Workspace management software company Proximity has announced a new partnership with Brivo, a global expert in cloud-based access control and smart building technologies.
Brivo provides access management and security solutions for many thousands of buildings globally and is a top choice among enterprise companies and asset managers for large-scale deployments. Proximity's workspace management platform helps streamline day-to-day operations and onsite experiences at workplaces, co-working spaces and flex offices.
The new integration with Brivo connects customized user permissions in the Proximity platform to Brivo's cloud-based access management system.
As noted by the partners, "As workplaces increasingly shift to hybrid models, organizations are tasked with managing the office experience for employees who may no longer have a dedicated office or desk where they work each day. In some cases, employees may now also work from a company office other than a headquarters location, a model that's gaining popularity."
As a result of the collaboration, workspace users can now unlock building and office doors secured with Brivo using Proximity's mobile app, and digital key access automatically ends when a membership or reservation expires.
Greater flexibility reduces burden for hybrid workspace managers
The companies contend the new platform integration enables greater flexibility and reduced burden for workspace managers who use Brivo technology, and also need a solution for desk booking, meeting room management, onsite check-ins or space utilization reporting.
"Where and how we work is becoming more flexible and more distributed," observes Proximity CEO Josh Freed. "In this evolving world of work it's very challenging to allocate space and understand when and where employees are actually showing up to an office. Security, safety and gaining a clear picture of asset usage are top priorities for organizations right now."
Brivo notes it secures more than 300 million square feet of real estate for over 44,500 commercial accounts in over 70,000 buildings worldwide. The company sells technology through authorized dealers in 42 countries who complete professional installations for real estate projects of all sizes.
"Our partnership with Brivo will create an easier onboarding experience for our customers who want or have Brivo's cloud technology and is part of Proximity's initiative to expand our integrations with best-in-class workplace products," continues Proximity's Freed.
Proximity also works with hundreds of co-working spaces. The firm notes that, with more workplaces going hybrid or fully remote, many workers are relying on flexible space memberships or drop-in passes for access to private, professional workspace outside the home.
The firm further points out that working spaces can serve as an ideal solution for those who still want office amenities and in-person interactions at work but may have moved away from a corporate office location, no longer have a company office, or want to reduce commute times.
User check-in data from onsite visits at more than 400 co-working and flex spaces on the Proximity platform showed that October 2021 was the highest month of usage across the network since March 2020.
At a peak of 68,846 onsite check-ins, the company says this increase is more than 13 times the lowest usage month near the start of the pandemic.
"We added a number of new customers over this time period," reports Proximity's Freed. "That peak does represent some of our growth, but overall we've seen a steady increase in space utilization from March of this year through November. Reservations for meeting rooms and private phone booths also match this trend with significant increases from April through November."
"Access management is the foundation for enabling a hybrid work environment," concludes Steve Van Till, Founder and CEO of Brivo. "We're excited to partner with Proximity to deliver a simplified user experience that sets a new standard for flexible space, co-working and workplace management."
