A seamless living experience for Oslo students

What were the main benefits?

Digital locks that don’t need batteries aligned perfectly with Anker’s environmental goals. Plus, the easy setup and minimal maintenance made a compelling case for iLOQ’s solution.

GuestCompass specializes in access management for student housing, greatly enhancing iLOQ’s offering. Their solution includes unique features such as room-based access permissions, key sharing with neighbors, and specific usage guidelines tailored to different types of phones compatible with iLOQ. What sets GuestCompass apart from other door key apps is its complete customization to match Anker’s style, design, and brand. More importantly, it goes beyond just being a door key; the GuestCompass app serves as a comprehensive communication platform alongside the key function.

During Anker’s management meetings, they had numerous discussions on improving communication with students. Emailing, putting up paper notes on walls, and other initiatives were inefficient. The need for an ‘Anker’ app became evident.

The combination of iLOQ + GuestCompass – a key app alongside an ‘Anker’ app with communication features – solved the issue.

What challenges did Anker foresee in the transition to mobile keys for students?

Initially, sceptical thoughts arose when discussing mobile access with colleagues: “What if the battery dies, or if you misplace your phone? Is it secure? What about personal data usage?”.

Then, considerations about legal aspects and, of course, how the students will respond came into play. However, given the company’s recognition of the increasing mobile trend (even payment of rent and laundry is now managed through an app), they viewed these comments primarily as challenges they must address to progress.

How did Anker overcome the challenges? 

GuestCompass presented a comprehensive project management plan for rolling out the mobile keys in Anker. The plan effectively coordinated all involved parties and emphasized communication, both internally and externally, regarding the transition to mobile access. This included various measures such as training sessions, posters, and a series of emails to align stakeholders and students.

GuestCompass demonstrated a clear understanding of the challenges ahead, including tough questions, technical hurdles, potential resistance, and user experience issues. They remained composed, hands-on, and readily available throughout the process, instilling confidence in Anker.

Upon GuestCompass’s suggestion, Anker even organized a pizza party to introduce the new system, which turned out to be a success, building a stronger connection with their tenants and making it a collaborative effort.

Per Friestad from iLOQ also provided compelling arguments for why they were making this transition and outlined its benefits, equipping Anker with responses to anticipated questions and aiding in staff training.

After more than a year, how has the implementation met Anker’s expectations

Both the software and hardware components have lived up to Anker’s expectations. Oslo’s cold winters posed significant challenges with Anker’s previous locking system, so they made the decision to expand iLOQ to another 200 apartments during the winter.

Additionally, there are some noteworthy additional benefits. Previously, Anker had high costs related to SMS messages. This cost has been reduced drastically since they started using push messaging on the GuestCompass app. GuestCompass also offers bike parking space rental on request, and now that it’s all digital, adding a digital key for users is incredibly easy.

Furthermore, Anker has extended the app’s use to the entire target audience, not just the 700 students with mobile keys. In the past, Anker relied on a customer service portal with emails and chat, but the app proves to be much more practical and efficient.

Anker’s journey with iLOQ and GuestCompass signifies a successful embrace of technology, ensuring a seamless living experience for their students in Oslo.