Stark property develops Panama app with Gallagher’s access control to ensure secure environment for all

Stark Property’s shared working environment sees about 150 people from 40 different companies co-working across their Panama properties.

Stark Property sought to overcome the challenges of a shared working space by fostering a sense of community within the Panama buildings, streamlining processes, and ensuring a safe and secure environment for all.

Panama app

Stark Property worked with digital technology developers, Dynamo6, to develop the Panama app. Easy to operate, the app integrates Gallagher access control with other building functionality, including news, feeds, Wi-Fi access, and the ability to submit maintenance requests and book shared meeting rooms.

Utilising Gallagher’s Mobile Connect SDK, Dynamo6 was able to incorporate the functionality of Gallagher Mobile Connect into the Panama app, offering a one-stop-shop for all things building-related. The app utilises Bluetooth® or NFC on users’ phones to gain access via Gallagher T-Series Readers

Simplified access control

Integrated access control creates a simple, easy access experience for app users while establishing a safe and secure working environment. Through Gallagher Command Centre, Stark Property can keep track of who is coming and going, while ensuring anyone entering the building is authorised to be there. Utilising users’ mobile phones to host access credentials means no time wasted replacing or issuing temporary cards for visitors

Utilising users’ mobile phones to host access credentials means there’s no time wasted replacing lost or stolen access cards or issuing temporary cards for visitors. “People will lose an access tag, but not many people lose their phones,” says Matt Stark, Director of Stark Property.

Effective communication

In a co-working environment, it can be difficult to ensure important information, such as planned building maintenance or fire alarm testing, is shared with everyone in a timely manner. The Panama app mitigates this with a newsfeed on the app home screen, notifying tenants of any important information.

Integrating the newsfeed with access control functionality ensures tenants stay up to date, with important information displaying prominently whenever they open the app to unlock a door. This simple but efficient method of communicating helps Stark Property adhere to their health and safety requirements by ensuring tenants are aware of any building-related issues that may arise.

Efficient property management

In shared working spaces, reporting building maintenance issues can be problematic, especially if there are just one or two main people from each group in contact with property managers. The Panama app offers tenants the ability to submit maintenance requests directly.

By entering details of the issue, along with the capability to attach photos, requests can be reported directly to Stark Property by anyone working on site. Matt hopes this functionality will lead to Stark Property having the best-maintained buildings in town. “Often, it’s the small stuff that goes unnoticed by maintenance staff – cracks, dents, breakages. Now tenants can keep an eye out for any issues and report these to us directly. It has helped us to streamline our processes and keep on top of any issues.”

Shared building resources are also managed through the app, with the ability to book meeting rooms and connect to the Wi-Fi.

The future of shared spaces

The app utilises cloud technology to deliver an app that can be customised to the building space and facilities Currently, the app is only in use across the Panama properties but there are plans to roll it out across other Stark Property sites in the future. “The app is still pretty new to us,” says Matt.

“We’re still learning from it and looking to see what other services we can add to it, but overall it has saved us time, made lives easier, and allows us to keep progressing as a property group by delivering better, more efficient spaces.”

Using cloud technologies

Igor Matich, Founder and Executive Director from Dynamo6 said, “The app utilises cloud technology to deliver an app that can be customised to the building space and facilities. Everyone pretty much has a mobile phone on them."

"Connecting access to mobile phones makes it easier for people to enter the building and the experience is more unique. It delivers a premium experience. Moreover, you’re more likely to remember your phone than an access card.”

Igor continues, “The advantage of integrated access and the property app, particularly in a shared environment like this, is the community feel it creates. It helps foster a sense of community among tenants. We’re excited about the additional services the app brings, such as meeting room bookings, and other future developments.”

Mobile Connect SDK

The Mobile Connect SDK enables developers to incorporate the functionality of Gallagher Mobile Connect into a third-party app.

In addition to access control, Mobile Connect includes the capability to receive push notifications on a mobile device directly from Command Centre, arm or disarm buildings, and control lighting and HVAC from the mobile device.