With The Evolution Of Cloud Technology, Retrofitting Access Control Is Easier Than Ever

Upgrading an existing multifamily building can be daunting, but it is increasingly necessary in today’s tech-forward world. Residents expect a higher level of technology and amenities than even five years ago, and there is additional pressure on property owners to streamline operations and reduce costs. 

The evolution of technology is making it easier for a property owner to approach retrofitting, said Monica Snyder, senior sales manager of multifamily and vacation rental solutions for access control provider Brivo.

“The multifamily sector sees numerous reasons to upgrade the technology within their buildings,” Snyder said. “And today, the evolution of cloud-based systems means it isn’t such a huge undertaking as it has been in the past. The most commonly addressed technology to move to the cloud is building access control.”

There are many reasons a property owner may need to upgrade a building, Snyder said. From the point of view of access control, a cloud-based system enables a much more secure building. Resident and visitor credentials can be removed at any time, while propertywide lockdown can be initiated from a mobile device.

Cameras can be seamlessly integrated into a single platform, while alarms can be set for doors left open or even to detect tailgating. It provides a single source of truth, as residents are automatically moved in and out based on the property management system, Synder said. From both a staff and resident perspective, technology can improve the experience. 

“For staff, it takes away manual activities such as key management or managing deliveries,” Snyder said. “This is important given labor is in high demand and there is an emphasis on streamlining property operations. For residents, who increasingly expect the same experience in a multifamily building as in hotels, cloud-based systems allow them to use their phones for everything, including accessing a building.”

Retrofitting technology in an existing building isn’t always straightforward, however. Property owners often have to contend with an outdated wiring infrastructure, and they may take a piecemeal approach to upgrading that causes issues down the line.

Challenges can arise when a property owner installs systems that don’t talk to each other, Snyder said. Siloed systems can end up being more time-consuming as well as costly. In contrast, installing a cloud-based access control system that works with other technology will facilitate activities such as self-guided tours and better amenity management. 

The best place for a property owner to start is to work with a technology partner that can help build a long-term plan, Snyder said. 

“Many properties won’t have the budget to update all technologies within one fiscal year,” she said. “Understanding the estimated costs of all phases of the upgrade is critical to ensure the correct ones are prioritized. This will give the best return on investment and enable staff to manage properties more efficiently.”

Once a plan is in place, a property owner should work closely with the installation team to ensure residents move seamlessly from the outdated system to the new cloud system, Snyder said. To get the most from the upgrade, the property owner should communicate to residents the improved user experience and enhanced security features.

“Armed with a long-term plan, property owners will be best placed to make the most of new technologies as they hit the market,” Snyder said. “And with residents receiving the experience they seek, the return on investment will be clear.”

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.