The novel coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak is presenting several new opportunities for integrators – from voice control to indoor air quality – but smart garage doors might be the most low-hanging fruit opportunity of them all.

Due to the virus, homeowners are either in full lockdown or reticent to go out even to purchase necessities such as groceries. Thus, at-home delivery services are a must. But health officials have warned that the virus can live even on surfaces such as cardboard for an extended time. Among the recommendations is to keep all deliveries outside the home or in the garage for a period of time before bringing them inside.

This dynamic makes smart garage doors a near necessity for homeowners, presenting a huge upgrade opportunity for integrators. New research from Strategy Analytics reveals that more than half of all consumers in France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the U.S. find the idea of in-garage delivery extremely or very appealing.

In 2019 smart-home consumers had an average of 29 packages delivered to their homes and about one-in-four had a package stolen after it was delivered according to the survey. Therefore, it’s not surprising that in-home or in-garage package delivery is appealing to many consumers.

For integrators, the desire for in-garage delivery means clients will need access control keypad systems outside the homes for their smart garage doors with special access codes for delivery services. That system can be tied to surveillance cameras, video doorbells and smart locks as a simple and immediate upgrade package for existing clients.

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Smart home consumers in the U.S. find leaving packages in their home or garages most appealing of consumers in all countries surveyed. Germans have a greater preference for leaving packages in their garages versus in their homes. The French don’t find leaving packages in their home or garage as appealing as consumers in the other countries surveyed. Consumers with smart garage door openers in all countries indicated even stronger appeal for in-garage delivery.

Bill Ablondi, director of Strategy Analytics’ Smart Home Strategies advisory service, says, “In this COVID-19 era people are shopping online much more than ever and are concerned about having their valuable packages stolen after they’re delivered. Our survey revealed that most smart home consumers find the idea of leaving packages in their homes or garages appealing if they are notified of delivery and can monitor the delivery person if they’re not at home.”

Jack Narcotta, senior industry analyst in Strategy Analytics’ Smart Home Strategies advisory service, added, “We believe there’s an opportunity for vendors of cameras, video doorbells, smart locks and connected garage door openers to partner with delivery services to provide secure in-home or in-garage package delivery. The consumers we surveyed already have smart home devices so they understand the benefits. Smarter and more secure delivery services are a logical next step for many.”