3 Physical Security Trends That Drive User Experience In CRE

As use of technology in CRE has increased, more property managers and owners are introducing digital access tools. However, the security of these platforms is becoming a concern for tenants, according to Kerstin Demko, vice president of marketing at cloud-based access control company Brivo.

“Adoption of security and other proptech features is being driven by user experience and convenience,” she said. “We continue to see demand for solutions to better manage the physical space. But as more and more technology is used in real estate, building managers need to communicate how cloud-based access can offer a high level of security.”

To help CRE owners and managers understand the evolving physical security landscape and the role technology plays within it, Brivo has published a guide. The 2023 Top Security Trends report is based on Brivo’s annual global survey of security and facilities professionals and provides guidance in five key areas. Demko said there are three areas that CRE operators and owners need to understand in particular.

Using Security To Improve The User Experience

The way people use offices has changed. Since the pandemic, employees have adopted flexible hours, hybrid environments and different areas to work. The methods and times they want to access the office can therefore be quite different.

When Brivo’s survey asked how important a good user experience is in access control, 84% of respondents said either extremely or very important. This shows that mobile access goes beyond providing secure access to a building, Demko said. It shows that it is an experience users enjoy and increasingly expect.

“This shift in how people use offices requires building managers and owners to create new policies and processes,” she said. “These need to maintain security while delivering the best user experience. The better the experience is for users, the more likely they will be to use it correctly and not risk security by cutting corners.”

System Integration Is Vital

As in previous years, respondents’ No. 1 security goal for 2023 is integrating security systems with other business functions. Today, building managers use a wealth of technology, from identity and access management software, automatic lighting and environmental sensors, to HR software and property management apps. Without a connected approach, this can be a lot to manage, Demko said.

“While remote access control can be integrated with other security systems such as video surveillance, this is only the start,” she said. “There is so much smart technology being used in buildings today that integrating security provides a seamless user experience. Users can access and adjust their environment or book desks and conference rooms using one single platform.”

Integrating business systems can provide further benefits, Demko said. Users can gain insights into trends and space usage and provide information to business departments other than security. This also allows security teams to have a better view of both cyber and physical security together. 

The Use Of Mobile And Biometrics

Today, cloud-based access control systems can make use of the security credentials used by people every day on their smartphones. Once registered, users benefit from far greater flexibility and ease of use, Demko said. It could also help address some users' security concerns.

“Overall, systems that use smartphones can reduce both hassles and costs for businesses and their employees,” she said. “Onboarding can be handled remotely and users are much less likely to lend their smartphone to someone else, making businesses and spaces more secure.”

Already, survey respondents indicated they are using smartphone biometrics for access: 40% of respondents said they use them on all access points, not just those in high-value locations, while 37% use them as a primary access credential. 

More than 60% of respondents said they are considering adding biometrics to their building in the next three years. When questioned about face-based recognition specifically, 80% said they were likely to use this technology if research showed it was affordable and widely adopted. 

“Undoubtedly, we are going to see more adoption in this space in the next few years,” Demko said. “We expect to see even more innovative security solutions very soon.” 

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

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