Residential and commercial buildings in cities across the globe are rapidly adopting smart package room solutions to manage a surge in parcel deliveries triggered by the growth of online shopping.
Residential and commercial buildings in cities across the globe are rapidly adopting smart package room solutions to manage a surge in parcel deliveries triggered by the growth of online shopping.
These technology-enabled spaces are evolving from optional amenities into core infrastructure as property managers seek ways to enhance security, reduce staff workload, and meet tenant expectations.
A smart package room is a secure area within a multi-tenant building where couriers can drop off packages, allowing residents to collect them at their convenience. Unlike traditional mailrooms, these rooms integrate video intercoms, access control systems, smart lockers, and cloud-based platforms to automate the delivery process.
E-commerce growth spurs change
As e-commerce volumes increase, property managers face pressure to overhaul delivery logistics. Industry stakeholders estimate that the average apartment now receives significantly more packages than it did just five years ago. This rise is testing the capacity of buildings that were not designed to handle high-volume delivery traffic.
Companies like DNAKE, a provider of smart intercom systems, are responding with solutions that combine cloud-based technology, mobile integration, and remote management features.
“Integrated with the cloud, today’s IP-based intercom systems have greater functionality and integrate easily with other Internet of Things (IoT) devices,” DNAKE said in its
whitepaper A Step-by-Step Checklist for Choosing an Intercom System.
This shift is also prompting architects and developers to consider delivery logistics earlier in the design process. Some are allocating dedicated rooms during pre-construction planning phases to ensure optimal access and camera visibility, a trend that has accelerated in post-pandemic development strategies.
Technology types vary
Smart package rooms come in different forms. One common solution is the package locker - a modular system where delivery personnel place parcels into individual compartments. Residents then receive a notification or code via an app to retrieve their items. While easy to use, lockers may be unsuitable for bulky deliveries.
Another approach involves video intercoms that allow couriers to contact building staff or residents for temporary access. These systems can be integrated with cloud platforms and access control systems.
“High-resolution video and audio… allow users to see and hear visitors with exceptional clarity,” DNAKE said. Additional features include wide-angle lenses, night vision, and the option to integrate with network video recorders (NVRs).
Some buildings opt for access-controlled rooms, where couriers use QR codes or mobile credentials to enter. These rooms offer more flexibility in handling larger or bulkier deliveries but require well-defined access policies.
A fourth model involves combining multiple technologies, such as lockers and intercom access, to cater to a wider range of delivery scenarios. These hybrid setups are gaining traction in large apartment complexes and mixed-use developments.
Resident-friendly features
Smart package rooms are designed to minimize friction for both delivery personnel and residents. Many platforms offer mobile app access, allowing tenants to receive alerts and manage access remotely.
“Many IP video intercom systems now offer mobile app integration, allowing users to monitor and control their intercom system from their smartphone or tablet,” DNAKE stated.
Some systems also include facial recognition to identify verified individuals.
“Incorporating technologies such as facial recognition, some IP video intercom systems now enhance security by automatically identifying authorized individuals and denying access to unauthorized visitors,” according to DNAKE.
Systems often integrate with notification services, so residents are instantly alerted when packages arrive. Some platforms also provide audit trails, time stamps, and recorded video logs, enabling property managers to resolve disputes or verify delivery times more effectively.
Streamlining building operations
Beyond resident convenience, smart package rooms reduce the administrative burden on building personnel. Automated systems eliminate the need for front desk staff to receive, sign for, and store packages.
Maintenance is also easier with cloud-connected systems. “Cloud connectivity today enables maintenance and support operations to be performed over-the-air (OTA); that is, remotely by an integrator and through the cloud without needing to leave the office,” DNAKE said.
Some systems allow for remote configuration changes, software updates, and user account management - features that are especially useful for large portfolios or third-party property managers handling multiple buildings.
Scalability and future-proofing
As demand rises, scalability has become a key concern. DNAKE emphasizes that its systems are built to accommodate buildings of various sizes, including large residential complexes.
“Multi-unit residential buildings come in all sizes and shapes. Today’s IP intercom systems are scalable to cover smaller systems up to buildings with 1,000 units or more,” the company said.
DNAKE also highlights the need for future-ready solutions. “Embracing new technologies ensures a system will continue to be applicable into the future,” the company said, referencing trends like artificial intelligence and cloud platform compatibility.
Design is another consideration. DNAKE’s Smart Central Control Center, which integrates voice, touchscreen, and mobile control, received a Red Dot Design Award. “Products offering a futuristic aesthetic and that project a clean and modern sophistication are desirable for installation in prestigious buildings and high-end installations,” the whitepaper said.
Some vendors now offer modular systems that can grow in step with tenant needs, such as adding more lockers or expanding cloud storage capacity, offering a degree of adaptability that aligns with evolving delivery trends.
Real-world applications
In one project across 61 buildings and more than 2,000 apartments, DNAKE deployed IP-based intercom systems with cloud control and mobile access. The result was a significant reduction in package-related complaints and service requests, according to the company.
In another example, a mid-sized apartment complex retrofitted a video intercom and mobile-access solution to address growing resident concerns about package theft. Property managers reported a 40% reduction in front-desk inquiries within three months.
Regulatory and compliance considerations
As adoption grows, so does the need for compliance with local regulations, especially around video surveillance and data privacy. Systems using facial recognition or storing resident interaction logs must ensure adherence to privacy laws such as GDPR in Europe or CCPA in California.
Vendors are increasingly building compliance features into their systems, offering data anonymization, opt-in settings for residents, and detailed access logs to support auditing.
From luxury to necessity
Smart package rooms are gaining momentum as building owners look for scalable, secure, and user-friendly solutions to manage deliveries. These systems are being planned and implemented alongside other core infrastructure features such as parking and security.
Post-pandemic lifestyle changes — including more residents working from home and expecting 24/7 access — have further cemented package room infrastructure as a core residential amenity.