How can technology bring apartment communities closer?
The 21st century has brought with it many technological innovations. Things that were once considered far stretched are now slowly becoming a way of life. If you told someone ten years ago that one day every individual will communicate using a hand held device which would be cheaper than existing telephone services, you may have been laughed or mocked at. Today, we all know how technology has changed the way we communicate with our near and dear one.
Technology has touched all walks of life and community living has also undergone a tremendous sea of change from the bygone eras. There are a number of technological innovations that are not only helping people live in a community environment but also helping them to effectively communicate with their society members.
E-Communication: Technology has played a significant role in enhancing effective communication between society members. Today, society notices are sent via electronic email rather than pasting on the society compound office as in earlier times. The use of video conferencing has enhanced the way members can interact with each other. Even the elderly and senior citizens can offer their suggestions for a society general meeting using video conference facilities.
Intercom Services: Most integrated townships and community living apartments have an intercom facility connecting each household to one another as well a central location. The easy communication between various residents of the society is not only free of charge (albeit for some common monthly developmental charges) but also allows for far great social interaction between the members of the society. It also helps to communicate with neighbors or family members in case of any serious medical issues.
Smartphone applications: The advancement of technology has made the use of Smartphones quite common in today’s world. There are a number of Smartphone applications that allow neighbors and society members to discuss and share information and other stuff over the internet. Societies can enroll for bulk SMS packs that can allow interactive text communication between the society members. Each society member can be updated on the next meeting on their mobile phones using the bulk SMS services. Textual chatting using phones and tablets can be initiated between each society member using various chatting tools increasing thought exchange ideas between members.
Social Media Interactivity: Smartphones and computers offer easy access to various social networking websites that allow the residents of the society to discuss various programs and schemes of the housing society or township. One can create a private group and invite all residents of the society to that group on any social networking website and discuss and plan the event from the convenience of one’s home or office. This increase in social networking also allows people to come closer to each other in real life and bond beyond just being neighbors to become friends from general acquaintances.
Secured Communication: In case of a poll or a referendum, housing societies can use technological tools like SMS and other Smartphone applications to reach to a conclusion without sharing the details of the members taking part in the vote process.
CCTV in the premises: Nothing has impacted the role of secured living in a community or integrated township than the effective use of close circuit TV cameras. Such cameras are generally located on the main entrance gate as well as the central lobby for each building. Users can also install security system in their respective houses to act as a doubled security protection. One can watch the feeds of the camera installed in the building compound to monitor kid’s play area.The other way a CCTV feed can help bring neighbors together is to keep a track on the parking areas reserved for each member. If someone else parks a car wrongly in an area designated for another society member, trespass in the apartment premises, a police notice or phone call can resolve the problem instantly.
