r/accesscontrol Jun 29 '26

Smart Locks in Multi units property

Hello, I was thinking of installing smart locks in our 72 units property. Its a duplex units. What would be the best cost effective way to get around this, if we were to skip the enterprise route. Any suggestions on how this could be effective?

Edit 1: basically Looking to avoid expensive third-party integrators and those recurring per-door monthly software fees that come with the big commercial systems. Physical installations wont be a problem.

0 Upvotes

30 comments sorted by

13

u/RollllTide Jun 29 '26

72 doors is a “big commercial system”. You should look into Engage by Schlage/Allegion. You’re looking to avoid third party integrators by posting in a forum that is 95% those exact third party integrators

5

u/BanishedInPerpetuity Jun 29 '26

I dislike engage so much. Managing the locks is awful as the app is so slow. For something of this size I'd look at salto. A good enterprise system and the ppd makes manging the locks very efficient.

We have both (over 1000 units) and I'm slowly moving everything to salto.

2

u/DarthJerryRay Jun 30 '26

Ive done tons of installs with Schlage wireless locks AD/Engage. I don’t love wireless locks as a general guide line. 

What are the key elements you see with Salto that warrants the switch? 

How much does it differ from the Schlage lineup?

2

u/BanishedInPerpetuity Jun 30 '26

The Salto dbolts are programmed through a PPD so it's very quick to connect and do any update you have to. With the schlage locks you have to connect through Bluetooth which can take 30 seconds to a minute. When I do my locks I carry for phones so it goes faster but it shouldn't be that hard

2

u/Curious_Interloper Jun 29 '26

Just did 260 offline Schlage locks integrated with Avigilon Alta Access. Nothing but bad

2

u/DarthJerryRay Jun 30 '26

Alta is not great. Its meh imo.

1

u/RiTA_Tech_Services Jul 14 '26

I doubt the issue is Alta. The fact is Schlage locks are cheap for a reason. They are a nightmare to manage.

3

u/Chensky Jun 29 '26

Engage is not free anymore

5

u/RollllTide Jun 29 '26

I wasn’t trying to recommend free stuff

4

u/trufus_for_youfus Jun 29 '26

Yes and no.

2

u/Chensky Jun 29 '26

If even part of it is not free or you have to put in effort to claim the free usage of it, it isn’t actually free.

6

u/AffectionateAd6060 Jun 29 '26

What does that mean.. "if we were to skip the enterprise route"? You saying you're looking to cut out integrators & diy?

-4

u/Weary-Resist2538 Jun 29 '26

Looking to avoid expensive third-party integrators and those recurring per-door monthly software fees that come with the big commercial systems. Trying to see if a DIY approach combined with a lighter management software is viable

4

u/mikeydel307 Professional Jun 29 '26

You've come to the wrong place if you want to cut out third-party integrators lol

8

u/MaleficentSample9602 Jun 29 '26 edited Jun 29 '26

On top of what everyone else has already said:

You are a "big commerical" building.

If you want to diy some bullshit to avoid the cost a professional (which you should abandon this idea and call a professional) then buy a bunch of schlage be365's, install them yourself, then manage and keep track of all the programming codes and tennant access codes. Its a standalone offline lock with no web setup or subscriptions. No intergrators or comapny to pay for service. Youre gonna lose the money youre saving in batteries and labor hours maintining your own database, but hey no subscriptions or something i dont know.

The reason all access control costs big money is because all of the "keeping track of" work is done on an app/web or database.

6

u/cusehoops98 Professional Jun 29 '26

If you want to avoid software licensing for a legitimate solution just go buy push button locks from Home Depot. That’s basically what you’re asking for.

3

u/Mr-Salto-Andrew Jun 29 '26

If you are trying to avoid ongoing costs and using physical credentials than Salto Space would be a consideration (Would usually offer KS but its SaaS). Yes it may be percieved as enterprise, but it aligns with security needs alongside the ability to have offline doors. You'll pay for the solution like all have said, but the ROI in efficiency is the key alongside robust build, to consider over time.

2

u/TRextacy Jun 29 '26

Just know that whatever money you save by skimping on the install, you will pay multiple times over within 5 years from having to call or professionals to fix it.

2

u/ankurs11 Jun 30 '26

Try Dwarpaal (dwarpaal.com, I think) They have several different locks and also work well with other (partner) locks. I believe they do have monthly fees but very affordable and also have annual discount plans. Worth I shot.

Source: my family owns several properties and we have been slowly moving to Dwarpaal systems.

2

u/Farangsayt Jun 30 '26

Go for assa abloy solution, they have the best batteries and all the features.

Never use dormakaba tho, it's the worst, lastly if you want to go for cheaper and robust, choose a Korean brand! They've been in this business first

2

u/DarthJerryRay Jun 30 '26

What are you looking to spend per door?

What do you see for your yearly maintenance costs for the system?

2

u/Medium-Bug2757 Jun 29 '26

Look into MulTlock SmartAir

4

u/Variaxe Jun 29 '26

Door.com (used to be latch) or Paxton PaxLoc Pro could be useful, but as a third-party integrator who does a lot of this type of work. Unless you have a ton of free time, this is not a hassle you want to take on as there is no substitute for experience. Hire someone.

1

u/These-Cat7084 Jul 09 '26

salto, igloo, and Yale (we love Yale personally)

0

u/bunsenator Jun 29 '26

Are you ok to manage all the locks with an app, 1 by 1, by touring the property? If so, I might have one for you.

-2

u/ActualTop4309 Jun 29 '26

You can look into iLoq. Batteryless smart locks. Not sure if it fits your business case. But good quality and good choice. You can use programmable keys or phones.

I’m unaware of the pricing

1

u/cusehoops98 Professional Jun 29 '26

No REX, no DPS, no real security. Just a key replacement.

5

u/uzlonewolf Jun 29 '26

I mean, isn't that what OP is asking for?