Find out more about our partnership

Rental Management System Rent Autopilot (SON) Extended With Smart Home Automation Module Appartme Rent

Changes in the real estate market have caused an increase of interest in institutional leasing. With the rise in interest rates, the industry experienced new challenges that required quick and effective solutions.

Appartme Rent is the integration of a rental management system, in this case RentAutopilot with the Appartme home automation system, which responds to new needs in the industry. 

This is how a comprehensive tool was created and enables intuitive property management. It not only facilitates the administration of owned properties but also allows you to control a smart home automation system to support efficient energy management. Thanks to this, energy consumption can be controlled and costs minimised, while at the same time, residents’ comfort is increased.

Appartme Rent module in the RentAutopilot system

Challenges of the implementation process

During the process of implementing the Appartme Rent module in RentAutopilot, we encountered a number of challenges. One of these was the efficient integration of the control part of the home automation system into the extensive rental management software. A seamless and harmonious integration without disrupting the functionality of the existing solution was key.

Time constraints proved to be another important aspect. Aware of the dynamic pace of the market, we knew that the integration had to happen quickly so that we could enter it with a new offering, at the right time.

In addition, when designing the integration, our aim was to meet the functional needs of our customers. We had to take into account the various requirements and expectations of potential users so that the solution would be suitable for both property owners and tenants. 

The most important point when developing the integration was to create an easy and intuitive interface for Appartme Rent. We wanted customers to be able to use the new functions without any hassle, without having to go through a complicated process of learning how to use it. We therefore placed great importance on designing an ergonomic and easy-to-use user interface.

The implementation process of Appartme Rent into RentAutopilot

The cooperation can be divided into seven main points:

1.

Discussing integration possibilities

At the beginning of the process, we carried out a detailed analysis of cooperation possibilities. We identified the key points of integration between the rental management software RentAutopilot and Appartme to ensure the smooth operation of both systems after connection.
2.

Discussing the functional scope for key users

In the second step, we focused on discussing the functional scope for the two main types of audience - property owners and tenants. We determined precisely what features and capabilities would be available to each of these groups to ensure an optimal user experience.
3.

Brainstorming on the project

In this phase, we brainstormed the optimal strategies for product positioning, design, and user experience. We analysed different scenarios and ideas in order to choose the solutions that would best meet customer needs.
4.

Implementation planning

Having established the strategy and concept, we moved on to planning the implementation process. We defined the steps and deadlines for its various stages, taking into account any risk factors and resources needed for successful deployment.
5.

Implementation

The next step was to proceed with the deployment of the integration between RentAutopilot and Appartme. Our teams of developers and engineers worked to connect the two systems, ensuring smooth operation and compliance with predetermined requirements.
6.

Functional tests

Once the implementation was completed, we carried out detailed functional testing to check that all features worked correctly and met user expectations. During this phase, we identified and removed any bugs and made adjustments.
7.

E2E tests

The final stage was end-to-end (E2E) testing to verify that the entire integration works as expected at all stages of the user's process of operating the system. We tested the interactions between the different functionalities of the two systems and the reactions to different usage scenarios.

Scope and results of the module implementation

Water valve control

Integration allows the user to remotely switch on and off hot and cold water valves in the properties. This protects the flat from flooding when the tenants are not present and also prevents water loss, e.g. in the event of a leaking tap.

Heating control

With this function, the manager of the property can remotely control the heating valve by switching it to a minimum temperature in eco mode (when no one is in the flat) or a higher temperature in comfort mode. This has the potential to generate savings on heating (according to the developer's research, up to 50% per flat) and allows the heat supply to be controlled in the platform, without having to adjust the radiators manually.

Setting temperature limits

The integration enables defining a temperature limit for eco and comfort modes which can be set by tenants. This helps to manage energy consumption efficiently while ensuring a comfortable living environment.

Lighting circuit control

Using the platform, the user can control the lighting in the property, switching it on and off remotely. This ensures that no lamp is left on and does not generate electricity consumption when the home is not occupied.

Electricity circuit control

This function allows the user to manage in the system a selected electrical circuit. It gives you full control over the flow of energy, allowing you to optimise consumption, ensure safety, and adapt the operation of the installation to your current needs.

Electricity measurement

This feature allows the user to monitor energy consumption in real-time, enabling conscious cost management and promoting energy efficiency.

Making the Appartme app available to tenants

The Appartme Rent platform enables sharing the Appartme app with tenants, allowing them to remotely manage selected features in the flat, such as lighting, water, electrical outlets, or heating temperature. This helps to increase their comfort and satisfaction with their flat rental.

With the presented functions, the integration provides comprehensive and modern solutions that help users manage their properties efficiently, improve their living comfort, and save energy.

Features dedicated to tenants, implemented in the Appartme app

Messages

The tenant can use the messaging function in Appartme to communicate with the property manager or owner on tenancy, payments, contracts, etc.

Notifications (Defects)

In the Appartme app, the tenant can report any faults or technical problems in the flat. It is possible to describe the problem, attach photos or videos, and determine the type of report, which speeds up the repair process.

Further development plans

The technical capabilities of both companies provide the basis for ongoing integration development tailored to the unique needs of customers. As a result, future plans for the collaboration include:

  • Expansion of the platform interface with optimal user experience and easy navigation
  • Extending the functionality of the application to enable it to adapt to changing market and client requirements
  • Addition of a reporting module, allowing customers to obtain detailed analysis and reports regarding property management
  • Integration with various Appartme devices, such as flooding sensors, providing the ability to monitor and control different areas of the flat. This ensures that clients have access to the latest technology and the ability to use it in their day-to-day flat management.

RentAutopilot extended by the Appartme Rent module

Thanks to thorough planning and collaboration between the teams of both companies, we have met the challenges and created an integration that meets the needs of our customers, improving property management.

The implemented Appartme Rent module in the rental management system RentAutopilot allows managers of properties to remotely control the Appartme home automation system in all rented flats equipped with this type of automation. This makes it possible to switch on and off lighting, water, and power supply in sockets, and control the heating temperature in the properties. In addition, Appartme Rent makes it possible to check the energy consumption of property, share the Appartme app with tenants, and facilitate communication with owners through the messaging in the app and fault reporting module. We also plan to develop further the platform with additional functionalities.

"“The integration of Appartme Rent with RentAutopilot is an important step towards the modern management of flats. With this solution, we offer a comprehensive system that allows full control over all properties.

The platform allows the central management of a database of buildings together with their remote operation. It enables the control of Appartme functions such as heating, lighting, water valves, and electrical sockets as well as the management of tenant access to the mobile app. Therefore the integrated solution, thanks to the features of the Appartme system, saves heat, and electricity and protects flats from flooding.”

- Robert Orlewski
Vice President
Appartme 

The integration of Appartme with the rental management system has provided an opportunity to respond to changing market needs and to implement modern smart home technologies into the software that supports the management of rented properties. Buildings are becoming smarter and smarter, and through this type of collaboration, we can develop our products and help managers in their daily work.

Klaudia Łopatka
Project Manager
Appartme

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Michał Tomczak
Head of Sales & Marketing

[email protected]
+48 794 132 058

Klaudia Łopatka
Product Manager

[email protected]
+48 519 813 220

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