The digital shift within the housing sector is showing no signs of slowing down.
For installers, there has never been more demand for these types of solutions. Whether it’s the increased popularity of ‘smart’ technology (think Alexa and Google Nest, or smart meters and thermostats), or digital replacements for more traditional tools such as bulletin boards, it’s a great time to expand your portfolio. And for access control installations in particular, GSM technology is a digital-first solution that has the power to optimise processes for both housing professionals and residents alike.
A digital age
For both Housing Associations and private property management businesses, there is undoubtedly an increased awareness of the ways that technology can streamline their everyday processes and operations. A key driver towards expanding and embedding digital ways of working is the need to save money, time and overall resources, but it can also improve the tenants’ relationship with their housing provider via increased efficiency and responsiveness, and – in the case of access control – enhanced building security. With residents’ expectations for innovative, user-friendly solutions only increasing, and with the UK Government’s Local Digital Declaration initiative actively encouraging local authorities to embrace technology, this trend is going from strength to strength – which is why GSM is a great technology for every installer to adopt.
GSM, or the Global System for Mobile Communications, isn’t in itself a new technology. A digital cellular technology that transmits data such as voice and video streams to other devices, it’s in fact the foundation for mobile phone data networks, allowing users to both make and receive calls. What is new, however, and what is potentially transformational for the building access sector, is its application beyond telecommunications. As a completely wireless and digital system, GSM makes plastic handsets and traditional wired intercoms obsolete, and instead transforms door entry devices into cable-free systems, able to connect users across a network at unlimited range.
Advantages for everyone
For the residents themselves, property access can be easily granted via mobile phone calls, no matter where they are. Traditional wired intercoms – which rely on radio-frequency technology – have a limited range, but with GSM-based wireless systems residents can answer their door no matter where they are – whether in their apartment or elsewhere: boosting security while also being a great option for those with restricted mobility.
Meanwhile, for housing and property managers, GSM-enabled wireless access control devices have the potential to revolutionise current working practices. There is no need for mechanical keys, which are frequently lost, and as the technology can easily be linked to existing remote or off-site management systems, housing providers can oversee all access to their buildings without leaving their desk. As such, property professionals can also carry out day-to-day administration tasks, such as making real-time changes to key fobs, flat numbers and tenant information, in a more streamlined and efficient way, without the need for a site visit.
The power of connection
As no wires or physical handsets are required, GSM-based access control devices are ideal for retrofit installations. Installers do not need to enter individual properties to fit receivers or handsets, making installations hassle-free and safer, especially with the current social distancing guidance in place. With minimal hardware and innovative plug-and-play software, ongoing maintenance is reduced too, allowing installers to deliver a seamless, uncomplicated service for housing providers.
At Intratone, our entire range of access control and property management systems have been created using GSM technology. From intercoms to coded keypads, digital noticeboards to proximity readers, our solutions are all wireless – ensuring easy installations, user-friendliness as well as increased efficiency. Plus, as all of our systems are connected to a remote, secure online management system, housing professionals can also complete time-intensive administrative tasks and keep an eye on building security in real-time, in just a few clicks.
Future-proof solutions
Reflecting on a challenging year to deliver services remotely and the ongoing digital movement, housing professionals are seeking systems that reduce inefficiencies and that are easy to both set up and use. By offering customers technologies such as GSM-based wireless access control devices, installers everywhere will be ready to face the digital transformation of the industry head-on and stand out in an increasingly competitive marketplace.