By Nicolás Aznar, Vingcard
The most powerful innovations are those that solve real problems for real people. Throughout my decades-long career in access control, I’ve seen firsthand how focusing on fundamentals creates more value than chasing every new trend.
In multifamily and affordable housing especially, success doesn’t come from implementing the most advanced technology available. It comes from understanding what residents and property managers truly need, then delivering solutions that address those specific requirements with excellence.
The most successful access control technologies excel at three fundamental elements. They prioritize safety. They embrace simplicity in both technology and operation. And they deliver genuine affordability that works for both residents and property staff.
Standard One: Safety as the Foundation
For multifamily communities, safety remains the non-negotiable starting point for any access control system. The most effective solutions deliver comprehensive protection through practical features that make a tangible difference in everyday life.
Encrypted digital credentials offer significant advantages over traditional keys, eliminating concerns about unauthorized duplication. Detailed access logs create accountability and let property managers monitor activity patterns. Emergency override capabilities maintain continuous operation during power outages or system disruptions. And integration capabilities connect access control with other security measures for multi-layered protection.
These fundamental security features deliver peace of mind for residents while giving property managers the tools they need to maintain safe communities. By focusing on these essentials, multifamily housing owners and managers can significantly enhance security without implementing overly complex systems.
Standard Two: Simplicity Through Smartphone Integration
The widespread adoption of smartphones across demographics has created the perfect platform for access control in multifamily housing. Mobile credentials leverage technology that residents already own and understand, eliminating the learning curve often associated with new systems.
This approach has substantial advantages for both residents and property staff. For residents, smartphone access means no more carrying multiple keys or worrying about lockouts. For property managers, it transforms operations through remote credential management, flexible move-in processes and simplified visitor access.
The beauty of smartphone-based access lies in its intuitive nature. The interface is familiar, the technology is reliable and the convenience is universal. This simplicity drives adoption across diverse resident populations while minimizing support requirements for property staff.
In fact, according to market research firm Park Associates, multifamily owners reported a 20 percent efficiency boost for maintenance staff by not needing to pull keys and a 3 percent reduction in the capital expenditures operational budget due to not needing to replace doors and locks.
Standard Three: Affordability That Makes Business Sense
In multifamily management, financial considerations influence every technology-investment decision. Access control must deliver value for property owners while remaining accessible for residents of all income levels.
The most effective approach examines total cost owners pay rather than focusing solely on upfront expenses. A few examples of how digital access solutions deliver operational savings compared with traditional keys include:
- Lower replacement costs for lost or damaged keys
- Decreased security risks from unauthorized duplication
- Reduced staff time spent managing physical credentials
- Minimized maintenance requirements for mechanical systems
These efficiency gains often make digital access more affordable in the long run while delivering enhanced security and convenience. For multifamily properties operating with tight margins, these operational savings can make a meaningful difference in overall financial performance.
Practical Considerations
Multifamily communities need access systems with specific characteristics that prioritize reliability and usability.
Consistent performance under high-traffic conditions ensures the system functions smoothly regardless of demand. Intuitive interfaces accommodate users of varying technological proficiency. Durable hardware withstands intensive daily use and environmental challenges. And compatibility with property management systems creates operational synergies.
These practical considerations determine whether access control becomes an asset or a liability for the property. By focusing on these fundamentals, owners can implement systems that reliably enhance the resident experience while simplifying property operations.
In this industry, long-term value comes from selecting systems with proven reliability and adaptable architectures that evolve with changing needs. The most successful implementations come from established providers with clear upgrade paths, regular software updates and demonstrated commitments to the multifamily sector.
This approach protects the initial investment while keeping the system relevant as technology advances. Property owners can confidently implement solutions knowing they’ll deliver value for years to come without requiring premature replacements.
The Right Balance Creates Value
Multifamily communities deserve access control that enhances security and convenience without unnecessary complexity or expense. By focusing on the fundamentals of safety, simplicity and affordability, properties can implement systems that genuinely improve daily life for residents while delivering operational benefits for staff.
This balanced approach typically yields higher resident satisfaction, more efficient operations and better long-term value than more complex alternatives. For the multifamily industry, that means prioritizing solutions that address the specific needs of its residents rather than implementing technology for its own sake.
The reward? According to Park Associates, 85 percent of multifamily owners report access control and other smart home technologies increase rent by between 10 and 30 percent.
As we develop access control for the future, keeping these priorities front and center will help us create solutions that truly serve people across the economic spectrum who need safe, simple and affordable living environments.
Nicolás Aznar is president, Americas, at Vingcard.