Become a Member: JOIN SFPMA TODAY   LogIn / Register: LOGIN/REGISTER

SFPMA Industry Articles | news, legal updates, events & education! 

Find Blog Articles for Florida’s Condo, HOA and the Management Industry. 

Accept deliveries from any shipper, residents can collect packages 24/7. by Smart Entry Systems

Accept deliveries from any shipper, residents can collect packages 24/7. by Smart Entry Systems

  • Posted: Oct 22, 2021
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on Accept deliveries from any shipper, residents can collect packages 24/7. by Smart Entry Systems

Accept deliveries from any shipper, residents can collect packages 24/7.

Mix and match from 9, 6, or 4 door models to suit your community.

Watch our Video

 

please check if your question is already covered by the below Frequently Asked Questions list:

  1. How many residence units can this system support?
    • Unlimited, our system is hosted in Google cloud with infinite expandability.
  2. How many buildings can this system support?
    • Unlimited, and no additional monthly fees are required for having multiple buildings.
  3. How many doors or gates can this system support?
    • Unlimited and no additional monthly fees are required for having multiple doors or gates.
  4. Do I get software upgrades when new features are released?
    • Yes, some new features will be free upgrades while other optional services can cost extra. Critical updates are pushed to the tablets automatically as they become available.
  5. How many residents can access the system?
    • We do not set any limit, but the average US household size is 2.2 including kids, so the total number of residents should be around 2.2 times the number of reported units. We may investigate properties with inconceivably high resident to unit ratios to make sure the number of units reported to us is correct.
  6. Do you sell the tablet, the wireless relay, the electric strike, the maglock, etc?
    • No, we do not sell ANY hardware directly as this system is based on an open platform concept using commonly available hardware components.  You can find direct purchase links to the various component suppliers on our Tutorial page. Please contact us if you would also like to be a supplier of ours.
  7. Can I use an iPad as the entrance tablet?
    • No, Android tablets are much more cost effective and comes in a much wider variety of models.
  8. Does each resident need to purchase any additional hardware to access the system?
    • No, they only need a smartphone (iOS or Android) and download our free app to receive video calls.  Non-smartphone and landline users will receive voice only calls and press *1 to open grant access.
  9. How does the resident or visitor open the door?
    • At the door, by entering their numberic access code or scanning their QR Code.
    • At the door, depending on the type of reader installed using one or more of the following credentials:
      • Touchless RFID credentials such as a key card, key fob, sticker.
      • Wireless credentials such as Bluetooth, NFC tags.
      • Biometric identifiers such as fingerprint, vein, retina.
      • There are many reader choices avaiable on the market and we support all of them that complies to the Wiegand standard.
    • When called by their visitor and is using a smartphone, by pressing the Open Door button on the app.
    • When called by their visitor and is NOT using a smartphone, by pressing *1 on their phone’s numeric keypad.
  10. Do you support both the iPhone and Android phones?
    • Yes, our free phone app is available for both iOS and Android devices.
  11. Which tablet do you recommend?
  12. How do I mount the tablet to the wall?
    • We have partnered with several enclosure makers to provide various tablet mounting enclosures. Please see our Tutorial page for more info. Please contact us if you would also like to be a supplier of ours.
  13. How do I prevent users from existing the tablet entry app?
    • The Android tablet is set to Kiosk mode, only our Entry App running on the foreground is accessible.
  14. How hot can the temperature get before the system shuts down?
    • The tablet manufacturers rated the tablet’s operating temperatures from 32F to 105F.  We have tested our system up to 115F but recommends adhering to the manufacturer’s suggested temperatures.  If the entry box will be directly exposed to the sun, you will need to install a hood to protect the box from overheating. Please see our Tutorial page for more info. Here is our High Temperature Testing Video 1 and High Temperature Testing Video 2.
    • For locations colder than 32F, a Thin Film Heater and a thermometer relay is required to prevent controller shutdown. Please see our Tutorial page for more info.
  15. How do I prevent theft and vandalism of the tablet?
    • You can use any Android tablet, some models are more vandal proof than others. You can also add tempered glass screen protectors to further protect the tablet. However, nothing can give you 100% protection to purposeful vandalism such as a swing from a baseball bat, this is also true for any other entry systems on the market. Our system allows you to replace a damaged tablet very quickly and inexpensively while replacement parts from other proprietary manufactured units can be very expensive and you must wait for a trained professional to replace the damaged parts, adding more costs and prolonged system downtime. Adding a surveillance camera system is a great way to deter vandalism.
  16. How do I manage the residents, entries, schedules and access rules?
    • The full functionality of the system is managed by accessing our cloud based Community Management Portal from anywhere with Internet.
  17. What is the HTML code to incorporate the Community Manager into my website for private labeling?
    • <iframe width=”1024″ height=”768″ frameborder=”0″ src=”https://manage.smartentrysystems.com”></iframe>
    • Here is a sample HTML file containing the code: Private Label
  18. What happens to the controller when the Internet goes down?
    • The ability for the tablet to make calls will be disabled, however, existing access codes, QR codes, cards and fobs will continue to work as usual. No updates to access codes, QR, codes, cards, fobs, schedules, and residents can be sent to the tablet by our cloud server until your Internet connection is restored.
  19. The $50 minimum monthly fee is still too much for my tiny project, can I get the system for free?
    • Yes, if your tiny project only requires a maximum of just 5 residents or less, the demo account is completely functional and 100% free to use. We hope that you will bring us larger projects in the future.
  20. Will you support Z-Wave®, ZigBee®, Wi-Fi®, Lutron® Clear Connect® based devices?
    • Possibly, this feature is under review and is being considered for future development.
  21. Can you add this special feature that I must have in order to sell this system to my customer?
    • Maybe, please contact us and describe your feature requirement below.

You can also email us directly at Info@SmartEntrySystems.com

 

Tags: ,
10 Reasons to Switch to Keyless Entry

10 Reasons to Switch to Keyless Entry

  • Posted: Oct 15, 2021
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on 10 Reasons to Switch to Keyless Entry

If you own or manage a building that still uses keys, you’re at a security risk. Keyless entry is a much more effective security solution, leaving your people and property much more secure. When it comes to keyless entry, you can opt for keycards or codes that employees use to gain entry. In either case, only these specific keycards or codes will open the doors that are protected. We’ve compiled the top ten reasons why switching to keyless entry will leave your building more safe and secure.

 

1. Traditional Keys Leave You Vulnerable

Keys are easy to duplicate and locks are easy to pick, leaving your building vulnerable to break ins, theft, property damage, and other issues. Additionally, if a key is lost or stolen, your building is at risk until you get your locks changed, which can be costly and time-consuming. Opting for keyless entry can eliminate these issues and maximize the protection for your building.

2. Access Control

One of the best parts about keyless entry is the ability to turn off a key card’s or code’s access immediately. If an employee is terminated or unexpectedly quits, you won’t have to wait for him to return a key, you can simply turn off his access. You can rest easy knowing that terminated employees will not have access to your building regardless of whether they remember to return their keys or not.

3. One Key Per Person

Often times, different parts of the building need to be accessed by different individuals. Certain employees might be granted full access, while others might only have access to one section of the building. With an access control system, every employee, regardless of her security clearance, will need only a single key card or code. You can customize each employee’s key card or code to grant access to only the parts of the building you want her to have access to. Therefore, every employee will have one key that lets her into all appropriate sections of the building.

4. Tracking Entries

With an access control system, you will get a log of who is entering the building when and from what entrance. This information is a good way to keep track of employees to have a good idea of when most people are gone and security should be heightened. If there is ever a security breach, these logs will be instrumental in conducting an investigation.

5. Losing Your Keys Simplified

If an employee loses her key, it’s no problem. You can quickly shut off access to her old key card and issue her a new one. If you opt for key codes, then there is no opportunity to lose the code. In either case, you won’t have to worry about changing locks or issuing new keys to everyone. Additionally, you’ll never have to worry about forgetting to lock up. In many cases, doors will lock automatically every time they are closed. Because you can access your access control system from a mobile device, it’s easy to check whether the doors are locked and lock them right from your mobile device when they’re not.

6. Cutting Costs

Issuing multiple keys to every employee can be expensive. Key cards are easily replaced and much less expensive. Key codes are easily changed with no additional equipment. If an employee loses a key, you’ll never have to worry about changing all of your locks. Changing the locks and issuing new keys to all employees can be extremely costly. You can avoid these costs with keyless entry.

7. Difficult to Duplicate

If your security system is entirely dependent on traditional keys, you can be very susceptible to theft. Traditional keys are very easy to duplicate. Often, someone can take a key down to the nearest hardware store to duplicate a key. Many people have the ability to duplicate keys at home as well. Key cards, on the other hand, cannot be duplicated without extremely sophisticated equipment. Therefore, using key cards instead of traditional keys will help keep your building more secure.

 

8. Attached to Employee IDs

If your business already requires employees to carry or wear identification, keyless entry can seamlessly integrate with these IDs. You have the ability to make these ID cards your keycards, so that employees do not have something new to carry. If your employees are already required to wear ID, they will not have anything additional to remember and you can be sure that they always have their keycard on them. Integrating keycards with employee IDs will minimize changes for your employees while keeping your property protected.

9. Integration With Security Equipment

Your keyless entry can be easily integrated with existing security measures and surveillance equipment. The doors can include alarms that go off if the door is opened at a time or by a person that it shouldn’t be. You can also set your doors to turn off security alarms when the door is opened by valid personnel. Your cameras can be set up to closely follow movement of anyone entering the building after hours. Integrated keyless entry with your existing security measures will greatly improve the overall security of your building.

10. Simple Installation

One of the best parts about keyless entry is the fact that it does not require significant additional equipment. A simple attachment is added to your existing door. This attachment is what will be swiped or tapped by the key card, or will include numbers that employees will punch in for their codes. The technology of the system operates remotely and therefore does not require additional equipment. It can operate on your existing devices. Keyless entry will not add new equipment to your building and will be simple to install.

United Security Incorporated | Access Control Systems

At USI Integrated Solutions, we bring together a highly experienced team, keen strategic planning and in-depth understanding of the leading technologies in the field. For 27 years we have brought peace of mind to our clients through the careful application of investigative talent and technology implementation.

 


New Member: United Security, Inc. 

Contact:

John Libby
Regional Manager
United Security, Inc.
950 South Pine Island Road-Suite A 150
Plantation, FL 33324
Mobile: (407)-675-7960
JLibby@usisecurity.com
Tags:
All In One System – manage so many devices on you properties. you control access for owners and guests at your fingertips!

All In One System – manage so many devices on you properties. you control access for owners and guests at your fingertips!

  • Posted: Jul 05, 2021
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on All In One System – manage so many devices on you properties. you control access for owners and guests at your fingertips!

Smart Entry Systems

(626) 213-7557

All In One System – manage so many devices on you properties. you control access for owners and guests at your fingertips!

  • Simple Installation, Wirelessly connects to the Internet using plain WiFi without the need to pay for land lines, POTS, VOIP, SIP, nor LTE.
  • Surveillance Camera Integration, Pull images from other camera(s) mounted near by the entrance for a multi-directional view of the access  w/ event in the entry log.
  • Create temporary guest codes for pre-authorized visitors using the phone app.
  • Conveniently manage your property with a browser from anywhere with Internet access.
  • Accept deliveries from any shipper, residents can collect packages 24/7. Mix and match from 9, 6, or 4 door models to suit your community.
  • Eliminate coins from communal washers, dryers, electric car charging stations, short term rentals of conference and party room

Sales Manager: Wanchai Siriwalothakul

Phone: 626-213-7557
Tags: , ,
Security 101: 4 Tips for a Safe New Year’s Eve by Signal88 Security

Security 101: 4 Tips for a Safe New Year’s Eve by Signal88 Security

  • Posted: Dec 30, 2020
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on Security 101: 4 Tips for a Safe New Year’s Eve by Signal88 Security

As the year comes to a close, you may be making plans to celebrate New Year’s Eve. No matter what shape your plans may take, resolve to follow these tips from Signal 88 Security and welcome the new year with peace of mind.

 

  • Leave the fireworks to the pros. Hand-held sparklers can burn at over 2,000° Fahrenheit. Fireworks cause over 9,000 injuries and 20,000 fires each year in the US. Do the math: fireworks can really put a damper on your holiday. If you have a burning desire to use fireworks, be sure to have a fire extinguisher nearby, and a safe place for soaking and disposing of used fireworks.

 

  • Bubble trouble. Did you know champagne corks can leave the bottle at over 50 mph? Unfortunately, champagne-related eye injuries are common around New Year’s Eve, and even indirect hits can cause blindness. The safety wire is designed to prevent unexpected pops, so don’t loosen it until the bottle is pointed away from yourself and others. If possible, wrap a towel over the bottle to prevent a stray cork.

 

  • What goes up must come down. New Year’s Eve ranks as one of the most common nights for celebratory gunfire. Not only is this practice illegal – even on private property – but falling bullets can cause property damage, catastrophic injury and even death. Be safe: leave the firearms in the safe.

 

  • Get home safely. The presence of alcohol combined with late-night revelry makes New Year’s Eve a risky night on the roads. Arrange a ride with a designated driver, or make sure you’re signed up with a ride-sharing app before going out. Free public transportation or cab rides can be found in many localities on New Year’s Eve, so research the options in your area in advance.

 

Don’t let an injury or accident keep you from pursuing your resolutions this year. With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to ring in a safe and successful new year!

 


Signal 88 Security of Lakeland

The vision of Signal 88 Security is to provide a full suite of world-class and industry-leading security services for residential, commercial, retail and institutional customers because, quite simply, we believe safety is a basic human right and need. We have developed a service philosophy and process to ensure you receive the right solution for your needs.

Jorge Rios  /  (813) 812-0276

Lakeland@signal88.com

Tags:
All in One System for Entry Gates, Garages and Pools…..

All in One System for Entry Gates, Garages and Pools…..

  • Posted: Nov 26, 2020
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on All in One System for Entry Gates, Garages and Pools…..

Smart Entry Systems

(626) 213-7557

 

  • Create temporary guest codes for pre-authorized visitors using the phone app.
  • Conveniently manage your property with a browser from anywhere with Internet access.
  • Accept deliveries from any shipper, residents can collect packages 24/7. Mix and match from 9, 6, or 4 door models to suit your community.
  • Eliminate coins from communal washers, dryers, electric car charging stations, short term rentals of conference and party rooms.

 

How it works?

Watch this one minute video of the different access methods.

 

 

 

Tags: , ,
Learn more about Contactless Solutions for your Communities. This Webinar is on November 24rth at Noon. by IdentyTech Solutions

Learn more about Contactless Solutions for your Communities. This Webinar is on November 24rth at Noon. by IdentyTech Solutions

  • Posted: Nov 17, 2020
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on Learn more about Contactless Solutions for your Communities. This Webinar is on November 24rth at Noon. by IdentyTech Solutions

Learn more about Contactless Solutions for your Communities.

This Webinar is on November 24th at Noon.

You can use this link to register today!

Learn more about Contactless Solutions for your Communities. This Webinar is on November 24rth at Noon. (12:00) Watch and Learn, Ask Questions #SfpmaMembers


iDENTYTECH Solutions America, Inc.

iDentyTech is a leading provider of intuitive Identity management products and solutions. Founded in 2010 IdentyTech™ provides its worldwide customers with best-in- class complete identity management solutions. We further offer custom engineered solutions for those customers requiring proprietary solutions. IdentyTech has field proven solutions for Corporate Enterprise, government and Financial services, healthcare, schools, Transportation, Small Medium businesses and many others.

View our SFPMA Listing on the Members Directory.

 

Tags: ,
Home Fire Prevention Week –  “Home fire sprinkler system’s can save lives and property”.

Home Fire Prevention Week – “Home fire sprinkler system’s can save lives and property”.

  • Posted: Oct 08, 2020
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on Home Fire Prevention Week – “Home fire sprinkler system’s can save lives and property”.

Home fire sprinkler system’s can save lives and property.

Home Fire Prevention Week

 

The public observance of Fire Prevention Week. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country. During Fire Prevention Week, children, adults, and teachers learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Firefighters provide lifesaving public education in an effort to drastically decrease casualties caused by fires.

Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage. This horrific conflagration killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures, and burned more than 2,000 acres of land.

 

Why firesprinklers?   • save lives/reduce injuries   • protect property   • reduce impact of fire on environment   • reduce business interruption   • reduce risk to firefighters   • increase community resilience
• preserve heritage   THAT’s why!


 

Today’s theme is “Fire is Fast”. Very few people realize how fast a home fire grows. Check out this 1 minute video which shows how a home fire sprinkler system can save lives and property.

https://youtu.be/cnzPFi_EGjU

 


 

During the COVID-19 crisis, recent news reports have shown a correlation between stay-at-home mandates and an increase in home cooking fires. The NFPA and HFSC say this trend emphasizes the importance of the need to educate about fire safety, the organizations said in a press release.

The organizations noted that fire sprinklers can help eliminate home fire deaths, but that legislative barriers and a general unawareness of the technology have prevented its use in new homes.

The Fire Sprinkler Initiative, a project of the NFPA and the HFSC, is co-hosting Home Fire Sprinkler Week, a North America-wide virtual effort to show the value of home fire sprinklers from May 17-23.

“Previously, public demonstrations to show the speed of home fires and the powerful protection of home fire sprinklers were the centerpiece of this week, attracting large crowds all over the country,” NFPA Vice President of Outreach and Advocacy and HFSC President Lorraine Carli said in a statement. “But life is very different today with the fire service at the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. And as public gatherings are inadvisable, this year we are acknowledging social distancing and simplifying fire service participation by providing a varied digital platform to flood the Internet with facts and messages of life safety.”

Throughout the week, fire departments and other public safety advocates across the U.S. can access digital content at the Home Fire Sprinkler Week Website and encourage their audiences to read and share daily messaging. The NFPA and HFSC will post home fire sprinkler videos, graphics and other information on their websites, through social media and via local news outlets.

*Each year, home fires cause eight of every 10 fire deaths and seven of 10 fire injuries, according to the NFPA, and fire sprinklers are proven to keep home fires small, preventing injuries, deaths and limiting property damage.

 

Members of SFPMA – Fire Alarms and Fire Sprinkler System Companies

 

Premier Fire Alarms and Integration Systems

Premier Fire Alarms & Integration Systems, Installation Division Inc. is dedicated to providing the most reliable systems and service in the alarm industry. Helping protect the lives and property of our customers is a responsibility we embrace and never take lightly. In every endeavor, we strive to satisfy our customers by meeting and exceeding their expectations.

Our Goals At Premier Fire Alarms & Integration Systems, Inc., we have high expectations of ourselves and we encourage our customers to have them too. For well over a decade, we have earned the trust of our customers through ingenuity, superior workmanship and responsiveness. Our continual effort to exceed current goals is your guarantee of superior performance and fulfillment of our commitments.

 

Premier Fire Alarm & Integration Systems, Installation Division Inc
EF license number: EC 13008323
430 Ansin Blvd Suite M
Hallandale, FL 330099
Call us: 954 404 7137

 


 

Southfire Systems

Complete Fire Alarm System Service, testing and inspection,  low-cost 24-7 UL Central Station alarm monitoring services.  

With over 15 years experience in the alarm servicing industry, we’ve seen our share of customer concerns. We fully understand that nobody wakes up in the morning and casually decides to install a fire alarm system in their home or business just to brighten everyones day! Usually, it is a mandatory requirement of local code enforcement and strict guidelines must be followed in order to fully comply with the criteria specified by those codes. As a property owner, it is your responsibility to maintain your life safety system in proper working condition at all times. We realize how this situation can often create major headaches and frustrations for people who would rather be devoting their time and energies to running their own businesses instead.

Southfire Systems

6187 NW 167th St. Suite H-13
Miami, FL 33015
305-558-6126
office@southfiresystems.com
EF2000635

 


 

BLACK FIRE PROTECTION, INC.

Experts in all components of your water-based fire protection systems including; fire sprinklers, fire pumps, standpipes, hoses, backflow prevention devices, and fire hydrants. We fulfill all of your design, installation, retrofit, repair, inspection, test, and maintenance needs.

Marcas Black – Vice President
3461 NW 75th TerraceLauderhill, Florida 33319Serving Broward, Miami-Dade,
and Palm Beach.

Phone: 954-741-4548
Fax: 954-999-5258
marcas@blackfireprotection.com

 


 

Advanced Fire & Security

Advanced Fire & Security, Inc. is State Licensed, Whether you are a Property Manager, Owner, Engineer or Electrical Contractor, our goal is to make your life easier by providing the best products and services available for our industry. With Advanced Fire & Security you’ll sleep better knowing that your property and tenants are protected 24 hours a day.

FIRE & SECURITY COMPANY

2701 Gateway Drive
Pompano Beach, FL 33069

Phone:  888-916-7474
Fax:  954-772-0500

 


 

Florida Fire Door

Certified Fire Door Inspections serving all commercial markets across Florida.

Florida Fire Door, LLC. Is the state’s leader in Life Safety Inspections and services. With over 20 years of life safety industry experience and working with different AHJ’s from all different industries, we are well versed in the code requirements and what the AHJ is expecting of you and your facility. You can count on us to keep you in compliance with all fire door code requirements.

 

Florida Fire Door
Mike Redd
VP Operations
954.947.SAFE (7233)
info@FloridaFireDoor.com
http://www.FloridaFireDoor.com

 


Tags: , , , ,
How Does ZUUL Systems Facilitate No-Contact Entry to a Gated Community?

How Does ZUUL Systems Facilitate No-Contact Entry to a Gated Community?

  • Posted: Jun 09, 2020
  • By:
  • Comments: Comments Off on How Does ZUUL Systems Facilitate No-Contact Entry to a Gated Community?

How Does ZUUL Systems Facilitate No-Contact Entry to a Gated Community?

As your fellow neighbor, we understand recent shifts in society have greatly impacted communities all over the world. We’ve laughed together. We’ve overcome challenges together. Most importantly, we’ve learned individuals can adapt when hard times call for innovation. You’ve been through a lot, and ZUUL Systems recognizes the changes you’ve made to safely navigate daily life.

You, yes you, have made great strides to help our community stay healthy and flourish. You, along with other compassionate individuals, have adopted preventative tactics, like social distancing and contact-free communication, to maintain a safe quality of life until society finds its way back to a stable form of normalcy. Although the future is unknown, we can continue on this path of prevention to ensure our neighborhood’s well-being is preserved.

Our team at ZUUL Systems is taking note of seamless, no-contact living and its important contribution to society. Officials have encouraged individuals to avoid contact with frequently touched surfaces while performing necessary tasks outside of a home, as the virus affecting our community can survive stably on a hard surface or object for up to 72 hours. Now, there is a way to carry out day-to-day tasks and even commute while reducing the risk of virus transmission through touching surfaces or objects.

More specifically, ZUUL Systems facilitates no-contact entry to a gated community through its safe neighborhood access system. This completely digital platform allows users entry and exit into a gated community without the need for physical contact with strange gate guards, unfamiliar security personnel, and frequently touched objects. How exactly does ZUUL Systems pull this off? It’s simple.

Approved guests and community residents will use this no-touch system to filter in and out of the community, avoiding the need to touch a potentially contaminated call box, keypad, or identification card. All users need to complete a safe, streamlined entry would be a personal mobile device. For guests to enter, residents of a gated community will send a private QR code to an approved visitor via the ZUUL Systems app. This QR code will allow the visitor to easily enter and pass the security perimeter. The code can be issued as a single, one-time pass or a recurring pass. As the guest approaches the neighborhood entry gate, they will extend their mobile device to a ZUUL Systems scanner, and voilà. The approved guest is in.

This type of zero-touch entry system is particularly helpful for essential workers, like home improvement service providers and delivery people. They are the individuals navigating neighborhoods to complete essential services that propel our society.Can you imagine all the frequently touched surfaces and objects they encounter each day? By keeping essential workers and community guests at a safe distance, we can sustain a healthier lifestyle for all.

Alas, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel; or rather, at the end of the guard gate. With ZUUL Systems, you are in control of the distance you keep at all times, ultimately leading our society to a safer tomorrow. Learn more about the benefits of this contact-free access system by visiting ZUUL Systems.

 

 

Tags: , , ,