December 02, 2024
Why Centralized Operations Start with Reliable Technology
Key takeaways
- Successful centralization efforts require a reliable technology infrastructure.
- A smart apartment platform with robust and flexible connectivity and property-wide access control is the foundation of effective centralization.
Centralizing multifamily operations promises cost savings, and it’s no secret that centralization requires technology. But the success of your centralization efforts doesn’t just hinge on having technology — it depends on having reliable technology.
To unlock the full potential of centralization — whether in maintenance, administration, or leasing — you need reliable smart apartment technology and building-wide access control.
Reliable technology drives centralization
Every aspect of centralization relies on technology. Maintenance teams need smart locks to access units (without having to constantly retrieve physical keys), leasing teams need comprehensive access control to enable self-guided tours, and staff need platforms residents will actually use to submit maintenance requests.
But not all technology is created equal. When devices and automations fail, they prevent remote management and ultimately erode the very efficiencies centralization aims to create.
Centralization requires reliable technology infrastructure and devices you can count on across every unit in your portfolio.
Unreliable technology results in:
- Maintenance staff delays: Imagine a technician unable to access a unit to complete a work order because a smart lock isn’t functioning.
- Burdened administrative support: Residents who find their smart apartment app unreliable will avoid submitting digital maintenance requests and revert to traditional methods like phone calls, increasing workloads for admin teams.
Bottom line: Centralization requires more than just technology — it requires ensuring your technology is reliable across every property in your portfolio.
How to choose the right technology to enable centralization
Not all smart apartment platforms are built to enable successful centralization. When evaluating providers, look for:
Robust, flexible connectivity infrastructure
Successful centralization requires a partner that can deliver consistent connectivity across every property type — from garden-style communities to high-rises, new builds to retrofits.
Your smart apartment platform should support multiple connectivity methods, ensuring reliable performance no matter the property’s layout or age.
Property-wide access control
Property-wide access control is the foundation of centralization.
Your platform must provide:
- Real-time, mobile-based access for staff, residents, prospects, and service providers.
- Building-wide access for authorized personnel from the front entrance to amenities, vacant units, and common areas.
Why access matters:
- Maintenance teams can’t afford to waste time managing physical keys or fobs
- Centralized off-site staff needs to be able to remotely check the status of vacant unit locks to prevent vandalism and squatters
- Leasing agents need to be able to offer self-guided tours without going onsite or managing physical credentials.
Automations
Automation is especially critical for admin centralization and most useful for managing turnovers and automating vacant unit management. Centralized off-site staff need to be able to turnover units and oversee vacant units from anywhere.
Why automations matter:
- Rather than manually walking the property to ensure vacant unit doors are locked, staff can remotely check lock statuses and lock doors.
- Staff can remotely turnover units and manage access permissions for outgoing and incoming residents.
Building intelligence solutions
Off-site teams can’t rely on visual cues to detect risks. They need smart building intelligence to stay ahead of potential issues.
Successful centralization requires building-intelligence solutions like:
- Leak and humidity sensors that reliably notify staff of potential issues upon detection
- Access history logs for visibility into who is entering and leaving common areas, amenities, and vacant units
Why building intelligence matters:
- Off-site staff need to receive immediate alerts notifying them of problems so they can act quickly.
- By reacting and resolving issues faster, staff can prevent substantial insurance claims and protect insurance premiums.
Don’t overlook the importance of quality implementation and support
Remember: Even the most advanced technology won’t deliver results without proper implementation and support.
Ensure your provider offers:
- Comprehensive staff and resident onboarding
- Ongoing technical support to keep your platform running smoothly
Ready to centralize with confidence?
Unlock the benefits of centralization with Ambient’s reliable smart apartment platform and building-wide access solution designed for long-term success.
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