Why the future of proptech is cloud-based

Worldwide end-user spending on cloud-based technologies is set to reach £288 billion this year. Cloud-based technologies are enhancing the convenience of the user experience when it comes to security and building management.

Why is the future of proptech cloud-based?

Keep reading to learn about cloud-based technologies’ benefits in the property management sphere, from building security to energy efficiency and health and safety.

How cloud-based t0echnologies are benefiting proptech

To understand why the future of proptech is cloud-based, it’s essential to understand how cloud-based technology works to create a more user-friendly and secure building management and security system. Here, we will discuss the uses of cloud-based technology for building management and security.

Touchless and hygiene-based technology

Since the pandemic, it has become increasingly important for building managers to consider the users’ health and safety in everyday building use. To do this, building managers can implement touchless and hygiene-based technology that reduces the spread of germs within the building:

• Touchless access control – a cloud-based solution that allows users to enter their building without touching anything. Choosing a door access control solution built on cloud-based technology enables property managers to use building security to increase health and safety measures. Touchless access control functions using digital access keys stored on tenants’ mobile devices. Since the cloud-based solution uses cellular, Bluetooth, and WiFi communication, users can enter with just a wave of their hand in front of the access reader. This wave will trigger over-the-air communication with their mobile device to allow them entry. So, users don’t have to touch anything or withdraw their mobile phone to enter. System administrators can operate the system remotely to lock and unlock doors from a distance – allowing tenants to enter easily if they lose their access credentials.
• Wellness verification software – since touchless access control is cloud-based, it facilitates open API integrations. You can implement wellness verification software to protect your building from health and safety risks. The software integrates with your access control system to implement wellness surveys that require visitors to fill out before entering. If the individual is symptomatic, they will not be able to access the building.

Integrating cyber and physical security

With the adoption of cloud-based technologies in building security comes the opportunity to merge physical and cyber security strategies. You must protect cloud-based security installations with cybersecurity software to ensure that the remote operation capacity of cloud-based security remains in the hands of only authorised users.

Cloud-based security tools can also be integral to securing digital assets such as server rooms.

With cloud-based physical security comes the opportunity to integrate AI and analytics with security tools for better identity verification. For instance, if the building had a cloud-based video intercom system with high-definition video, this would allow building managers to integrate facial recognition software. Facial recognition software verifies users’ identities before entering the building and reduces the possibility of stolen access credentials being stolen to enter the building.

Integrating technologies for a smart building

Cloud-based access control and building sensors offer open API integrations that can help property managers and landlords build an integrated building management system. Occupancy management software is a proptech trend that provides a detailed account of occupancy levels in the building and occupancy levels in areas within the building. Sensors and smart door locks throughout the building will allow occupancy management software to detect occupancy level trends, enabling building managers to plan operations more effectively.

Romain Blanquart / Newscom / Avalon

Automating building management triggers based on access control events

Occupancy management software integrated with access control throughout your building allows you to automate building management triggers based on access control events. You might consider automating the following building management triggers:

• Heating – if there is nobody in a space, then heating it will waste money and negatively affect the environment. By establishing building management triggers based on access control events, you can ensure that rooms in your building are only heated when occupied.
• Lighting – the same goes for your building’s lighting. When the room is empty, the lighting will switch off. The lighting will switch on again when someone enters the room, based on the access control event.
• Devices – if your building has appliances for tenants, it is prudent to use building management triggers to switch off any screens or devices when the room isn’t in use.

Summary

If you’re reconsidering your proptech strategy, you should consider improving building security and building management using cloud-based technologies. With cloud-based technologies, you can ensure that you provide health and safety measures for your tenants, and you can integrate cyber and physical security for a more effective overall strategy. You can also automate building management triggers to reduce monthly overheads and save energy.