Why are PropTech solutions important for enhancing the user experience in residential living spaces such as coliving communities?

To dive into this subject, we need to focus on both the guests and the operators, as well as their interests. Today’s world is characterised by a growing sharing economy and the ability of younger generations to utilise technology for their convenience. Demand has shifted and a flexible lifestyle is, due to many reasons, a dominating factor. Due to this shift, it is important to rethink the entire ecosystem of building operations. While this solution certainly involves smart access control, other types of smart technology also play a big part. Technology needs to be future proof for flexible use cases and the potential different purposes of a building’s life cycle. Utilising technology allows one to dive deeper into the operator experience.

Today, decision-making processes are changing due to the increasing importance of the end-customer’s experience. In other words, building designs are not a “build and forget” process. Whether developers will be the ones operating the building or not, they understand that a desirable asset is one that is future-proofed for multi-purposes usages. Automating operational tasks and utilising smart technology can relieve building operators of many administrative tasks, therefore freeing up time and resources for other goals.

Using technological platforms has many other qualities for building operators. Having a comprehensive overview of administrative tasks, such as room bookings, billing, and staff schedules, is vital for operators. Using management software with smart integrations allows operators to effectively manage their space, keeping everything in a single environment. Scaling that which can be scaled, and protecting investments using OPEX models are other examples of relieving operators of unnecessary operational tasks. The building industry environment is constantly changing and having administrative systems automated allows operators to quickly adapt to changes.

In conclusion: PropTech relieves operators and guests of unnecessary and inconvenient tasks, therefore allowing for the opportunity of enhancing service and user experience.

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What does SALTO KS provide that helps enhance this experience? How do IoT Access Control solutions support both coliving operators and the residents?

SALTO provides the ability to share and assign credentials of any type to open doors in real-time (for example PIN codes, physical tags, remote opening or mobile keys), allowing operators to grant access to visitors from a distance. This solves an abundance of problems for operators, especially during these unprecedented times of physical distancing. Eliminating the need for front desks and welcome staff reduces unnecessary human interactions, and saves time and resources, thereby increasing customer satisfaction. Administrators can simply remotely block their guests’ access at the end of their stay, automating the checkout task. The Mobile Key technology also eliminates the need for mechanical keys, and the accompanying problems with lost or misplaced keys.

Furthermore, SALTO provides operators with event monitoring, or the ability to see which user has opened which lock, in real-time. Event monitoring also notifies operators when a door has been left open, or if there has been an unauthorised access attempt. This is indeed a valuable feature now, when there is a need to monitor the number of people in a room to adhere to distancing regulations.

These features, and more, allow for the automation of many administrative tasks, freeing up time to focus on customer experience.

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Has COVID-19 brought up any new innovations within the PropTech sector and/or SALTO KS products? How has SALTO been able to innovate during this time?

Operators have had to use innovative solutions to keep their businesses going during these past few months, and SALTO is no exception. When the pandemic has passed, it will have left a lasting influence on the world, which will force corporations to adapt to a “new normal”. This “new normal” includes increased hygienic measures, avoiding physical contact, and more flexibility in both work schedules and workplaces. When offices start opening up again, operators will be looking for smart solutions to adapt to these measures.

SALTO offers solutions to many of these administrative problems. The ability to share Mobile Keys with visitors in real-time, together with the possibility of establishing time frames for visitors or short-stay guests automates the check-in and checkout processes. Automating these processes, with or without API integrations, reduces unnecessary human contact. Furthermore, event reporting helps operators control the flow of people at their site, a vital feature for when offices start opening up again.

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SALTO hardware utilises the BioCote antimicrobial technology, which reduces a broad spectrum of microbes by up to 99.9%. This reduces the possibility of viruses spreading through shared access points. Being able to grant instant access to cleaning staff helps keep the site up to hygienic standards, and the possibility of creating staggered work schedules by managing access rights ensures that people only go to the site at their designated day.

Being able to manage access rights quickly and in real-time also contributes to the flexibility of the workplace. The work from home policies implemented by many corporations has resulted in a need for creative solutions. As an example, many hotels have transformed their empty rooms into coworking spaces for people who are having difficulties working from home. For these kinds of solutions, a comprehensive access overview and the possibility of changing access rights in real time are valuable features.

Thinking even further ahead, future features might include body temperature checks using camera technology, which might lead to another ‘If This Then That’ (IFTTT) action.

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What is the future of PropTech in the real estate sector? What is the future of PropTech / access control solutions in coliving?

As technology keeps growing and evolving, the industry has to be able to adapt. We can expect technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, Nanotechnology, Quantum Computing, Polymer Batteries, The Industry 4.0, and further Actionable Analytics to impact the PropTech and Access Control industries in the next building life cycle.

More importantly, however, is the need to use existing and upcoming technology in a customer-centric way. This means experimentation with different features and platforms, as well as talking to end-users and other stakeholders to find the best possible solution.

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Is coliving here to stay? Why or why not? What will the coliving user experience look like in the future?

The pandemic has shown that many businesses were not properly prepared to adjust their practices to the required restrictions. However, it has also shown the innovative ways businesses have adapted. Coliving facilities have had to adhere to physical distancing requirements and limit human interactions, while still maintaining the social aspect of the customer experience. Creating virtual events for their tenants and using apps and technology to enhance the customer experience have been important strategies for coliving industries during these unprecedented times.

Although using technology to enhance customer experience is important, it is vital to not forget the social factor that is the core principle of coliving. Strengthening community ties and maintaining social interactions should be of the utmost importance for coliving spaces, even now.

Coliving has a bright future and is here to stay. Even during the pandemic, it has shown itself to be a resilient concept. With all the technologies involved, we must not forget the importance of social behaviour and need for interaction—which will always remain a core principle of coliving.

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