Most likely, tenants and visitors to your co-working space value agile, modern solutions. In other words, pretty much the opposite of mechanical lock-and-key technology.
One forecast suggests flexible workspaces in the EMEA region will number around 17,000 by 2022. Co-working provision is a dynamic market, with increasingly fierce competition for a user base that knows what it wants. The right access solution helps your space stand out from competitors and can deliver real benefits for users and the way they work.
Smarter space use
Many creative and tech-oriented co-workers demand round-the-clock access. Indeed, according to the Harvard Business Review, the sense of control this flexibility gives is one reason people thrive in co-working spaces. If you have an access system you can manage remotely, from a PC or smartphone, staff need not be on-site to manage people coming and going 24/7.
An intelligent access system can also feed back critical business data in real time. Who is using your space? And when? The more you know, the more likely you will make better business decisions.
Safer belongings, slicker incident handling
Open, collaborative co-working involves lots of expensive tech and personal items lying around. In the words of one report by commercial property experts JLL, “While co-working spaces are perhaps safer environments to leave equipment unattended than your typical coffee shop, companies still risk a loss of equipment.” You can maximise security and minimise space users’ risk with effective access control. Co-workers will not rent desks where intrusion is easy — and you do not want to operate a space with a reputation for petty theft.
Imagine the worst happens to a tenant: something unexpected occurs or their valuables go missing. An access control system helps you sort it out quickly and efficiently. Because everyone carries personalised credentials — and you can order instant audit trails using access system software — you quickly find out who went where and when. Investigation is easier.
Cutting out cutting keys
In any sizeable workspace, standard physical keys are difficult to track without a dedicated key management system. Some types of physical key are relatively straightforward to cut without permission. How much time do you waste when a key is lost or stolen? Changing a standard mechanical lock is time-consuming and expensive.
When you install an access control system, one click cancels any “key”, key-card or smartphone credential. You can program and reprogram your door devices as many times as you like. You’ll never change a lock again.
Room to grow — or change your mind
Around two-thirds of co-working providers expect to expand their workspace in the future. The good news is wireless access systems like ASSA ABLOY’s SMARTair are almost infinitely flexible; you can bolt on new areas, easily move locks around, or add new sites as you grow. Wireless access control helps you change the security status of a door at any time — or expand your co-working area to another floor cost-effectively. Add a meeting space, connect two offices, no keys or cables needed.
Image can be everything
Modern workers prioritise convenience and user experience. The latest electronic access systems include an option for them to carry virtual keys on their smartphone, in place of a physical key or key-card. Savvy, smartphone-enabled access will set your space apart from local competitors.
Could your co-working space find another revenue stream by hosting weekend or evening events? Because smartphone keys are so flexible, they make it easy for you to issue time-limited access for temporary staff or one-time attendees. When the event is over, their “keys” no longer unlock your doors. You do nothing — it’s all automatic.
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