Guest expectations have evolved. A seamless, mobile-first experience is no longer a perk; it's a baseline requirement. If your property is still relying on outdated keycards or mechanical keys, an upgrade is essential to remain competitive. But what is the most intelligent way to invest in this upgrade? Let's explore the two primary strategies.
The Retrofit Path: A Smart Upgrade without the Disruption
Retrofitting involves adding a smart module to your existing lock hardware, instantly giving it modern capabilities like mobile key access and cloud-based management.
The Key Benefits:
- Zero or Low CAPEX: This is the most significant advantage. By upgrading your existing locks instead of buying new ones, you can avoid enormous upfront hardware costs.
- Minimal Installation Time: A retrofit module, like the Portal Module, can be installed in under two minutes per door, with no special tools required.
- No Disruption to Operations: Installation is so fast that it can be done between guest check-out and check-in, meaning no rooms need to be taken out of service.
- Maintains Existing Warranties: As you are not removing the core lock mechanism, your existing lock and fire door certifications remain intact.
When is Retrofitting the Right Choice?Retrofitting is the ideal solution for properties with functional electronic locks that simply lack connectivity, or for owners who need to modernise on a tighter budget and timeline. It delivers the biggest impact on guest experience for the lowest initial investment.
The Replacement Path: A New Foundation for the Future
A full replacement involves removing your old locks and installing brand new, purpose-built smart locks.
The Key Benefits:
- Access to the Latest Hardware: New smart locks can offer cutting-edge features like native Apple & Google Wallet integration, advanced NFC capabilities, and updated design aesthetics.
- Unified Design: For new builds or major renovations, a full replacement ensures a consistent, modern look across the entire property.
- Long-Term Reliability: Replacing old, failing hardware provides peace of mind and reduces the likelihood of future mechanical issues.
When is a Full Replacement the Right Choice?This path is best suited for new construction projects, properties undergoing a complete renovation, or buildings where the existing locks are old, mechanically unreliable, or incompatible with any retrofit solution.
A Hybrid Strategy: The Best of Both Worlds
The choice doesn't have to be all or nothing. The most advanced access control platforms allow for a hybrid approach within a single ecosystem.
- Land and Expand: You can begin by retrofitting your entire property to gain immediate SaaS benefits and a modern guest experience with zero CAPEX.
- Phased Replacement: As individual locks reach the end of their life or as budgets become available, you can gradually replace them with new smart locks from the same provider, all managed under the same central dashboard.
Making the Right Decision for Your Portfolio
Choosing between retrofitting and replacing depends on your unique circumstances: your budget, your existing infrastructure, and your long-term goals. The ideal partner is one that doesn’t force you down one path. Portal was designed to be a flexible platform that supports your strategy, whether you choose to retrofit, replace, or implement a hybrid model over time, ensuring a smart and scalable investment.
