Multifamily Access Control Integration Guide in 7 Easy Steps
Building management gets easier (and safer) when your systems work together. We make it simple to connect access control with your Property Management Systems (PMS) to create safer, more efficient living environments so residents, staff, contractors, and visitors get the right level of access without compromising security.
This guide will step you through how ICT access control and intrusion solutions seamlessly integrate with multiple third-party systems, including:
- Video Management Systems (VMS)
- Elevators
- Wireless locks
- Sensor and Detectors
- Intercom systems
- Building Management Systems (BMS)
These integrations support a wide range of access control setups and are designed to meet the unique needs of various property types, so whether you’re managing a 20-floor apartment building or a smaller residential community, you’ll have the tools to operate securely and efficiently.
Who this guide is for:
- Integrators: You’ll get an overview of technical setup, compatibility, and the advantages of an all-in-one solution.
- Specifiers: Guidance on choosing the right components, ensuring compliance, and designing efficient, future-ready systems.
- Property managers and users: Help you understand the benefits, workflows, and best practices for a secure and efficient multifamily property that tenants love.
Introduction to integrated access control systems
Access control systems are at the heart of modern property management, especially for properties where security and efficiency go hand in hand. But today’s property and building managers aren’t just after any access control system - they’re looking for solutions that are flexible, easy to manage, and tailored to the specific needs of their properties and residents.
By adopting ICT integration solutions, property managers can do just this. Instead of juggling separate and disparate systems - which often leads to data discrepancies, admin headaches, and unnecessary complexity - ICT integrations bring everything together in one, unified platform. The result? Better efficiency, optimal ROI, and more attractive living environments for both current and future tenants.
8 Key Benefits of Access Control Integration for Properties
Integrating your access control system unlocks new opportunities to enhance your property, enabling smarter, more efficient building management. With an integrated ICT Protege solution, properties gain access to:
- Centralized Management & Monitoring – Oversee all security and building systems from a single interface for simplified operations. For example, you can bring video surveillance and KONE elevators into a single dashboard for smooth, efficient monitoring.
- Automated Onboarding & Offboarding – Streamline tenant, staff, and contractor access with minimal manual intervention.
- Reduced Operational Costs – Improve efficiency and reduce the need for manual security processes. Eliminating disparate systems can lead to a strong ROI.
- Mobile-First Control – Enable property managers to monitor all activity anytime, anywhere - directly from their mobile device - for complete overview and convenience.
- Situational Awareness – With a single dashboard you can gain real-time visibility into all property activity for faster decision-making.
- Automated Responses – Trigger security actions automatically in response to specific events.
- Identity Synchronization – Keep access credentials up to date across all systems, including PMS integration from one centralized database.
- Seamless Data Flow – Ensure consistent and accurate information across all integrated systems.
To make these benefits a reality, ICT takes a practical approach to integration, ensuring all systems work seamlessly together from day one.
To make these benefits a reality, ICT takes a practical approach to integration, ensuring all systems work seamlessly together from day one. Download the Multifamily solution guide today.
How ICT makes security integration easy
ICT simplifies access control integration for properties, setting you up for success by:
- Using an open technology platform with trusted integration partners so you can create a solution that fits your needs, not someone else’s.
- Providing a unified hardware and integration stack for smoother operations.
- Offering seamless data flow between Property Management Systems (PMS) and access control.
Using the following easy 7-step approach, we ensure a smooth deployment for both end users and integration partners.
Step 1: Assess Property Requirements
- Count units, entrances, and shared areas
- Identify user groups: residents, staff, contractors, or visitors
- Determine security priorities (e.g., limiting access to sensitive floors or amenities)
Step 2: Identify the Integration Architecture
- Network design (LAN, VLAN, PoE switches)
- Communication protocols (TCP/IP, Modbus, BACNet, C-Bus)
- Data flow mapping: VMS alerts → access logs → tenant notifications
Step 3: Choose The Right Third-Party Systems for Your Integration
| System | ICT Recommended Integrators | Description |
| Video Surveillance | Milestone, Wisenet Wave, Avigilon | Used to configure cameras, live feeds, motion detection, and alerts. |
| Elevator Access Control | Otis, KONE, Schindler | Used to restrict floor access based on credentials and streamlining the movement of people between floors. |
| Wireless Locks | Salto, Allegion, Salto Sallis | Programs access schedules, temporary credentials, and group permissions. Supports mobile credentials and schedules. |
| Sensors & Detectors | Inovonics, Optex | Connects unauthorized entry, motion, door/window monitoring to central system or mobile notifications. |
| Intercom Systems | Commend, SIP-enabled | Simplifies tenant-visitor communication via SIP accounts and call routing for occupants. |
| Building Management | Modbus, BACnet, C-Bus | Integrates HVAC, lighting, and alarms. |
Planning for a smooth integration rollout
Step 4: Check system requirements & Prerequisites
Hardware: Locks, access readers, cameras, sensors, intercoms
Software: Latest versions of system platforms
Network: Reliable LAN/WAN with PoE for devices, secure Wi-Fi for mobile credentials
Compliance: Complies with applicable local codes and standards for multifamily developments
Step 5: Test and validate
Conduct functional tests (locks, doors, elevators), connectivity checks, and security testing log integrity), by:
- Documenting all configurations and access hierarchies
- Validating integration points with vendors’ APIs
- Checking network settings and cables
- Verifying user permissions, credential validity
- Reviewing logs for error codes
Step 6: Monitor and Maintain
- Schedule routine maintenance for hardware and software
- Use logs to track access events and detect anomalies
- Update firmware for locks, access readers, sensors, and controllers
Protect what matters most with solutions for tenants, building managers, and property managers. Discover our complete multifamily and apartment access control solution today.
Real-World multifamily integrations
Project name: The MET Condos, Vaughan (suburb of Toronto, Canada)
Scale: More than 560 apartments and townhouses
Objective: To provide residents with modern, advanced security features. Not just basic access control or alarms, but a scalable, integrated system that supports current needs and future growth.
Challenge: Need for a system that integrates access control with a video management system, and can expand as the property grows.
Integrations: Video Management System Integration
Solutions provided by ICT & partners
ICT worked with The Citywide Group to deploy a security solution comprising:
1. Protege GX platform—for robust floor plans to assist the concierge
2. ICT Entry Station—to allow visitor verification and better entry control in a complex parking environment
3. Protege Mobile App and Bluetooth—enabled keys for smart and convenient property access.
4. Video Management System—to be able to visually monitor and review real-time and historic visual verification of events
Ultimately, by streamlining property management and improving occupant experience in multifamily living, the integrated technology stack helps building managers increase Net Operating Income (NOI), making properties more profitable and appealing to investors.
Discover how ICT’s integrated access control solutions can enhance security and streamline management. Contact us today to get started.
