Amazon Key for Business

In this review, we highlight the main features of Amazon Key for Business, review the pricing model, weigh pros and cons, and provide a thoughtful comparison to modern intercom and access control systems.

Overview

Amazon Key for Business is a smart fob that allows Amazon drivers to enter a building and deliver shipments without the assistance of the building’s staff. Amazon installs and maintains the system free of charge. To be eligible, a building or gated community must have 10 or more units that order deliveries directly from Amazon. The premises should also have a compatible electronic access control system installed for Amazon Key to work.

Key for Business Main Features

Automated Access for Amazon Drivers

Amazon Key for Business integrates with existing access control systems and allows Amazon delivery drivers to request access through the Amazon delivery app. Reaching the building, the drivers can unlock the door from the app and place the packages inside. 

Single-Entry, Time-Bound Access 

Access is only granted within the scheduled time and is valid for one entry only. The driver has to confirm that the door is relocked once they leave. Amazon Key App also allows residents or staff to unlock the door from the app for non-Amazon deliveries or other visitors. Residents can keep using the access control system normally.

Multi-Factor Authentication

Amazon Key for Business comes with robust security to ensure that only authorized drivers can access the building. Multi factor authentication validates the driver’s ID, route, GPS location, and time of the request before allowing access. 

Entry Notification and Video

Amazon Cloud Cam can be added to watch 15-second live video clips or cloud recordings of the drivers’ entry via Amazon Key App. Building managers also get a notification for each delivery and can disable or enable driver access at any time.

Compatible Access Control Systems

Amazon Key For Business works with most types of electronic access control systems and smart locks. It is installed at hundreds of properties across America including apartment buildings owned by Kettler, Avalon, WinnCompanies, and other real estate companies.

Pricing

The Key For Business device is installed free of cost by Amazon. Compatible cameras, locks and other hardware need to be purchased separately.

Review

Advantages

• Reduces the workload and saves time for frontdesk and mailroom staff
• Streamlines and automates deliveries
• Increases delivery compliance by 80%
• Streamlines the Amazon secure delivery experience, since packages do not have to be left outside
• Reduced risk of Amazon package theft

Limitations

• A Partial Solution: Key For Business provides automatic access for Amazon deliveries only. You’ll still need to have another app or system for allowing programmed access to other couriers like general Fedex/UPS/USPS packages, dog walkers, cleaning services, and other visitors. This doesn’t protect non Amazon packages from theft. 

• Owner Lock-in: The thought of the world’s biggest retailer owning their front door can make some people uncomfortable. Even though Amazon has ironclad data and communication security in place and no incidents have been reported, the system may compel users to order only from Amazon.
• Not recommended if you have a pet: Amazon does not take responsibility for damage to deliveries. So, it doesn’t recommend Key For Business if there are pets in the delivery area.

Main Benefits of Amazon Key for Business

The biggest advantage of Amazon Key For Business appears to be its price. It reduces the headache and workload associated with handling deliveries at residential and commercial buildings, highrises, and gated communities that receive a large number of shipments from Amazon. Key For Business, however, is not a replacement for a proper visitor management or access control system. 

Swiftlane Access and Delivery Management

Swiftlane Access Control and Video Intercom supports programmable automatic entry for delivery drivers, dog walkers, cleaning crews, and other visitors and guests. It comes with a built-in video intercom system that allows residents and staff to see and speak with visitors and allows remote access from the Swiftlane App. 

How Does Amazon Key for Business Compare To Swiftlane?

Here’s a comparison of Amazon Key for Business with Swiftlane Access Control and Video Intercom to help differentiate the benefits and restrictions.