New SALTO KS app release (iOS version 4.6.0 & Android version 5.6.1)
The team at SALTO KS values our users and continuously strives towards the improvement of user experience. Ranging from the app interface to improvements in user roles in a Site, our new app release presents both new features and fixes.
From today, the new versions of the SALTO KS Mobile App will be available in stores for both iOS and Android versions.
Below you can find an overview of improvements and fixes within the iOS and Android app:
What’s new in iOS version 4.6.0
Features & Improvements
- Improved user interface for Site admin & Site Super User roles: Upon opening the SALTO KS app for the first time, our users will be able to learn more about access management features of the SALTO KS Mobile App that will elevate your experience, according to your role as Site Admin or Super User. In addition to the Digital Key and remote opening, discover more about how you can navigate features such as Events, Pod, and Office Modes with the new introduction and walkthrough designed specifically according to your interest.
- Improved user interface for Pod members: Pod members will now find more information on ‘How a Pod member invites and manages guests’ and ‘How Site Admin can manage an existing Pod’ in the walkthrough screens, which will immerse you into the features with ease.
- Improved user interface for KS Services: Until now, we have introduced two KS services on the SALTO KS Mobile App: Comelit and Eagle Eye Networks. In this app release, we have made changes in the user interface of these intercom and video surveillance services respectively, added connection status to the services, and applied new designs.
- Improved process of renewing expired/expiring Digital Keys: Digital Keys are valid for 2 years. When a Digital Key expires, it needs to be reset from the app settings. Instead of requiring an action from the user, we have improved how the app responds to expired Digital Keys and now, it will automatically renew the Digital Key. Every time the app starts, it checks the validity of the Digital Key and after it expires within 7 days or has already expired, the app automatically renews the Digital Key.
- Update of Comelit mobile SDK to the latest version.
Bug-fixes
- Fix for issues with Eagle Eye logout button.
What’s new in Android version 5.6.1
Features & Improvements
- Improved user interface for Site admin & Site Super User roles: Upon opening the SALTO KS app for the first time, our users will be able to learn more about access management features of the SALTO KS Mobile App that will elevate your experience, according to your role as Site Admin or Super User. In addition to the Digital Key and remote opening, discover more about how you can navigate features such as Events, Pod, and Office Modes with the new introduction and walkthrough designed specifically according to your interest.
- Improved user interface for Pod members: Pod members will now find more information on ‘How a Pod member invites and manages guests’ and ‘How Site Admin can manage an existing Pod’ in the walkthrough screens, which will immerse you into the features with ease.
- Improved user interface for KS Services: Until now, we have introduced two KS services on the SALTO KS Mobile App: Comelit and Eagle Eye Networks. In this app release, we have made changes in the user interface of these intercom and video surveillance services respectively, added connection status to the services, and applied new designs.
- Improved process of updating expired/expiring Digital Keys: Digital Keys are valid for 2 years. When a Digital Key expires, it needs to be reset from the app settings. Instead of requiring an action from the user, we have improved how the app responds to expired Digital Keys and now, it will automatically renew the Digital Key. Every time the app starts, it checks the validity of the Digital Key and after it expires within 7 days or has already expired, the app automatically renews the Digital Key.
Bug-fixes
- Fix for the status of detached Wallreaders (shown as "IQ not activated" in locks screen).
- Fix for app-crashing when activating the IQ.
- Fix for issues where Digital Keys stopped working and required a manual reset.
We value your opinion. Contact us if you have any concerns or suggestions regarding the above updates. We are happy to help!
*Note: As of September 1st 2020, the latest Mobile App release is iOS version 4.6.1 and Android version 5.6.2, now available in the App Store and Google Play store respectively.
To read more about SALTO KS, click here or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest product features, team updates, and news from the industry.
SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control systems are easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!
Access control from an architect’s perspective
As we’ve shown on our blog, smart access control is relevant for all kinds of industries, from coworking to experience design. To inquire into what access control and locking technology mean for architects, we reached out to Björg Halldórsdóttir, an architect and design manager for Hafnartorg (The Harbour Square Project) in Reykjavík, Iceland. With a size of over 24.000 m2, including 1.700 m2 of coworking space, this was a large project with many important decisions that needed to be made.
When thinking about the target audience for access control providers, one traditionally thinks of building operators, site owners or administrators, or residential and industrial end-users. However, there is a group that is often overlooked.
This group is the people who design the building: the architects.
Architects may not have the deciding vote when it comes to choosing locking solutions for the buildings they’re designing. However, for those operators who lack knowledge or experience when it comes to choosing access control, they often consult with the architect designing the building.
Some architects have years of experience of designing buildings in a specific sector, for example, hospitality or office spaces, and have worked with specific access control providers before. First and foremost, they might have an opinion about the look of the locks chosen, and whether it matches the aesthetics of the building.
Read on to find out what smart access control means to Björg.
What is the importance of smart lock solutions to you as an architect, and what do you look for in regards to access control?
As an architect, the first thing you look for in a smart lock solution is a product that is aesthetically pleasing. It may not be ideal, but it is the truth.
Secondly, the access control system has to fit the client’s needs. Most clients nowadays prefer smart, electronic locks, depending on the level of security needed for the building. However, some still prefer to use mechanical keys. These preferences must be discussed before starting to search for the right locks for the building.
Do you think that it is important for architects to think about access control when they are designing a space, or is it something that is solely the responsibility of the building manager?
I do think it's important to discuss access control at the initial design stage. It has been proven many times that the most successful building projects are the ones where the whole team works as one. Design managers and architects come from the opposite end of the spectrum and can, therefore, point out different aspects of a design element to one another, resulting in the most suitable choice for the client and the building users.
At what stage during the design process do architects need to think about access control?
At the initial design stage, it is important to get an idea of how the flow of people will be through the spaces. Learning about the client’s wishes regarding access control plays a vital part in that process. This also affects the fire safety design of the building, which means that it cannot be an afterthought.
At the later stages of the design process, when choosing materials, building elements and equipment, there needs to be a discussion with the whole design team and the client to make sure that his wishes are being met and that the chosen product fits the overall interior design. Furthermore, it needs to be established that the product can be delivered within the given time frame.
How important is it to be able to customize the look and finish of the lock, such as with SALTO Systems’ MyLock?
As I previously mentioned, the look of the locks is everything to an architect. It is extremely satisfying for an architect to be able to customize the finish of a product that affects the everyday usage of a building so much. The ability to create a holistic design is always the end goal, and SALTO Systems’ MyLock plays a huge part in achieving that goal.
Have you had any projects where you had to think about locking technology?
Yes. In a recent project for the headquarters of Regus in Iceland at Hafnartorg, access control was an important topic. Although the client already had a product in mind from the start it was still a constant discussion throughout the design process. I’m pleased to say that the end result was a success, both aesthetically and functionally.
Finally, are there any features you would like to see in locking technology in the future?
Customized locking technology for main doors to buildings is something I’d love to see in the future. Although being able to choose the colour and finish, as with SALTO’s MyLock, is a great start, I’d like architects to be able to fully design custom made handles themselves.
“I do think it's important to discuss access control at the initial design stage. It has been proven many times that the most successful building projects are the ones where the whole team works as one.” - Björg Halldórsdóttir, Architect and Design Manager of Hafnartorg.
Thank you, Björg, for taking the time to give us your insights into an architect’s perspective on smart access control.
To read more about SALTO KS, click here or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest product features, team updates and news from the industry.
SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control systems are easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!
Our top 5 picks for new trends in Coworking
As the Coworking industry continues to evolve, new trends are emerging to answer the progressing demands. From pet-friendly offices to futuristic space design, innovative and interesting concepts continue to surface in coworking spaces around the world.
Not too long ago, we put together a blog post on ‘5 niche Coliving spaces to look out for’. Now we turned to Coworking and set out to find the exciting options these spaces offer their visitors.
Read on to discover our selection of the top 5 new trends in Coworking.
Coworking with on-premise childcare
A growing trend in Coworking is offering full-time childcare on-premise. Finding effective, affordable childcare has become a major hindrance for parents to return to the workforce, and mothers in particular. Women disproportionately take on caregiving responsibilities when their family cannot find or afford child care, with damaging results to their careers. Thus, coworking spaces offering childcare not only make themselves an attractive option to parents of young children but also contribute towards gender equality.
Providing on-premise childcare offers numerous other benefits, including reducing the commute that parents traditionally have to make to pick up their child. This increases the valuable free time parents have with their children, while reducing the impact on the environment. Additionally, helping parents re-enter the workforce contributes towards economic growth and prosperity. Due to the positive outcomes of childcare in coworking spaces, we predict that this trend will continue to grow over the next years.
Niche coworking spaces
As is the case for niche coliving spaces, niche coworking spaces are becoming increasingly more popular. There has been an emergence of sites targeting different industries and professions, such as coworking for developers or musicians, spaces for entrepreneurs that encourage networking, and even locations dedicated to construction workers. Offering services tailored to the needs of the specific profession has evident benefits for the workers, as they can have ready access to everything they need in their line of work.
In addition to industry-targeted spaces, there has been an increase in coworking spaces catered to specific social groups and demographics, such as LGBTQ+ or women-only spaces, or different ideologies, like wellness-oriented spaces. Bringing together people with the same interests increases the feeling of community and enables collaboration with people working towards the same goal.
For the coworking spaces, targeting specific segments of the coworking population allows them to stand out from the abundance of spaces available. Spaces focusing on niches also tend to deliver faster growth and profitability. This trend has already been established in many major cities but is sure to grow even further in the future.
The corporate shift
Corporate coworking is a rising trend with many benefits for both businesses and their workers. While earlier, the Coworking industry tended to target entrepreneurs, freelancers, and digital nomads, today’s coworking spaces have set their sights on bigger targets as well.
Over the past few years, the historically rigid corporate environment has started offering more flexibility to its workers with remote working and fluctuating work schedules. Permitting employees to be in charge of their own work hours offers more work-life balance while increasing trust between employees and employers. Now, in the aftermath of COVID-19, this trend is expected to increase as even more corporations move towards coworking spaces.
For this shift towards corporate coworking to be successful, the spaces need to be able to offer different kinds of working environments to the corporations. Depending on the business, it might need access to meeting rooms and conference spaces, desk clusters for collaborations, and individual work desks.
Coworking for sustainability
With the climate crisis at the top of everyone’s mind, many have started to consciously take actions to reduce their carbon footprint. Among actions like reducing meat consumption and opting to buy second-hand rather than new, many only choose retail or service providers that have clear sustainability initiatives. This includes coworking spaces.
As an answer to the demands of sustainable-minded workers, there has been an emergence of green coworking spaces. To reduce their carbon footprint, some of these spaces get their power from renewable energy sources such as solar panels, others practice zero-waste, and most use energy-saving devices and appliances. By enabling the sharing of resources and services, they also reduce waste and unnecessary consumption.
As the need for sustainability will only grow in the coming years, we predict that the number of green coworking spaces will continue to steadily increase, and that many existing coworking sites will retrofit sustainable solutions to remain competitive.
Smart technology and management platforms
With the recent popularity of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and IoT (Internet of Things), many sites have started to utilize smart technologies to provide their tenants with a seamless coworking experience.
Smart technology and integrations with various tools can automate certain operational tasks, creating a self-service culture within the space. For the tenants, streamlined operations can greatly enhance their coworking experience. Features such as smart printers and meeting room booking reduce or eliminate waiting times, increasing the workers’ productivity and satisfaction with the services provided.
For operators, management software helps manage the space and its resources, freeing up time and funds for other initiatives. Smart sensors can be used to save costs by turning off lights or ventilation for unused rooms and smart access control can provide instant access to the tenants while increasing security. Ultimately, effectively managing the coworking space with the aid of smart technology increases profitability, efficiency, and sustainability.
This concludes our list for the top 5 trends emerging in the Coworking industry, but we’re excited to observe even more trends that might make their way into your local coworking space. Now that you’ve seen our predictions, will you jump on the bandwagon and implement smart technology at your coworking space?
If you’d like to know even more about Coworking today, check out this unique book project by Coworkies: “Around the world in 250 coworking spaces”. The book contains carefully curated stories of people, spaces, and products that are actively transforming the workspaces of today, offering a comprehensive understanding of the diverse coworking world.
To read more about SALTO KS, click here or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest product features, team updates and news from the industry.
SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control systems are easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!
How to run a successful home office: Advice from the KS team
The ability to work from home and flexible work schedules have been gaining popularity with workers over the past few years as we have mentioned before on our blog. The reasons for this shift are multi-faceted, with some choosing to work from home to gain a better work-life balance or to accommodate childcare schedules, while others enjoy avoiding the long commutes to the office.
Technological developments have also contributed to the rising number of people working from home. Technologies such as Software as a Service (SaaS) and cloud-based solutions, communication platforms and video conference programs have facilitated remote working, making it much easier to collaborate with colleagues from separate ends of the city.
This year, many of those who had not previously worked from home have been forced to do so for months at a time. This shift in the working environment and lack of social interactions can be challenging for some and can take a toll on one’s mental health. To aid the inexperienced in the art of working from home, we have compiled the SALTO KS tips and tricks for a successful home office. We will focus especially on recommendations that promote self-care and increase well-being in honour of #worldmentalhealthday which will be celebrated on October 10th.
Read on to find out what keeps the SALTO KS machine running:
Stick to a specific schedule
When you don’t have to get up early to catch that train to work and the mornings grow darker as we sail into winter, nothing seems more tempting than to lie in bed until 8:55 AM. Indeed, nothing is stopping you from simply grabbing your laptop from your bedside table and starting the day’s work from bed. However, there are numerous benefits to waking up a little bit earlier, from increased productivity to less stress in the mornings.
Waking up at 8:00 AM provides enough time for a 30-minute yoga session, a hearty breakfast, and a morning shower before you sit down in front of the laptop, making you feel more refreshed and ready for the day. Even without these activities, having a few moments to yourself without jumping straight into work can make a world of a difference.
“Going out for a morning run before work makes me feel like I’m in charge of my day rather than the day being in charge of me.” - Kristin Pater, Marketing Manager at SALTO KS.
Optimise your #WFH wardrobe
A benefit that accompanies working from home is the freedom to wear whatever you want. Many have revelled in this freedom by saying goodbye to their office wardrobe and wearing their most comfortable pyjama set instead. However, wearing pyjamas, just like working from bed, can trick your mind into feeling more sleepy and less energised. Dressing up in clothes you would wear to the office can bring a sense of normalcy to the workday and keeps the days from melding together.
Don’t forget that lunch!
Without the visual cues of seeing your coworkers stand up and move to the canteen, lunch can easily be forgotten in the busy home office. For many, the days are packed with stand-up meetings to make sure that everyone is on the same page despite working in separate places, resulting in workers skipping lunch to work on their individual projects. However, taking at least a 30-minute break from work to eat a healthy lunch or simply taking your eyes off the laptop can increase productivity for the rest of the day.
Working late to accommodate deadlines is fine...
…but make sure it does not become a habit. When you work in an office, you usually keep the same hours, arriving at and leaving the office around the same time every day. When working from home, it is very easy to accidentally work longer while finishing a project as there is no train schedule to keep track of, reminding you what time it is.
A good way to make sure a work-life balance is preserved is to stick to the same hours you would usually work in the office. If you have to work late on a project on a Wednesday, substitute the hours worked by taking a longer lunch break on a Thursday. This way, you make sure that you do not give up too much of your personal time and reduce the chance of feeling overwhelmed.
Plan water cooler chats with your coworkers
When at the office, it is customary to take small breaks throughout the day to grab coffee with your coworkers, or as in the case of SALTO KS, you would play a game of pool. To nurture your relationships with your colleagues, we recommend planning short, online meetings with your coworkers, or reserve 5-10 minutes for small talk during your meetings.
On a larger scale, there are many ways to keep up the office morale even when everyone is working from home. Planning after-work virtual drinks, a trivia night, a BINGO challenge, or a virtual work-out class are all examples of innovative gatherings that keep up the team spirits.
“Spending time together in an informal setting helps you get to know the real person you are working next to every day. It’s during the most mundane coffee break interactions that I’ve learnt the most amazing things about my colleagues which is why keeping some time aside for those micro chats is so important.” - Wilma Georgeson, Office Manager at SALTO KS.
To read more about SALTO KS, click here or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest product features, team updates and news from the industry.
SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control systems are easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!
SALTO KS integrates with Fichaj.es Time-Attendance management software
As our team expands, so does our commitment to providing our users with the best user experience in operating their own systems or running a business, accompanied by smart and valuable software. This is why SALTO KS is proud to announce a brand new integration partner: Fichaj.es, whose technology partnership allows our users the convenience of ‘time and attendance’ along with their cloud-based access control management system. The time-tracking software developer Fichaj.es provides system administrators with a workforce management tool which allows users to accurately record and monitor employee attendance, make staff planning easier, and communicate employee hours and automated access management with 24/7 activity data.
“The Fichaj.es integration with SALTO KS lets the end-user use door access control as a check-in and check-out reader which helps to avoid expensive investments in time and attendance tablets, keypad devices, and even installing drivers on laptops for clock-in and clock-out event notification” - Pablo Pérez de Ciriza, Project Manager at Nubba Group
Fichaj.es is a trusted and accurate time-tracking solution that has robust features including an online time-clock application available for Android and iOS. It has the ability to show overtime information as well as breaks in graphs and progress bars. Additionally, the solution contains an advanced system for managing work schedules and attendance - including maternity leaves and vacations.
KS Connect Partners offer advanced management and access control in an easy and secure way. As a result of this partnership, you can now manage access along with time and attendance needs for your business on-the-go. Open doors remotely, block access, view entry activity and receive activity messages on your smartphone. All that is needed is an online device with an internet connection. In addition to enhanced functionality and performance, this effectively reduces cost and almost eliminates the need for maintenance.
SALTO KS provides flexible cloud-based access control management that requires no software installation nor the added expense of fully-wired electronic locking solutions, ensuring vastly better functionality and performance than is possible in a traditional mechanical locking system.
Enabling the Fichaj.es integration with SALTO KS delivers the following features:
Enabling the Fichaj.es integration with SALTO KS delivers the following features:
This integration brings with it, the exciting and promising scope for more successful, time and cost-reducing collaborations.
If you’d like to be a KS Service within SALTO KS or integrate SALTO KS smart lock functionality into your own app, make sure to contact us.
For more information, watch this video or visit the Fichaj.es Academy.
To read more about SALTO KS, click here or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest product features, team updates and news from the industry.
SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control system is easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!
A year in the life of an expat
Moving to a different country for work is always a life-altering experience. There are many challenges one has to overcome, including finding appropriate housing, learning the language, and understanding the culture. These challenges become especially daunting when you are moving for someone else, in most cases a partner.
To dive deeper into the experience of an expat, we interviewed Ines Komic, an English and Croatian teacher, who moved to the Netherlands from her native country of Croatia. She moved here 18 months ago with her boyfriend Jakov Videković, who works at SALTO KS as a Mobile Developer for iOS. Ines recently wrote an article named ‘365 days as an expat’ that described her experience of her first year living in a foreign country, her hardships and successes, and the importance of appreciating every step along the way.
Read on to find out how she overcame the challenges of her first year and what she learned on her journey so far.
Could you please introduce yourself to our readers, and describe your connection to SALTO KS?
Hi everyone!
My name is Ines Komic and I have been working as a teacher for around 10 years, teaching both English and Croatian. Besides teaching I love casual writing, working on the school’s social media and organising interesting school-related events. I love researching how languages are learnt. Currently, I’m focused on adult learners of the Dutch language because I am surrounded by them, as I am learning Dutch myself. It’s very interesting to see what influences us, how we respond, what makes us progress and so on. I love motivating people and helping them in their learning process from a language teacher’s perspective.
I have very strong ties to SALTO KS. Not only because of my boyfriend Jakov but also because of my friend Darjan, who works as a Software Developer at SALTO KS. Jakov, Darjan and I have known each other since high school, 16 years and counting!
Relocating to a different country is a big adjustment. Did you encounter any challenges due to your relocation? How did you overcome these challenges?
Relocating to the Netherlands was a huge adjustment! From the wind and the rain to Dutch houses and language, there was a lot to adapt to.
Finding a job has been the biggest challenge I have had to face. It takes time and patience, as well as an employer who decides to take a chance on you. I am still in the process of overcoming this challenge. For me, that means learning Dutch and integrating into the Dutch society.
How long did it take you to adjust to your new reality in the Netherlands, such as finding a job or an apartment?
We were a lot luckier than most in regards to finding an apartment, as we had the advantage of having a friend in the Netherlands who could go to viewings for us which helped tremendously. We were still looking for apartments when the date of our arrival was fast approaching, as we hadn’t found anything. We had even paid for temporary accommodation when we finally managed to get an apartment. It had no agency fees, it was furnished and almost ready to live in! We hadn’t seen it with our own eyes, but Darjan sent us videos and photos of it, and we trusted it would be fine for our first year. It was a huge relief being able to arrive in the Netherlands without having to worry about accommodation.
Finding a job was a completely different thing. I managed to find a part-time job in a clothing store pretty quickly, but it took me around 6 months to find a part-time job as a substitute teacher in a Dutch school.
What would you say is the greatest cultural difference between the Netherlands and your native country of Croatia?
One of the greatest cultural differences is freedom. Freedom to change jobs, move cities, and share your opinions. In Croatia, there isn’t as much freedom and you can get stuck. It’s difficult to find a job as a teacher and if you get a good one, meaning permanent and full-time, you usually stay there until you’re 65. Moving to a different city or a different country is seen as a huge thing and isn’t always well received. Sharing your opinions, if those aren’t the same as the majority's, is often controversial.
In your article which inspired this interview, you said “We are not our jobs. We are people who have a job.” Can you please elaborate on this statement?
I realised that I have focused so much on finding a job that I forgot to enjoy the city and the change itself. I felt that I had to find a job immediately and I felt that my worth was measured by my ability to find a job. I realised that my job defined me. That’s because I started working when I was 18 and I hadn’t stopped working until I came here. I was used to working. When I moved to the Netherlands, I was very enthusiastic, hoping to find a job soon.
Then I realised I got it all wrong.
I’m so much more than my job. There will be a moment in which everything will change. I cannot force it, I cannot make it happen overnight.
I’ve met so many hard-working and ambitious people here who would like to work, but simply cannot make it in the competitive market. It’s difficult to stand out, especially with so many Dutchies as a competition.
My job is still a big part of who I am. I love working and being productive, but now I’m a bit more aware that it’s a process that takes time. I’m happy with what I’ve achieved.
Do you have any advice for others that are considering relocating to the Netherlands from another country?
My advice is to learn the language. No matter the profession, language is a huge part of the culture. Also, get familiar with the process of language learning, that makes learning much easier!
Another advice is not to listen to anyone telling you that it won’t work out or that it’s not worth it. Listen to yourself, and you’ll get there. Day by day!
Lastly, now that you have settled a bit more into the country and your new lives, what do you look forward to in the upcoming future?
Since I still haven’t found one, finding a full-time job would be great progress.
Additionally, I look forward to being able to go to the theatre and actually understand the show. I look forward to all the cultural stuff, that’s something I wholeheartedly enjoy.
Finally, I’m excited to move into our own home one day and to everything our “Dutch adventure” will bring.
Thank you, Ines, for sharing your valuable insights and experiences with our readers. Integrating into a new culture is a long and demanding process, but a rewarding one as well. The most important part of this journey is to enjoy every step of the way.
Do you want to find out more about the ‘Bricks’ and how they’ve managed to move to the Netherlands? Take a look at our Instagram account for stories such as the one below. Looking for a challenging job? Visit our career page or LinkedIn to see if there’s a job opening that suits you.
SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control systems are easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!
Scrum 101: The importance of establishing your Team Identity
If you are familiar with Scrum, you are possibly no stranger to the values and practices that go hand in hand. For this week’s blog post we decided to dive deeper into this side of working in tech, by consulting with our in-house expert, Scrum Master Elena Vladimirova. According to Elena, Scrum is a framework that helps us make work as productive and enjoyable as possible. She says, “It is very team-centric and aside from promoting efficient ways of working it is very helpful in establishing a healthy culture within an organization.”
Earlier this year, Elena introduced a new practice to the Bricks, centred around Team Identity. The purpose of this was twofold: to define a mission and vision for each team. This seemingly simple initiative has already made an impact within the (remote) office.
Read ahead to find out the method she used, the purpose of this practice, and its importance.
Could you please introduce yourself to our readers, and tell us about your role at SALTO KS?
My name is Elena and I have been a Scrum Master and Agile Coach for the last 10 years. I’m originally from Bulgaria but moved to the beautiful city of Amsterdam 6 years ago and I still love it, despite the occasional month of endless rain. I’m currently working as a Scrum Master for three of the development teams at SALTO KS.
What are the ‘Scrum values’?
The five Scrum values: commitment, focus, openness, respect and courage are guidelines to help the team build trust both inside and outside the team, which is the foundation that the Scrum framework rests on. Putting a bunch of people to work on a product together doesn’t automatically make them a team, they need to go through different phases of adjustment, conflict and ultimately adaptation and performance; the fairly well-known model of forming, storming, norming, performing.
If you have very different working styles or personalities within a team it’s sometimes difficult to align those. But if you have a clearly expressed common purpose, helped by the Team Identity and clear values that the team members need to uphold, everything becomes much easier.
What led you to think about starting an initiative around Team Identity?
One of my teams felt some frustration and a lack of direction for a few reasons: they were relatively new to the company and the team (still in the storming phase), and they were working on multiple products at the same time, so their priority was not that clear. I’d say they had a bit of an identity crisis, so I thought it would be good to start fresh with a very clear outline of the mission and the vision for the team.
How did you go about this inspiration?
I first shared the idea with my manager and he told me to go for it. Then I made some preparations around this; like setting up a survey for the team to fill in their initial input and setting up a brainstorm board on an online visual tool which we could use during our interactive session. Of course, we had to do it online because of the COVID-19 circumstances, so I needed some digital version of a whiteboard with sticky notes. It was a bit scary because it was the first such workshop I had done online but the results were great and people loved it. I shared my findings with our team’s other Scrum Master Geert Visser, and we prepared to roll this out to all of the teams.
In your opinion, why is it important for teams to identify their team’s mission and vision?
I think that having a common understanding of what the team is about, what they should focus on, knowing their vision and how everything they work on aligns with that vision can be really priceless. There is a common misconception that engineers don’t really care about the business side of things and that is really not true. Pretty much everyone has a need to know what the big picture is that they’re working towards and hitting the goals. Seeing the results of your work reflected on the product and users is extremely fulfilling.
What distinguishes ‘team mission’ from ‘team vision’?
‘Team mission’ is about the question “Why do we exist?”. To determine the reason for us to have a team focused specifically on our self-service tools, or on our core components, etc. It’s a great go-to reference if you’re asking yourself “Why do I show up for work in the morning?”.
‘Team vision’ is much more about where we want to go as a team. The horizon is usually 3 to 7 years and it’s a shoot-for-the-moon type of statement. Whether we want to fully automate some tool, or we want to have the fanciest commissioning process in the world, the sky's the limit. It’s the best thing for giving the team a direction. It’s also a great source of inspiration and ideas.
What are the challenges that defining ‘Team Identity’ can help overcome?
In my experience, this exercise has definitely boosted morale and motivation for the teams. Since I’m first requesting people to give their own definitions in the initial survey, it has been a real revelation about how the different team members might have a different idea of the same team. It definitely brings everyone together, not only on the idea of what the team should be about but it also gives us the opportunity to address those different perspectives and come out with a common understanding.
“Whether or not you decide to go full Scrum, discussing and building your team’s identity is always a great starting point for a new team.” - Elena Vladimirova, Scrum Master at SALTO KS
How did the team respond to this exercise?
I had some sceptics at first (and of course, some people admitted their hatred for filling in forms) but the results were great. It felt that it really kick-started the performing phase for the team. After this, we set up the same exercise with a mostly similar structure for the rest of the teams and we had some great results and feedback.
How will the results and progress of this initiative be measured?
As part of the sessions, we also asked team members to come up with business metrics and engineering metrics that they think our team should care about. All of these we essentially tied up to superior user experience; whether your user is an end-user or a developer. We’ve set up some dashboards around these metrics and will be reviewing our progress on a regular basis to also check how features we implement affect them.
Can this practice be adopted by non-Scrum teams or even teams in other creative or corporate fields?
Absolutely. There are very few fields that don’t incorporate the use of teams, and whether or not you decide to go full Scrum, discussing and building your team’s identity is always a great starting point for a new team. That and beer pong.
Elena, thank you very much for sharing your project with us! We look forward to witnessing the importance of defining our identity, mission and vision together.
Now that you’ve had a glimpse into teamwork at SALTO KS, do you feel ready for the challenge? If yes, check out our Careers page in order to join our team and #becomeabrick.
To read more about SALTO KS, click here or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest product features, team updates and news from the industry.
SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control systems are easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!
The Intern Diaries: Marketer Arna on creative growth and confidence
This year, the SALTO KS team was fortunate enough to welcome aboard talented new team members, who have each changed our team for the better in their own ways. Among this group is Arna Halldórsdóttir. Ever since her start on May 1st, Arna has brought new meaning to the world of marketing at SALTO KS. She has done this through her expert communication, compelling insights (resulting from her psychology background), and creative expression. This has resulted in an array of publications and projects which we asked Arna to reflect upon in her edition of: The Intern Diaries.
Read ahead to find out more about Arna’s journey as Marketing Intern at SALTO KS.
Can you tell us a little bit more about yourself?
Halló! My name is Arna and for the past 6 months, I have been a Marketing Intern at SALTO KS. I’m 27 years old and moved to the Netherlands from Iceland a year ago. After gaining a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Iceland, I worked as a flight attendant for an Icelandic airline for two years. While I enjoyed the travelling, the colleagues, and the unconventional work experience, I knew that my future did not lie in the aviation industry. Thus, I packed up my bags and moved to the Netherlands to attain a Master’s degree in Economic and Consumer Psychology at Leiden University.
I have always been fascinated by consumer behaviour and the subconscious constructs that influence our decision-making. When I decided to pursue a career in marketing, I was conflicted at first since I had extensively studied the possible detrimental effects of consumerism. However, I realised that there was a way to use my marketing skills in a constructive way, promoting products and practices that I believe in. I’m happy to say that I managed to do just that in my internship at SALTO KS.
How did you end up at KS?
While looking for internships, I had a very clear vision of what I wanted. I knew that I wanted to take my time to find the perfect internship even if that meant I had to delay my graduation, as opposed to accepting the first opportunity that presented itself. When I came across the advert for the internship at SALTO KS, I instantly knew that this was the opportunity I had been searching for. The way in which they presented their product and practices, their social media presence, and the diversity of their team intrigued me. From my first interview with recruiter Agnese Rossi, my visit to the fabulous SALTO KS office, to my blog post test case, the entire hiring process was very enjoyable and only intensified my desire to work for the company. I cannot describe the excitement I felt when I signed my employment contract, and there was definitely a bottle of sparkling wine opened that night.
What did you like most about your job? And what would you change about it?
I’ve enjoyed every part of my internship, so it’s very difficult to choose my favourites. If I had to though, I could narrow it down to three aspects. First, I like the autonomy I’ve been given and the diversity of my projects. On my very first day, which started remotely because of the pandemic, I was pleasantly surprised to find out I had been given responsibility for five different tasks. Since then, I’ve been encouraged to take ownership of all kinds of projects, such as managing the SALTO KS Instagram and LinkedIn accounts, designing and creating content for the very first SALTO KS newsletters, and running with my own initiatives.
I also quite appreciate the flexibility and multitasking abilities that the internship has taught me. When you’re a part of the SALTO KS marketing team, you need to be able to juggle multiple projects at the same time, while being comfortable with jumping into other assignments when needed.
Lastly, and most importantly, I’m extremely fortunate to have worked with amazing teammates: Kristin Pater and Anya Doshi. These women are true professionals, creative masterminds, and they are an inspiration to me in every way. I can truly say that I’ve enjoyed every single moment of working with them.
How would you describe the company culture?
The SALTO KS company culture is unlike any other I’ve experienced. About two months into the internship, I was assigned the project of creating illustrative diagrams for the SALTO KS teams. This meant that I had to contact each and every Brick (our term for the SALTO KS employees), asking them about their roles and responsibilities within the company. I think it says a lot about a company when a newly onboarded intern can feel confident enough to contact the Managing Director and it is a great example of the flat structure of SALTO KS. This was especially appealing to me, coming from the hierarchical culture of the aviation industry.
What is your favourite project to work on at KS and how did you approach it?
My favourite project was writing an article for the third edition of Coliving Insights on the subject of technology’s role in making the property management and building industry more sustainable. My manager, Kris, knew of my interest on the topic of sustainability and I was quite honoured that she assigned this task to me. This project required me to research the subject extensively, familiarizing myself with Proptech and the sustainable technologies available for real estate. I collaborated with SALTO Systems’ Business Development & Sales Manager for Coliving & PBSA, Christian Schmitz, in order to gain his insights on the role of communal responsibility for sustainable practices within a building.
Seeing the article that I had worked so hard on published in this beautiful magazine made me feel very proud, and I enjoyed researching sustainability from this novel perspective.
What benefits did you gain from being a Marketing Intern at KS?
The best thing about working in such a small department is that I was able to work on a multitude of different tasks, which gave me a comprehensive understanding of the different sections within marketing. Besides the writing and content creation responsibilities I have described above, I also got to try my hand at creative design, learning how to use digital design programs to create marketing materials for different platforms. I was able to strengthen my communication skills due to tasks such as conducting interviews with industry thinkers or collaborating with technology experts. I was also fortunate enough to receive a Google Analytics workshop from our Digital Advertising Specialist, Candas Demir, where I explored our website’s traffic and planned marketing strategies from that analysis.
How did the job match your expectations?
This internship went above and beyond my expectations. Before I started, I knew that this was not the kind of internship where I would be asked to do trivial tasks such as making copies or fetching coffee. However, I certainly did not expect this. I only experienced this job as an internship for the first few weeks, while I felt like a fully integrated marketing professional for the remainder of the six months. I truly believe that six months working at SALTO KS is equal to two years’ worth of experience elsewhere.
I also did not expect to be welcomed into the company as one of their own. Onboarding an intern in the middle of a pandemic must be no easy task, but somehow they managed to make it seem like I hadn’t even started remotely. Our amazing Office Manager, Wilma Georgeson, has done a fantastic job keeping up the team spirit during the pandemic by organizing all kinds of virtual events. Despite the strange circumstances, I met spectacular people and made some truly great friends within the SALTO KS team.
What do you believe the next step is in your profession, and how did we help you get there?
My internship is officially ending on October 31st, so I am now actively searching for a new employment opportunity. Although there is definitely a certain amount of concern due to the difficult circumstances on the job market right now, I’m also hopeful. Having such an extensive experience from SALTO KS allows me to apply to a broad range of marketing vacancies, from copywriting and communication positions to analytics.
Most importantly, my experience at SALTO KS has made me believe in my abilities, resulting in me feeling confident to tackle any opportunities that come my way!
“I only experienced this job as an internship for the first few weeks, while I felt like a fully integrated marketing professional for the remainder of the six months.” - Arna Halldórsdóttir, Marketer.
Arna, on behalf of the entire team at KS, thank you for being a ray of sunshine in this unexpected year. In your application for this internship, you said, “My strengths include, but are not limited to, superior social skills, an independent work-ethic, a natural curiosity and a spectacular sense of humour.” Little did we know those qualities barely scratched the surface. We will always cheer you on and wish you the very best for your next adventure.
To get in touch with Arna, you may contact her through LinkedIn.
To read more about SALTO KS, click here or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest product features, team updates and news from the industry.
SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control systems are easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!
SALTO KS and student housing solutions in Australia
We are proud to have solutions that have been implemented globally, from our own turf in The Netherlands to across the pond in the Empire State. For this reason, we like to make it a point to reach out to our customers around the world and find out what led them to SALTO KS and how they make use of it.
In this blog post, we focus on Australia, where we have an incredible Cloud team and colleagues who do their best to learn more about the spaces and sites using our cloud-based access control solutions. Two of these happen to fall under the same category of Student Housing and while both are customers, they are very different in their mission and identity.
This is supported by Josie Rae, Marketing Manager at SALTO Systems Australia and New Zealand, who says that “Australia offers world-class education and safe communities for international students.” According to Josie, these benefits will still hold true post the present pandemic; "As a service industry and home-away-from-home for young adults, implementing a cloud-based access control solution such as SALTO KS is operating with an eye to the future.”
Read on to find out more about Ultimo Terraces and The Student Housing Company.
Ultimo Terraces
Sydney’s universities and colleges attract a large number of overseas students. This generates a demand for council approved, safe, and secure accommodation, like the Ultimo Terraces student house-shares. Ultimo Terraces has three adjoining terraced houses, each with several bedrooms, a shared lounge, kitchen, bathroom and courtyard, and a communal laundry. While Ultimo Terraces are not primarily limited to student housing, they provide a valuable option for all renters.
According to the owner and operator of Ultimo Terraces, managing access to the houses and rooms was quite a headache before the decision to switch to SALTO KS. This was not only demanding on management time but inconvenient for the students, who had to wait for access. Additionally, there was a lack of visibility for the owner and operators who had no real-time clear view of who had access to which houses, doors and bedrooms.
“If a student lost their key card, a building manager had to come onsite with a new card, and physically reprogram it (which meant accessing the space under the stairs). Resetting a PIN code was a 10-minute process per door, involving taking the PIN pad apart,” said the owner.
After seeing SALTO Key as a Service (KS) at an expo, Ultimo Terraces’ owner decided it offered the perfect solution. The student’s phone becomes their ‘key’ for access to all parts of the house and is linked to a central management system via the cloud. Using their phone is an attractive and intuitive option for students, who are far less likely to lose the phone than a keycard. A flat battery is a potential risk, but Ultimo Terraces has a simple and practical solution, with a charger kept outside the front door.
Nevertheless, bedroom doors still have PIN pads or Keypads, as a backup option (in case students leave their room without their phone), but these SALTO Keypads can be programmed remotely from the central control system, rather than having to be physically taken apart. This means that changes and updates to access can be made on the fly, with no waiting for a manager to get to the house.
"As a service industry and home-away-from-home for young adults, implementing a cloud-based access control solution such as SALTO KS is operating with an eye to the future.” - Josie Rae, Marketing Manager at SALTO Systems Australia.
The Student Housing Company
The Student Housing Company is part of the Global Student Accommodation family. In Australia, they operate 4 properties housing over 1600 students. University Square in Melbourne opened its doors in July 2018, followed by The Boulevard in Perth, Infinity Place in Melbourne and most recently Park Avenue in the heart of the student precinct surrounding The University of Melbourne. With prime locations, all-inclusive rents, exceptional customer service and great community spaces, The Student Housing Company sets new standards for student accommodation providers.
Complete peace of mind for parents and students alike is an integral part of their brand promise and secure and flexible access control is an important element in delivering this. Students need to be accounted for and have access to their individual rooms, as well as various communal spaces. Some of these communal spaces are only accessible during certain hours of the day such as the swimming pool in Perth, or open to certain individuals, as is the case with the communal bathrooms split by gender at Park Avenue.
SALTO KS allows The Student Housing Company to centrally manage all their properties in real-time. For instance, the residence office can now see when a student last accessed their room which is vital for student monitoring. Notifications allow instant alerts to be sent to activity in the system based on their parameters. This has been used to identify when a student returns from a period of absence so that they can be welcomed back reliably every time.
The ability to remotely open doors also supports after-hours services. Since COVID-19, this has been used for opening the main doors for parcel deliveries and housing doors for when students are locked out. It has kept their students and staff safe by limiting human contact, while still providing the same level of service and ease of access.
“Once you learn how to efficiently use the system, it’s very simple and streamlined. The different functions are easy to navigate and simple to use.” - Becky Blakeway, General Manager of Infinity Place and University Square.
The right access control system can transform the student housing experience for both management and residents. This streamlined process can increase security while simultaneously giving students more independence and control over their spaces which while temporarily belong to them, provide them with a home away from home.
As Josie Rae points out: “Flexible security and safety measures have never been so important, and the integration possibilities with other service platforms allow these properties to truly differentiate their offering.”
To learn more about how SALTO KS benefits Ultimo Terraces, The Student Housing Company, among other spaces, visit our selection of Customer Stories.
To read more about SALTO KS, click here or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest product features, team updates and news from the industry.
SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control systems are easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!
The top 5 Coworking podcasts you should be listening to
Last year, in honour of #InternationalPodcastDay, we published a list of our top 5 podcasts in Coliving that dive into contemporary issues and innovations in their own unique ways.
It just came to our attention that we have not yet put out our list of the best podcasts for 2020, and moreover, we have not covered the Coworking landscape. If you are familiar with the community, you will know that coworking is more than just a growing trend and that it has the potential to change the way we experience our working environment. Whether you are a fan of flexible workspaces or prefer to work from home, coworking discusses values and practices for entrepreneurs, freelancers, full-time professionals and more.
On a global scale, podcasts have emerged to challenge existing norms and push the boundaries for creativity and innovation in the workplace; covering a range of topics from software and integrations to streamlining your membership plans.
Read ahead to find out which of these podcasts made our top 5 list, who they are hosted by, and where you can find them:
Host: Jamie Russo
Where you’ll find it: Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Podbean.
Why we like it: Host and Founder Jamie Russo promised in-depth industry insights and interviews and this is exactly what she delivers. Described by Cobot as “The giant of the coworking-podcast world”, this weekly podcast sets the agenda for the coworking community with operators, vendors and experts on a global scale. While there is a focus on the traditional real estate market, you’ll also find a variety of expert features from different industries and backgrounds which keeps the content fresh and exciting.
2. The Allwork.Space Future Of Work Podcast
Host: Jo Meunier, Ceci Amador and others
Where you’ll find it: Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play, TuneIn and Podbean.
Why we like it: Approaching its one year anniversary, this podcast was started by its namesake Allwork.Space, an online publication that is dedicated to the future of work. The podcast was inspired by the shift in media consumption and its implications for the coworking movement. Described by host Ceci Amador as a “holistic, very robust, comprehensive podcast” the podcast features flexible workspace experts from leading investment companies, prop-tech, the technology sector, traditional real estate, marketing, HR leaders and more.
Host: Cat Johnson
Where you’ll find it: Apple Podcasts, Podtail, Spotify, Podyssey.
Why we like it: Storyteller Cat Johnson hosts the Coworking Out Loud podcast which sheds light on her passions of coworking, community and content marketing. Cat’s mission is to “help workspace operators humanize their brand, create authentic content, and tell better stories.” This is precisely what she does in her podcast which features exciting guests and original topics which would engage anyone regardless of their affiliation with coworking.
Host: Kelly Konya
Where you’ll find it: Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Google Play.
Why we like it: True to its roots, the Coworking Insights Podcast is rich in its information, data, and key takeaways. This podcast is recommended to those who want to learn more about the industry and gain access to reports and resources. Topics such as ‘2020 Global Coworking Growth Study: Key Insights’ and ‘What the Future Holds for Coworking and Remote Work’ illustrate the quality of reliable in-depth interviews you will be listening to with this podcast.
5. GCUC Community Coworking Podcasts
Host: Liz Elam and Tony Bacigalupo
Where you’ll find it: Apple Podcasts, MyTuner, Soundcloud
Why we like it: The GCUC Community Coworking Podcast is 5th on our list and one we highly recommend. Guests include technology leaders and industry experts, however, their content is even more impressive with topics including ‘Diversity & Inclusion in coworking’ and ‘Where’s Coworking Headed Post-pandemic?’ which covers the equally important societal landscape of the industry.
Special mentions! If you can’t get enough of coworking content and are craving more to listen to, check out Coworking with Iris, and the archives of Coworking Conversations and The Coworking Weekly Show.
To read more about SALTO KS, click here or follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn for the latest product features, team updates and news from the industry.
SALTO KS provides a flexible access control management system that requires no software installation or the added expense of a fully-wired electronic product. Modern cloud-based, wireless access control systems are easy and simple to use for businesses including Coworking Spaces, Coliving Buildings, Purpose Built Student Accommodation, Retail, Multi-Tenant Housing, Gyms and many more. Our best in class wireless access control solution and smart locks guarantee the efficiency for your business. Integrate smart locks, start easily managing wireless access control now!
