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HandyTrac is Coming to a City Near You

Posted on by clapointe

multifamily trade showsWith spring nearly upon us, we’re looking forward to another fantastic season of multifamily trade shows! Visit our booth at one of the shows below for a demo, and see firsthand how our systems uniquely manage keys and prevent premises liability. We hope to see you there!

Select an upcoming trade show below for more information:

Apartment Association of Greater Dallas – 3/20/2019

Texas Apartment Association – 4/10 – 4/12/2019

Washington Multifamily Housing Association – 4/17/2019

Apartment Association of Greater Orlando – 4/24/2019

Utah Apartment Association – 4/24/2019

Indiana Apartment Association Reverse Show – 5/9/2019

Bay Area Apartment Association – 5/9/2019

Arizona Multihousing Association – 5/9/2019

Atlanta Apartment Association – 5/15/2019

Houston Apartment Association – 5/16/2019

Austin Apartment Association – 5/23/2019

Apartment Association of Metro Denver – 5/23/2019

For over 20 years HandyTrac has been the low-cost leader in multifamily, student and military housing key security; managing keys for more than 3,000,000 apartment homes throughout the country. Our cloud based systems offer instant access to archived reports and provide the ability to manage community keys with a single login through a computer or smart phone.

To learn more about our key security systems, contact us today.

HandyTrac User Tip: Using HandyTrac’s Key Binder to Improve Property Security and Efficiency

Posted on by clapointe

When you pull a key from your key management system, it’s important to carry a similar security policy with you into the field. Here are three ways our key binder helps HandyTrac users improve property security and efficiency:

improve property securityKey Security, Outside the Box

When employees store keys in their pocket or vehicle, the likelihood of those keys landing in the wrong hands increases exponentially. Our simple yet sturdy key binder prevents key loss through the use of specially designed metal key clips. For added security and peace of mind, HandyTrac users can instead opt for our multi-key distribution pouch, offering a zip enclosure and space for up to 25 keys.

Added Convenience

Using our key management binder or multi-key distribution pouch, property staff can pull and securely carry numerous keys at the same time. So, instead of returning to the HandyTrac system for each individual key, property staff can conveniently accomplish a full list of work orders in the same trip. Additionally, our key binder and multi-key distribution pouch are light and versatile, making them perfect for staff always on the go.

Affordable

When compared to the cost of loss and/or replacing keys on a regular basis, a key binder quickly pays for itself. We offer two budget-friendly options so you can purchase only what you need. For more information about our key binder and multi-key distribution pouch, visit our online shop or contact us today.

3 Key Management Features That Improve Property Security

Posted on by clapointe

Effective key management requires set processes, organization and dedication. Utilizing these innovative key management features, property owners can conveniently improve security, reduce liability and gain valuable peace of mind:

key management1. Audit trail maintenance and reporting

Protecting and monitoring the use of keys is one of the most important parts of keeping residents safe — and also one of the aspects most likely to be targeted for negligence. Not only do the keys need to be safeguarded, their use needs to be tracked and documented. HandyTrac’s computerized key management system maintains a real-time log of all key activity and provides property owners with customized reports, accessible from any internet-enabled device.

2. Multi-step authentication

Recently implemented by IoT (Internet of Things) technologies, multi-step authentication protects highly sensitive information and equipment through the use of layered identification processes. With HandyTrac, users are required to swipe a badge and type in a code — or better yet, provide biometric identification before keys are made accessible.

3. Anonymization and automated rotation

Taking property security one step further, electronic key management systems from HandyTrac anonymize property keys, and utilize a state of the art bar-coded system. HandyTrac systems also prevent users from memorizing where specific keys are hung using “random rotation”. This automated process hangs keys in random locations in the box, making it impossible for users to identify specific keys.

With two secure key management systems to choose from, HandyTrac is an affordable and sensible solution for any community or facility.

For more information about our systems, contact us today.

Premium Touch Integration for Yardi

Posted on by clapointe

YardiOver the past 20 years, we’ve discovered that property managers across the country are inheriting a variety of roles to satisfy their ever-growing list of property needs. With this in mind, we’ve teamed up with property management software company, Yardi to provide seamless work order delivery and simplified key management for property managers through consolidated processes.

Upon request, Yardi users with a HandyTrac Premium Touch system now have the ability to customize their experience through the use of a unique and secure work order system. Features like service order and staff data importation will allow managers to quickly review staff data and execute assigned work orders directly via the Premium Touch datalog.

For more information, contact us today.

About Yardi:

Since its founding in 1984, Yardi has set the standard for real estate software solutions with a combination of responsiveness and technical innovation. Understanding the unique needs of the industry’s various segments, Yardi uses technical expertise and vision to translate that understanding into powerful solutions that meet and exceed those needs.

 

About HandyTrac:

HandyTrac is the low-cost leader in multifamily and military housing key control; managing keys for more than 3 million apartment homes throughout the country. We offer three unique cloud-based systems that provide instant access to archived reporting and provide the ability to manage your communities with a single login through your computer or smartphone. For more information, visit www.handytrac.com or call 800-665-9994.

The Importance of Key Security in Multifamily Housing

Posted on by clapointe

key securityFound in nearly every municipality across the country, multifamily communities offer housing to millions of people from all walks of life. While every community is unique, each shares a need for effective key security.

The ability to track key activity is critical for maintaining a high level of security and reducing the chance of premises security liability. Designed as a replacement for manual tracking and storage of keys, electronic key control systems are virtually tamper-proof, monitor the access and return of keys through various online reporting features, and offer biometric integration options for improved security. With HandyTrac’s electronic key security systems, property managers can see who pulled a key, for what purpose, when it was pulled, for how long, and when it was returned from any interned-enabled device.

Key Security Options for Every Multifamily Housing Community

For over 20 years HandyTrac has been the low-cost leader in multifamily, student and military housing key security; managing keys for more than 3,000,000 apartment homes throughout the country. Our cloud based systems offer instant access to archived reports and provide the ability to manage community keys with a single login through a computer or smart phone.

To learn more about our key security systems, contact us today.

5 Essential Characteristics of a Secure Key Management System

Posted on by clapointe

key management systemA secure key management system is organized and formal, and addresses both access and control of a multifamily community’s keys. When deciding which key management system best suits your needs, keep these 5 essential characteristics in mind:

Secure

A truly secure key management system should do more than just restrict key access. With a secure key management system like HandyTrac, key transactions are instantly noted and reported in numerous insightful formats for review. For added protection, secure key management systems implement multi-step verification procedures, allowing key access only to authorized users with preset PIN codes, access cards, and biometrics, depending on the model.

Scalable

If your needs grow, your key management system should have the ability to accommodate more keys. At HandyTrac we offer both single and double cabinet options for all our key management systems.

Convenient

A secure key management system should be easy to use and accommodating. HandyTrac key management systems are capable of storing a variety of keys, and offer user-friendly features including: biometric fingerprint verification, touch screen display and lighted cabinets. Additionally, through the use of HandyTrac Online, property managers can review key activity reports from any internet-enabled device.

Reliable

No matter how secure the key management system is designed to be, it’s not actually secure if it breaks down, or if you don’t receive proper training and support in using it. HandyTrac provides customers with an ironclad warranty, as well as ongoing training and support.

Intuitive

Well designed key management systems make key control easy for all users. With two secure key management systems to choose from, HandyTrac systems offer a variety of features that streamline key management and provide maximum security.

To learn more about our systems, contact us today.

Press Release: HandyTrac Announces Participation in National Multifamily Housing Council’s OPTECH Conference and Trade Show

Posted on by clapointe

OPTECHHandyTrac Systems, a leading electronic key control company for multifamily, military and student housing, is pleased to announce its participation in the National Multifamily Housing Council’s OPTECH Trade Show. This three-day event will be held November 14th-16th at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, Florida.

“Our annual attendance at the National Multifamily Housing Council’s Conference and Trade Show underscores our dedication to helping multifamily property owners and managers promote resident safety and prevent premises liability,” said John Lie-Nielsen, Founder and CEO of HandyTrac.

Throughout the show, HandyTrac’s knowledgeable team of professionals will be offering comprehensive key control system demos at booth #428. Additionally, HandyTrac will be showcasing their latest electronic key control system, the Touch. The Touch combines biometric technology and a large touch screen display to offer the highest level of security, reporting, and flexibility.

About NMHC OPTECH 2018:
NMHC OPTECH 2018 brings together the multifamily industry’s top solution providers and over 150 insightful speakers together in one place. To learn more about this can’t miss event, click here.

About HandyTrac:
For over 20 years HandyTrac has been the low-cost leader in multifamily and military housing key control; managing keys for more than 3 million apartment homes throughout the country. HandyTrac’s cloud based systems offer instant access to archived reporting and provide the ability to manage communities with a single login through a computer or smartphone. For more information, visit booth #428 at the NMHC OPTECH Trade Show, or contact us today.

Is Poor Community Security Scaring Off Your Residents?

Posted on by clapointe

community securityOffering modern amenities and updated units can be a great way to attract new residents; however, without an effective community security policy in place, resident retention can become a costly endeavor.

Here are 5 ways to boost resident retention through the improvement of community security:

Restrict Community Access

The easiest way for perpetrators to access your community is by simply walking in. To prevent this, install entry systems at your main entrances that require a compatible RFID keycard or security code to gain access. If your community has outdoor entrances to units, consider fencing the property and installing gated entry systems.

Protect Resident Information

Property managers are not only responsible for the safety of their residents and property, they are also responsible for their residents’ personal information. To prevent cybersecurity threats in your community, store all personal information (e.g. driver’s license and social security numbers, bank information) on secured, encrypted servers.

If physical copies are necessary, be sure to store all sensitive information safely under lock and key.

Implement Community-wide CCTV Monitoring

A vital security tool often overlooked by property managers is closed-circuit television monitoring, also known as CCTV. When implemented correctly, a CCTV monitoring system maintains a full video record of the goings-on in a community. Remember, the fewer “dead zones” – areas with no video coverage – the better.

Install Sufficient Lighting of Public Areas

Criminals are known to lurk in dark corners. Give them nowhere to hide by ensuring that your community’s public walkways and parking lots are well lit.

Improve Community Key Management

A community’s building and unit keys present the highest risk to resident safety if not properly monitored and controlled. If keys go missing and land in the wrong hands, your community could be held liable for the resulting damages.

With an electronic key control system from HandyTrac, property managers can improve key security through the implementation of multi-step verification, and view real-time reports to quickly identify unusual key activity. With three secure key control systems to choose from, HandyTrac is an affordable and sensible key management solution for any community or facility.

For more information about our systems, contact us today.

How Electronic Key Control Improves School Security

Posted on by clapointe

school securityWith K-12 and higher education institutions across the country still reeling in light of recent events, the need for improved school security policies and procedures has become apparent. Most schools and universities have implemented basic security measures to reduce the risk of crime — for example, installing security cameras or implementing ample lighting across the campus; however, proper key control is one aspect of school security that has been consistently overlooked.

As a school superintendent, administrator, or campus manager you may be considering an upgrade on your current school security policy. With this in mind, here’s how a state-of-the-art key control system can improve school security and help ensure student safety:

Accountability

When a staff member pulls a key from the cabinet, HandyTrac collects pertinent information on the transaction such as: which keys were withdrawn; the purpose for withdrawal; the time at which the cabinet was accessed; and the name of the system user. The resulting data can then be used to identify peculiar transactions and promote staff accountability.

Automated Reporting

HandyTrac’s electronic key control systems make it easy to generate and view real time reports anytime, anywhere. Accessible by any internet-enabled device, school administrators can quickly find out which keys have been check out, to whom, and for what purpose.

Access Restriction Capabilities

Have a location that is off-limits to students and/or certain faculty members? HandyTrac offers access restriction capabilities that prevent unauthorized personnel from pulling certain keys from the cabinet.

Random Key Rotation

A beneficial security feature included with all HandyTrac systems is an automated process called random key rotation. Not only does this feature mask key identification, it prevents people from memorizing the location of specific keys in the cabinet. Instead, the randomized key location is revealed when an authorized user successfully logs into the system.

Mitigated Liability

Monitoring and protecting the use of keys is one of the most important parts of keeping students safe, and also one of the aspects most likely to be targeted for negligence. To reduce legal liability, HandyTrac maintains an audit trail that documents and securely stores complete key activity reports.

Don’t wait for a campus security breach to implement an electronic key control system. Contact us today.

What Are RFID Key Cards and How Do They Work?

Posted on by clapointe

rfid key cardsIn an age when building and community security are more important than ever, many facilities are doing away with physical, mechanical keys in favor of electronically-read RFID key cards. These key cards are programmable, customizable and far more secure than mechanical keys, for a variety of reasons. Let’s explore this technology to see how it can make your apartment community, campus or facility more secure.

What Is RFID?

RFID stands for “Radio Frequency Identification,” and as with most modern technology today, it is associated with a chip. Specifically, objects equipped with RFID contain a small chip programmed with data, along with a tiny antenna that transmits that data via a weak signal to nearby receivers. As a more secure technology, RFID is rapidly replacing barcodes and magnetic strips that used to contain similar information to be read by scanners. We see it on our credit cards which are now trading the familiar magnetic strip for enhanced chip technology. We also use RFID in key cards which can be programmed to unlock doors when the card is placed near a receiver at the entry point. In the context of key control, the RFID card replaces the standard lock-and-key system for entry. You place the card on or near the reader, the reader identifies the signal as belonging to an authorized user, and the door unlocks.

How Are RFID Key Cards Safer?

RFID key cards offer many advantages over physical keys and even barcode technology — both of which can be easily copied. Here are just a few of the advantages replacing conventional lock-and-key systems with an RFID key card system:

● Difficult to copy or hack. A radio signal can’t be “copied,” and the signal itself can be encrypted so other devices can’t decipher the data.

● Customizable and programmable. An RFID key card can be programmed to open only specific doors (or only one) for a specific amount of time. (Hotels use keycards to authorize their guests only to access their hotel room and the fitness center, set to stop working the morning of checkout.) This system allows management to restrict employee access only to specific authorized areas of the facility for certain amounts of time.

● Anonymous. With no identifying marks on the key card, only the authorized user and the computer may know which door(s) the card will unlock.

● Easily deactivated. If a keycard is lost or stolen, the system can easily deauthorize its identification signal — or the card may simply be allowed expire.

● More cost-effective security. When physical keys are lost or compromised, the lock must be changed to restore security. When a key card is lost, it can be deauthorized, making it effectively disposable. No need to change the locks!

A Management Solution for All Key Types

While RFID keycards are generally more secure than physical keys, their implementation is meaningless without a secure electronic key control system. Acting as a reinforced shield for your keys, HandyTrac offers two secure key control solutions that are accommodating to keys of all types. In addition to keeping your keys secure, HandyTrac archives an audit trail, and streamlines reporting to provide property managers with a complete key management solution.

For more tips on effective key control or information about our systems, contact us today.