Door entry management tech is a staple in any multi-family residential building, and cloud-based access systems dominate the social housing sphere. Resident safety is essential in social housing – are you aware of the latest security trends that can help keep your residents safe?
Keep reading as we discuss the rise of door entry management tech in social housing. This guide will cover why cloud-based access control is becoming increasingly popular, and the integrations and tools that building managers are pairing with this technology.
Cloud-Based Access Control
Cloud or on-premise security is important when building a modern security strategy. Cloud-based access control is quickly becoming preferred over on-premise systems. On-premise systems have been used to secure buildings and prevent lockpicking. However, they come with the following disadvantages:
- On-premise servers require storage and maintenance to ensure optimal operational efficiency.
- If you need to repair your on-premise system or perform a system update, you must arrange a visit with a service engineer.
- On-premise systems require complex wiring systems to connect hardware devices to servers.
Cloud-based access control presents a solution to these disadvantages and more. Here are some of the reasons why social housing property managers are opting for cloud-based access control solutions:
- Cloud data storage – property managers can reduce their reliance on servers, migrating security data to the cloud to prevent building security from reducing ROI on building space.
- Wireless connectivity – with WiFi, BlueTooth, and cellular communication, a cloud-based access control system does not need a complex wiring infrastructure, ensuring easy installation and smooth scalability for your security system.
- Over-the-air updates – your service provider can perform updates and troubleshooting without arranging a visit to the building. They can instantly perform updates and troubleshooting over the air to update and resolve issues with your system.
- Remote management – with cloud-based security, your staff and system administrators can manage security from anywhere using a mobile application or browser. They can lock doors, unlock doors, and view security data remotely, which allows single teams to manage security across multiple locations without travel.
- Open API integrations – with cloud-based security tools comes the potential for integration. You can connect different security tools together for more unified security data, or you can apply software integrations to add features and functions to your access control system.
For these reasons, cloud-based access control is the preferred option for social housing – making security more manageable, affordable, and agile for multi-family residential buildings.
Mobile-First Access Control
Cloud-based access control enables mobile access. In social housing, property managers face the burden of replacement costs for keycards and fobs when residents lose them. However, mobile access credentials can avoid this cost and make entry more convenient for building residents.
Mobile-first access control deploys access credentials in digital keycards, which residents can quickly download to their mobile devices. Users do not need to push a button or withdraw their devices to enter the building. By waving their hand over the access control reader, the resident can trigger remote communication with their mobile device to unlock the door.
Downloadable access credentials mean onboarding becomes quicker and smoother for new residents. They do not need to wait for a keycard or fob to be created. You can use both mobile credentials and keycards to account for residents who do not have smartphones.
Access Control Integrations
Property managers in social housing are using software integrations to expand the function of their access control systems and improve ROI on their security hardware investments. Below you’ll find a list of some of the most popular software integrations for access control in residential multi-family properties:
- Visitor management software – having an accurate report of the individuals who have entered the building is essential. This information is vital in a security investigation and provides invaluable information in an emergency evacuation. Visitor management software automates the visitor management process by integrating with access control. It provides users with digital registration forms to visit the building. By digitising visitor management, you can ensure air-tight accuracy for visitor logs.
- Wellness verification software – since the pandemic, residents need assurance that their health and safety are a priority for property managers. Wellness verification software helps to keep buildings free from coronavirus by implementing wellness verification surveys upon entry. If a visitor is symptomatic, they will be blocked from entering the building. And, if a resident is symptomatic, they will be advised to self-isolate once they reach their home.
With these integrations, property managers can enhance their security hardware with additional functions to provide tenants with a more extensive security offering.
Summary
Access control is the basis of a residential building security strategy. Property managers in social housing are adopting new access control security technologies to provide more extensive security for building residents. Consider whether cloud-based access control would resolve some issues with your current system, delivering ROI and facilitating easy management.