Telecommunications company Vodafone and start-up Uniberry have launched a new digital door opening system ‘Smart door’ enabling parcel delivery staff to enter apartment houses and deliver parcels to recipients during their absence via an IoT (Internet of Things) module.
“Each unsuccessful delivery attempt costs about €2.50 for logistics service providers, according to estimates by the German Transport Forum. This can be solved in an easier and better way for everyone involved,” Vodafone said, explaining the move.
The digital “concierge” developed by Uniberry connects the delivery staff und parcel recipients in a simple way via the IoT module that is tied to the bell system of the respective apartment house. The module has a barcode scanner and an Internet connection via Vodafone and is connected to the electric opener at the front door.
The delivery person scans the tracking number which is read out via Smart door and checked online. When the logistics provider (e.g. DHL, Hermes, DPD) confirms that a parcel is being delivered to a resident of the house, the door opens giving the deliverer a one-time access to the house. He/she leaves the parcel in a designated area in the house or directly at the recipient's front door, depending on the requirements. The recipient then receives a delivery confirmation from the parcel operator.
As a digital concierge, Uniberry’s IoT solution not only makes time-independent deliveries of goods possible but also household services that require access to buildings or special rooms. Smart door helps whenever people need temporary or even one-time access to an apartment or office building. This is the case, for example, when service technicians are ordered for maintenance work, food deliveries are ordered or nursing staff make home visits.
Likewise, house occupants can temporarily set up digital keys for guests. In such cases, access keys can be generated conveniently online and sent to smartphones by e-mail. Doors can also be opened remotely by the respective property management with a single click.
If a door does not have an electronic opener, it is not a problem for the digital concierge. Electronic lock cylinders are easy to retrofit. They are usually controlled via a secure radio contact. The same technology can be integrated into the Smart door module. Doors can then be opened via smartphone on site or centrally by an operator.
The Vodafone Accelerator Programme UPLIFT looks for innovators like Uniberry whose IoT applications complement Vodafone's existing business customer products. At the same time, Vodafone is helping innovators scale their business model. At the core of the concept are partnerships for joint business success.
