Creating a successful coworking space isn’t just about looks—it’s also about making daily operations easy and efficient. That’s where the right tech stack comes in. From handling billing without hiccups to making sure your members can access spaces effortlessly, integrating tech tools into your operations can save time, cut down on administrative headaches, and let you focus on what truly matters: your members.
Here’s a look at some tech essentials that can help your coworking space run like clockwork:
Payment Processing: Simplifying Transactions
Handling payments is one of the most critical aspects of running a coworking space, and Cobot has integrations that make it effortless and efficient. Each payment provider offers a different fee model and set of features, ensuring that you can choose the one that fits your business model.
- Stripe: If you need a simple, global solution to handle credit card payments, Stripe is your go-to. With added support for SEPA, it now offers an easy way to manage bank transfers for European customers. It scales effortlessly with your business, making it ideal for spaces of any size.
- GoCardless: This integration brings direct debit payments to the forefront, offering a cost-effective solution for recurring transactions. With support for SEPA Direct Debit in the Eurozone, it provides a reliable option for seamless subscription management across various regions.
- PayPal: One of the most versatile and globally accepted payment solutions, PayPal allows your members to pay easily, whether they’re local or international.
- Authorize.net (ACH Transfers): ACH transfers, the U.S. equivalent of direct debit, offer a secure, low-cost way to handle recurring payments like monthly memberships. By connecting directly between banks, this option simplifies billing and provides a convenient payment alternative for members who prefer using their bank accounts.
Each payment systems is designed to provide ease of use, reliability, and secure transactions, ensuring your revenue is managed effortlessly.
For detailed steps on setting up automated payment methods with Cobot, including credit card and direct debit options, check out our Automated Payment Methods guide.
Access Control: Securing Your Space
In a coworking space, managing access can be tricky, especially if you’re offering 24/7 access. Here are some great options that are well integrated into Cobot:
- Tapkey: This mobile-based access solution allows your members to use their phones to enter your space, reducing the need for physical keys and enabling 24/7 accessibility.
- Sensorberg: Sensorberg’s smart access system lets you control who has access to specific areas in your coworking space. Members can use an app to gain access, making it both high-tech and convenient.
- Kisi: Known for its reliability and ease of use, Kisi’s cloud-based access system lets you manage who can access your space remotely, adding flexibility and security.
- Salto KS: With its intuitive, cloud-based design, Salto KS offers a straightforward way to manage member access permissions in real-time, making it perfect for spaces that need to scale up access control quickly.
These integrations offer customizable, secure access to your space, ensuring that only authorized members and visitors can enter while giving you complete control.
Printing: Hassle-Free Solutions
What would a coworking space be without printing? Many operators choose to forego a printer integration, but it only takes one person abusing the honor system for the whole thing to fall apart.
The best way to prevent someone from breaking your trust is to set up a functioning printer integration.
- ezeep: This solution automates printing permissions by syncing with your members’ Cobot accounts. It’s great for spaces that need variable pricing or want to offer flexible printing options. Whether you have multiple printers or need to limit the number of free pages per member, ezeep simplifies everything.
- PaperCut MF: For spaces looking for a secure and straightforward printing setup, PaperCut MF offers a scalable solution. You can track usage, assign quotas, and charge members directly for their printing needs without the hassle of manual management.
With these integrations, you can prevent any misuse of your printing resources while offering your members an easy and seamless printing experience.
Automation: Bringing It All Together
Want to automate even more aspects of your coworking space? Cobot’s Zapier integration connects Cobot with thousands of other apps, letting you create custom workflows tailored to your needs. Whether it's onboarding automation, custom notifications, or even making a coffee “robot,” Zapier ensures that the little details are always taken care of.
Check out our full collection of resources for starting up a coworking business. You can also read our blog and follow us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram for more tips and news around coworking space management. You have additional questions or feedback? Suggest new topics at support@cobot.me.