How many systems and technologies does it take to operate a modern office building? For some owners and operators, the answer could be hundreds. While every building’s physical and experiential needs are unique, the sheer volume of tools can become overwhelming.
In the early days of digital transformation, the industry relied on point solutions: one system for access, another for work orders, a tool for insurance certificates, and yet another for tenant emails. While these tools offered a way to differentiate a property, they created a massive challenge: the expense and complexity of managing a fragmented ecosystem.
Today, the most forward-thinking operators are untangling this web by centralizing and consolidating technology. When full consolidation isn't possible, integrations bridge the gap between silos—this is where true operational efficiency begins.
Types of Integrations: Building the Digital Bridge
Simply put, an integration is a bridge that connects systems. This bridge can facilitate one-way traffic or two-way synchronization. Here are the primary types currently shaping the industry:
- In-app Web Links: The simplest form of integration, allowing a third-party website to open within an in-app browser. This is ideal for publicly accessible resources.
- SSO for Authenticated Webviews: This allows a third-party link to open in-app while automatically logging the user in. VTS Activate supports industry standards like SAML or OpenID Connect (OIDC), providing a secure and frictionless connection for users.
- API Integrations: This is a deep, functional connection using APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) or SDKs (Software Development Kits).
Streamlining with APIs and SDKs
VTS Activate maintains a robust library of API integrations to make this process seamless. For example, in access control, users are synced from the building's security system to Activate, which then pushes credentials back.
The Result: When users onboard to mobile access with Activate, they are already authenticated. No extra codes or manual inputs are required.
The Future of Connectivity in Commercial Real Estate
Currently, many proptech providers still rely on surface-level integration methods. While "lightweight" solutions have their place, owners need a deep bench of integration types to bridge the gap between legacy hardware and modern software.
To address this, the VTS Activate team developed a flexible integration layer. This backend provides several critical benefits:
- Speed: Faster development for new integrations.
- Reliability: Better tracking and troubleshooting of data flow.
- Consistency: A unified in-app experience across access, operations, and engagement.
Moving Toward Open Standards
Looking ahead, the industry is shifting toward open standards to simplify how systems talk to one another. Two major players in this space include:
- Aliro: A recently released (Feb 2026) unified communication protocol for mobile access, backed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). It aims to make your smartphone a "universal key" across any reader.
- OSCRE: The Open Standards Consortium for Real Estate, which provides a standardized data model to ensure information flows accurately across the entire asset lifecycle.
At VTS, we continue to invest in our flexible architecture to ensure our partners and third parties can connect in easier, faster, and more seamless ways.
Visit: Win Residents with Technology in a Stagnant Market
3 Quick FAQs
1. What is the difference between consolidation and centralization?
Consolidation is the process of replacing multiple "point solutions" with one single platform that does it all. Centralization is used when you can't replace a system (like a legacy elevator controller); instead, you use an integration to connect it to a central hub like VTS Activate.
2. Why is Single Sign-On (SSO) important for tenants?
SSO allows tenants to move between different building services (like gym booking, parking, and maintenance) without having to remember different passwords. It uses secure standards like OIDC to verify their identity automatically.
3. How do the new Aliro and OSCRE standards help owners?
These standards reduce "vendor lock-in." Aliro ensures that different mobile keys and door readers work together regardless of the manufacturer, while OSCRE ensures that your data (like lease and occupancy info) is formatted consistently across all your software tools.connect in easier, faster, and more seamless ways.
Realize the benefits of an integrated platform with VTS Activate.
