Student Housing Business is the voice of the student housing industry.
Issue link: https://studenthousingbusiness.epubxp.com/i/783396
SMARTER OPERATIONS StudentHousingBusiness.com January/February 2017 73 allows operators to further safe- guard residents by remotely mon- itoring doors and access points, as well as cancel any keycards sus- pected of unauthorized use to pre- vent potential security breaches. ASSA ABLOY also offers a mobile access product line-up that allows facilities to offers solutions that align with the preferences of today's student body. With ASSA ABLOY Hospitality Mobile Access, students have access to their door and access points as soon as they arrive on site via keys that are delivered to their mobile devices. "By simply downloading a mobile app, users can go directly to their place of residence allow- ing them to avoid slower and more traditional forms of com- munication that increasingly are having an impact on a facility's ability to attract new residents," notes Wu. Choosing Wisely For operators looking to use new technology or mobile-based access and security measures, it's important to fully vet the options whether it's for a new development or retrofitting an old property. An important aspect to consider when creating an access and secu- rity solution, or upgrading a cur- rent system, is the adaptability of the product and services. As tech- nology advances and the needs of management teams and residents change, having a highly adapt- able access and security program will allow a property to stay up to date and grow with technology updates. Hanley notes that it's hugely important for management to be involved in the initial program- ming and implementation deci- sions for security and access solu- tions. It is crucial to devote time to learn about the many configu- ration options to make a well- informed decision about what solution would be the best fit for each community, he says. Aikin echoes Hanley's sugges- tions by noting that defined com- munity needs should shape what technologies and systems a man- agement team utilizes. "Letting the technology define your solution can be problematic as the trend may not apply to core needs," Aikin explains. "It is also important to organize stake- holders, including the card office, security professionals, IT, facility and housing managers, finance department, administration and students, to agree on key objec- tives that can extend beyond secu- rity and ensure the technology meets everyone's needs." Welliver explains that taking the time to do a proper assessment should include reviewing current needs, past problems and future needs. "When doing a retrofit, it's important to look at any scenarios that have occurred; and when cre- ating a new system, collaboration is critical," he says. In addition to doing full assess- ments and considering the needs of all stakeholders, selecting pro- viders with a strong track record in the student housing sector and products that were truly designed BRAD AIKIN Commercial Electronics Portfolio Leader, Allegion