Key fobs. They’re the go-to for apartment access control. These tiny devices offer a level of convenience and security that traditional keys just can’t match. No more fumbling around for the right key in the dark or worrying about unauthorized duplicates. With a simple swipe or tap, residents can enter their buildings easily.
But here’s the kicker—while key fobs seem like a no-brainer, there’s more to them than meets the eye. Beneath the surface, these devices can rack up some serious hidden costs. Think about it: every time a resident loses a fob, it needs replacing. Then there’s the programming. Reprogramming fobs isn't just a minor inconvenience; it’s a recurring cost that adds up over time, especially in larger communities.
Let’s break down why key fobs are so popular:
Even with these perks, the financial impact of replacing and programming key fobs is something property managers have to consider. What seems affordable initially can turn into a significant expense over time.
Key fobs for apartment communities typically cost between $50 and $100 each. This might sound manageable, but in larger communities, those numbers add up fast. Even when purchasing in bulk, which can slightly reduce individual costs, the overall expense remains significant.
Consider the needs of a multifamily building with hundreds of residents. With each new tenant or lost fob, replacements are necessary, making key fob management a recurring expense. The upfront cost is just the beginning. Factor in the costs of programming and maintaining these devices, and the financial burden becomes evident.
Now, let’s look at traditional physical keys. They cost substantially less, often just a few dollars per key. However, keys come with their drawbacks, like the risk of unauthorized duplication and the hassle of rekeying locks for security. Key fobs streamline access but at a higher price.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
While key fobs offer convenience and enhanced security, their cost is a crucial factor for property managers to consider. Balancing the benefits against the financial implications is essential when planning access control solutions. Additionally, considering the pros and cons of keyless entry systems might provide valuable insights into modern alternatives that could potentially reduce these costs.
Losing a key fob or needing to reprogram one is more than just an inconvenience. It's a process that can add up in costs quickly. When a fob goes missing or a resident moves out, reprogramming becomes necessary to maintain security. This isn't always a simple DIY task.
Key fobs need to be reset and synced with the building's access control system. This can involve specialized equipment and technical know-how. Older systems might even require an on-site technician, which means labor costs on top of the reprogramming fee.
Here's a breakdown of potential costs:
These expenses can multiply in larger communities, where turnover is higher and multiple fobs might need attention at once. It's essential for property managers to factor these costs into their budgets and consider the financial impact of frequent reprogramming. For ongoing system reliability and to minimize such costs, property managers might benefit from expert tips on maintaining access control systems, which emphasize proactive maintenance and strategic planning.
Understanding these hidden expenses helps you make informed decisions about your access control strategy.
Managing key fobs isn't just handing them out and moving on. It involves a bunch of tasks that can really eat into your day. Tracking, issuing, and deactivating key fobs take time and resources, often pulling you away from other important property management duties.
Here's what you’re up against:
All these tasks demand your staff's attention, impacting their ability to focus on other critical aspects of property management. Plus, there's the added expense of maintaining an inventory of fobs and the administrative burden of managing them effectively. This can strain your resources and make it harder to maintain operational efficiency. For property managers looking to streamline these processes, exploring electronic access control systems that utilize mobile apps and cloud-based solutions can offer a more efficient alternative to traditional key fobs.
Replacing lost or damaged key fobs costs residents between $50 and $100. This expense falls directly on residents, creating a financial burden they want to avoid. Property managers face challenges too.
Managing key fobs takes time away from core responsibilities. Programming new fobs, tracking distribution, and maintaining security protocols create extra work that disrupts daily operations.
Here's how key fob replacement impacts the community:
Key fobs may seem convenient, but the long-term costs can be significant, especially in larger apartment communities. Over time, these expenses add up, straining budgets and resources.
Every lost or damaged fob needs replacing, and with hundreds of residents, replacement rates can be high. Reprogramming costs are another ongoing expense, necessary to maintain security and functionality. These costs aren't just a one-time hit; they recur regularly, impacting financial planning.
Consider this:
These numbers highlight the ongoing financial burden key fobs impose. The need for replacements and reprogramming is not only a drain on finances but also diverts time and attention from other critical property management tasks.
As property managers grapple with the mounting costs of key fob systems, cloud-based access control solutions are emerging as a game-changing alternative. These modern systems, like Gatewise's smartphone-based platform, eliminate many of the traditional expenses associated with physical credentials while enhancing security and operational efficiency.
The most immediate cost savings come from eliminating physical key fobs entirely. In a 200-unit community spending $75 per fob replacement yearly ($15,000 annually), switching to a smartphone-based system immediately eliminates these replacement costs. Residents simply use their phones—devices they already own and are careful not to lose—as their access credentials.
Cloud-based systems also dramatically cut down on administrative tasks that traditionally consume staff time. With no more programming and reprogramming of physical credentials, instant remote access management for move-ins and move-outs, and automated access revocation when residents leave, property managers can focus on core responsibilities rather than access control administration.
These modern solutions require minimal physical maintenance compared to traditional key fob readers. Software updates happen automatically, system diagnostics can be performed remotely, and there's no need for on-site technician visits for routine management. For property managers looking to modernize their access control while reducing costs, cloud-based solutions offer a compelling alternative that quickly pays for itself through eliminated replacement costs, reduced administrative burden, and enhanced operational efficiency.
Gatewise offers a simple and modern gate entry system that provides residents with a mobile app and managers with a cloud-based management portal.
