Onsite vs. Offsite Package Management
Package management can be a daunting task for multifamily communities. Whether it’s space, time, or security, you might be considering package management solutions for your team and residents. With various solutions — both onsite and offsite — how do you choose one that best fits your needs? In this article, we will dive deeper into three major package management solutions and weigh the pros and cons of each.?
Top 3 Types of Package Management Solutions
1. Package Lockers
One of the most common onsite package management solutions is package lockers. They are available for pick-ups and deliveries. Package lockers can be convenient and secure. However, they come with associated costs, technical considerations, and potential usability challenges that property managers should be aware of. Let’s break down some of this solution's major pros and cons.
Pros:?
Package lockers are convenient for residents because they can get their packages whenever it works for them, rather than having management hold them in the office. The resident receives a code once a package is delivered, and they can get it anytime.
Additionally, having a unique code adds security to this option. Lockers electronically lock, and you have to have the code to open them. Being inside the locker also prevents the ever-rising issue of porch pirates.?
Cons:
There are a few major disadvantages to package lockers. One is the installation and maintenance costs. The other major issue is space. Lockers take up a lot of room, depending on the size of your community. Additionally, you can only fit average-sized packages in the lockers, meaning large packages are still left out in the open or at the office. This means onsite teams are still tasked to complete organization, storage, and delivery.?
2. Smart Rooms
Smart rooms are another common onsite solution, and unlike lockers, they use one room and one code. The room may include open shelving for packages to be placed.?
Pros:?
Smart rooms shine in areas where package lockers fall short. Since smart rooms offer shelves instead of individual lockers, larger items are kept safe. While similarly accessible as lockers, they have lower installation and maintenance costs.
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Cons:
Security for smart rooms can be questionable, as all residents who have access to the room will have access to all the packages. Space is still an issue because the rooms require a large area. Simultaneously, the rooms may experience congestion during peak season, overflowing into the office once again. Any space used for onsite storage solutions is overrun quickly as e-commerce trends rise every year.
3. Offsite Solution
One of the newest package management solutions is to have it offsite. Leading the way in this innovative option is Fetch, taking everything offsite using third-party facilities. Residents have packages delivered to these offsite locations. Then, through the Fetch app, residents schedule a convenient time and day to either have their packages delivered or pick them up from the local facility.
Pros:
One of the largest pros of offsite package management is space optimization. Your community can utilize the extra space for other amenities or storage. Additionally, this solution removes the community's liability — one less thing to stress over!
Cons:
This solution might not be for every community. While offsite package management solutions can result in cost savings, properties may incur additional fees or charges from the provider for special handling requests or premium features. There may also be geographic limitations, so check with our team to see if you are in an area we serve!
There is not a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to multifamily and package management. Take time to assess the complete list of benefits to ensure you select a solution that closely fits your needs. Don’t forget to consider scalability!
Which package management solution is best for your community? Let us know below!?
Do you want to learn more about our offsite solution? Request a demo today!