Technology has taken the world by storm, revolutionizing the way we handle communication, commerce, and home life. Logistics is no exception. Technology has redefined the movement of parcels from point A to point B.

While technological advancements have improved parcel movement, the last yard of delivery remains the most challenging.

This struggle is also evident within buildings with package management services. The burden of deliveries often falls on the front-of-house, resulting in lost time and stress.

Parcel management software is a powerful tool that simplifies all that. These systems act as control centers for that last delivery stretch, allowing front-of-house and mailroom staff to focus on their core duties.

But with so many options available, how do you choose the right one? Read on to find out.

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Why Use Parcel Management Software?

Tracking deliveries for an entire building is a daunting task. Parcel management is tedious work that often involves hours of manual input, which can be mind-numbing and error-prone. Parcel delivery management software has the following benefits that streamline the entire process:

• Automated Log-in and Log-out: Handle deliveries with minimal manual input by scanning with a mobile device.
• Automated Notifications: Let recipients know they have a pending delivery without individually contacting each one.
• Instant Label Generation: Create labels in seconds to digitize parcel organization.
• Real-time Package Tracking: Know where a package is at any given movement.

These features reduce package liability and help businesses refocus their energy on more critical tasks.

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Best Parcel Management Software in 2024

The benefits are clear, but which software best suits your parcel management needs? We’ve reviewed the market and selected the seven best options.

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1. Parcel Tracker

Price: Starts at $130 per month

Parcel Tracker is a comprehensive parcel management software designed for mid-market and enterprise-level facilities. Parcel Tracker serves a diverse range of sectors, including government buildings, higher education, and healthcare.

Standout Features:

• Quick Setup
  • After creating an account, users can upload an XLS or CSV of a recipient directory. Users can also import an existing directory if they have one. A recipient’s information can be updated with ease thanks to Parcel Tracker’s range of integrations with Active Directories and other PMS systems.
• Easy to Use
  • Users can easily log a package by scanning the label on the mobile app. Parcel Tracker captures all details, including the recipient's name, address, and carrier information. It can also scan handwritten text and barcodes.
  • The app will match the name to a recipient in the directory and notify them. Parcel Tracker provides training to help onboard mailroom and package room staff. Clients, such as Avantra and Greenwich Creekside, reported that training was easy and that they were able to complete it in an hour.
• Powered by AI
  • Parcel Tracker uses OCR software to accurately scan labels, assign them to an end user, and convert them into a digital log. It can scan difficult handwriting and barcodes and detect nicknames or aliases.
• Full Enterprise Configurability and Security
  • Parcel Tracker offers comprehensive enterprise features to support the needs of any business or building. These features include single sign-on, MFA, access control, and advanced permission settings. Parcel Tracker is compatible with standard protocols such as LDAP and SAML, as well as security providers like Auth0.
• Complete Feature Set for Various Use Cases
  • Automated Notifications: Parcel Tracker also has an automated notification system that alerts recipients once their parcels have been logged into the system. These notifications are customizable, so businesses can tailor them to their brand. Users can also set up reminders for pending deliveries so that no package is ever left behind.
  • Advanced Digitization: Users can digitize their parcel management organization efforts with custom labels and notes. Parcel Tracker also provides reports and analytics to help users track delivery trends.
  • Self-Service Collections: Parcel Tracker has options to enable self-service delivery in mailrooms or package rooms. Whether users want an involved approach or a self-service pickup center, Parcel Tracker can support that.
  • Multiple receiving steps: And, if you’re an organization with multiple receiving steps, Parcel Tracker has multi-hop routing to keep you informed about any parcel’s whereabouts at any given time. Parcel Tracker also supports over 900 carriers worldwide, ensuring seamless integration with global shipping networks.

Weaknesses:

• Lacks parcel locker integrations

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2. QTrak

Price: $2000 per year

QTrak is a mobile-first platform designed for smaller organizations, such as hotels, higher education, and conference centers. Like Parcel Tracker, it offers easy mobile scanning. However, it lacks the features needed to support more complex use cases.

Standout Features:

• Quick to Setup and Use
  • QTrak has a mobile-first design, enabling users to scan parcels without the need for specialized hardware. After setting up an account, QTrak connects users to a cloud-based system. From here, they can begin scanning parcels from any mobile device.
• Fixed Pricing
  • QTrak has a fixed annual fee, which can benefit organizations that need a transparent pricing model.
• Parcel Locker Integration
  • QTrak has its own parcel locker system, which is known as Package Pods. After scanning a package label, QTrak prompts the user to “Store in Locker.” After closing the Package Pod, recipients receive a notification with a unique pickup code to use at the locker.

Weaknesses:

• No Enterprise Offering and Limited Feature Set
  • QTrak is best for small to mid-sized businesses and may not be suitable for organizations that require advanced configurations. While it can perform core parcel management tasks, it lacks features like custom labeling and third-party integrations.

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3. Notifii Track

Price: Starts at $99 per month

Notifii is a popular parcel management software for small to mid-market organizations. As part of a property management system, Notifii mainly serves residential properties, such as condominiums and multi-family buildings.

Standout Features:

• Quick Setup and Easy-to-Use
  • Mobile Setup: Users can start scanning parcels with a mobile device after registration. All iPhones and iPads are compatible. Android devices must have at least a 5MP auto-focusing rear camera.
  • Web Platform: Users need specialized hardware such as a barcode scanner and signature pad. Any barcode scanner will work, but Notifii is only compatible with the Scriptel ST1571 for the signature pad. However, if users do not have this hardware, they can manually input the recipients’ details.
• Parcel Locker Support
  • Notifii has its own parcel locker system that integrates seamlessly with Notifii Track. Managers can use the management portal to allow carriers to deposit parcels in a parcel locker with or without PINs. They can also set up a universal PIN or create a PIN for each carrier.

Weaknesses:

• Limited Workflow Features
  • Notifii lacks the advanced features needed to handle complex or high-volume parcel operations. If the parcel lockers are at full capacity, the couriers will need to bring parcels to the leasing office or directly to resident units. Though Notifii supports API integrations, they are limited.
• Manual Data Entry-Heavy
  • Notifii can require significant manual data entry, especially if you don’t have the necessary hardware. This can slow operations in larger properties with complex workflows.

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4. iLobby

Price: Starts at $99 per month

iLobby is an office management solution with a basic package management system. iLobby serves mid-market to enterprise-level organizations, mainly office spaces, and mailrooms.

Standout Features:

• Easy to Use
  • iLobby’s mobile app enables front desk staff to capture shipping labels with their mobile camera. After scanning, iLobby will provide a fillable parcel information form.
  • From here, users can input the recipient’s name, carrier name, and tracking number. Once the form is submitted, the recipient will receive a notification for pickup.
• Integration With Office Systems
  • iLobby DeliveryOS is part of a bigger suite of office management tools. This includes visitor management, desk reservations, and meeting room booking. This can be a great solution for office managers looking for a multi-functional solution.

Weaknesses:

• Limitations in Complex Parcel Management
  • Because its primary focus is office management, iLobby lacks the features needed for complex parcel workflows.
• Manual Data Entry-Heavy
  • Like Notifii, iLobby may require more manual input for high-volume workflows. Updating a recipient’s information in the portal will also require users to rescan the package before notifying the recipient.

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5. Envoy

Price: Starts at $5 per recipient

Envoy is another office management solution with integrated package management features. It’s popular in mid-market to enterprise-level organizations, primarily office buildings.

Standout Features:

• Easy to Use
  • Envoy Deliveries allows users to scan a package label by snapping a picture. Envoy matches the name to a recipient in your directory and then sends them a notification. Recipients can mark the package as “picked up” through the notification.
• Integration With Other Solutions
  • Envoy has over 100 integrations with internal communication, access control, and space management solutions. Such integrations include Slack, Teams, Google Drive, Zapier, Gallagher Security, and more.
• Integration With Office Management Tools
  • Like iLobby, Envoy Deliveries is part of an office management suite. Envoy has features for desk space management, visitor management, meeting room management, and more.

Weaknesses:

• Limited Parcel Management Functionality
  • Envoy offers basic parcel management tools with the option to add delivery notes. This can be limiting for organizations with complex parcel workflows.
• No Real-Time Recipient Detection
  • Users will have to manually mark a package as “delivered” to remove a package from their dashboard. In contrast, Parcel Tracker automatically marks a package as delivered after the recipient collects their parcel with an e-signature or unique QR code.

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6. PackageX Receive

Price: Starts at $240 per month

PackageX Receive caters to mid-market to enterprise-level organizations, with clients in warehouses and retail. It is a comprehensive solution that can handle package workflows at a larger scale.

Standout Features:

• Extensive Features for Parcel Handling
• PackageX has features similar to Parcel Tracker that accommodate complex package workflows. Aside from automated package logging, it also offers analytics, digital signatures, and status tracking.
• Parcel Dispatch and Courier Label Generation
• PackageX can manage incoming and outgoing parcels and create custom carrier labels. This makes it a valuable tool for businesses that need to handle shipping logistics.
• Custom Label Printing
• Users can generate custom package labels to improve accuracy in package sorting.

Weaknesses:

• Internet Connectivity Requirements
  • PackageX requires constant internet access to detect recipient details. This can disrupt workflows in areas with poor internet connection.
• No Real-Time Parcel Recipient Detection
  • PackageX’s recipient detection is not always accurate due to its reliance on internet connectivity.

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7. Verkada Mailroom

Price: Starts at $3600 per year

Verkada serves mid-sized companies and large enterprises. It has a strong focus on security and is thus popular in government buildings, offices, and healthcare facilities.

Standout Features:

• Easy to Use
  • Users can scan a package by taking a photo of the label. Verkada Mailroom captures shipping details, like the recipient’s name and location. Verkada Mailroom matches the name on the label to a recipient in the directory.
• Great User Interface
  • Verkada Mailroom has a simple and modern UI design that makes it easy to navigate. Users can also add details to package directories with custom notes and photos.
• Integration With Verkada CCTV Cameras
  • With Verkada’s CCTV integration, managers can see live footage of the mailroom and monitor activity around storage areas and access points. Users can use filter fields to see where items were picked up with filter fields.

Weaknesses:

• Requires Visitor Management Bundle
  • To access Verkada’s mailroom features, users would also need to purchase the visitor management system. This can hinder users who only need mailroom software.
• Limited Standalone Parcel Management Functionality
  • Verkada lacks comprehensive parcel management features, such as API integrations for custom workflows and limited filters. While Verkada Mailroom allows users to add custom tags, it can only filter by name, location, tracking number, and carrier. In addition, it is only compatible with select couriers, namely UPS, FedEx, Amazon, DHL, Royal Mail, OnTrac, and Canada Post.

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How to Choose a Parcel Management System

Last-mile delivery can vary across various industries, reflecting different concerns and pain points. For example, an office may prioritize swift collection, while a healthcare facility would require special handling. Here’s how to choose the best one:

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1. Integration Capabilities

Choosing the right parcel management system is like picking the perfect teammate: it should work well with your existing team. Look for a system that connects with the programs you already use. This way, you can migrate information between programs, saving time and avoiding errors from typing things in by hand.

This also enables you to customize your workflow to your business’s needs. If you need secure access control, choose a software that can accommodate this requirement with additional features like user permissions and audit trails.

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2. Scalability

As your business thrives, your parcel management system should keep pace. Prioritize a scalable solution that can accommodate increasing package volumes without compromising performance.

A scalable system ensures your operations maintain efficiency and accuracy even as your business grows. It also means you can seamlessly handle a surge in orders during peak seasons.

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3. Real-Time Tracking and Visibility

In today’s digital age, transparency is critical. Real-time tracking gives constant visibility into package location.

Furthermore, consider the advantages of multi-location parcel management. Real-time visibility across your logistics network empowers you to identify bottlenecks. This helps optimize delivery routes and elevate customer service through efficient deliveries.

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4. Cost Considerations

When choosing the best parcel management software, don’t just look at the initial price tag. Additional hardware, such as barcode scanners, signature pads, and parcel lockers, must also be included in your budget. Is your business willing to invest in additional tech and ongoing maintenance?

It would also help to evaluate the system’s long-term value. Increased efficiency and reduced savings equate to higher savings. Some facilities can also factor customer satisfaction into the equation.

Parcel management is a valuable service in student housing and multi-family buildings. Resident satisfaction can lead to a higher chance of lease renewals, which contributes to a higher return on investment.

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Secure Your Parcel Collections and Drop-offs

You can transform your shipping operations with the right multi-carrier parcel management system. Don’t settle for a clunky, outdated system that slows you down. Achieve a seamless workflow with features like real-time tracking, multi-location management, and effortless integration with your existing software.

‍Ready to experience the Parcel Tracker difference? Sign up for free and discover how simple parcel management can be.