The options can seem overwhelming. How do you know you are getting the best solution for your property? What questions should you ask? We have tried to streamline the process by giving the top things to ask when evaluating different vendors to find the best fit for you!
1.What is included in the offering?
First, and most importantly, you need to be fully educated on what is included in the offering. While each vendor can differ on certain aspects, the general model is likely similar. Doing your due diligence ahead of time will allow you to compare each solution and find the best fit for your needs.
2.What smart devices is the offering compatible with?
Common answers will be WiFi (or ethernet), Bluetooth, Zigbee, LoRaWAN, or cellular.
3.Does the platform include common area access and guest access?
Think access to your properties amenities like fitness centers, pools, office space, etc. Guest access will likely be important to your residents and allow for a more secure and convenient experience.
4.Is there a mobile app for residents?
Vendors should offer a resident application for mobile devices that is an all-in-one experience. This app should allow residents to control their devices, have a fast response time, and be intuitive and easy to use.
5.What is the operating staff experience?
A good platform will have a centralized system in the backend for the property management staff. This system should…
-Allow staff to control vacant units
-Allow control over common area access/schedules
-Allow staff to easily adjust or modify residents information/accessibility upon move-out
-Allow you to monitor hardware and usage, and provide the ability to re-key a lock/fob quickly for residents or maintenance staff.
The backend system should be easy to use and interoperable with your other applications and software.
