Anker Case study - iLOQ & GuestCompass

May 2024

Anker STI, ( Stiftelsen Anker - Oslo ) is a leading provider of student accommodations in Oslo, Norway. 

Managing multiple properties, including business premises, hotels and over 1800 student apartments, Anker Studenthousing recently embraced innovative solutions for its locking systems. Partnering with iLOQ's battery-free digital locks and GuestCompass's tailored access management platform, Anker successfully transitioned to mobile keys, enhancing resident experience. The implementation not only met expectations but also resulted in reduced operational costs and improved communication efficiency, showcasing Anker's commitment to modernizing student housing.

iLOQ S50
Operations
Student
Activities
1800
Student apartments

Can you tell me more about Anker?

Anker - With a heart for the student, since 1975

The Anker Foundation`s (Anker STI) purpose is to own and manage the operation of residential facilities for apprentices and pupils at vocational schools and students at colleges and universities. The foundation also engages in hotel activities, and other activities aimed at making the operation mentioned in the introduction financially sound. Anker manages a Hotel, a hostel, an apartment building, a bunk bed concept, business premises and 1800 student apartments spread over 6 locations in the city center of Oslo, Norway. 

Anker
Anker mobile

Why were you looking to replace your existing locking system?

Since we're in the city center, lots of people near us use our garbage bins. So, we wanted to find a good way to close the bins so only our residents could use them.

At the same time, we were planning to change our oldest lock system that we had in use for about 500 apartments. This was due to problems with deliverance of keys as they were not produced anymore. Our first thought was to install what were our “new” digital locks, from ten years ago, so we would have all apartments in one system. But the cold winters in Oslo were hard on those locks and the batteries in them, so our tech team had to spend a lot of time keeping them working. Therefore we were also searching for alternatives.

Egil

Egil Paulsen - Property Developer

It's truly magical — transferring electricity wireless from your phone to operate the lock! Historically we spent a lot of time changing batteries in keys and locks. This solution gives environmental benefits and saves us resources and money

How did you hear about iLOQ and or GuestCompass?

The company we were in contact with regarding our garbage bins told us about iLOQ. When we talked to the iLOQ person (Per Friestad), we were really impressed by how iLOQ doesn't need batteries. When we discussed our student housing potential, Per highly recommended using GuestCompass along with iLOQ, to secure a good user experience. 

Bessim

Bessim Issa - Technicians

I was initially skeptical, given that we have several older buildings with crooked doors. However, I was impressed to see how even the oldest and most crooked doors were functioning perfectly with iLOQ. So far, there have been no malfunctions with the locks, which has been fantastic, although I’m forgetting my training since I never have to fix anything anymore…

Which functions of your organization were involved with the selection and purchase decision?

Changing the locking system affects many parts of our organization, as you can imagine. Especially when you switch from using physical keys, tags, or tokens to a mobile key solution.

Before, decisions about the locking system were made by the finance, maintenance, and property management departments. Interestingly, when you switch to mobile keys, a broader perspective emerges, and operations also becomes important.

We went on a trip to Amsterdam with all departments combined to see an example of this change in action. This really helped to get everyone on board. Even though iLOQ and GuestCompass have been providing this service for years, it was all new to us. The example we saw included buildings that were 300 years old, 50 years old, and only 3 months old, all equipped with iLOQ. This helped to convince our maintenance team and property management staff that this was a solid solution.

We also got to chat with some students we bumped into in the hallways, and they seemed happy. They expressed that everything was working smoothly, which contributed to assure the housing administration that this was well-functioning.

Per

Per Friestad - iLOQ Norway

Our iLOQ solution is fantastic, and when combined with GuestCompass for Student Housing, the result is greater than the sum of its parts 1+1=3!

What made your organization decide for iLOQ and why in combination with GuestCompass?

Digital locks that don't need batteries aligned perfectly with our environmental goals. Plus, the easy setup and minimal maintenance made a compelling case for the iLOQ S50 model.

As we aimed to streamline the entire key management process to empower students to be more self-sufficient, Per strongly recommended using iLOQ alongside GuestCompass for our student community.

GuestCompass specializes in access management for student housing, greatly enhancing the S50 offering. Their solution includes unique features such as room-based access permissions, key sharing with neighbours, 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 our 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. 

Student door

During our management meetings, we've had numerous discussions on improving communication with students so they truly understand our messages. We tried emailing, putting up paper notes on walls, and other initiatives, but the same questions kept arising. Over time, we repeatedly emphasized in our meetings the need for an "Anker" app.

So when we learned about the iLOQ + GuestCompass combination—a key app alongside an "Anker" app with communication features—we were thrilled!

I still vividly recall our first online session with GuestCompass. After that meeting, we were overjoyed because we realized this was exactly what we had been searching for, even though we didn't know it existed.

What challenges did you and your colleagues foresee in the transition to mobile keys for students?

Initially, the same skeptical thoughts arise 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 come into play.

However, given our recognition of the increasing mobile trend (even payment of rent, and laundry is now managed through an app), we view these comments primarily as challenges we must address to progress.

Sunniva

Sunniva Roux -  Student Housing Director

When I discovered that our Anker communication app was integrated with the digital key, everything fell into place. At last, we had an app that could reach all students with 100% coverage.

How did you deal with these 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 us.

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

GuestCompass's confidence in the project's success was evident, backed by their experience and expertise. 

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

While historically Anker had not been the most innovative student housing organization, the reference visit, coupled with the stories and preparation from iLOQ and GuestCompass, made the decision to adopt mobile keys relatively straightforward in the end.

Agnes

Agnes Sandor - Student Support

Because the app now saves time on both basic questions and key handling, we have more opportunities to connect with students when it is truly needed.

We are now 15 months later, did the implementation meet your expectations?

It definitely lived up to our expectations, both the software and hardware components. Oslo's cold winters posed significant challenges with our previous locking system, so we made the decision to expand iLOQ to another 200 apartments this winter.

Additionally, there are some noteworthy additional benefits. Previously, we had high costs on SMS messages. This cost has been reduced drastically since we started using our app and push messaging. We also offer bike parking space rental on request, and now that it's all digital, adding a digital key for users is incredibly easy.

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

In conclusion, our journey with iLOQ and GuestCompass signifies a successful embrace of technology, ensuring a seamless living experience for our students in Oslo.

Svein

Svein Hov Skjelle - CEO Anker STI

After the reference visit, the team was very enthusiastic and unanimous in their decision, making it clear that this was the right path of innovation for us to pursue

GuestCompass