Best Smart Home & Smart Access Solutions for Apartment Communities

When evaluating the best smart home and smart access solutions, it’s important to partner with a solution provider that offers a customized balance of automation, security, and modern convenience.

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience, security, and efficiency are top priorities for both renters and property managers. Smart home technology has revolutionized apartment living, offering seamless control over lighting, climate, security, and access. From keyless entry systems to fully integrated smart home ecosystems, the right solutions can enhance resident satisfaction while streamlining property management.

Let’s take a look at key factors to consider.

1. Comprehensive Smart Home Integration

• • Supports multiple smart devices (locks, thermostats, lighting, sensors).
  • Seamless integration with existing property management software.

2. Robust Smart Access Control

• • Keyless entry with smartphone access and personal PIN code options.
  • Remote access management for residents, staff, and guests.
  • Secure access logs and audit trails for enhanced security.

3. Scalability & Flexibility

• • Adaptable for small and large multifamily communities.
  • Ability to upgrade and expand as technology advances.

4. Centralized Management & Automation

• • A single dashboard for property-wide control.
  • Automated workflows for move-ins, move-outs, and maintenance.

5. Resident Experience & Convenience

• • User-friendly mobile app for easy control.
  • Self-guided tour capabilities for prospective renters.
  • Smart energy management for cost savings and sustainability.

6. Security & Compliance

• • Secure encryption and data protection measures.
  • Compliance with industry SOC2 standards.

7. Reliable Support & Maintenance

• • 24/7 customer service and technical support.
  • Ongoing updates and improvements to keep up with evolving tech.

8. Cost-Effectiveness & ROI

• • Competitive pricing with clear cost savings.
  • Demonstrated ROI through reduced key management, energy savings, and operational efficiency.

Below is a specific example of how a property has achieved cost savings and improved property operations with smart technology.

Smart Living at 2Bayshore

2Bayshore, a luxury living community in Tampa, sought to enhance operational efficiency and reduce expenses associated with physical key management. The solution was to implement an enterprise smart home solution that will enable property team to work more efficienctly and elevate living experience for residents.

Read the entire 2Bayshore Case Study.

Smart technology provided solutions to many age old multifamily challenges for property management teams including tracking keys, security, and labor intensive tasks. Below are examples of typical property managment challenges, alongside the solutions and ways smart tech can provide cost savings.

Eliminate Physical Keys
This change significantly improved operational efficiencies and reduced costs by thousands of dollars.

Enhanced Security
A keyless solution mitigated the security risks associated with lost or duplicated physical keys.

Streamlined Fire Inspections
The smart access system provided a more efficient method for conducting mandatory fire inspections, saving time and resources.

Cost Savings

Reduced Key Management Expenses:

• • No more physical keys to lose, duplicate, or replace — saving on locksmith fees and rekeying costs.
  • Smart locks can be reprogrammed remotely, avoiding the need to change entire lock systems between residents.

Fewer Maintenance Calls:

• • With remote access, property managers can troubleshoot and grant entry to maintenance staff without being on-site, cutting down on travel and labor costs.

Lower Turnover Costs:

• • Streamlined move-in/move-out process — digital keys can be activated or deactivated instantly, minimizing downtime between tenants and reducing vacancy losses.

Energy Efficiency Savings:

• • Integration with smart thermostats ensures units aren’t wasting energy when unoccupied, lowering utility bills for both residents and property owners.

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