ForwardPass by LocknCharge wins a Tech & Learning Best of Show Award at ISTELive 2026 for helping K–12 schools automate IT device handoffs.
MADISON, WI, UNITED STATES, September 2, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — ForwardPass by LocknCharge has received a Future’s Best of Show Award, presented by Tech & Learning at ISTELive 2026, in the Primary Education category.
The award was announced under LocknCharge, before the technology transitioned to ForwardPass by LocknCharge. ForwardPass is a smart locker for IT device handoffs that automates how schools and other organizations manage device loans, repairs, deployments, replacements and secure charging.
The Tech & Learning Best of Show Awards at ISTELive 2026 recognize education technology products exhibited at the conference. Winners were selected by a panel of professional users and editors using nomination information and on-site product inspection.
Evaluation criteria included ease of use, overall value, uniqueness in the market, and clear evidence that the product can streamline school workflows and support student achievement.
What Tech & Learning judges said about the smart locker system
Tech & Learning’s judges recognized the ForwardPass system for addressing a real operational challenge in schools: managing the daily movement of student devices without adding more manual work for IT teams, teachers or front-office staff.
“It combines secure hardware with cloud-based workflow management, reducing the burden on IT staff while improving accountability,” the judges said.
The judges also highlighted the system’s authentication options and real-time tracking, describing it as a mature and practical solution for 1:1 device environments.
Why this recognition matters to K–12 IT teams
A forgotten, broken or uncharged device can quickly become more than a technology issue. 63% of educators report that downtime issues cost students productivity and learning time.
ForwardPass solves this through secure, self-serve device handoffs that keep students connected. Depending on the workflow, students and staff can authenticate at the kiosk, collect or return a device and continue with their day without waiting for someone from IT to manage the exchange in person.
Pre-built workflows support common K–12 device operations, including:
Providing temporary loan devices
Collecting broken devices for repair
Issuing working replacements
Deploying assigned devices
Providing secure charging access
Every pickup, return, and exchange can be recorded, giving school IT teams a clearer chain of custody and more reliable information for follow-up, reporting and accountability.
Built on experience schools can trust
ForwardPass builds on LocknCharge’s 28+ years of experience developing device-management solutions for education and other device-dependent organizations.
That experience includes:
Used by more than 20,000 organizations worldwide. ForwardPass and LocknCharge solutions support schools, districts, universities, and organizations across multiple industries.
Independently evaluated security controls. ForwardPass is SOC 2 certified, demonstrating that its security measures are independently tested and proven effective over time.
In-house hardware and software expertise. ForwardPass combines purpose-built smart locker hardware with software developed around real device workflows rather than simple device access.
Customer-led product development. Feedback from education IT teams continues to inform workflows, reporting, authentication, remote management, and other platform capabilities in real time.
Measured customer outcomes. ForwardPass customers have reported saving more than 120 minutes per day and spending up to 80% less time managing devices.
Recognition across education technology
The ForwardPass solution has been recognized by leading education technology organizations for helping schools create safer, more efficient, and more effective learning environments. These honors reflect the impact of its products across the education market:
2026 EdTech Breakthrough Award: Best Overall IT Solution Provider for the Education Market
2025 EdTech Awards: Cool Tool Award winner for Mobile App/Mobile Device Solution
2024 Tech & Learning Awards of Excellence: Back to School winner in the Secondary category
2024 Tech & Learning Best of Show: ISTELive Best of Show winner
About ForwardPass by LocknCharge
ForwardPass by LocknCharge is a smart locker system for IT device handoffs. It automates how schools, universities, and workplaces manage device loans, repairs, deployments, replacements, and charging.
ForwardPass combines secure smart locker hardware with self-serve access, pre-built workflows, remote administration, and activity records. Users can access the device they need without waiting for an in-person handoff, while IT teams maintain visibility and control throughout the process.
Learn more at forwardpass.io — the official website of the ForwardPass smart locker solution.
Jennifer Lichtie
ForwardPass by LocknCharge
+1 6083953335
email us here
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