Poland More than just opening doors

How have mobile access apps improved in recent years and decades?

Mobile access applications have come a long way – from simple digital substitutes for keys or access cards to comprehensive ecosystems that connect and manage entire buildings. In recent years, the market has accelerated significantly. Users now expect the same seamless experience they know from their smartphones, while property managers are looking for solutions that genuinely reduce costs and automate operations.

Data clearly shows that building technology is maturing. Users are increasingly adopting advanced features such as integrations with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. In the case of Blue Bolt, these integrations alone drove a 148 pct increase in access activations over the past year.

Today, mobile access is no longer just about opening doors. It has evolved into a complete user environment that brings together bookings, guest management, service requests, parking, communication and – more and more often – data-driven analytics and predictive capabilities. Simplicity, reliability and integration are now critical, as the industry has already tested which solutions truly deliver value.

How important are apps like Blue Bolt in office and building management today? Do tenants expect them to be more sophisticated?

The importance of platforms such as Blue Bolt continues to grow year on year – not only because of technological progress, but primarily due to changes in how offices are used. Companies are moving away from fully remote work and embracing hybrid models, having recognised that they are more productive. For this model to work in the long term, however, employees need to be encouraged to come into the office rather than forced to do so.

At the same time, organisations need technology that helps them manage space more efficiently and improve the employee experience. Today, as many as 66 pct of companies rely on multiple disconnected systems, which creates operational chaos and user frustration. This is why the need for a single, coherent platform has become critical.

Tenants no longer expect “just an app for opening doors”. They demand convenience, automation and tangible benefits. Card-free access, fast and frictionless guest handling, and intelligent booking systems are becoming standard. Additional value is created by features that improve comfort and foster relationships within the workplace. As a result, user engagement with such platforms is growing – along with expectations for innovation and usability.

What does your platform offer that other systems may not?

Blue Bolt stands out by combining simplicity for end users with full flexibility for property owners and managers. It is not just an app, but a complete ecosystem – hardware and software – that integrates access control, bookings, parking, lifts, amenities, service requests, guest management and communication in one place.

Importantly, Blue Bolt operates even in offline mode and gives building owners full data sovereignty – an approach that is unique in the market and increasingly critical in the context of digital building transformation and upcoming regulations such as the EU Data Act.

The platform also delivers social value. It supports relationships between users, local initiatives and community building, counteracting the trend of people withdrawing into screens. By enabling real-world interactions and aligning with the principles of the 15-minute city, it helps buildings become more human-centric. In addition, the system is easy to deploy in both new developments and refurbished properties, allowing owners to quickly increase asset value and competitiveness.

How do you see such apps developing in the future?

The future of building management applications will be shaped by three key directions: deep integration, automation, and data- and AI-driven intelligence. By 2026, these areas will become the main growth drivers of the market. The winning solutions will be those that translate technological potential into practical, transformative benefits for both users and property managers.

AI will not only analyse data, but also predict failures, recommend cost savings and optimise space utilisation – making buildings more efficient and less expensive to operate.

The second pillar of development will be the social layer. In an increasingly digital world, the need for genuine human connection is growing. Buildings of the future will actively support this need. Technologies that combine convenience with a sense of belonging and community will become the norm. Blue Bolt is already developing in this direction and sees significant long-term potential.

Finally, the impact of the Digital Markets Act cannot be overlooked. Many technologies and ecosystems – such as Apple’s NFC – have so far remained closed, making implementation costly. The DMA will open these environments, significantly accelerating the adoption of smartphone-based building access and making such solutions far more widespread.