enabled portals, booths, or tunnels. This step not only registers their entry into the laundry but also generates automatically the corresponding wash and delivery orders, streamlining the entire workflow. The cycle concludes with the delivery phase, where the EXACO platform supports operators in efficiently organizing delivery trolleys. Sorting can be done by customer, floor, or department, either by manually scanning packages or through fully automated, just-in-time RFID reading systems. Traceability beyond the facility. With SCAL-ID’s flexibility and the use of portable scanners, the system extends beyond the laundry facility. It enables remote inventory management at warehouses, smart cabinets, or directly at customer locations. This makes it possible to maintain complete control, even in outsourced or off-site premises”.

How does the system handle the distribution to smaller facilities, such as B&Bs?
“The real innovation comes with the launch of smart lockers for automated linen distribution. Tailored for customers such as B&Bs, boutique hotels, and smaller healthcare facilities, these “miniwarehouses” enable users to reserve linens via a kiosk or web app and collect them independently, securely, and at any time, 24/7. This solution guarantees full traceability, significantly shortens delivery times, and provides maximum flexibility - all without the need for dedicated personnel. With SCAL-ID, linen becomes smart, the service efficient, and management finally simple”, concludes Battoraro.

ALGITECH

“We were among the first to launch the “Matrix smart locker” a few years ago, and today we can confidently say the system has been thoroughly tested”, says Alfonso Caselli, the Head of Research and Development of ALGITECH. “Our customers are satisfied, especially because we have continuously improved and refined it over time. The concept behind the Matrix Smart Cabinet was born from a clear and growing need of the market: to rethink how industrial laundries distribute linen to smaller-scale clients, such as guesthouses, B&Bs, and individual customers. The goal is to offer a widespread, automated solution that reduces logistical complexity. Of course, the customers’ expectations have become increasingly specific and demanding over the time. More and more industrial laundries are adopting the system because it delivers clear advantages. Traditional collection and delivery methods present ongoing challenges for industrial laundries serving small accommodation businesses. But if we take a closer look, in the recent years, self-service laundromats, guesthouses, B&Bs, and small private hospitality businesses have experienced steady growth, not only in Italy, but across Europe. This expansion has brought a new and pressing challenge”.

What is the added value of widespread, or capillary, distribution and what are its key strengths? “One of the primary advantages of widespread (capillary) distribution is the continuous monitoring of linen, which significantly reduces the risk of loss. Each customer profile is linked to a credit-based deposit system that limits withdrawals to the available credit. Another key strength is its accessibility. The system is entirely unattended, allowing users to collect items at any time, offering maximum convenience for both suppliers and end users. The system can be accessed via smart cards or mobile apps, ensuring a seamless, secure experience. The system ensures precise tracking. Through integrated software, operators can monitor, in real time, the status and rotation of every item assigned to each customer. From the drop-off of soiled linen to the delivery of clean garments, every step of the process is fully traceable, ensuring complete transparency and control across the supply chain. More specifically, the customer can go at any time to the nearest distribution point and, after identifying themselves with a card, can withdraw clean linen from individual compartments as needed; for example, a single or double bed kit, or a set of towels. The customer selects the desired items by using the touchscreen and adds them in their virtual “cart”. The smart cabinet then unlocks the corresponding compartment, allowing the customers to retrieve their linen”.

It is a system that guarantees flexibility, but what does that actually mean in practice?
“Linen rental can be managed for every single customer, with the option to set a maximum number of items that can be withdrawn according to the deposit that has been paid by each customer. Both the software platform and the physical configuration of the distribution locker are fully customizable. Users can define the number and size of locker compartments to match their specific operational needs. The system is also modular and expandable being designed with the possibility of inserting additional modules as required. Depending on the type of distribution required, it’s also possible to supply linen with or without UHF (Ultra High Frequency) chip technology, offering further flexibility based on tracking needs” concludes Caselli.

ZUCCHETTI CENTRO SISTEMI

Smart lockers, RFID reading gates, and advanced tracking systems are areas where ZUCCHETTI CENTRO SISTEMI (ZCS) excels, not only in terms of product innovation, but also in the ongoing research driving their evolution. We talk about this with Maurizio Casol, Director of the Automation Division at ZCS. “In sectors such as industrial laundry, healthcare and facility management, garment handling is no longer just about logistics but a matter of efficiency, safety, and traceability. At the forefront of this transformation are smart lockers, RFID perreading gates, and integrated tracking systems, technologies that today represent the most advanced frontier in the digitalization of textile workflows. The smart lockers designed by ZCS are modular, compact, and fully connected, offering an automated solution for the distribution and return of uniforms, scrubs, linens, PPE, and even footwear. The Titan line (Series 900, 915, and slim variants) and the G34 smart lockers provide touchless access via badge, ensuring seamless operation with built in RFID-UHF traceability. To further enhance performance and hygiene, the systems offered by ZCS can be integrated with ozonisation features and cloud-based platforms, allowing for real-time, 24-hour operational control”.

Does ZCS provide “reading gates” also for the healthcare sector?
“The smart reading gates are strategically installed at entrances, departments, and sterile areas to for automatic monitoring of garment flows. Solutions such as the G07, G30, or 767 models instantly detect the passage of items equipped with RFID tags, triggering alarms in case of unauthorized transits. This functionality is essential for maintaining security, hygiene, and compliance within healthcare facilities and certified industrial processes. The real value of these technologies lies in their ability to convert data into operational efficiency: every action is recorded, tracked, and analysed. The software platforms developed by ZCS, such as Track and Stargate, enable monitoring of consumption, reducing waste and unnecessary reorders, facilitating 'just-in-time' operations, and providing real-time visibility on stock levels and movements. This is not just a technological evolution, but a fundamental shift: from a reactive model to a predictive and sustainable one. Such improvements can reduce operational costs by up to 30%, eliminate garment losses (up to 80% in some cases), and enhance service quality for both internal staff and end customers. With over twenty years of experience in automation and RFID technology, ZCS offers a range of solutions tailored to hospitals, industrial laundries, hotels, spas, casinos, and multi-site companies offering smart lockers, RFID gates, and integrated tracking systems that not only address current demands but also anticipate future challenges”.

PROMEDITAL

In the industrial laundry sector, innovation is essential. Promedital, a company based in Reggio Emilia and founded on the expertise of ICT-Group, has taken on this challenge by combining cutting-edge technology with in-depth industry knowledge. The result is a range of practical solutions designed to streamline daily operations. We discussed this with Marco Tamarozzi, CEO of PROMEDITAL. “The company’s flagship product is SIXLM, a management platform designed to simplify the the challenges of complex industrial laundry operations. Tailored to meet real-world needs, the system enhances and optimizes existing procedures. SIXLM tracks every item from reception to delivery, offering complete visibility throughout the laundry process. Its intuitive interface is accessible from any device via web and is also optimized for use on touchscreen monitors. The platform’s modular design allows for flexibility: operators handling only flat linen can start with the basic solution and later expand the system with additional modules, including those for managing packaged uniforms. In addition to the daily operations, SIXLM serves as a powerful tool for business intelligence, providing detailed reports on costs, timing, performance, and margins, it supports quick and informed decisions”.

One of the major challenges is making the new system compatible with the existing ones in the laundry, how do you address these situations?
“SIXLM seamlessly integrates with the existing tools in the laundry, including machinery, RFID antennas, uniform dispensers, administrative software, and warehouse management systems ensuring continuity with existing ERP systems, and simplifying the entire digital ecosystem without the need for major disruptions”.

What are the key innovations?
“The latest innovation of Promedital is called SIDE, a system designed for laundries that manage outsourced employee uniforms. SIDE is an automated body size measurement solution featuring a compact, self-service, and contactless cabin. In just a few seconds, a 3D camera and AI-driven software accurately determine the right size. Promedital offers more than just software solutions; it provides an evolved vision of laundry operations, where technology seamlessly integrates into daily processes. With innovations like SIXLM and SIDE, digitalization doesn't complicate things, it simplifies them. Most importantly, it enhances efficiency in the workplace”.

MONTANARI ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION

“Technological innovation in industrial laundries is clearly evident, especially with the development of automated and connected systems that significantly enhance operational efficiency across all business levels”, says Cosimo Corleone, Marketing Manager of MONTANARI ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION. “A significant boost came from the incentivized investments in 4.0 Industry. Specifically, the ability to monitor workflows in real time, optimize processes, and utilize predictive maintenance analysis can reduce downtime and increase overall productivity. Beyond linen handling within industrial laundries, we also specialize in tracking laundry with tags and identifying any anomalies in packages during the delivery and shipping phase, after they have been processed and cleaned. Our packaging line is designed with the possibility to be integrated with RFID reading tunnels from other suppliers. As the laundry exits the ironing lines, it passes through the Montanari Omnibus packaging line, integrated with the RFID tunnel, allowing for the reading of packages and the corresponding number of items.

If the number is correct, the package proceeds to shipment. If any anomalies are being detected, the package is re-examined. Additionally, we offer software to manage and visualize the packages handling along the packaging line. Now the tracking system is primarily used in industrial laundries serving the hospital and nursing home sectors. MONTANARI ENGINEERING designs and manufactures automation systems for industrial laundries, along with management software. Our goal is to enhance the competitiveness of industrial laundries by helping them optimize production processes, identify waste and inefficiencies, address potential critical points, and improve communication between systems”, concludes Corleone.

DBG SERVICE

Let’s explore some of the smaller yet remarkably versatile innovations reshaping everyday convenience like Mister Tintoria, a 24/7 dry-cleaning service equipped with smart lockers. Designed for both individual users and scalable to corporate or residential environments, it offers a flexible solution to modern laundry needs. We spoke with Gerardo Delli Bovi, Manager of DBG SERVICE, to find out more. “Mister Tintoria is designed to offer end users a convenient, fast, and secure way to handle their garments, minimizing human intervention while maximizing efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability”.

In what types of locations can this versatile service be installed?
“The service is installed in a variety of locations, including businesses, apartment buildings, gyms, local laundromats, car parking lots, and municipalities lacking dry-cleaning services, bringing professional laundry services directly to highly frequented areas, eliminating the need of going to a dry-cleaning shop. This is not an automated laundromat, but rather an advanced pickup and delivery service. Users simply place their dirty garments in the selected locker, receive a notification with the return date, and then pick up their freshly cleaned garments at the same location completely autonomously and at any time of the day. The system is powered by a robust software platform that oversees every phase of the process. It handles online booking and payment, generates and scans QR codes for locker access, tracks garments as they move in and out, manages drop-off and pickup times, and sends automatic notifications to both users and operators. Before installation, an extensive phase of operational testing and the development of customized workflows was carried out to ensure each locker could operate as a fully functional "attended dry cleaner", all without the need for on-site personnel.

Currently, there are three lockers in operation, including one at the Molino Dorino underground car parking of the subway station in Milan, demonstrating the system's adaptability to high-traffic urban environments. By the end of May 2025, is scheduled the installation of an additional ten lockers, marking the beginning of a rapid expansion designed to make a widespread and accessible service throughout the metropolitan area and beyond. All lockers are integrated with the Mister Tintoria platform, enabling centralized and automated management of garment flow. Each locker is directly managed by the relevant laundry or cleaning lab, which handles garment pickup, cleaning, and return. Thanks to the infrastructure's modular design and the flexibility of the software platform, Mister Tintoria can be easily replicated and adapted to different settings, offering an innovative, scalable, and high-value service”.

SOLUZIONI LOCKERCLEAN

In the evolving landscape of urban logistics and textile care services, LOCKERCLEAN stands out as one of the most significant innovations in recent years. As Marco De Zolt, the Business Development Manager of LOCKERCLEAN SOLUTIONS, explains, “LockerClean introduces a new method for garment collection and return, based on smart lockers and advanced digital tracking”.

What needs have you identified in this specific area?
“LockerClean was created to address the current pressing issues: the difficulty many small laundries face in digitalising their operations, the inconvenience of traditional services, and the growing demand for contactless solutions. At the core of the project are the smart lockers - intelligent cabinets accessible 24/7, installed in companies, retail locations, campuses, gyms, university residences, and healthcare facilities”.

How does LockerClean work?
“The process is simple and automated: the user books online, places the garments in a smart locker, and receives a notification when they are ready for pickup, clean and sanitised. Each step is monitored through dedicated software, ensuring traceability, security, and transparency. The service is operated by small local laundries, that are using a technological platform designed to simplify operations”.

What are the potentials?
“LockerClean is part of a logic of intelligent automation, with positive impacts on multiple levels: from the optimization of logistics, thanks to the centralization of pick-up and delivery points, to the reduction of emissions, with an environmental impact up to 70% lower than traditional home delivery (sources: McKinsey & Company, ResearchGate), as well as an increase in operational efficiency. According to the World Economic Forum, hybrid solutions integrating technology, sustainability, and simplification – will be crucial for the resilience of urban services in the near future”.

Where has the service been implemented so far?
“LockerClean is already operational in businesses and supermarkets, and we are in advanced negotiations with university residences and healthcare facilities to offer the service to students, employees, and collaborators”.

Looking ahead, what will be your main focus?
“The expansion is progressing on two complementary fronts: host structures that require the service for their users, employees, or customers, and the training of end users, which is crucial for overcoming any cultural barriers. As has already happened with package lockers, initial mistrust and habitual behaviour quickly give way to daily adoption. Supporting this vision, international data confirms the efficiency of similar solutions: a +15% increase in customer loyalty in fitness centres offering laundry services with smart lockers (source: IHRSA), a -75% reduction in the time spent on laundry for students, saving an average of around 4 hours per week (source: National Student Housing Survey, UK), and a -70% decrease in CO2 emissions, thanks to fewer individual trips for pick-up and delivery (sources: McKinsey & Company, ResearchGate). Finally, 25% of users repeat their orders at least once a week, demonstrating how quickly the service becomes part of the daily routine”.

Are there any other upcoming developments?
“Following the launch of the web app, which will allow monitoring of the most used and appreciated features, LockerClean is already planning the development of a native app designed to further enhance the customer experience: faster, more personalized, and better integrated”. •

DETERGO MAGAZINE # MAY 2025

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Smart lockers, digital reading gates, and advanced trackingtechnologies