Smart Tech Drives Multifamily Cost Savings
Key Highlights
- Parks Associates and DOOR released From Smart Home to Building Intelligence at ISC West, spotlighting the shift to integrated building platforms in multifamily housing.
- Multifamily operators are moving from standalone smart home and security tools to centralized building intelligence systems.
- Access control is a foundational component, linking identity, IoT data, and property systems into unified platforms.
At ISC West, Parks Associates and DOOR unveiled new research, From Smart Home to Building Intelligence, examining how connected building technologies are reshaping operations in multifamily housing. The report underscores a broader industry shift—from standalone smart home and security tools to fully integrated building intelligence platforms.
According to the research, centralized systems are driving meaningful improvements in property management by enabling real-time visibility, automation, and data-driven decision-making. Key findings from Parks Associates include:
- A 20% average increase in operating efficiency from connected building deployments.
- An 18% reduction in operating costs through integrated smart building technologies.
- A 19% drop in energy costs and an 18% reduction in water costs.
- A 21% decrease in safety and security incidents among properties using connected solutions.
"Smart building technologies are evolving into core operational infrastructure for multifamily properties," said Kristen Hanich, Sr. Director, Research, Parks Associates. "When access control, IoT signals, and property data are integrated into centralized platforms, operators gain real-time visibility and automation capabilities that improve safety, efficiency, and operational resilience."
Dave Lillis, CEO of DOOR, added: "Multifamily is moving beyond point solutions toward a more integrated way of operating. As these systems come together, operators can run their properties with greater clarity and control. Building Intelligence is what makes that possible."
The report identifies access control as a critical pillar of the Building Intelligence framework, linking identity, device data, and property operations. Adoption is already widespread: 70% of multifamily companies report deploying smart door locks in at least one property, rising to 91% among luxury properties. These systems are increasingly used to manage access for residents, staff, and vendors across entire portfolios.
The research is based on surveys of more than 700 U.S. apartment residents in internet households and over 300 decision-makers at multifamily property companies, along with executive interviews conducted between 2024 and 2025.
Source: Parks Associates
Stay Connected with ISE Magazine
Subscribe to our newsletters and magazine for the latest telecom insights, explore the current issue for in-depth features and strategies, and register for upcoming webinars to learn directly from industry leaders.