It’s safe to say that operating a property management firm is not typically a straightforward job. With multiple buildings and facilities encompassed under one umbrella, tasks such as facilitating improvements and repairs, collecting and organizing payments, and consistently working to fill vacancies can become overwhelming.
On top of all of this is one of the most important jobs of all: ensuring the safety of tenants and residents and protecting the facilities that they occupy. No matter the type of facility — apartment or condominium complexes, houses, office buildings, parking garages, warehouses, etc. — renters place their trust in property management companies when it comes to this task.
However, the very nature of managing property unfortunately creates an inherent security challenge. This is due to the fact that there are often several facilities to monitor across dispersed locations that all have a different set of unique needs. Property managers must also mitigate several risks, including vandalism, theft and violence, that can leave a lasting effect on both the renters and the firm if any damage occurs. Additionally, in today’s current climate, the restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 outbreak have resulted in many facilities temporarily becoming vacant, demanding monitoring for unwanted activity from afar.
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The Cloud: A Silver Lining
This is where things get cloudy (but in a good way). Cloud-based video surveillance makes increasing safety and security across facilities an efficient and effective task because of the technology’s several benefits:
- Centralized monitoring. This is certainly the most important advantage that the cloud provides for property management firms, as it allows users to keep an eye on every facility at all times and from any device. This is especially important for proactively recognizing a risk or vulnerability; users don’t have to worry about missing an incident or issue that needs to be addressed. When centralized monitoring is available through a single, unified interface with a single login, users benefit from one application to easily view and manage all remote properties.
- Remote management. Naturally, property managers can’t be in more than one place at one time (but if you can, please let us know how). The cloud enables users to access any footage or data that they need from any location, taking away the need for repetitive on-site visits. Additionally, this feature comes in handy in crisis situations, such as a pandemic or natural disaster, where some facilities might have lower occupancy than usual or traveling to a location is restricted.
- Enhanced business intelligence. Through advanced analytics and insights, property managers can gain an unprecedented level of information — like when people are loitering or unauthorized to be in restricted areas — that can help them keep facilities secure. This type of data can then send an automatic alert or notification to the property manager, facilitating a quick response. Business intelligence through the cloud can also go beyond security, enabling managers to improve operations through information like people or vehicle in region counts.
- Cost and resource savings. A cloud-based security platform allows property management firms to cut back on physical security efforts, like employing guards. The technology also does not require a robust IT staff for operation and maintenance, as it is quick and easy to add new properties with a low per-site investment.
The list goes on and on, but between centralized monitoring, remote management, enhanced business intelligence and cost savings, property management companies would be remiss not to take advantage of what the cloud has to offer. For a job that is already complicated as it is, cloud-based video surveillance makes it so that protecting people and property is a streamlined, simple and effective process.
Learn more about how the Arcules cloud platform can help your property management firm achieve its security and business goals.
