For property management, operational efficiency is essential. From rent collection to maintenance scheduling, digital tools have transformed how managers stay on top of day-to-day responsibilities. Laundry operations, once an overlooked aspect of property management, have now entered that conversation. With the consistent need to improve and maintain tenant satisfaction, as well as minimize manual processes, card-based laundry systems are becoming an essential solution.

Laundry card systems offer a centralized, scalable approach that allows property managers to remotely monitor usage, streamline revenue collection, and reduce the number of service-related complaints. For smaller companies managing more than one building, this technology can unlock significant time savings while improving the resident experience. Below are five specific ways card-operated laundry systems simplify operations across multi-property portfolios.

1. Centralized Oversight Across Multiple Locations

One of the biggest challenges in managing laundry rooms across different buildings is maintaining visibility over usage, revenue, and service needs. Traditional coin-operated systems require frequent on-site visits and manual collections, leading to inefficiencies and security concerns. Additionally, a recent study highlighted that 39% of property managers will spend more than 20 hours per month handling maintenance requests in 2025, which demonstrates the significant time burden that traditional, non-centralized systems place on property managers.

A modern laundry system with card-based functionality connects all locations through a cloud-based dashboard. Property managers can access real-time reports for each machine, including cycles run, revenue generated, and service alerts. With solutions like the LaundryConnect™ Pay system, operators gain complete oversight without needing to physically inspect each site. This consolidation is especially valuable for property managers juggling multiple sites with limited staff.

2. Simplified Revenue Management and Reporting

Tracking income from laundry machines used to mean handling bags of coins and reconciling logbooks. For organizations managing multiple buildings, this often resulted in inconsistent reporting and missed revenue opportunities. With laundry card systems, however, every transaction is digitally recorded.

Digital payment solutions offer itemized and time-stamped records that can be exported for accounting or tax purposes. Quarterly summaries can be automatically generated and shared with owners or accounting teams. Secure cash and credit kiosks, such as Automatic Laundry’s 3-Way Add-Value Kiosk, which allows tenants to add value to their cards onsite or through an app, with all data feeding into a centralized system. For smaller operators looking to scale efficiently, this level of financial transparency is a major advantage.

3. Reduced Downtime and Faster Maintenance Responses

Machine malfunctions can lead to tenant complaints, negative reviews, and revenue loss. In a coin-based setup, managers often rely on residents to report issues, which may go unnoticed for days. Even when reported, identifying the problem and dispatching service can be delayed due to a lack of system data.

Laundry systems with card integrations enable real-time alerts when a machine requires maintenance. Service tickets can be automatically generated and routed to the appropriate team. Automatic Laundry guarantees machine repairs within 16 business hours, significantly minimizing operational disruptions. When managing several buildings, this automation helps ensure that no location falls through the cracks. Furthermore, according to Rockwell Automation, preventive maintenance has been shown to cut down on unplanned downtime by up to 18%, which demonstrates the value of proactive maintenance systems like card-based alerts.

4. Enhanced User Experience for Residents

Tenants now expect seamless digital interactions, and the laundry room is no exception. A modern laundry system enables residents to load funds via mobile apps, view machine availability, and receive cycle completion notifications, eliminating the need to carry coins or wait around in the laundry room.

This enhanced convenience leads to higher resident satisfaction, which supports retention across all properties. The LaundryConnect™ Pay app includes features like multilingual support, refund requests, and step-by-step video guides to make the experience user-friendly for all age groups. In competitive rental markets, this kind of attention to tenant needs becomes a differentiator for smaller property firms.

5. Scalable and Eco-Friendly Operations

As sustainability becomes a priority for tenants and building owners alike, modern laundry systems help align with green initiatives. ENERGY STAR®-rated machines, such as Speed Queen Quantum® washers, are not only energy efficient but also reduce water usage per load, lowering operational costs across multiple buildings. 

Additionally, by tracking usage trends via the laundry system’s backend, property managers can identify peak hours and implement machine rotation or scheduling strategies to reduce energy waste. These systems are designed to scale easily, whether managing two buildings or twenty, which enables operators to centralize control, monitor performance remotely, and make data-driven decisions across all properties. Furthermore, with environmental considerations becoming increasingly important, offering eco-conscious and scalable laundry facilities can elevate a property’s market appeal.

Conclusion

For property managers overseeing more than one building, laundry systems should no longer be treated as isolated amenities. Implementing a modern, card-based laundry system transforms this utility into a streamlined, data-driven, and scalable operation. It supports better decision-making, reduces manual labor, and ultimately provides tenants with the convenience they expect in a digital-first era.

Automatic Laundry offers the tools and expertise to help your property portfolio run more efficiently, whether you manage two buildings or twenty. Contact us today to learn how a modern laundry system can support multi-property operations and keep your residents satisfied.