Release of 12.04.2021
- Packages are left in private entrance hall by post deliverer
- Access via smart lock from Nuki* and A1 Smart Home App
- Registration for pilot now possible
Together with both partners Austrian Postal Service and Nuki, the A1 Smart Home App allows the delivery of parcels and packages right into the entrance hall of private homes. Parcel deliveries are booming in Austria. Especially during the Corona pandemic, the volume of deliveries increased explosively and delivery services set new records in 2020.
Without the backbone of telecommunications companies such as A1 Telekom Austria Group with its top-class technology and connectivity, these opportunities would not exist to this extent. With A1 Smart Home, for several years the company has already been focusing on digitalizing the most personal area of its customers: their private homes. Together with the Austrian Postal Service and Nuki, A1 is combining know-how in the smart home sector and digital innovation environment with the strongest partners to create an exciting product.
The Austrian Postal Service is constantly developing and establishing new innovative solutions for its customers. With the entrance hall delivery service, the company is revolutionizing the delivery process by being able to deliver parcels to the recipient's apartment or house even when they are not at home.
A future without physical keys has been the vision of Nuki from the very beginning. Not only because it's practical, but because with the virtual key, Nuki Home Solutions make everyday life of its customers much easier. This new way of home delivery takes a big step towards a new reality.
That´s how “Entrance Hall Delivery” works
The front door of any house or apartment is equipped with a Nuki Smart Lock. The recipient actively authorizes the delivery person to open the front door by handheld. A floor mat inside the entrance hall marks the place where the package is to be placed. With A1 Smart Home, customers have the option of viewing the delivery live or up to 72 hours later.
Pilot phase with 100 customers
Internal tests were already carried out at the end of last year to check the technical feasibility and gather initial experience with the new delivery method. The feedback from the testers and delivery staff was very positive. As of now, 100 interested customers have the opportunity to register for the test of the new entrance hall delivery. Prerequisites are a delivery address in Vienna, Lower Austria or Graz/Styria and the possibility to install a Nuki Smart Lock. Applications can be submitted until May 23, after which the selected participants will be informed. The required hardware will be provided free of charge for the test period, before the delivery starts there will be a personal meeting with the delivery person, during which the authorization for the Smart Lock will also be assigned. The test itself takes place in the period from July to December.
Delivery to the front office is carried out exclusively by the regular delivery staff, so recipients know "their" delivery staff personally. The delivery staff will ring the doorbell before entering to check if the recipients are at home. If delivery to the entrance hall is not possible, the regular delivery process is used - i.e., either a drop-off in a post office reception box or a deposit at a branch or at a post office partner.
*Nuki is a specialist in the field of electronic door locks. The smart lock from the Austrian company is considered one of the most secure locking systems on the market.