The respondents who use smart locks said their top three challenges are :
• Finding time to program new fobs
• Software malfunctions
• Dead batteries
Survey participants also pointed out that smart locks come with their own unique security challenges . If they lose power or are hacked , residents could be locked in or out of their apartments . One respondent also pointed out that “ it ’ s very easy to make a master key in an electronic system , which is a big liability .”
It Depends on the Community
Do smart locks add value to multifamily communities or increase their security risks ? It depends on a few factors :
How The Community Approaches Access Control
Smart locks that log door access are safer than master keys without an accurate access log . And an electronic key control system that secures keys or fobs and creates an automatic audit trail is the safest approach .
The Residents Who Live in the Community
We found that ages 18-34 were the biggest champions of smart technology , but ages 45 and up preferred traditional keys . If your community already has other smart technologies and attracts a lot of college students or young professionals , smart locks might make sense . However , if you have an older demographic , you ’ re better off sticking with metal keys . If your community is somewhere in the middle , consider a hybrid approach ( e . g ., using traditional locks on apartments and smart locks for common areas ).
On-site Staff Workload
Will your staff have time to program fobs or troubleshoot resident issues with the locks ? These tasks take time , and they ’ ll need to be integrated into the property management workflow .
Whether or not your community is on track to becoming one of the 40 % of smart properties in the next few years , a smart approach to access control isn ’ t just about the technology itself . It ’ s about addressing security risks , considering your residents ’ needs , and setting on-site staff up for success .
Carl Hanly , CAS is a regional manager with KeyTrak , Inc .
38 | TRENDS JUNE 2022 www . aamdhq . org