4 Ways Smart Access Technologies Increase Property Value

A major shift is taking place in the way commercial real estate owners manage their buildings and their people.

This transformation is being driven by the impact of the pandemic and some already established trends: the need to cut carbon emissions, manage increasingly mobile and remote staff and contractors, and adapt to the rise of disruptive online business models. These factors are making it vital for organizations to operate more safely, more hygienically, and less wastefully than in the past to mitigate losses in revenue from reduced occupancies.

Opportunities are also emerging that are positive drivers to change for property owners, however. One of the more beneficial and less understood is the role played by access control technology in addressing challenges and inefficient processes many businesses have ignored or struggled with for a long time.

Here are 4 ways modern access technologies help increase property value.

1) Offering better tenant and occupant experiences

Improved health and safety is one of the biggest potential gains from today’s integrated access solutions, as users no longer want to interact with shared contact devices. Contactless technology can help to not only eliminate high-frequency touchpoints (such as door handles and elevator buttons) but can also detect and manage density to ensure that spaces are not overcrowded and help maximize occupant safety.

When used intelligently and alongside other appropriate health precautions post-COVID-19, these technologies can significantly ease any anxieties about returning to workspaces.

2) Allowing buildings to be managed in new ways

Space optimization is becoming a top priority as property owners look to identify more cost-effective ways to use their spaces when facing declining occupancies.

According to a recent Gartner survey, cutting overhead by shifting staff to permanent home working is a top priority for business owners. Today’s cloud-based access control solutions make it possible for property owners to adapt to the changing landscape and use their spaces with more flexibility and efficiency.

There is no longer any need for staff to visit security offices in person to obtain an ID or access badges. Mobile authorized access points can be deployed in reception areas for contactless check-in, and access data can be leveraged to monitor traffic and capacity to provide critical building insights. Remote self-enrollment allows it all to be done seamlessly.

3) Cutting waste and improving efficiency

Today’s access software can leverage the data provided by the same access control technology to switch air conditioning or lighting on and off as an occupant is using or leaving a space. According to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), “Integrating access technologies with real-time energy management systems can reduce costs by an average of 15%, as well as increase the bottom line by creating an environment that reduces energy waste and encourages employee productivity.”

So, modern access control capabilities not only mean a safer building, but also a more efficient one.

4) Reducing physical security risks

“If you wanted to get into one of our buildings, it wouldn’t be that hard” - Anonymous, Director of Innovation at REIT.

Hacking has evolved as a serious threat and protecting access control systems from hackers has become critical. Outdated access systems work by sharing complete credential data from key to access point to authenticate user access, leaving passwords and user credentials vulnerable to interception along the way. Security managers have uncovered $10 hacking devices capable of copying these key cards and fobs in under 30 seconds, meaning that the majority of commercial properties are using vulnerable technology to secure their spaces.

Access alerts notify you of potential security threats so you can issue a quick response, keeping your patients safe. Capacity monitoring features allow you to monitor occupancy and optimize your space for social distancing.

In the event you need to temporarily close your building to reduce capacity, your visitor management system can help. Capacity monitoring features keep you updated on area capacity and even lock down an entire facility while sending out communications to upcoming visitors to reschedule or cancel their appointments. A detailed log of who’s been at your property can also help with contact tracing efforts in case of an outbreak.

Modern access systems are designed to store credentials securely within cloud servers and mobile devices, placing authentication within the user’s device and only sharing a pre-authorized access signal to the reader. By migrating physical security to a complex cloud-based system, modern access systems make it harder for bad actors to hack entry points and effectively reduce physical security vulnerability.

Interested in learning more about our access control systems?

Connect with our team directly at contact@zervinc.com and we’ll work with your team to create a project plan that fits your facility’s needs.