The Nationwide Parcel Locker System is a large-scale smart locker solution in Singapore, IMDA Project, operating 24/7 to streamline last-mile deliveries. It integrates a Locker Management System (LMS), Locker Station Software (LSS), and a Frontend App for seamless parcel drop-off and collection. The system enables real-time communication between LMS and locker stations, ensuring secure parcel handling with OTPs and efficient locker management.
Key Components
- LMS (Locker Management System): Handles data synchronization, parcel tracking, and communication between locker stations and external logistics providers. LMS serves as the brain of the system, directing requests from the application to the respective locker stations.
- LSS (Locker Station Software): LSS controls locker operations, opening/closing compartments and detecting parcels via the Hardware Control Module (HCM), ensuring accurate status and functionality.
Key Features
- Seamless Request Processing: Requests initiated from the Frontend App are routed through the Gateway to LMS, which then communicates with LSS to perform physical operations at the locker stations.
- Locker Control: LSS, in conjunction with HCM, manages compartment operations including door control and parcel detection, ensuring secure and accurate handling of parcels.
- Real-Time Updates: The system uses the MQTT protocol to facilitate real-time communication, ensuring that locker status updates are quickly transmitted back to the LMS and, subsequently, to the Frontend App
Technologies
- Languages: C# (.Net Core,.Net Standard), Node.js
- Messaging Protocol: MQTT
- Data Store: PostgreSQL, MongoDB
- Infrastructure: Docker, Kubernetes, AWS, Gitlab
- Logging and Error Tracking: Elasticsearch & Kibana
Challenges and Solutions
Challenge: Managing complex hardware operations like opening lockers, detecting parcels, and ensuring locker security in a distributed system.
Solution: Developed robust communication between LSS and HCM to handle compartment control and parcel detection, ensuring secure operations and accurate status updates.
Impact
Operating 24/7 across Singapore, the system makes daily life easier by providing convenient parcel collection and drop-off. The OTP-based authentication mechanism enhanced security while offering a user-friendly experience.
Role and Contributions
As the Software Development Lead, I evaluated the outline design and development of the three core components: LMS, LSS, and the government-compliant protocol. It took three months to design and process all flows, including sequence and activity diagrams.
I developed the initial draft of the Locker Station Software (LSS), working with an embedded engineer on IoT (Node.js) components and coordinating with in-house developers, DevOps, and QA's. I led the integration of LMS, LSS, and HCM for real-time locker operations, ensuring a secure and user-friendly solution.