How Both Multifamily Building Owners and Residents Benefit When Access Control Moves Away From Key Fobs

Category: Multi Family
Tags: access control, LaMarCo Systems, multifamily security, security

As multifamily buildings modernize their security systems, traditional key fobs are giving way to more sophisticated access control solutions.

While key fobs represented a significant upgrade from traditional keys and keypads, newer technologies offer even more advantages for property owners and residents. This shift reflects the growing need for enhanced security, convenience, and efficiency in residential buildings.

How do multifamily building owners and residents benefit when access control moves away from key fobs?

Multifamily Building Challenges With Key Fobs

Key fobs have served as a convenient means of access for multifamily properties, but they are not without their issues. Common challenges include:

Lost or stolen fobs. Fobs can easily be misplaced or fall into the wrong hands, potentially compromising security. They are similar to physical keys in this way [1].
Limited programming. Reprogramming lost fobs can be cumbersome and time-consuming and often requires the replacement of fobs.

Physical wear and tear. Frequent use can lead to fob malfunction, resulting in frustration for residents and management alike.
Unauthorized copying of key fobs. Unauthorized copying of key fobs poses a security risk since people can use RFID cloning devices to duplicate fob signals and gain unauthorized building access.

These issues highlight the need for an improved access control system—one that is both secure and user-friendly.

Emerging Alternatives to Key Fobs

As technology advances, multifamily buildings are increasingly adopting alternative access control methods. These include:

Mobile access solutions. Residents can use their smartphones to gain entry, eliminating the need for physical key fobs in many cases.
Biometric identification. Fingerprint or facial recognition technology assures that only authorized individuals can access the building.
Cloud-based systems. These allow for real-time monitoring and management of access, making it easier to track usage and adjust permissions as needed [2].

By moving away from key fobs, multifamily building owners can capitalize on the advantages offered by these innovative systems.

Benefits for Building Owners & Property Managers

Transitioning to a more modern access control system provides several benefits for multifamily building owners.

Benefit #1: Improved Security

Modern access systems significantly enhance security by reducing unauthorized entry risks and allowing immediate deactivation of lost or stolen devices.

Benefit #2: Long-Term Cost Savings

While initial implementation requires investment, the long-term savings from reduced maintenance and replacement costs can be substantial. In addition, many current systems can be retrofitted with modern technology, helping reduce costs for multifamily property owners [3].

Benefit #3: Streamlined Management

Cloud-based solutions also streamline management, allowing property managers to track access logs, review resident activity, and manage permissions from anywhere in real-time.

Benefit #4: Enhanced Modern Experience

Perhaps most importantly, a modern entry system enhances the resident experience through improved convenience, which can significantly contribute to tenant retention and overall satisfaction.

Benefits for Residents

Residents of multifamily buildings also benefit from moving away from traditional key fobs. With mobile access, residents can enter the building using a smartphone app instead of fumbling for a key fob—a tool they already carry every day.

Many modern systems give residents more control by allowing them to grant temporary access to guests or service personnel. This flexibility, combined with reduced issues from lost fobs or broken locks, provides enhanced peace of mind for residents.

Modern access solutions also prioritize privacy through biometric features that verify identities uniquely, reducing the likelihood of shared access devices.

Ready to Embrace the Future of Access Control? Schedule a Consultation to Learn More

If you’re looking to upgrade your building’s access control systems and ensure security for your residents, contact LaMarco Systems today for comprehensive security package solutions available across the US. Embrace the future of access control and enhance your multifamily property’s security today!

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