Package management is quickly becoming a second full-time job for property teams. And with the related demands and expectations only rising, property owners and managers are eager for cutting-edge assistance.

“It’s a lot to take on,” says Dave Dexter, Vice President of Sales, Multifamily, with Luxer One. “Package management has become a lot more important for property management teams, and those that fall behind risk dissatisfied residents, overburdened staff, increased liability, and reputational damage.”

Package management isn’t a new concept for property managers. Still, the scale and complexity of receiving deliveries on behalf of building occupants has changed due to several factors:

• Increased volume: The rise of e-commerce and online shopping has dramatically increased the amount of packages delivered to multifamily properties. This influx requires property teams to spend more time and effort managing resident deliveries.
• Lack of resources: Property owners and managers may not have enough staff or resources to handle a large volume of packages. This can result in delays in delivering parcels to residents or tenants, leading to dissatisfaction, negative feedback, and increased resident turnover.
• Security risks: Loss and theft prevention are priorities in package management. Failure to prevent either can erode residents’ trust and sense of security.
• Enhanced communication demands: Property owners are expected to communicate effectively with residents or tenants about the delivery and pickup of packages. This can involve maintaining accurate records of package deliveries, providing timely notifications to recipients, and coordinating with third-party logistics providers. The time spent on this takes away from time that is better spent on other items, like tours, signing new leases, and taking care of residents.
• Resident Expectations: Residents have come to expect safe, secure access to their packages on-site, on their schedule, 24/7/365. While this used to be viewed as a luxury service, this is now more and more being viewed as a requirement.

Getting a handle on package management is about more than throwing more people at the problem. For Luxer One, it is a challenge that can be more holistically addressed by combining modern technologies and services into a smarter package management solution.

“When we say ‘smart,’ we mean package delivery systems that use modern technologies to add more security, accountability, and convenience to the overall process of receiving a package,” says Dexter.

For instance, he adds, Luxer One’s package system leverages a suite of advanced tools to ensure every package that enters the building is scanned, verified, tracked, and securely stored within a tamper-proof, heavy 12 gauge steel locker. From here, the system alerts recipients electronically that a package is waiting for pickup.

“It’s about improved peace of mind and convenience for both property managers and their residents, which results in greater satisfaction for everyone,” says Dexter.

An informed investment

Proptech like smart package management systems are meant to enhance operations and unlock long-lasting benefits. Herein, there are important considerations when sourcing one for your building.

“Security is one of the biggest factors,” says Dexter. “First and foremost, you want a system that provides secure, tamper-proof lockers or storage units that can prevent theft or loss of packages.”

Convenience is also key. An effective package management system is one that requires minimal staff intervention and is simple to learn and use by all parties. Look for a provider that is able to provide best-in-class package management, including the ability to provide on-site package management experts if needed.

“Look for a system that is intuitive and easy for anyone to interact with, whether that’s the carrier who is scanning their package into the system, the resident who receives a text and comes down to retrieve their package, or the property management that is looking for an efficient way to manage package flow,” adds Dexter.

Scalability should also be kept in mind. The package management solution you buy today should be designed to grow with your property’s needs, handle the right volume of packages, and be flexible enough to accommodate different packages.

“You don’t want to be stuck with outdated technology,” notes Dexter. “Work with providers who are committed to continually enhancing and updating the system as needs change and opportunities for increased ease of use and services arise.

Lastly, Dexter adds, the system should be supported by real people who are ready to step in when and if they’re needed: “Customer support is a big component. The system should be backed by a responsive and reliable customer support team that can provide assistance and resolve any issues that may arise.”

Ready to gain the upper hand on package management? Thanks to proptech innovations and industry ingenuity, it’s possible to gain peace of mind, greater security, and end-to-end accountability all in one smart package.

Dave Dexter is Vice President of Sales, Multifamily, with Luxer One. Learn more about Luxer One’s controlled access locker solutions at www.luxerone.com.