System and method for digitally providing access to an article

A method for digitally providing access to an article, the method comprising:

• generating a digital key associated with an article or a locking unit, wherein the article is secured by the locking unit in a locked state, and the locking unit is alterable between the locked state and an unlocked state, and wherein the digital key being is configured such that, when the digital key is provided to a portable electronic device of a user, the digital key enables the portable electronic device to alter the locking unit between the locked state and the unlocked state without the user paying for the article or authorizing payment for the article;
• upon a first event, assigning the digital key to the user and causing the assigned digital key to be provided to the portable electronic device of the user to enable the portable electronic device to alter the locking unit between the locked state and the unlocked state;
• wherein the first event comprises the user initiating a request for access to the article or the digital key, and verification that the user satisfies a predetermined condition;
• and
• wherein the first event does not comprise a payment for the article or an authorization of payment for the article;
• providing the assigned digital key to a portable electronic device of the user to enable the user's portable electronic device to cause the locking unit to alter between the locked state and the unlocked state.