OverviewBelow are some equipment and software suggestions for your building. Any of the suggested peripheral devices (Signature Pad, Barcode Scanner, etc.) can be purchased using our Equipment Order Forms. |
Note: Click on the images to enlarge them.
Table of Contents
Technical and Computer Requirements for BuildingLink
Internet Connection
BuildingLink works fine with a normal internet connection. There is no need for an expensive static IP or anything special for you to be able to run BuildingLink. We recommend at least a cable modem or faster for the best BuildingLink experience, but BuildingLink can run over any internet connection.
Types of PCs to purchase
The BuildingLink website will run on any current model PC, but recommended specifications are below. Please note that a Windows operating system is required if you are planning to use peripherals (ex. signature pad, barcode scanner, etc.), KeyLink, ConciergeLink, or TimeTracker.
BuildingLink PC Specs
Processor: Intel i3 or higher. BuildingLink will run on slower processors, but we recommend an i3 processor for the best user experience.
Memory: 4GB of RAM or higher. (It is rare these days to find a new computer that doesn’t come with 4GB of memory.)
Operating System: Windows 10, 64-bit. Keep in mind that the home version of Windows cannot join a domain, so if you have a domain set up on your network, you will want the Professional or Ultimate version. If this will be a stand-alone PC that doesn’t belong to a domain, the home version will suffice.
PC for the Front Desk
The front desk PC should first and foremost fit your desk. If space is an issue, consider using an all-in-one PC where everything is built into the monitor (there is no tower to go under the desk.) A laptop would also suffice in the event that the all-in-one is too large for your desk. Most all-in-one PCs start at around 20” so a laptop may be a better choice if 20” is too large for your space.
The size of the monitor desired at the desk is really something up to the customer, but generally, we’d suggest something between 19-22” would be a good size. It’s not really something specific to using the BuildingLink platform, more so a question of what would be comfortable to work off of all day and can fit at the desk with whatever other screens/equipment will be there. If you have other screens like security cameras, elevator-monitoring, access control, etc. – then it probably makes the most sense to make them all uniform and try to utilize the same size for every screen.”
PC for the Leasing Office
If your building maintains a leasing office, it is advantageous to provide a computer there as well. This allows the leasing personnel to immediately update BuildingLink when a tenant signs the lease, create a username and password, and distribute login instructions for new tenants on the spot. It also allows building staff to have immediate access to phone and emergency contact info, as well as all other BuildingLink functionality.
Monitor for the Public Display
If your building would like to have a separate monitor to display packages and information to residents, please see our Public Display information page.
Internet Security Software
Your building may be concerned about lost productivity if building staff use their computers to browse the internet when not utilizing BuildingLink. First and foremost, the PC should have antivirus/antimalware software. Long gone are the days when this software was expensive and cumbersome to keep updated. The Microsoft Security Essentials software is one of the best antivirus programs available. The best part is, it’s completely free and will update itself automatically when your computer installs Microsoft updates.
Aside from having up-to-date virus protection, you may wish to restrict the internet so your staff can only visit websites designated by management. We recommend the free K9 Web Protection made by Bluecoat Technologies. It is simple to use and very effective in preventing unwanted internet activity from your staff. The program can --in effect-- block all internet sites except for the ones you specify. If you do choose to use this program, please make sure that www.buildinglink.com, http://help.buildinglink.com, http://connect.buildinglink.com, http://staging.buildinglink.com, www.buildinglinkstatus.com, www.logmein.com, www.logmein123.com, and www.join.me are not blocked, as we need staff to be able to get to those sites for troubleshooting and training.
BuildingLink Peripherals
To order peripheral devices, please visit Equipment Order Forms.
If your property address is located in Canada, please visit: https://buildinglink.wufoo.com/forms/canada-buildinglink-equipment-request/
Barcode Scanner
You may wish to purchase a barcode scanner for use with the Event Log module. This will enable you to capture the UPS or FedEx tracking number information that resides on a barcode when recording or giving out packages. In addition, if you use the Event Log to record visitors or contractors working in the building, the barcode scanner can record Driver’s License Information for those states that have barcodes on licenses (like NY State). Barcode printing and scanning can also be used as part of a Resident Barcode-ID system, or as a way of quickly locating Work Orders that need to be closed out.
BuildingLink recommends the Zebra DS2208 barcode scanner, which can be purchased directly from BuildingLink and is compatible with both 1D and 2D barcodes. For complete installation and testing instructions, see our Barcode Scanner help page.
Signature Capture Pads
The signature capture pad is used to capture signatures of people picking up packages or laundry, or for visitors entering the building. The BuildingLink website is designed to work with the SigLite LCD 1x5, model number “T-LBK460-HSB-R.” These signature pads can be ordered directly from BuildingLink or purchased from Topaz Systems distributor ComputimeOnline.com. BuildingLink and Computime both sell the signature pads for $250. For complete installation and testing instructions, see Signature Pad Help.
Webcam
Integrating employee and resident photos into your site can increase security and familiarity. Capture photos directly into the BuildingLink system via the Microsoft LifeCam HD-3000 or any TWAIN compatible webcam. Photos can be added to Unit Profiles, visitor badges and packages.
Dymo Label Printer
If you anticipate printing Visitor Passes or other one-at-a-time labels via the BuildingLink Dymo-labels function, you will want to purchase a compatible Dymo Labelwriter Printer, and a roll of labels (Labels can be purchased here). For complete installation and testing instructions, see our Label Printer help page.
Fingerprint Reader
Provides additional security for your BuildingLink system with biometric authentication. BuildingLink software supports biometric authentication. We also have TimeTracker, an employee time management system that uses biometric authentication. Click here for more information.
Additional Equipment
Below are some additional items that may help with day-to-day BuildingLink maintenance.
Paper Scanners
A multipage scanner is very helpful if you will be scanning and storing multipage documents in your BuildingLink LIbrary (i.e. Proprietary Leases), since it allows you to insert the pages in a stack rather than having to insert and position each page one at a time. An excellent scanner for converting paper documents into PDF files is the Fujitsu "ScanSnap" scanner, available from many online stores for around $450. This compact scanner can convert documents directly into PDF files with the touch of a button and without having to load any software. It also scans quickly, at around 15 pages per minute, and can scan both sides of a page.
If you buy a different scanner that does not scan automatically into PDF format, make certain the scanner you purchase is "Twain-compatible" (most will be). Twain is a standard that allows outside programs to operate the scanner without having to use the scanner manufacturer's proprietary software. In most cases, you will be operating the scanner from within Adobe Acrobat.
Software
You will probably be creating Adobe Acrobat PDF documents to post in your Library, either from scanned images or from Word processing files. Adobe allows you to create forms and documents that can be viewed but not altered by the viewer and is also a basic standard for sharing and reading documents on the Internet. You should have a copy of Adobe Acrobat installed on at least one computer. Adobe Acrobat Reader can be downloaded for free over the web and can be used by your tenants and staff to read the PDFs you create, but to create PDFs you will need the regular package (not just the reader), which costs several hundred dollars.
If you are planning to use BuildingLink's Resident Passports, you may want to consider purchasing a CardLink printer for onsite printing. Suggested printers can be found on our Printer Information page.