Comcast Smart Solutions works with multifamily properties to provide video analytics and access control capabilities to help enable a more holistic view for managers and staff.
March 10, 2025
As the need for enhanced security protocols and operational efficiency grows in the multifamily property industry (also known as a Multi-Dwelling Units or MDUs), property owners and building managers are proactively adopting advanced video analytics and access control technologies to help impact safety, streamline operations, and improve resident experiences.
Together, these two smart technology solutions can complement each other to transform building management by offering a centralized platform that helps manage operations and costs, while driving building efficiency. By implementing these technologies, multifamily properties can also gain a potential competitive edge.
Adoption of video monitoring and access control systems in multifamily properties is increasing. According to a study by Mordor Intelligence, the global access control market is expected to be valued at $10.5B in 2026, up from $7.1B in 2020, demonstrating that multifamily properties are increasingly focusing on controlling entries and exits with technology solutions.
Multifamily properties in the U.S. are also adopting smart camera and AI video analytics solutions. According to Parks Associates, video monitoring is the most commonly used smart technology on multifamily properties, with 96% of them using the solution currently. The same Parks Associates study found that 70% of multifamily properties use an electronic access control system, while 32% of multifamily properties have implemented a security system for residential units.
The study also found that 52% of multifamily properties are deploying or upgrading their access control systems in the next year, and 59% are upgrading their video monitoring systems. Based on current trends, a common challenge multifamily properties will soon face is choosing the right solution and partner.
Selecting a partner to help deploy access control and video monitoring solutions is a critical first step in the process. Multifamily properties can benefit from choosing a partner that offers comprehensive smart solutions for the entire property, however, multifamily properties don’t often plan for this level of integration.
Parks Associates found that 37% of multifamily properties use a single video monitoring vendor, while just 19% use a single access control vendor. Forcing property managers to oversee a complex infrastructure with multiple platforms and contacts can be time-consuming and inefficient, but there are ways to avoid it.
To build a more efficient management process, multifamily properties should partner with a vendor that provides integrated solutions, with the ability to scale and provide additional technologies for a more holistic smart technology ecosystem.
Multifamily property owners are exploring ways to modernize and upgrade building systems, committed to transforming their processes. Access control, traditionally reliant on mechanical locks and keys, has been slow to evolve. However, today’s advanced solutions provide multifamily property owners and residents with a fully digital and streamlined experience. These solutions can include:
Key features of access control systems include:
Access control systems are designed using technologies like cloud-computing software, which employees can operate remotely through a centralized management platform. It can be customized to a property’s needs, helping improve the user experience. For example, if a resident hires a dog walker three times per week, a cloud system can allow instant access from anywhere.
Open platforms let multifamily properties combine software and hardware from different providers. This can help manage costs by enabling greater customization options and the ability to evolve over time, rather than upgrade as new technologies become available.
Role-based Access Control gives differing levels of access to individuals in a building based on permission. This cost-efficient and streamlined approach provides residents, security, and staff different levels of access, helping ensure only appropriate personnel are granted access to locations.
By combining video analytics and access control solutions, building owners can gain a more holistic view of building occupancy. At Comcast Smart Solutions, we leverage cloud-based video monitoring as well as remote access to help properties understand occupancy in real time.
By using both video analytics and access control, a building manager can better understand a resident or guest’s entire journey through a property. When someone first pulls up to the property in their car, they are picked up on the monitoring systems and granted access through license plate recognition (LPR) technology, allowing them to enter and park. As this person walks up to the building entrance, they’re granted access based on their assigned role as a resident or temporary guest. When entering, a real-time alert is sent to the property system, updating to reflect that they are now in the building. They then approach the common elevators and leave for a different area of the building. From the moment someone enters a parking lot, their movements are tracked in real-time using an integrated CMS that works together seamlessly.
Other benefits include:
Task automation helps security personnel focus on other high-priority tasks. Monitoring all security functions from a single interface, equipped with real-time alert functionality, allows staff to respond to situations quickly, promoting resident peace of mind.
Through an integrated solution, properties build a database that can help provide actionable insights. By analyzing access patterns, security incidents, and user behavior, properties gain insights that can provide information to help make informed decisions about security measures.
When adopting or upgrading systems, property managers want a solution that is cost effective. Investing in an integrated solution will transform building processes and help manage costs as properties adopt technologies designed to work together and scale.
Comcast Smart Solutions can transform your property with AI-powered video analytics and access control technologies. Let our experienced team help you design and implement the right solutions based on your property’s goals.
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