Embracing a Mobile-First Strategy for Modern Multifamily Access Control

By Robert Gaulden, Go-To Market Director at Zentra 

As a property manager, you know firsthand the challenges that come with managing physical credentials in multifamily environments. As we move further into 2025, adopting a mobile-first approach to access control is becoming crucial for improving operational efficiency and boosting resident satisfaction. 

Breaking Free from Physical Credential Management 

Managing traditional credentials can consume valuable resources. Creating, securing, distributing, and collecting physical credentials for residents can be time-consuming and inefficient. Even if it takes just a few minutes to create each credential, the time adds up across your portfolio. The staff time required for physical handoffs can often take 5-10 minutes per resident, contributing to task saturation for your property teams. 

Switching to a mobile-first approach can eliminate these inefficiencies. By using data from your property management system, virtual credentials can be automatically generated and sent via email, allowing residents to download and use them immediately. This automation frees your team to focus on activities that directly impact resident satisfaction and retention. 

Enhanced Security Without Compromise 

Mobile credentials offer better security than physical keys or fobs. Smartphones have strong encryption built in, providing better protection against unauthorized access without making things more complicated. 

Beyond encryption, mobile credentials are simply harder to lose or share inappropriately. While a resident might loan out a physical key or fob, they’re significantly less likely to hand over their smartphone. If a phone is lost, the mobile credential can be deactivated remotely immediately, eliminating the need to rekey locks or replace physical devices. 

Bridging the Gap to Offline Devices 

One of the key benefits of mobile credentials is their ability to connect online and offline devices, which is important because many locks are still offline. When residents use their mobile devices to access their unit locks, these interactions can send useful data back to your management system. This real-time data helps you perform proactive maintenance and improves security tracking. 

Mobile Credential Options for Every Property 

Today’s mobile credential landscape offers two primary approaches: 

BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) credentials operate through a dedicated app. Residents open the app, which recognizes nearby locks they have access to, then tap to unlock, similar to the hotel mobile key experience many are familiar with. 

NFC (Near Field Communication) credentials deliver a tap-and-go experience through platforms like Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. Users simply tap their phone or smartwatch against the lock, similar to the motion they’re already accustomed to with physical fobs. This premium option offers maximum convenience without sacrificing security. 

Enabling Remote Management at Scale 

As the multifamily industry moves toward centralized management models, mobile credentials become even more valuable. Staff no longer need to be physically present to issue or collect credentials, they can manage access rights from anywhere, allowing for more efficient resource allocation across your portfolio. 

At Zentra, we’re dedicated to helping property management teams leverage mobile credentials to reduce operational burdens while enhancing security and resident experience. Whether you’re upgrading to electronic locks for the first time or enhancing an existing setup, Zentra makes it easy. With its powerful features, seamless workflows, and intuitive interface, Zentra gives you everything you need to manage property access without breaking a sweat.  

Ready to take the stress out of access management? Zentra is here to transform the way you work and to keep your residents happy and secure every step of the way.