Balancing security and convenience in multi-family buildings with smart access solutions

In the world of multi-family access control, balancing security and convenience has always been a fine line. Traditionally, physical keys have been the primary tools for securing buildings. However, with the rise of smart credentials and mobile access solutions such as apps, Wallet, Bluetooth LE, and NFC (Near Field Communication) technologies, the landscape is changing dramatically. These innovations prove that enhanced security can coexist with greater ease of use for residents, staff, and visitors alike. 

Embracing keyless access for multi-family properties 

As our lives become more digitally connected, mobile access has transformed how people interact with access control systems – particularly in high-end residential, multi-family, and build-to-rent (BTR) properties. Physical access cards are becoming a thing of the past, with mobile credentials offering a more streamlined and secure keyless alternative. 

By incorporating mobile access and smart credentials into your property’s access control strategy, you can drastically improve convenience, security, and efficiency. Allowing residents and staff to use their smartphones as digital keys significantly reduces the risk of lost or forgotten credentials, saving time and resources spent on issuing replacements. It also reduces the administrative burden, enabling property managers to focus on other critical tasks. 

Top 10 benefits of smart access solutions 

Beyond convenience, mobile and smart access credentials provide multi-family properties with a range of benefits. By embracing this technology, you can offer a more user-friendly and secure environment for residents while positioning your property as a modern, forward-thinking space. Here are the top ten benefits of adopting smart access solutions:

1. Convenience: Residents and staff can easily access secure areas using smartphones, smart cards, or key fobs.
2. Enhanced security: Advanced encryption and authentication protocols make mobile credentials more secure than traditional keys.
3. Cost-effective: Eliminates the expense of reissuing lost or stolen physical keys or keycards.
4. User-friendly: Mobile access apps and smart credentials offer intuitive interfaces for managing access permissions.
5. Seamless integration: Through solutions such as the Salto NCoder, you can integrate secure smart credentials with other smart building systems and app-based solutions for greater connectivity.
6. Remote management: Administrators can grant, modify, or revoke access remotely, offering enhanced control.
7. Audit trail: Provides detailed logs of who accessed specific areas and when, improving security oversight.
8. Scalability: Easily accommodates your building’s growing access control needs without major infrastructure changes.
9. Contactless access: Ideal for health-conscious environments, reducing physical contact with surfaces.
10. Future-proof technology: Ensures that your property remains up-to-date with the latest technological advancements in access control. 

Understanding mobile access credentials 

Mobile access credentials come in two main forms: app-based and wallet-based. Both options offer unique advantages, depending on your property’s needs. 

App-based credentials: With solutions such as Salto’s Homelok app, you can download a mobile app that acts as a digital key. These apps provide flexibility and ease of use, allowing residents to access secured areas by simply presenting their smartphone to compatible readers. 

Wallet-based credentials: These are stored in digital wallets, such as Apple Wallet, and rely on NFC technology to interact with readers. They deliver a streamlined user experience that mirrors everyday smartphone use, making it a natural extension of daily life. 

The rise of smart credentials 

While physical credentials such as smart keycards still hold a place in access control, mobile credentials represent the future. Smartphones, with their built-in security features such as biometric authentication, offer unparalleled protection and can be updated via software to stay ahead of cyber threats. 

However, there are many reasons to still prefer physical credentials. In these cases, it’s crucial to move away from legacy systems such as magstripe cards and adopt secure alternatives like Salto’s Homelok NCoder, which encodes MIFARE DESFire EV3 contactless credentials. This hybrid approach of both smart cards and mobile credentials ensures that properties cater to diverse preferences without compromising on security. 

At Salto, we are fully embracing this hybrid model. Our hardware and software platforms support a range of credentials, from BLE mobile access to NFC wallet-based solutions, ensuring flexibility for you and all of your residents. 

Empowering multi-family properties with smarter credentials 

The introduction of mobile credentials means residents, staff, and visitors can now gain access to everything from apartment doors to shared amenities using only their phones. With Salto Homelok, residents can add digital keys to their mobile wallet or app and enjoy a seamless experience across all Salto-equipped areas. 

This shift towards digital access not only enhances convenience but also positions your property as a modern, forward-thinking place to live. This ensures your properties align with the expectations of today’s tech-savvy residents.