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Streamlining Property Management: The Role of HandyTrac in Enhancing Administrative Efficiency

administrative efficiency

Property management involves a multitude of tasks that require precision, organization, and efficiency. In an era where technology is reshaping the way we manage various aspects of property management, innovative solutions have emerged to alleviate the challenges faced by property managers. One such solution, HandyTrac Systems, offers a comprehensive approach to key control that not only enhances security but also significantly streamlines administrative processes. Here’s how HandyTrac empowers property managers by boosting administrative efficiency and simplifying key management.

Automated Reporting and Data Accessibility

Gone are the days of sifting through piles of paperwork to generate reports. HandyTrac’s digital approach allows property managers to access comprehensive and up-to-date reports with just a few clicks. This feature ensures that vital information, such as key usage logs and access history, is readily available whenever needed. By automating reporting, HandyTrac minimizes administrative overhead and allows property managers to focus on more strategic tasks.

Updates and Notifications

HandyTrac’s key monitoring capabilities provide property managers with instant access to key usage information. When a key is accessed, property managers can receive notifications, offering a clear overview of who is using keys and when. This real-time visibility enables rapid responses to any irregularities and ensures that access is managed effectively.

Efficient Permissions Processes

Transitions in property staff often present logistical challenges for property managers. With HandyTrac’s digital system, managing permissions processes becomes a seamless endeavor. Property managers can swiftly update access permissions and revoke privileges as needed, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access units.

Simplified Key Tracking and Accountability

Property managers are responsible for maintaining a detailed record of key assignments and usage. HandyTrac’s system simplifies this process by digitally tracking key movements and access. This comprehensive record enhances accountability and minimizes the risk of key-related incidents. Property managers can easily review historical data and identify any discrepancies or patterns.

Reduced Administrative Errors

The shift from manual key management to HandyTrac’s electronic key control system significantly reduces the likelihood of human errors. Misplaced keys and miscommunication regarding key assignments become rare occurrences. This reduction in errors fosters a more secure and organized environment within the property.

Enhanced Communication and Collaboration

HandyTrac’s cloud-based approach facilitates seamless communication and collaboration among property management teams. Authorized personnel can access the system from any location, promoting efficient coordination and ensuring that everyone is on the same page regarding key access and security.

In an industry that demands meticulous attention to detail and effective organization, HandyTrac Systems stands as a game-changer for property managers. By automating reporting, providing accurate updates, streamlining key tracking, and offering efficient permissions processes, HandyTrac significantly enhances administrative efficiency. As technology continues to reshape property management practices, HandyTrac is leading the way in simplifying key management and allowing property managers to focus on strategic initiatives that contribute to the success of their properties.

Enhancing Apartment Living: The Real-World Benefits of HandyTrac Systems

apartment living

In the dynamic world of apartment living, security and convenience are paramount. As technology advances, tools that enhance our daily lives have become more sophisticated, and one such tool that is making waves is HandyTrac Systems. This blog post will delve into the experiences of apartment residents who have benefited from the capabilities of HandyTrac Systems. By examining their experiences, we can better understand how HandyTrac is transforming key control and improving the quality of apartment living.

A New Approach to Key Control

HandyTrac Systems is changing the way apartment residents think about key control. Here are some ways that residents have seen the impact:

1. Elevated Security and Peace of Mind

Apartment communities using HandyTrac Systems have reported a significant improvement in security measures. By allowing only authorized individuals to access buildings and units through secure authentication methods, residents feel a heightened sense of peace, knowing their belongings are better protected.

2. Monitoring and Accountability

HandyTrac’s key tracking features have proven to be a valuable asset. This level of transparency ensures accountability and reinforces a culture of responsible key usage within the community.

3. Community Building

Secure key management can also have a positive impact on community dynamics. Residents are now more aware of each other’s security, creating a sense of unity. This collective responsibility for safety can help build stronger bonds among neighbors.

4. Seamless Key Management During Relocation

Residents who have moved within the same community have praised HandyTrac’s efficiency during transitions. Updating access details during a move is hassle-free, eliminating the need for physical key coordination and administrative delays.

HandyTrac Systems is not just about key control; it’s about enhancing the entire apartment living experience. Through the lens of a resident, we see how HandyTrac improves security, simplifies access management, fosters a sense of community, and streamlines key-related processes. As technology continues to advance, HandyTrac is leading the way in making apartment living more secure, convenient, and enjoyable for residents across various communities.

The Evolution of Key Control: From Ancient Artifacts to Modern Systems

key management

In the modern world, where security and access control are paramount, the humble key has undergone a remarkable evolution. From its inception as a simple wooden peg to the advanced electronic systems we have today, key control has transformed significantly over the ages. Join us on a journey through time to explore the fascinating evolution of key control, culminating in the creation of HandyTrac Systems—a groundbreaking advancement in key management.

Ancient Origins of Key Control

Key control traces its roots back to ancient civilizations, where people began using rudimentary mechanisms to secure their belongings. The earliest known locks and keys date back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, around 6,000 years ago. These early locks were made of wood and operated using simple wooden pins. While these systems were far from foolproof, they marked the beginning of humanity’s efforts to protect their possessions.

Medieval Advancements

As societies evolved, so did the techniques for creating more secure locks and keys. In medieval Europe, locksmiths refined the craft, introducing innovations like wards, which were obstructions within the lock that the key had to navigate. This advancement made locks more intricate and harder to pick, setting the stage for a constant battle between locksmiths and those attempting to breach their creations.

Industrial Revolution and Key Control

The Industrial Revolution brought forth new manufacturing techniques that enabled the mass production of locks and keys. With the advent of precision machinery, locks became more reliable and affordable, leading to their widespread use in homes, businesses, and institutions. As locks became commonplace, the need for better key management arose, prompting the development of organizational methods and devices to keep track of keys.

The Digital Age and Electronic Access Control

The latter half of the 20th century saw the advent of electronic key control systems. These systems replaced traditional mechanical locks with electronic cards and key fobs. This evolution brought increased convenience and security, allowing for easy access management and the ability to track entry and exit times. However, even these electronic systems had limitations and required efficient key control to prevent security breaches.

Enter HandyTrac Systems

The culmination of centuries of key control evolution led to the creation of HandyTrac Systems—an innovative solution that revolutionized key management. Founded in 1995, HandyTrac introduced a comprehensive electronic key control system that combined advanced hardware and software to streamline key management processes.

HandyTrac’s key control systems utilize cutting-edge technology, including electronic key boxes, biometric authentication, and cloud-based software. This integrated approach allows property managers, facility operators, and security personnel to efficiently manage access, monitor key usage, and generate detailed reports. The result is heightened security, reduced administrative overhead, and enhanced accountability.

The journey from ancient wooden pins to the sophisticated key control systems from HandyTrac showcases the remarkable evolution of key management and security. As technology continues to advance, it’s fascinating to see how key control has adapted to meet the changing needs of societies. HandyTrac Systems stands as a testament to human ingenuity, addressing the challenges of key management in a complex and dynamic world.

HandyTrac Security Tips for the Holidays

holiday security

As the holiday season approaches, it’s important for multifamily communities to take steps to ensure the safety and security of their residents. One way to do this is by implementing a key control system, such as HandyTrac, to manage and track the use of keys.

With HandyTrac, property managers can easily monitor who has access to keys and when they are using them. This can help prevent unauthorized access to buildings, apartments, and common areas, and can provide peace of mind to residents.

Here are a few holiday security tips for multifamily communities using HandyTrac Key Control:

Keep track of keys

With HandyTrac, property managers can easily track which keys are checked out, by whom, and when. This can help ensure that keys are not lost or stolen, and that only authorized individuals have access to them.

Set up access restrictions

HandyTrac allows property managers to set up access restrictions for keys, so that they can only be checked out during certain times of the day or week. This can help prevent unauthorized access to buildings and apartments, and can provide an extra layer of security during the holiday season.

Monitor key usage

HandyTrac’s key usage tracking feature allows property managers to see a history of key checkouts and access events. This can help identify any potential security issues and allow managers to take action to prevent them.

By using HandyTrac Key Control, multifamily communities can improve their holiday security and provide a safer environment for their residents. And, with its easy-to-use interface and robust tracking capabilities, HandyTrac is the perfect solution for managing keys during the busy holiday season.

Miya’s Law Strengthens Renter Safety in Florida, Highlights Need for Key Control

Miya's Law

Last month, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new law requiring apartment communities to maintain a log accounting for the issuance and return of all keys and establish policies for their issuance, return, and storage.

Miya’s Law”, named after Miya Marcano, a young college student who was murdered last year at the apartment complex where she lived and worked, elevates security on residential properties with stricter background checks and limitations on the use of master keys.

Marcano’s family had been pushing for the protection since the 19-year-old was killed in September 2021 when police said a maintenance worker who had a master key to her unit killed her.

“Every tenant deserves to be safe in their own home,” DeSantis said in a statement following the passage of the new law. “By signing this legislation, we are making it safer to live in a rental unit and giving renters more peace of mind in their homes. Miya’s death was a tragedy, and our prayers continue to be with the Marcano family. I am proud to act on their behalf to help prevent a tragedy like that from happening to another Florida tenant.”

With over 2 million renters in the state of Florida, the use of secure electronic key control systems has become a necessity for multifamily communities to help save lives, instill a sense of security and reduce premises liability.

HandyTrac protects over 5 million apartment units nationwide and offers a number of features including audit trail maintenance and remote reporting to ensure your multifamily community meets the requirements of Miya’s Law. To learn more about HandyTrac Key Control systems, contact us today.

Sources:

https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/florida-gov-signs-miyas-law-to-strengthen-renter-safety-after-students-murder/2793232/

Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Keeping Keys and Residents Safe

Cybersecurity Awareness MonthOver the past 18 years, Cybersecurity Awareness Month has served to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity across the Nation. The overarching theme: “Do your part, #BeCyberSmart” encourages individuals and organizations to own their role in protecting their part of cyberspace, stressing personal accountability and the importance of taking proactive steps to enhance cybersecurity. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of recommendations to help you keep your data and online activities safe in an age of ongoing cybersecurity threats.

Secure Your System

Regardless of how your company’s online network is configured, make sure it’s running on a secure system. Use firewalls and encrypting to secure your internet connections and your servers. If you use Wi-Fi, make sure it’s hidden and protected by a strong password — and change the password frequently. Only grant network access to authorized personnel.

Require Strong Passwords for Employee Logins

Employees who log into the system should each have an individual login with a strong password that is difficult to guess. Employees should also be prompted to change passwords regularly.

Remote Access: Use With Caution

If you log into your company’s network offsite using a smartphone or other mobile device, remember that you aren’t necessarily accessing the system using a secure server. Don’t log in using public WiFi, for example — or if you do, log in using a virtual private network (VPN) to hide from hackers.

Perform Frequent Viruses, Spyware and Malware Scans

You should have a strong antivirus, anti-spyware program in place to guard your system, and make sure it receives the latest updates to make sure newer viruses can be detected and eradicated from the system.

Run Updates on All Software

It’s a pain to keep up with software updates, but when developers send these to you, they’re usually dealing with newly discovered cybersecurity threats. Always keep operating systems and other software up to date.

Back Up Your System

You should be running full backups regularly of your entire system, from shared drives to individual computers. That way, if a hacker crashes your system, you won’t lose data and you can restore at least most of your functionality.

Use Multi-Step Logins Whenever Possible

You don’t want to spend all day logging in, but in truth, the more steps to the login process, the safer it is. With HandyTrac key control, for example, our systems are designed for employees accessing key boxes to take several steps to verify their identity. Some units even include biometric (fingerprint) identification which provides excellent security against intruders and hackers.

To learn more about our secure key control systems, contact HandyTrac today!

Keeping your Key Control System and Office Germ-Free

office cleaning tipsViruses and other harmful germs can remain infectious for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces such as stainless steel and plastic. Without frequent and thorough cleanings, an office can quickly become a hotbed of infection putting both your staff and residents at risk. With this in mind, here are a few tips for keeping your key control system and office areas sanitized and germ-free.

Key control system cleaning tips

Used to store physical keys and other vital community information, key control systems serve as an integral resource for community staff. And along with frequent interaction comes the need to sanitize often.

The datalog

The main point of contact on a HandyTrac key control system is the system datalog, used to operate the system. Using a microfiber cloth and solution of mild dish detergent and water, wipe down the touch screen, numeric keypad and biometric reader (if applicable).

The key box

For the rest of the system, almost any type of disinfectant will do.

One thing to note: all cleaners that claim to kill germs require EPA registration. As such, you should keep an eye out for cleaners that are approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to ensure proper sanitation.

Sanitize before and after use

Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer nearby as an added defense against harmful viruses and germs.

Office cleaning tips

When cleaning office areas, be sure to…

  • Wear disposable gloves, a gown and a face mask
  • Clean surfaces using soap and water, then follow up with an EPA-approved disinfectant
  • Frequently clean high touch surfaces including tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.

For more office cleaning tips and considerations, check out the CDC’s Facility Cleaning and Disinfecting guide.

To learn more about HandyTrac key control systems, contact us today.

HandyTrac Key Control Interfaces with Popular Property Management Software

resmanHandyTrac Systems, a leading electronic key control company, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with property management software companies, ResMan and Yardi to provide seamless work order delivery for multifamily, student and military housing customers nationwide.

“Over the past 20 years, we’ve discovered that multifamily property managers are inheriting a variety of roles to satisfy the ever-growing list of community needs,” notes Larry Kratz, President of HandyTrac. With this in mind, we’ve teamed up with ResMan to simplify key activity management through consolidated processes, and simplified access procedures.”

Upon request, ResMan and 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 and easily monitor key activity and work orders through their ResMan dashboard.

“We believe that when provided with the right tools, property managers can do it all. By leveraging this partnership, property managers will benefit from efficiency improvements, and ultimately, get the most out of their management products.”


About ResMan:

ResMan provides innovative technology solutions to the property management industry by making property investments and operations more profitable and easier to manage. For more information, visit myresman.com.

About HandyTrac:

HandyTrac likes to consider itself the low-cost leader in multifamily and military housing key control; managing keys for more than 5 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, contact us today.

Cost Justified: Savings Pay for Key Control System in 6 months

Properties these days are understaffed, making time saving systems and tools more important than ever. HandyTrac key control systems can save maintenance staff significant time each day locating, pulling and returning keys, and keys-out reporting.

Time and motion studies prove that you can recover your entire key control investment in just 6 months!

time saving key control systems

How often?

How often does an employee walk to the other end of the community only to find they pulled the wrong key? How much time does that waste? How much does that cost?

How long?

How long does an expensive outside contractor that is “on the clock” stand around and wait while you try to locate misplaced keys?

How much?

How much does it cost you to re-key a unit because the key has been misplaced?

Why HandyTrac?

HandyTrac protects over 5 million units across 800+ companies nationwide and offers an ironclad warranty on every system.

Additional features include:

  • Remote access: Keep tabs on your keys from any internet-enabled device.
  • Detailed real time reporting: Always know where your keys are and why.
  • Audit trail: Reports are backed up to Amazon Web Services.
  • Bilingual: English and Spanish options available.
  • Touch screen: Stunning 7″ touch screen integrated to streamline workflow.
  • and much more.

To learn more about our time saving key control systems, contact us today.

Service Update: COVID-19

In this time of uncertainty, you can rely on us to keep your property secure. Our specialists are ready to provide assistance, and HandyTrac Online will continue to allow you to track your keys virtually anytime, anywhere. In addition to following all official government guidance, we are also:

– Restricting company travel to essential business activities

– Reducing face-to-face meetings in favor of virtual meetings

– Enabling telecommuting when possible

– Encouraging our employees to exercise caution and take all appropriate health and safety measures

– Enhancing cleaning procedures in our facilities

For questions or technical support, give us a call at 800-665-9994 or email us at service@handytrac.com. Rest assured that your keys are safe with us.

For the latest updates on the coronavirus, visit the CDC’s COVID-19 resource center.