For
mixed-use properties, automating workflows and responses can be quite beneficial. However, there are still certain challenges in making this automation possible. The role of systems integrators in automating workflows and responses in mixed-use properties, meanwhile, cannot be ignored.
Workflow and response automation refers to the execution of predefined actions when something happens. Such automation can be quite beneficial for mixed-use properties. Upon after-hours doors being forced open, or tailgating at controlled entrances, or unauthorized access in off-limits areas, security teams can be notified immediately, instead of having to manually check which tenants have access to which areas at what time. Operations-wise, automation simplifies new tenant onboarding processes and can help with preventive maintenance. Indeed, when mixed-use properties become automated, they are more secure, efficient and even attractive to tenants.
“Automated responses can be triggered by panic alarms, unauthorized access attempts, suspicious activity detections, fire or environmental alarms, congestion or crowd movement alerts and other safety related events. Demonstrating a coordinated, technology driven approach to safety can also help attract new tenants by showing a commitment to maintaining a secure environment across the property,” said Andreas Beerbaum, VP of Global Sales and Services, Physical Security at Hexagon’s Safety, Infrastructure and Geospatial division.
Some use cases
In fact, success stories of workflow and response automation in mixed-use and multi-tenant environments abound. Rhombus, for example, cites their client CA Student Living (CASL), one of the largest student housing operators in the U.S., which previously relied on a complex, on-premises security system that was difficult to maintain and discouraging for staff to use.
“After deploying Rhombus across nearly 1,000 cameras, CASL centralized monitoring across common spaces and enabled real-time visibility into activity across properties. Property teams no longer had to manually track down footage or wait for systems to come back online. Instead, they could quickly see what was happening and respond immediately. The impact was felt across daily operations. Staff were able to review footage faster, investigate incidents more accurately, and resolve issues in a timely manner,” said Rickey Cox, VP of Product at the company.
Verkada, meanwhile, cites one customer, a large real estate management platform overseeing more than 170 office, retail, industrial, multi-residential, and mixed-use properties. “Across several high-density, mixed-use buildings, they’re now using a modern, cloud-based security system to bring greater consistency and visibility in public areas while ensuring privacy is still preserved within individual tenant spaces. The system has allowed the management platform to automate workflows to stay ahead of issues, efficiently manage a complex, multi-tenant portfolio, and reduce friction for onsite teams,” said David Zhai, Director of Product Management at Verkada.
“Instead of spending long periods watching and reviewing footage, security teams can be automatically alerted to suspicious behavior such as loitering or trespassing,” Zhai adds. “After an incident, the team can quickly locate, share, and archive footage in just a few clicks, improving response times and ensuring a safe environment for all tenants.”
Automation challenges
Despite the benefits of having automated workflows and responses in mixed-use properties, there are still various challenges that need to be overcome. One of them has to do with
interoperability. Indeed, mixed-use properties are occupied by different tenants who use different security devices or systems that do not communicate. This makes automation difficult.
“Automating workflows in multi tenant properties can be challenging because different systems – such as CCTV, access control, fire detection and public address systems – often come from various vendors and may not easily integrate into one cohesive platform. Tenants may also run their own security tools, including in store alarms, cameras, and guard services, creating additional complexity,” Beerbaum said.
To address these challenges, deploying interoperable systems across the property is recommended.
“It’s important to understand what systems exist across the entire site and clearly communicate the benefits of a connected ecosystem to all stakeholders. Full integration is ideal – such as using a shared camera network to track persons of interest – but isn’t always feasible. What matters most is ensuring operators have strong situational awareness, a clear operating picture and the ability to communicate, share information and coordinate actions with tenants so incidents can be managed smoothly,” Beerbaum said.
Another challenge has to do with consistency in adoption. “Property management teams are busy, and if a system feels unfamiliar, it may not be used to its full potential. Even the easiest automations only deliver value when the staff engage with it consistently,” Cox said.
The solution is education and enablement, he said. “When operating teams understand how the system works, how alerts are triggered, how workflows support them, and how automation reduces manual effort – adoption increases naturally. With the right training and clear operational alignment, staff begin to rely on the system. Knowledge drives utilization, and utilization is what turns automation into measurable impact,” Cox notes.
SI’s role
When automating workflows and responses in mixed-use properties, the systems integrator plays a central role. “They … bring together new and legacy systems to achieve the desired level of automation. Their expertise helps identify potential gaps or incompatibilities that could undermine situational awareness and workflow effectiveness, ensuring the overall security ecosystem supports efficient, automated response,” Beerbaum said.
According to Cox, when it comes to workflow and response automation in mixed-use properties, the integrator’s main jobs include:
• Assess risks and map coverage needs
• Design unified architectures across video, access, alarms, and sensors
• Configure response logic and escalation paths
• Deploy consistently across multiple buildings
• Integrate third-party systems when needed
“In modern, cloud-managed deployments, integrators can also support faster rollouts which is especially valuable when operators are scaling across multiple student housing communities,” Cox said.