Allsop's automated key management with KeyNest Points
KEY SUMMARY
- The Partner: Allsop, a leading built-to-rent operator managing a large property portfolio across the UK.
- The Challenge: Physical key cupboards and manual tracking by local agents led to missing keys, no supplier accountability, and costly last-minute lock changes.
- How did Allsop use KeyNest?: They piloted a KeyNest Point on one London property, then expanded across single-family estates and multi-family buildings, storing keys for entire portfolios at local collection points.
- Key Results:
- Full Supplier Accountability - Every key movement is tracked, so Allsop always knows who has a key and when it's due back.
- Proactive Issue Resolution - Missing keys are flagged before a new supplier is sent out, avoiding wasted trips and awkward on-site conversations.
- Portfolio-Wide Scalability - The same system now runs across large multi-family buildings and smaller single-family homes alike, with no added complexity as the portfolio grows.
Allsop, a leading built-to-rent operator in the UK, manages a large portfolio of properties across the country. As their portfolio expanded, managing keys and access to properties became increasingly challenging. Their previous system involved physical key cupboards and local agents who would manually manage and track keys. This led to issues such as missing keys, a lack of accountability, and the frustration of last-minute logistical hurdles when key retrievals or drop-offs didn’t go as planned.
Missing keys and mounting frustrations
Tom, an asset manager at Allsop, explained the significant difficulties their team faced with traditional key management methods:
This would often result in delays and additional costs, as well as a loss of trust with tenants and suppliers.
The Solution
Allsop was introduced to KeyNest as part of their strategy to digitize and streamline key management. KeyNest is a smart, digital platform that allows businesses to store, track, and manage keys remotely through a network of secure collection points and cloud-based software. Instead of relying on physical key storage or manual tracking, Allsop could now monitor and access their keys digitally in real-time.
The convenience of having secure, accessible drop-off and pick-up points across the city provided a more reliable solution to their key management challenges.
KeyNest’s dashboard provided Allsop with full visibility of key movements, including who had access to the keys, when they were checked out, and when they were returned. This real-time insight eliminated the previous uncertainty and allowed Allsop to respond proactively when keys went missing, avoiding expensive last-minute lock changes.
As the system proved successful in London, Allsop expanded the use of KeyNest to a wider range of properties, including single-family housing estates and multi-family apartment buildings.
From pilot to portfolio-wide success
The transition to KeyNest resulted in several key benefits for Allsop. First and foremost, they gained more control and accountability over their keys. The ability to track key movements through the platform was a game changer:
Moreover, KeyNest allowed Allsop to scale its key management system efficiently as their portfolio grew. The software was flexible enough to support various types of properties, from large multi-family buildings to smaller single-family homes.
KeyNest also simplified the logistical complexities associated with coordinating key exchanges between property agents, tenants, and suppliers. By eliminating the need for manual coordination, the team was able to focus on more strategic aspects of property management.
Control, accountability, and cost savings
KeyNest has transformed Allsop’s key management process, making it easier, more secure, and more efficient. By transitioning from outdated physical systems to a modern, cloud-based solution, Allsop has been able to reduce costs, improve accountability, and scale key management across its growing property portfolio. Tom concluded:
