5 Logistics Management Trends for University & College Campuses

Keeping up with campus logistics has never been more complex. Universities are juggling long approval cycles, tightening budgets, rising cybersecurity threats, and growing pressure to automate operations—all while ensuring seamless campus-wide logistics.

These challenges demand smarter, more adaptable solutions. With over 28 years of experience and partnerships with 45 of the top 100 universities, FacilityOS (formerly SCLogic) has a front-row seat to the trends shaping campus logistics.

Let’s explore the key shifts in higher education logistics and how institutions can stay ahead.

5 Logistics Management Trends Shaping Campus Operations

1. Financial Pressures and the Shift Toward Cost-Effective Logistics Solutions

Universities across the globe are facing significant financial pressures, leading to budget cuts, program eliminations, and staff reductions. For instance, in 2024, institutions like York, Cardiff, and Nottingham slashed spending, while US and Canadian universities reevaluated operations to manage rising costs and declining enrollments.

As universities navigate these financial challenges, every investment is being scrutinized—including those in logistics and campus operations. Rising costs and budget constraints mean institutions must carefully evaluate solutions that improve efficiency without triggering expensive procurement processes.

Large-scale logistics investments, such as asset tracking systems, intelligent mail solutions, and campus-wide delivery networks, often require significant upfront costs that universities hesitate to approve. Additionally, many purchases exceeding a certain threshold must go through competitive bidding processes, adding further delays.

To maintain operational efficiency while staying within budget, universities are increasingly seeking modular, scalable logistics solutions that maximize cost-effectiveness without compromising essential services.

How FacilityOS’s LogisticsOS Module Can Help

FacilityOS’s LogisticsOS module (formely SCLogic’s Intra platform) helps universities streamline logistics operations with cost-effective, scalable solutions that maximize efficiency while staying within budget constraints.

• Modular & Scalable – Tailored solutions fit different budget levels, preventing unnecessary overspending. 
• Avoids Lengthy RFP Processes – Helps universities avoid RFP triggers by tailoring solutions within set pricing thresholds.   
• Maximizes ROI – Helps institutions enhance logistics operations while ensuring long-term savings. 
• Procurement-Friendly – Aligns with university policies to simplify approvals and reduce administrative burdens. 

2. The Growing Demand for Intelligent Locker Systems   

Universities are experiencing significant fluctuations in campus populations, with recent data indicating a 5.5% increase in freshman enrollment in fall 2024, adding approximately 130,000 students in the United States.

This surge contributes to logistical challenges, particularly in managing the rising volume of e-commerce deliveries. Modern students frequently order items such as air fryers and steamers online, expanding the list of essentials beyond traditional supplies.

The combination of increasing student numbers and heightened online shopping activity places additional strain on campus mailrooms and package management systems.  Limited space, peak-time demand surges, and the high costs of implementing intelligent locker systems make it challenging to adopt new solutions.

While intelligent lockers offer a secure and automated way to manage package distribution, universities must overcome logistical and financial hurdles to implement them effectively.

FacilityOS’s LogisticsOS helps universities streamline package management by integrating with over 15 intelligent locker vendors, ensuring a seamless and efficient workflow.

• Real-Time Tracking & Notifications – Provides QR-based pickup and automated alerts to reduce congestion. 
• Seamless Integration – FacilityOS can work with your organization to integrate with existing systems to prevent workflow disruptions.
• Chain-of-Custody Visibility – Ensures secure package handling from delivery to pickup.
• Optimized Space Utilization – Helps universities manage package volume without requiring large kiosk installations.

3. Sustainability & Green Logistics Initiatives

Universities are increasingly prioritizing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals, with a strong emphasis on sustainability in logistics operations. This focus includes reducing paper usage, optimizing delivery processes, and adopting eco-friendly transportation methods.

However, despite these efforts, many institutions still face challenges in making their logistics operations more sustainable. Transitioning to more sustainable alternatives must be done without compromising operational efficiency, a difficult balance when existing workflows still rely heavily on paper-based tracking systems. Additionally, universities need software vendors that work with them to align with their specific sustainability objectives while remaining cost-effective and scalable.

LogisticsOS assists universities in achieving their sustainability goals by offering: 

• Digital Workflow Management – Eliminates paper waste by digitizing manifests, receipts, request forms, and other logistics processes.
• Collaboration for Green Initiatives – Collaborates with campuses to incorporate green initiatives into their workflows. For example, a UK university collaborated with FacilityOS (formerly SCLogic) to implement e-bike delivery options into their LogisticsOS workflows to support their green initiatives.

4. The Shift from Traditional Mailboxes to High-Density Mail Solutions

Universities are increasingly phasing out traditional student mailboxes due to low usage and inefficiency, opting instead for high-density mail storage solutions that save space and better accommodate the surge in package deliveries. For example, Union College recently removed 2,300 physical mailboxes to free up space for the hundreds of packages delivered to campus daily.

Traditional mailboxes take up valuable real estate on campuses, yet less than half of students actively use them, leading to wasted space and underutilized resources. As mail volumes shift toward package deliveries, universities need more efficient systems to manage distribution.

High-density mail storage, particularly barcode-based solutions, provides a modern alternative that optimizes mail operations while reducing physical footprint.

LogisticsOS helps universities transition to high-density mail solutions by offering:

• Barcoded Storage – Replaces bulky mailboxes with an organized, space-saving system.
• Chain-of-Custody Tracking – Ensures secure, efficient mail and package distribution. 
• Optimized Mailroom Workflows – Streamlines operations to accommodate growing package volumes. 

5. The Need for More Integrated Campus Logistics Systems

Universities often operate with multiple, disconnected logistics systems for mail, asset tracking, and facility management, leading to inefficiencies and increased administrative burdens.

The lack of interoperability among these systems forces staff to rely on manual data entry across platforms, which is both time-consuming and prone to errors. Without seamless integration, departments struggle to share information efficiently, resulting in delays and redundant workflows.

To enhance operational efficiency, institutions require logistics solutions that connect with existing platforms like ServiceNow, Ellucian, and Workday, ensuring a more unified and automated approach to campus logistics.

LogisticsOS addresses these challenges by offering:

• Comprehensive Integrations – Seamlessly connects with ERP, asset tracking, and facility management systems, including but not limited to ServiceNow and Workday, to unify campus logistics operations.
• Automated Workflows – Eliminates the need for manual updates across platforms, reducing errors and saving time.
• Open API Architecture – Facilitates effortless integration with existing technology stacks, ensuring a cohesive logistics platform solution.

By implementing LogisticsOS, universities can overcome the inefficiencies of disconnected logistics systems, leading to more streamlined and effective campus operations.

The Future of Logistics Management for Higher Education

Universities are embracing new logistics technologies to overcome financial constraints, compliance challenges, and inefficiencies in campus operations. As institutions strive for more integrated, automated, and sustainable solutions, having a trusted logistics partner is essential.

With deep expertise in higher education logistics, FacilityOS provides scalable solutions that streamline operations while adapting to evolving campus needs.

As the future of university logistics continues to be shaped by innovation, FacilityOS remains positioned to help institutions navigate the next phase of logistics management with efficiency and reliability.