Making Media Equipment Accessible and Secure at UNC Charlotte
The Problem: Keeping Expensive Gear Safe and Available:
At UNC Charlotte, media students rely on high-end gear like cameras, MacBook Pros, and microphones to create professional-quality work. However, managing and securing this equipment was a big challenge.
Originally, the university used an outdated “smart” locker to store media gear, but it had a major flaw: everyone used the same access code. This meant there was no individual tracking, and when a valuable piece of gear went missing, there was no easy way to hold anyone accountable.
That’s when Kelly Merges, Director of the Student Niner Media department, decided it was time for a change. After hearing about RecRe, she saw a better way to manage their gear—one that offered automation, security, and peace of mind.
The Switch to RecRe: A Game-Changer for Media Students
Once Kelly got approval from the media board, the transition happened fast. The outdated locker was removed, and RecRe was installed in July 2023. Unlike the previous system, RecRe assigns each rental to a specific student, making accountability crystal clear. The return process even includes photo verification to ensure the gear is in good shape.
With a RecRe locker placed inside the media student suite, students could check out and return equipment 24/7—no staff required. This meant no more waiting around for approvals, and no more worries about lost or unaccounted-for gear.
The Results: Better Access, Fewer Headaches Since switching to RecRe, the impact has been significant:
- Most Popular Gear:
- Microphones
- Panasonic 4K Video Cameras
- Canon Cinema Line Cameras
- Canon T8i DSLR
- Zero Lost Equipment – No missing items since the system was installed!
- Each rental lasts an average of 8.58 hours, ensuring students have the time they need to complete their projects.
Why This Matters for Students For media students, having reliable access to professional gear makes all the difference. Whether they’re covering a big campus sports event, filming interviews, or working on class projects, they can now get the tools they need anytime—without the hassle.
The automated system also takes the burden off faculty and student managers, freeing them up to focus on helping students rather than tracking down lost equipment.
What’s Next? With the program running smoothly, UNC Charlotte is already looking to expand. There are plans to allow multiple items in a cubby and to purchase more equipment to meet growing demand.
This success story shows how RecRe helps universities manage high-value inventory with ease. By combining automation with smart security features, campuses can improve accessibility while keeping their gear safe.
Want to Bring RecRe to Your Campus? If your university struggles with inventory management, RecRe is here to help. Reach out today to learn how we can simplify your lending process and protect your valuable resources!
