This article is part of the school of coworking course through Archie. Make sure to check out the other articles to learn more about how to start a coworking space business.
Why Your Space Will Need Integrations
For your coworking operations to succeed, you will need an Integrated Workplace Management Software (IWMS). Management software such as Archie, a leading management software, can help you automate your office and manage bookings. Archie has many features that can help you simplify the day-to-day job with seamless task automation and smart integrations across the platform.
In addition, most IWMS offer integrations of other existing apps and platforms used by various businesses. This is crucial – organizations are more likely to choose a coworking space that offers seamless integrations of professional solutions they already use rather than switching to another.
In order to maximize your coworking space’s revenue and memberships, your management software should have the features listed in this article.
Types of Integrations
Accounting & Payment Gateway
Accounting and payment gateway integrations enable online payments at your coworking space and payment automation. This works both for administrative purposes and for users to pay for services directly through the software. Typical integrations for this type include Quickbooks, Stripe, GoCardless, and so on.
Access Control
Access control system integrations allow your members to have automatic access to your coworking space in real-time. With the right access control system, you can grant 24/7 access and have users unlock the door through a keyless entry. In addition, your access control system should track the ins and outs of your coworking space and provide insightful analytics. Some examples of access control systems are SALTO KS, Kisi, Welcomr, and more.
Printing
This type of integration provides your coworking space members with a seamless printing experience. Workspace app users gain instant access to the printing infrastructure from any device through cloud printing solution integration such as Ezeep. The integration also automates administrator user management and tracks members’ printing activity.
Productivity
The productivity umbrella includes integrations for bookings, communication, and automation. These types of integrations increase productivity by automatically moving data between the main coworking space software and the other apps you use. Zapier is an example of productivity integration which allows users to integrate smaller systems that the management software might not natively integrate with for an even better-streamlined process at low costs. Other examples include Google Calendar, Slack, Microsoft 365, Google Apps, and more.
Must-Have Features Checklist
Other than the integrations listed above, the best management software will also offer the attributes listed below.
Must-Have Features:
- Desk Booking
- Room booking
- Interactive and customizable office maps
- Desk and room booking check-ins
- Reservations Auto-release feature
- Security and access control system integrations
- Synced calendar integrations (Google Workspace, Office 365, etc.)
- Custom door access integration (auto check-in, access segmentation, etc.)
- Dedicated onboarding and operations support (24/7 support line, chat, etc.)
- Workplace analytics (office occupancy, no-shows, peak hours, employee presence, etc.)
- Social distancing features (hide desks for a period of time)
- Mobile app
- User experience and the user interface is appealing and easy to use
- Can be accessed from different devices
- Can be White Labeled
- Team enable custom integration
- Set up is easy
- Supervised onboarding
- Pricing adjusted to your office space
- Commitment renewal on a yearly basis
Conclusion
While coworking management software is important, the right one for you will largely depend on your space’s specific offerings, needs, size, and so on. The best way to find out which software to go with is to define the market you are catering to and establish what their needs are in comparison to what you can offer.
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