I’ve written a lot about package theft in the neighborhood: people stealing packages off your doorstep or from your building’s foyer. It’s super annoying and the crooks rarely seems to be caught, since they can do it so quickly. (Although, thankfully, they do get busted sometimes.)
Some folks resort to sending their packages to their work. A few weeks ago, I got an email about an electronic locker system called Package Conciergethat is installed at apartment and condo buildings to manage, track and secure packages and other mail delivered to buildings. That seemed interesting to me, so I asked more about it. The folks at the Allegro on 14th Street, where it’s installed, answered a few questions.
Can you talk about how this system works?
Package Concierge is a technology-based system that uses sophisticated software to operate the digital kiosk, as well as an RFID reader to control locker access and a barcode scanner to read package tracking information. The system also includes online portals for both residents and management to view activity and manage accounts.
Despite all this technology, the process to deliver and retrieve a package is simple. A carrier scans his badge at the kiosk and selects the resident’s name and then places the package in the correct size locker. The resident then receives notification via text or email that a package is ready for retrieval. They can retrieve their package at any time 24/7 knowing it is safely stored in the Package Concierge.
Is it new? Is it for any kind of mail? What kind of space does it require?
Package Concierge launched its first system in Washington, D.C. in November 2013, and is being adopted in multifamily communities across the country. The system is specifically designed to handle packages versus standard mail, but accepts deliveries from USPS, UPS, FedEx and every other carrier.
The system is modular and highly flexible; a property can configure a “U” or “L” shape or even a split system. System size varies based on the physical footprint of the property, the number of units and average number of packages handled. A small property can start with a five-tower system that includes 34 lockers and is approximately seven feet in length.
Why did The Allegro choose this kind of system?
The Allegro is an 297 unit luxury apartment community. The property has a full-time concierge, but has a challenge handling larger and oversized packages behind the concierge desk area. The Allegro purchased a system with medium-sized lockers to handle these particular packages. The concierge loads excess packages into the system on a frequent basis and reports that residents love the convenience and ease of use.
Can homeowners subscribe to it, or is it more for apartment buildings?
Package Concierge is specifically designed to serve the unique needs of multifamily and student housing communities.
Who pays for it?
The apartment ownership pays for the system to be installed as well as a monthly software or maintenance fee. Some properties will charge an amenity fee to residents to use the system, typically a nominal annual fee.
Where else is the system used?
There are currently more than 25 apartment communities using the Package Concierge system in the D.C. area and more than 150 across the country.
