What will 2021 bring for property management?

The past year has been challenging for everyone, regardless of industry, role or geographical location. However, with challenges can also come opportunities – and, for housing and property managers, the past year has brought in huge changes to ‘standard’ ways of working, as well as new technologies having been implemented to help property management run more smoothly.

During the pandemic, a common concern for housing professionals was how to continue to seamlessly manage property portfolios, now from a distance, while providing excellent service to residents, and doing all this in a safe manner. As a result, innovative access control and property management solutions have really come into their own – and, as we start a new year, it is clear that their benefits reach beyond the concerns of 2020 and well into the future.

The power of GSM
One such technology is GSM – or the Global System for Mobile Communications. GSM isn’t new by itself (as a digital cellular technology, it is traditionally used for mobile phone networks), but what has been a game-changer has been its application to property access and management. Using Subscriber Identification Module cards, or SIM cards, the technology allows for the transmission of data such as voice and video from one device to another. For housing and property managers, the possibilities are exciting.

By implementing GSM capabilities into access control systems like intercoms, for example, residents can grant access easily via their own mobile phone or tablet, and housing and property managers can also grant property access to contractors and service personnel via their phone, no matter where they are. Negating the necessity of a site visit, GSM not only makes these tasks safer for all parties, but also removes the time that would have been spent visiting and travelling between various sites.

Keeping a distance
For housing and property managers, the benefits of GSM don’t end there – GSM-based devices can be connected to secure online management systems to make even more processes achievable remotely. For example, making changes to tenant details or residency access, adding new users to the network, or changing key fob details.

Plus, as the wireless technology eliminates the need for cables or handsets in individual flats, GSM-based intercoms and access control solutions also allow for faster and easier installations – so service engineers and installers don’t need to interact with residents and can spend less time on site. Helping keep both parties safer, wireless technology also has the added benefit of reducing any ongoing maintenance.

Accessible for all
Intratone’s brand-new DD-02 intercom, designed specifically for affordable housing, harnesses the power of GSM technology to create a user-friendly, durable and accessible intercom solution. Not only does the DD-02 deliver on all of the wireless, remote management capabilities that have proven to be so crucial to operational efficiency, but it is also easy for anyone to use. Featuring direct dial calling (with no need to scroll), an audio induction loop and a braille backlit keypad for the visually impaired, the DD-02 includes an integrated pinhole video camera so residents can see who is at the door on their mobile phone or tablet before granting entry. Plus, with an integrated proximity reader for secure resident key fobs, and a vandal-proof, durable design, the DD-02 is a long-lasting solution for any multi-dwelling residence.

Looking to the future…
The majority of us are glad to leave 2020 behind, but the lessons learnt and the tools implemented during the past year have been extremely valuable for many. Digital-first, remotely managed processes are becoming our ‘new normal’, and technology-driven, intuitive solutions are now being expected by end users. By harnessing the power of GSM, and the next generation of wireless, intuitive intercoms and access control solutions, housing professionals can meet these needs and ensure that their property portfolio is future proofed.

Find out all about our latest DD-02 intercom here