All you need to know about app-based apartment security systems

A fad or a new industry standard? Either way, the market for app-based apartment security and management systems looks bullish

It’s unreasonable to expect the security guard to recognise who is the owner every time. What if you got a hair cut? After all, he doesn’t have a face recognition technology (yet). Jokes aside, with the boom in e-commerce, online cab and food deliveries, the footfall in gated communities has increased drastically, which has led to avoidable delays at the entrance. Technologies like MyGate, ADDA GateKeeper and ApnaComplex understand these challenges and offer end-to-end app-based apartment security and management solutions.

On May 31, MyGate announced a partnership with multiple e-commerce brands, including Swiggy, Zomato, Dunzo and Grofers. Once the user selects auto-approval for trusted brands, the delivery executive needs to just share his phone number with the guard before reaching your doorstep. Vijay Arisetty, co-founder and CEO, MyGate, says, “We take the existing online footprint and improve the user experience for online services and offline processes for residents in gated communities.” It’s worth mentioning that these platforms are ad-free and the makers claim it will remain so.

Onboarding

Once the management of a gated community decides to get the services, they are added in the database of the platform. This involves creating profiles (name, address, phone number etc) of residents; security guards; and frequent visitors like gardeners, baby sitters, domestic help, drivers and tutors. The guards are given a smartphone to interact with the residents to verify the visitors.

A security guard verifies a vistor using MyGate at the Paramount Towers, Visakhapatnam

What they offer

These apps allow one-time password verification of visitors, tracking vehicles which are parked incorrectly, monitoring when the domestic help and others reach the premises, and making payments like maintenance fee and salaries to helping staff. Each month, you will know exactly how many days your staff was absent without any arguments. Now, who wouldn’t want that feature?

With this technology, visitors’ log is no longer just a formality. But the tech is not limited to security solutions. The tech is especially useful for the management of gated communities. It helps them in reducing paperwork drastically, by making digital workflows like build portals to inform the residents, pre-booking amenities, and most importantly, taking feedback effectively. Recently, the welfare association of Paramount Towers in Visakhapatnam subscribed to MyGate. P Vijay Krishna, treasurer of Paramount Towers Welfare Association, says, “This technology is certainly the need of the hour. We no longer rely on manual recording processes. As a result, information is just a few clicks away.”

The users can make in-app calls to other residents and the security guard. If the gated communities integrate this technology from the beginning, they can avoid spending lakhs on intercoms, a yesteryear’s technology which involves maintenance cost.

Reality check

While these features make sure community management can get their heads over the paperwork and focus on getting things done, the fact remains technology is only as good as its operator. Community management can pick and choose the feature they need. If your gated community decides to opt for it, make sure it begins with a few features and then gradually integrates other processes.

Works flows can customised as per clients requirements

After all, if the technology is making a simple process complicated, then it’s best skipped. For instance, if giving food to your domestic help, the app-enabled households need to click a picture and send a message to the guard. Just leave it to technology for taking the joy out of little acts of kindness. But in many gated communities, security guards have to check the items taken out by the maid. Amit Kumar Tyagi, chief business officer at ApnaComplex, says, “Some people actually prefer this system, since they don’t want the guard crossing-checking via phone each time.”

If Black Mirror episodes got to you and you don’t need the hi-tech lifestyle, these technologies might seem like a fad. On the other hand, those who feel prevention is better than cure and welcome futuristic solutions will embrace these platforms.

Byte-sized play-by-plays of tech concepts