How Cloud-Based Access Control Is Transforming Property Management

Office design has evolved in the last decade, influenced by emerging trends in technology and sustainability. One area that has come on by leaps and bounds is security, driven by the rise of cloud-based security systems, said Paula Balmori, director of global security design and system integrations at cloud-based access control company Brivo.

Cloud-based access control systems are improving the office experience for tenants, she said. When security is considered cohesively from the start of a project, property owners can get far more from the system.

“Security is increasingly tied to the comfort of individuals in buildings,” Balmori said. “The data related to smart, secure building technology has proven tremendously valuable for the building's performance, overall sustainability and health. Undoubtedly, security will increasingly be an integral part of design blueprints, alongside essentials such as plumbing, electricity and telecom wiring.”

Brivo surveyed architects and building engineers to assess how deeply security has been integrated into a property's design phase. Fifty-six percent of respondents said they have an established security integration process that starts in the design phase, and 41% have a plan to implement one soon. 

Furthermore, a striking 88% of respondents said the demand for integrated security has increased in the last decade. Of the 7% of respondents who have said they are yet to include physical security in the design process, 98% anticipate implementing a shift in the next five years. 

Balmori said there are clear benefits to considering physical security early on. When integrated properly, an access control system can provide many functions that office tenants crave, such as personalised access, mobile entry options and real–time notifications about suspicious activities. 

“Users desire convenient and efficient security measures that ensure their safety without being intrusive,” she said. “Cloud-based solutions fulfill these needs by offering flexibility and immediate access to security updates.”

The reasons for installing a cloud-based rather than an on-premise access control system include scalability, cost-efficiency and enhanced protection, Balmori said. The technology integrates smoothly with other systems used across a building and can enable the automation of visitor management systems, room booking capabilities, temporary access restrictions and security alerts.

“In recent years, connectivity has become increasingly important, as it allows for seamless integration of both new and legacy software programs, providing significant benefits for property management,” she said. “At the end of the day, companies that are not open-source and cloud-based are doing a disservice to their clients.”

Clients who have adopted cloud-based security systems can use the data collected to improve the office experience even further for tenants. As flexible working has been more widely adopted, data on people’s behaviour can be used to modify office layouts according to how people really use them. 

A project manager can use information on how people are using office spaces to create a more efficient property management plan. They will see which spaces need to be maintained more often or how to adjust heating and cooling according to expected occupancy levels.

“This data-driven approach ensures that future buildings are not only safer but also more attuned to the needs and preferences of their occupants, leading to smarter, more efficient and user-friendly spaces,” Balmori said. “Architects and planners can leverage this information to create designs that enhance security while improving overall functionality and user experience.”

Brivo’s survey shows that customers already prioritise security in briefs and are willing to allocate significant proportions of budgets toward it. Respondents also acknowledged the cost of not integrating security into the design phase on project resources. On average, this adds 11 days to a project, accounting for 13% of total project cost. 

In contrast, considering security from the beginning provides a real opportunity to future-proof a property by installing the right combination of technology, Balmori said. As hardware and software as a service access control solutions increase in sophistication, the experience for tenants will improve even more. 

This article was produced in collaboration between Brivo and Studio B. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.

Studio B is Bisnow’s in-house content and design studio. To learn more about how Studio B can help your team, reach out to studio@bisnow.com.