The Future of Apartment Living: Virtual Concierge Innovations for Residents

Mary-Anne Bowring explains the latest innovation in block porterage. WITH RESIDENTS BECOMING MORE DEMANDING these days and innovation being essential to keeping them happy, a new Virtual Concierge product aims to add value to blocks. In essence, it's a plasma screen installed at the entrance of a block, displaying helpful information for visitors and residents alike. Only about 23% of apartment blocks in Central London boast a concierge, so there are just two types of flats: those that have a concierge and those that don't. Well, that's about to change! The concept is similar to the way a hotel treats its guests. The experience of being a resident is more than just arriving and leaving.

Building Community: Elevating Guest Experiences Through Thoughtful Communication and Transparency

It's about creating a community spirit. If a hotel reminds guests of their fine dining options and any relevant news, there's no reason a block can't either. Considering all of these, any managing agent knows that every penny of the service charge is scrutinized by discerning leaseholders and has to be believed to be value for money. The product allows people to see Photos of contractors authorized to be on-site (security). Day books of all visitors (service).

nhancing Community Engagement and Property Value Through Real-Time Updates and Virtual Concierge Services

Real-time updates on critical issues such as lift failure, major works tenders, and the subsequent meeting (service). Shift patterns, holiday records. Building manuals. The managing agent posted meetings, tender results, and other news on the newsboard. The plasma screen installed usually hangs by the ceiling, and information is provided using a broadband line. The first 32" plasma can be installed free, with clients paying for the broadband connection. Directors can post news on TV, but this also provides networking features to increase the sense of community spirit. Neighbors can let each other know if they are happy to lend tea or coffee to other residents, if they can help with the plumbing, or even if they teach yoga! Due to the development specification enhancements, installing the product could increase asking prices and differentiate a block with no desk Concierge, as a virtual concierge is the next best thing.

Revolutionizing Building Management: The Comprehensive HR Module for Enhanced Security and Access

The HR module includes HR Management and learning materials. When installed, a webcam is added to the concierge PC, enabling photos of contractors working on-site to be captured for security reasons and for viewers to see who the contractor is. The product also allows leaseholders and directors to access a finance desk to search for financial records and legal casework, and owners can access the Concierge desk, daybooks, and building manuals all from one place. The pilot was installed in Docklands in November 2010 with a 32" plasma screen (so every visitor was in touch) and a webcam for the concierge to photograph contractors and training for all. It brings Block Porterage into the 21st Century and is a welcome addition to those blocks that don't have an on-site concierge.

Mary-Anne Bowring is the managing director of The Ringley Group and sponsors the Porter of the Year Award at the Property Management Awards. See page 38