Smart Access, Smarter Spaces: Why Co-Working & Property Developers Are Upgrading

by | 7. May 2025 | Industries

The Future of Secure, Hassle-Free Access

Did you know? Outdated key and fob-based systems are among the top security risks for co-working spaces and rental properties. Managing multiple tenants, short-term users, and facility staff with traditional keys is not only inefficient but also costly and prone to security gaps. 

 For co-working space operators and property developers, access control is a daily challenge. Lost keys, unauthorised access, costly rekeying, and inefficient admin processes can quickly become a logistical nightmare. 

 That’s where SimonsVoss comes in. A digital access control system designed for modern workspaces and multi-tenant properties, SimonsVoss helps eliminate traditional key headaches while boosting security, efficiency, and cost savings. 

“Managing access in co-working spaces and multi-tenant buildings is a daily challenge — especially with high turnover, shared areas, and the need for flexibility. Traditional keys don’t offer the control or visibility operators need. 

SmartIntego changes that. It provides wireless, real-time access control, integrates with CCTV and alarms, and makes it easy to manage permissions as tenants come and go — all while helping teams stay compliant and secure.”

Bruce Donald

UK Sales Manager , SimonsVoss

The Challenges of Traditional Access Control

Many co-working spaces and property developers still rely on mechanical locks, keycards, and fobs, but these come with major drawbacks: 

  • Key Management Headaches – Lost or stolen keys mean frequent rekeying, high replacement costs, and security risks. 
  • Security Gaps – No real-time access control, unauthorised key duplication, and no tracking of who enters and exits. 
  • Operational Inefficiencies – Time-consuming key handovers and a lack of central control over who has access. 
  • Weather-Related Challenges – Physical locks and padlocks can be difficult to manage in extreme weather conditions. 

 For growing businesses, multi-tenant properties, and co-working spaces, this outdated system is not sustainable. 

Why SimonsVoss the Smarter Choice

SimonsVoss offer a fully digital access control solution designed to solve these problems.  

Here’s why co-working space operators and property developers are making the switch: 

  • Scalable & Flexible – Ideal for multi-tenant spaces, commercial properties, and rental properties, easily adapting as your business grows. 
  • Cost-Effective Security – Reduces time-consuming manual key management, improves efficiency, and lowers operational costs. 
  • Real-Time Access Control – Grant or revoke access remotely in seconds, from anywhere, via cloud-based management. 
  • Weather-Proof Convenience – No more struggling with frozen padlocks in winter or getting drenched in the rain while trying to unlock. Simply tap to unlock. 

The power of keyless access in action

Take Northampton Saints Rugby Club, for example. By switching to SimonsVoss , their operations significantly improved. 

  • 15+ staff hours saved per match day by eliminating manual key handovers. 
  • Thousands saved in key replacement costs by removing traditional locks and padlocks. 
  •  Saved 1 hour per match day by eliminating manual key management. 
  • Gained better access control for different areas of the stadium. 
  • Enabled remote access management for security staff.

Unlocking Unexpected Efficiencies

A team member from the Northampton Saints, recently shared an experience confirming that making the switch SimonsVoss was the right move : 

On a freezing Sunday night, they needed to prep the stadium for match day, ensuring all car parks were gritted. A staff member, around 1am, stepped outside, tapped her SmartIntego transponder, and unlocked the gate instantly, gloves on, no hassle. 

Then, she reached a Council-owned gate with a traditional padlock. Fifteen minutes, three people, and because of the weather – frozen fingers later, they finally got it open. 

Her words? “My hands were so cold!” 

This real-world moment highlights why digital access control isn’t just about security t’s about efficiency, convenience, and eliminating unnecessary frustrations.

Now, imagine the savings for a co-working space or property with hundreds of tenants and staff. The numbers will speak for themselves. 

This level of efficiency is now available to co-working spaces, property developers, and facility managers looking to streamline their access control.

Cost Savings: The Hidden Advantage of Digital Locks

Now let’s get to the nitty gritty stuff that will make or break your decision. The costs. 

Many property developers worry about the cost of upgrading to digital access control, but we’ll show you this digital locking system pays for itself through reduced maintenance, admin time, and hardware costs. 

 So, how much could you really save?  

Let’s break it down: 

  •  Battery Savings SimonsVoss SmartHandle AX lasts 10 years on a single set of batteries, compared to just 2 years with competitors. 
  • Zero Labour Costs – Unlike traditional locks, the system doesn’t require manual rekeying or constant battery changes, saving thousands in labour costs. 
  • Admin Efficiency – No more time-consuming key handovers or replacements, which means fewer disruptions and reduced overhead costs.

The numbers that speak for themselves: 

 We compared our system to a competitor and these were the results. 

 

Competitor A 

SimonsVoss SmartHandle AX 

Battery life 

2 years 

10 years 

Cost of 1 Panasonic battery 

£ 0.54 

£ 0.71 

No. batteries in Handle 

3 

4 

Cost of batteries per handle 

£1.61 

£ 2.83 

No. of battery changes in 10 years 

4 

0 

Cost in batteries per handle in 10 years 

£6.44 

£ 0.00 

No. of handles on site 

1500 

1500 

Total cost of batteries 

£ 9659.30 

£ 0.00 

 

 

 

Labour time to change a set of batteries in minutes 

4 

4 

No. of battery changes in 10 years 

4 

0 

No. of handles on site 

1417 

1417 

No. of labour hours change batteries 

378 

0 

Averge labour cost per man hour 

£12.78 

£12.78 

Total cost of labour to change batteries 

£ 4827.95 

£ 0.00 

 

 

 

Total additional cost over 10 years 

£ 14487.24 

£ 0.00 

This means huge savings for multi-unit developments, rental properties, and co-working spaces that would otherwise waste thousands on manual key management.

Advanced Features That Set Us Apart

Not convinced yet? We have more information for you to consider.  

Our locking system isn’t just another digital lock, it offers advanced features tailored to property developers and co-working spaces: 

  • Virtual Card Network (VCN) – Updates access remotely via specific readers, ideal for properties with remote buildings or multiple locations. 
  •  Fallback System – If the network goes down, locks still function for 250 stored users, ensuring uninterrupted access. 
  • Predictive Maintenance – Battery status and signal strength automatically monitored, reducing unexpected failures and downtime. 
  • Office Mode – Doors remain unlocked during peak hours to improve workflow in high-traffic areas. 

These small but powerful features make day-to-day access management seamless, no more security gaps, lost keys, or costly rekeying. 

Ready to Upgrade? Get Started Today

“We are now able to disable access at the end of a residency period and ensure cards are enabled to coincide with return to CollegeIt’s very convenient for service teams.”

Russell Waller

Head of Buildings & Services, Trinity Hall

Let’s chat! Book a free consultation to see how SimonsVoss can enhance your property security.