Customer: Coastal Ridge (Formerly Westminster Management Group)
Date of Implementation: January 2021
Overview
Westminster Management Group, led by Property Manager Beth Zinsky, implemented smart technology with ADT Multifamily, including smart locks, smart thermostats and alarm panels across its multifamily properties. The primary goal was to improve operational efficiency, enhance resident experience, and modernize access and HVAC management without alienating less tech-savvy tenants.
Rollout Strategy
- Gradual Adoption: Devices supported both manual use and mobile/web access to accommodate all residents, including those less familiar with smart tech.
- Resident Orientation: A full week was dedicated to onboarding, including packet distribution, key pick-ups, orientation and addendum signing.
- Tracking Compliance: Management logged all completions and followed up with residents who missed the orientation.
Leasing Advantages
- Residents, vendors and guests received unique access codes, improving transparency and security.
- Smart thermostats allowed for scheduled energy savings.
- Smart alarms improved unit security and worked with Alexa for voice-enabled convenience.
Maintenance & Work Order Efficiency
- Key Access Reduction: Techs previously spent 20 minutes per day pulling keys.
- Inspection Time Savings: Large-scale inspections used to require extensive key handling. Smart locks eliminated this.
- Lockouts & Rekeying:
- Only two emergency lockout calls in two years. Lock changes with Kwikset SmartKey take two minutes vs. 30 minutes or more previously.
- Kwikset also reduced drilling time compared to Schlage locks.
- Reduced Liability:
- Every code usage is logged, helping disprove theft or missed appointments.
- Activity logs help resolve maintenance disputes and employee time tracking.
Thermostat & HVAC Benefits
- Remote Troubleshooting: Techs can control thermostats from the outdoor unit, saving walk time and improving COVID safety.
- System Diagnostics: Alarm.com allows remote on/off control to identify which unit belongs to which apartment.
- Usage Monitoring: Logs help identify misuse and educate residents.
- Humidity & Temperature Alerts: Prevent mold and flag HVAC issues in vacant units.
- Remote Adjustments: Managers can verify and set conditions in vacant units remotely, saving maintenance time.
Operational & Budgeting Impact
- HVAC Replacement Planning:
- Health reports help determine which units need replacing.
- Supports green initiative compliance by prioritizing replacements.
- Push Notifications:
- Reduces dependency on paper notices and physical delivery.
- Self-Guided Tours:
- Enables remote unlocking of model units after hours.
- Supports virtual leasing processes and enhances safety.
Conclusion
Westminster Management Group's implementation of smart technology with ADT has led to measurable time savings, enhanced transparency, reduced liability and improved resident experience. With robust planning and execution, smart locks, thermostats and alarm systems proved to be operational game changers across their multifamily properties.