What is Universal Access Control Software?
No matter the number of doors or the number of properties in a manager’s portfolio, access control is undoubtedly one of the most important — and often most challenging — counterparts of a successful property management strategy. And for good reason: making the switch from physical keys to smart locks and using cloud-based universal access control software means greater security, greater efficiency, and greater savings by eliminating rekeying costs and revolutionizing on-site management.
Turn your access control system into a lasting strategic advantage, and gain the ability to control it all from a single, cloud-based platform from wherever you are.
But historically, it has also meant investing in multiple software platforms, choosing between limited proprietary hardware, and sourcing integration partners that often require additional development resources. In short, investing in one access control platform has typically led to multiple investments and multiple initiatives over time to form a holistic system; but thanks to universal access control software, that’s no longer the case. Instead, a universal access control solution provides you with unrivaled choice in hardware integrations, and it grants you the power to pair your access control system with essential software you use every day. Turn your universal access control software into a lasting strategic advantage, and gain the ability to control it all from a single, cloud-based platform from wherever you are.
Take a look at what separates typical access control from universal access control, and how choosing the right solution could save you a great deal of money, time, and stress.
An access control system isn’t universal if…
It can’t be controlled from the cloud.
A traditional access control system may require on-premise hardware that needs to be managed from a server, panel, or expensive on-site IT infrastructure. Without the power of the cloud, you’re faced with trying to right-size on-site equipment that will meet your needs, which typically results in oversizing systems. In addition to unexpected costs, system crashes require specialized personnel to fix — and you’re unable to swiftly adjust access settings for users and for specific properties from the convenience of a mobile app. Non-cloud-based systems also pose a threat to data security and protection: Those locally-hosted servers are often left vulnerable to hardware failures and missed software security updates. On the other hand, cloud security offers the same level of protection as current banking and financial systems, which ensures sophisticated safety with minimal risk.
It only works with a limited number of hardware brands that are often proprietary.
Many traditional access control platforms only work with smart locks that are manufactured by their brand, or they only offer a small handful of hardware options to choose from when pairing with software. With limited smart lock options also comes limited capability for your entire property: If a certain door requires a different smart lock to manage than what is available to you, you’re required to search elsewhere — creating additional costs and an additional management platform to control a separate set of locks.
It can’t control integral entries such as elevators and parking garages.
If the system has limited hardware options, it’s also likely to be limited to which door types it can secure, especially when it comes to more difficult-to-manage doors like glass entries, parking garage doors, and elevators. Additionally, these limitations will extend to access permissions such as “Floor to Floor” capability, which allows users to set elevator permissions for tenants by floor.
It can’t be integrated with modern property management software, such as CRM platforms or 3rd party booking software.
Property managers and property owners already have software they’re accustomed to using on a daily basis. Accounting software, CRM software, property management software, 3rd party booking tools, HR management systems — chances are, adding another platform into the mix isn’t appealing and certainly isn’t efficient, especially if it can’t be integrated with any of the current software you’re currently using. And while some systems are designed to be a breeze to run in parallel without integrating with others, traditional platforms typically don’t have an API that allows for seamless integrability into property management workflows if your needs change down the road.
It needs to be managed using different platforms.
Multiple properties, multiple locks, multiple software systems that can’t be integrated in multiple places: The most costly and inefficient aspect of a traditional access control solution is its inability to centralize each piece onto one system. As a result, your locks, your properties, your users, and your property management tools can become jumbled and difficult to keep track of, and managing access becomes a headache instead of a relief — not what property management technology is designed to do.
An access control system is universal if…
It can be controlled from the cloud.
No more on-site personnel, expensive servers or panels, or spending more on system capacity you may not use. A cloud-based universal solution is future-proof: It can flex to meet the needs of your properties and your business, and it can expand when your portfolio does. The cloud also ensures improved data security and protection without the worries of on-site hardware failures and missed software updates.
It offers ultimate variety and flexibility when it comes to hardware.
A universal access control solution should be just that: universal. It works regardless of which lock, which door, and which property you’re securing, and it works with the locks you already have installed on your properties — even if they’re hardwired. RemoteLock offers smart lock options from the leading manufacturers like Schlage, Kwikset, Yale and others, allowing you to mix and match depending on which locks you need and where you need them.
It can control integral entries such as elevators and parking garages.
The same variety and flexibility you have with hardware also applies to door types and difficult-to-manage entries. Glass doors, elevators, parking garages, you name it: RemoteLock can secure it; and managing user permissions is easier than ever with settings per door and per property, even with floor-to-floor elevator capability.
It can be integrated with existing property management software.
Consolidate the property management systems you already use onto the RemoteLock platform, like Entrata, Airbnb, Pynwheel, and more. Thanks to our robust API, access control functionality can be easily connected to other business processes such as workflow and resource management, maintenance ticking, and even HR onboarding tools.
It’s centralized on one scalable, easy-to-use, future-proof platform.
Investing in a universal access control platform is an investment in the last access control solution you’ll ever need. Your locks, your doors, your properties, and all of your favorite software integrations can be managed and controlled from one intuitive app, which means less time, less money, and fewer headaches spent on navigating a multitude of tedious systems. Instead, managing your access is easy, effective, and enjoyable for you and your team, and it’s designed to grow with your business — so you can stay confidently capable no matter how many more doors you build.
Ready to explore the transformative capabilities of a universal access control platform? Contact RemoteLock today to see how our solution can work for your business.
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Chrissy Priest
Senior Writer
Chrissy Priest is RemoteLock's Senior Writer and Editor and specializes in bringing complex topics in tech to life. Prior to her roles in SaaS, Chrissy worked in account management and branding at a digital agency supporting brands like ADT Security, Mr. Coffee, and Sports Authority. Inspired by the power of human potential, Chrissy’s writing helps enterprise innovators identify cutting-edge technologies capable of driving meaningful business impact.
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