December 2023
Building security and access issues have increased as more people find that their home is now also their office. There are new and greater demands on common areas, building management and security.
Residential communities are dealing with labour shortages and higher costs. There is a need to do more work than is possible with existing staff. The solution is to become more efficient.
Technology in high-rise communities was initially viewed as a solution for improving safety and security. Increasingly, it is now essential to improving the residential experience, management operations and communication.
New hardware and software provide solutions for virtually all residential and high-rise communities. Condo management software and apps have expanded beyond their essential management and communication features to include greater functionality. Building and unit access, guest access, package deliveries, video entry panels, virtual concierges, and self-guided and virtual tours are all features that increase convenience and deliver enhanced security.
More residents are using fitness rooms and equipment, and inviting guests. Landlord-owners and renters want to ensure their home is more convenient and safer. More communities institute occupancy limits and encourage physical distancing which impact on amenity use. Without technology, individuals wanting to exercise must check the facility in-person to see if equipment or machines are available. It is more convenient and efficient for all if residents could check their building dashboard from home to reserve an available timeslot for the equipment, space or amenity they require. This reduces the volume of people walking hallways, visiting the concierge and crowding in-demand spaces. It is safer and reduces the demands on security, cleaning services and building management. Overall resident experience and satisfaction levels improve.
Key cards and access fobs are easier to monitor and manage. They can be used for restricting access to certain rooms or identified individuals. Reporting features allow management to know how many are using a space at any one time, and identifying those who do not book access in advance. Time or individual restrictions on access to areas of the building, such as an exercise area, can be enforced with a fob system. Replacing mechanical keys with smarter, faster and more efficient smart access control makes residential buildings secure, easier to manage and more efficient.
Dealing with real estate agents and home showings is a burden on building staff and a security risk. Potential purchasers and renters schedule a time to visit for a showing. They tour the entire property with their agent which is an intrusive process for building residents. Today there are self-guided tours using digital keys to limit staff and renter contact. Virtual tours, videos of units and common areas, reduce the frequency and duration of visitations.
Ordering food and online shopping means more people making deliveries inside a building. Locked doors and mechanical keys are an unnecessary barrier when a more convenient and equally secure solution is available. Many communities have a video entry panel where residents can see who is requesting entry. Residents can open the door for those making deliveries using their mobile phone or other electronic device.
Smart access solutions make managing buildings easier. Management and security can remotely open doors, control access to amenities and manage building access from their desk or office. Buildings and residents are more secure.
