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While renovating its main branch in Tuttlingen, Kreissparkasse Tuttlingen is using temporary facilities as a pilot site for modern work environments. With NetLocker Smart Locker Essential, a streamlined, badge-based locker solution was created that enables the secure storage of personal belongings in a flex-desk environment.

Tuttlingen District Savings Bank

Tuttlingen, Baden-Württemberg

Financial Services / Savings Bank

Project Context: Renovation of the main office and temporary relocation of a department to alternative accommodations

User Group: Approximately 50 employees

Solution: NetLocker Smart Locker Essential

System: 2 units, each with 24 lockers

Access: Employee badge / RFID

  • 2 smart locker systems, each with 24 compartments
  • consecutive subject numbering from 1 to 48
  • Central touch unit with RFID reader
  • Use of Existing Employee Badges
  • Local control without a server or Internet connection
  • Upgrade Options to NetLocker Evolution or NetLocker Enterprise

As part of the renovation of the main branch in Tuttlingen, approximately 50 employees of Kreissparkasse Tuttlingen moved into temporary quarters for about two years.
What began as a purely organizational task quickly evolved into a broader concept: The temporary office was to serve not only as a stopgap solution but also as a practical testing ground for a new and more modern work environment.
The key elements of the new office layout were developed in a series of workshops with the stakeholders. The particular advantage: Since the furniture was purchased entirely new, the project team was able to start almost from a blank slate.

A key component of the new concept was the comprehensive transition to Flex-Desk.

This raised a very practical question: Where do employees store their personal belongings when they no longer have a dedicated desk to use as a personal storage space?

Kreissparkasse Tuttlingen was looking for a safe deposit box solution that would support its new daily operations without introducing unnecessary technical complexity into the project.

The focus was not on the handover of mail, IT equipment, or other items. What was needed was a solution for personal storage in a flex-desk environment.

The requirements were clear:

  • secure storage space for personal belongings
  • Access via the existing employee badge
  • no mechanical keys
  • No additional app or PIN solution
  • No complex server or Internet connection
  • Easy to use for employees
  • Easy administration for administrators
  • Avoiding Permanently Blocked Subjects
  • Standardized, expandable cabinet modules

Why not use mechanical keys?
Traditional metal keys can be lost, given away, or kept indefinitely. In addition, mechanical lockers often present the problem of so-called “locker camping”: A locker is locked, but no one knows who it belongs to, how long it has been occupied, or whether it is even still in active use.

The project team at Kreissparkasse Tuttlingen discovered NetLocker online as a provider of smart locker systems.

Since Matoma, along with NetLocker, is based in Trossingen, the next step was obvious: a visit to the showroom.

There, the project managers were able to get a firsthand look at various smart locker concepts. Different possible solutions were demonstrated live, discussed, and tested against specific requirements.

After gathering the requirements, Marco Gola deliberately turned his attention to NetLocker Smart Locker Essential.

The reason: This use case did not require oversized enterprise software. Kreissparkasse Tuttlingen needed a streamlined, secure, and locally operated solution for personal lockers—which is exactly what NetLocker Essential is designed for.

NetLocker Smart Locker Essential is a compact smart locker solution featuring electronically controlled, wired locks, a central control unit, a small touchscreen, and a built-in RFID reader.

Access is granted using the existing employee badge. This means employees do not need an additional key, an additional card, or a separate app.

The central controller behind the touch unit provides the full range of functions locally. The software is embedded in the controller and runs without an external connection. A connection to a server, the cloud, or the Internet is not required for operation.

This makes NetLocker Essential particularly well-suited for organizations looking for a secure, modern, and quick-to-implement solution without having to undertake a complex IT integration.

  • Employees can be assigned specific subjects
  • Alternatively, open courses can be registered for on a temporary basis
  • After the item is removed, the compartment is unlocked again
  • Courses taken remain traceable for administrative purposes
  • Embedded software on the controller
  • No permanent connection to the outside world
  • No cloud required
  • No server integration required

For the pilot site, Kreissparkasse Tuttlingen opted for two units, each with 24 compartments. This layout ensures easy access to the central areas of the site.

The sequential numbering creates a clear and easy-to-understand structure. Employees can quickly find their way around, and the system can be integrated into their daily work routine without the need for extensive training.

The ” Personal Storage” use case was successfully implemented in the Flex Desk environment.

The lockers are intended solely for the storage of employees’ personal belongings. They are not designed to be used for the handover of mail, IT equipment, packages, or peer-to-peer processes.

It was precisely this clear distinction that was important for the project. Not every smart locker use case requires the same level of software complexity. For personal storage, a lean, robust, and locally operated solution is often the better choice.

Personal Storage

: Safely store bags, documents, and personal items.

Badge Instead of a Key

Access via the existing employee badge.

Flexible Use

Temporary or designated specialized use.

Easy Administration

Usage information can be viewed via admin badges.

The project implementation was characterized by simple and direct coordination between the project team at Kreissparkasse Tuttlingen and Matoma.

The visit to the showroom in Trossingen helped us quickly narrow down the right solution. Instead of implementing a large software platform for processes that weren’t needed in this specific project, we deliberately focused on a lean and tailored solution.

The key question was: Which smart locker tier best meets actual needs?

For Kreissparkasse Tuttlingen, the answer was clear: NetLocker Essential.

The solution was implemented using standardized cabinet modules. At the same time, the system remains future-proof. Should the entire headquarters also transition toward the “New Work” model after the pilot period ends, the system can be expanded or upgraded to a higher configuration level.

With NetLocker Smart Locker Essential, Kreissparkasse Tuttlingen gained a modern, secure, and deliberately streamlined smart locker solution to help it transition into new work environments.

Secure Storage Space

Even without a permanent desk, you can find a reliable place for your personal belongings.

Easy Access

Employees use the badge they already use every day.

Streamlined Technology

Local operation without a cloud, server, or internet connection.

: An expandable foundation that offers upgrade options to meet future “New Work” requirements.

The project shows that “New Work” doesn’t always require maximum technical complexity. What matters most is a solution that fits the specific use case.

After the project was completed, Matoma conducted a customer survey. The feedback from Kreissparkasse Tuttlingen was consistently positive.

The overall “Essential Smart-Lockers” project received a grade of “very good.”

“Essential Smart-Lockers” Project Very good
Bidding Process Good
Professional Expertise of Matoma Employees Very good
Design Implementation Good
Technical Implementation Good
Response to Inquiries and Suggestions Good
Instruction Very good

“Simple, straightforward, and solution-oriented collaboration that yielded excellent results.”

David Baier
Project Manager for Kreissparkasse Tuttlingen

In this project, NetLocker impressed not with maximum complexity, but with the right level of sophistication.

This distinction is particularly important for New Work projects. A company that initially needs personal lockers in a flex-desk environment should not necessarily have to start with a comprehensive enterprise platform.

NetLocker therefore offers various deployment options—from a streamlined entry-level solution to an integrated platform for complex handover processes.

  • Personal consultation in the showroom
  • Clear definition of the actual use case
  • not an oversized software solution
  • Targeted solution for personal storage
  • Use of Existing Employee Badges
  • Rugged smart locker technology
  • Local operation without external infrastructure
  • Upgrade Options for Future Requirements

Not every smart locker use case is the same. In modern work environments, a wide variety of needs can arise: personal storage, mail distribution, IT handoffs, key management, peer-to-peer transfers, or complex, documented logistics processes.

For streamlined, locally operated smart locker applications—ideal for personal storage, flex-desk setups, and simple locker use.

For more complex requirements involving greater control, more flexibility, and additional processes.

For complex, software-supported handoff processes involving roles, workflows, notifications, system integration, and comprehensive traceability.

The project at Kreissparkasse Tuttlingen demonstrates how a temporary relocation can give rise to a practical “New Work” pilot.

The new space serves not only as temporary quarters but also as a test environment for a modern workplace concept. The smart locker system plays a central role in this: It replaces personal storage space at a fixed desk and makes flex-desk arrangements practical for everyday use.
The outlook beyond the pilot period is particularly relevant.

If the Tuttlingen headquarters is also moved more toward a “New Work” model once the revitalization is complete, the existing solution can be expanded or upgraded to a higher NetLocker tier.

This makes NetLocker Essential not just a short-term solution, but a pragmatic first step toward a future-proof smart locker infrastructure.

New Work can only work if the practical details of everyday work are also addressed.

Flex-Desk isn’t just about new furniture, open spaces, and flexible workspaces. Flex-Desk also means that personal belongings need a secure, easily accessible, and manageable place to be stored.

Kreissparkasse Tuttlingen recognized this need early on and chose NetLocker Smart Locker Essential, a solution that is deliberately streamlined, suitable for everyday use, and scalable.

The result: a simple, straightforward, and solution-oriented smart locker system designed to help you transition into new work environments.

NetLocker helps companies choose the right smart locker solution—from a streamlined personal locker to an integrated enterprise platform for complex handoff processes.

Discuss the smart locker concept