The challenge: 24/7 equipment access for officers
Tetra Airwave radios are vital tools for frontline officers. When a device fails mid-shift or a battery runs flat, the ability to replace it instantly can make all the difference. Motorola has long supported the City of London Police with the communication tools that help keep officers and the public safe, and in high-pressure situations quick, reliable access to replacement equipment matters just as much as the equipment itself.
To support around-the-clock operations, Motorola initially deployed smart lockers so officers could collect radios and batteries without relying on a staffed distribution desk. As operational pressures grew, particularly during large-scale events like the Coronation, it became clear that a more responsive solution was needed.
The upgrade: from wireless to wired
Working closely with eLocker, Motorola moved from a wireless Techbar system to a wired Techbar Enterprise setup, featuring 60 integrated locker units. The shift wasn't about replacing a failing system; it was about choosing the best solution for the next phase of service delivery.
The wired system avoids the occasional connectivity issues seen with Bluetooth connections, which means greater reliability and fewer user issues, so Motorola can redirect support resources to more strategic work.
Insights from the eLocker team
The deployment was led by eLocker's Naveed and Emily, who worked closely with Motorola's team to deliver a tailored solution for the City of London Police. From early planning through to rollout, the collaboration kept disruption to operations to a minimum during the switch. When the team hit some network issues onsite, they diagnosed it quickly and implemented a workaround that kept everything running smoothly.
“The install went really well. The eLocker team was incredibly helpful, ensuring nothing was lost and our needs were continually met. Even when we hit some network issues onsite, they diagnosed it quickly and implemented a workaround that kept everything running smoothly.”
The results: smarter, faster, always available
The upgraded wired system enhances Motorola's existing smart locker infrastructure and continues to support the City of London Police with a reliable, scalable solution. Real-time tracking and reporting means every locker interaction is logged for full accountability and inventory control, officers can collect what they need without delays or bottlenecks, and eLocker remains hands-on, with account managers ready to help when needed.
Commercial outcome
Fewer connectivity issues free Motorola's support resource for higher-value work
The commercial uplift here is the support cost the wired system removes. The occasional connectivity issues that came with the wireless setup generated user issues and support time; the wired Techbar Enterprise cuts those, so Motorola can redirect that resource to more strategic work, the productivity gain its own team describes below.
That recovered support time, across 60 locker units running 24/7, is the saving, redirected into higher-value, more strategic work, the productivity gain Motorola’s own team describes below.
“Post-installation, we've noticed a huge improvement in reliability, which has enabled us to focus our resources elsewhere, increasing productivity. eLocker has been absolutely spot on. We have various service-level agreements in place that work well, and the team's always ready to help or develop something new if needed.”
“The wireless system worked for a time, but this wired setup is better suited to the critical, time-sensitive environment Motorola operates in. It's about giving frontline officers the tools they need, without delay.”
