Urban residential high-rise buildings are increasingly adopting smart technologies to enhance security, convenience and operational efficiency. Smart locks represent a critical component of this evolution, offering keyless entry, remote access management and seamless integration with building management systems.
The market signals are clear: according to a survey conducted by the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC), 63% of renters express strong interest in smart access solutions, with 55% willing to pay premium rates for these features.
For security integrators serving multi-family clients, this presents a significant opportunity. With 85% of new multifamily developments incorporating smart locks and 60% of existing properties planning upgrades, the momentum toward adoption is undeniable.
The Unique Challenge of High-Rise Retrofitting
Despite strong demand, security integrators often encounter substantial barriers when retrofitting high-rise residential buildings with smart lock solutions. Unlike new construction, where infrastructure can be designed with smart technology in mind, existing buildings present unique challenges that require specialized approaches.
Smart Lock Infrastructure Limitations
Many high-rise buildings in large urban areas were designed and constructed before the emergence of smart technology, creating several obstacles for integrators, including:
- Insufficient wiring for electronic locks, particularly in older buildings.
- Inconsistent network connectivity affecting cloud-based access system performance.
- Compliance requirements with stringent building codes for fire-rated and emergency exit doors.
Mortise locks exemplify this challenge perfectly. These locks remain the standard in multi-family high-rises, with over one million doors in New York City alone featuring them. While valued for their durability and compliance with multi-family building safety codes, their dimensional variations and installation requirements make retrofitting with smart capabilities particularly challenging for integrators.
Cost Considerations
The financial investment required for upgrading to smart locks presents another significant barrier for property owners. As integrators know, convincing clients to allocate budget for comprehensive security upgrades often requires demonstrating clear ROI beyond the upfront costs.
Strategic Solutions for Successful Smart Lock Integration
As security system integrators, addressing these challenges requires innovative approaches that balance client needs with practical implementation realities.
Retrofitting Solutions
Rather than recommending complete lock replacements, integrators can provide significant value by offering solutions that work with existing infrastructure:
- Recommend retrofit options like mortise lock overlays that allow buildings to retain existing mechanical lock bodies while adding smart capabilities.
- Propose flexible installation solutions that minimize costs and avoid extensive door modifications.
- Leverage the durability of existing mortise locks, which are engineered to withstand up to 16 million cycles and last for decades, by focusing upgrades on front hardware components.
This approach allows you to offer modernization while preserving the substantial investment clients have already made in their existing hardware.
Demonstrating Smart Lock ROI to Clients
Rather than advocating for complete lock replacements, forward-thinking security integrators can deliver exceptional value by offering solutions that work harmoniously with existing infrastructure. Mortise lock overlays represent one of the most practical approaches for high-rise buildings, enabling properties to preserve their existing mechanical lock bodies while gaining modern smart capabilities.
These overlay solutions effectively bridge the gap between legacy hardware and contemporary access control requirements without completely replacing or re-keying their existing lock and avoiding many typical installation problems, additional expenses, and the disruption that can come with full replacements.
When approaching retrofitting projects, consider proposing flexible installation solutions that minimize both costs and physical modifications. By selecting smart lock components designed specifically for retrofit applications, you can often avoid drilling new holes or making structural changes to doors, which is a significant advantage when working with hundreds of units in a high-rise environment.
This approach not only reduces installation time but also minimizes disruption to residents, a crucial consideration for occupied buildings.
Perhaps most importantly, help your clients understand the value proposition of preserving their existing mortise lock mechanisms. These commercial-grade locks represent a substantial prior investment and are engineered for exceptional longevity. They can last decades and are tested to withstand at least 1 million cycles, but can exceed upwards of 16 million operational cycles: the equivalent of 400+ cycles per day for 100 years!
By focusing upgrades on front hardware components, such as trim plates, levers, and electronic cylinders, while retaining the robust mechanical core, you deliver a cost-effective modernization strategy that respects the building’s existing investment. This selective replacement approach can reduce project costs by 30-50% compared to complete lock system overhauls.
By positioning your services as an enhancement rather than a replacement, you align with property managers’ financial priorities while still delivering the smart functionality that residents increasingly demand. This balanced approach demonstrates your value as not just a technology provider but as a strategic partner who understands the practical and financial realities of high-rise residential management.
Smart Lock Network Infrastructure Considerations
As the integrator, your expertise in designing robust network solutions is crucial:
- Evaluate existing network infrastructure before proposing specific smart lock solutions.
- Recommend appropriate connectivity options based on building construction and layout.
- Consider hybrid solutions that combine online and offline capabilities for areas with connectivity challenges.
- Implement secure, scalable networks that can accommodate future expansion.
Phased Implementation Approach
For budget-conscious clients, propose strategic phased implementations:
- Create pilot programs on selected floors to gather data and resident feedback.
- Develop a multi-year upgrade plan that aligns with the client’s capital improvement budget.
Future-Proofing Integration Services
As security integrators, positioning yourselves as forward-thinking advisors enhances your value proposition:
- Stay informed about emerging standards and protocols that enable interoperability.
- Look for solutions that are future-proofed for Fire and Life Safety Building Code compliance.
- Build relationships with manufacturers offering retrofitting solutions for legacy systems.
- Develop expertise in integrated solutions that connect access control with other building systems.
Your Critical Role in Modernizing High-Rise Security
As the bridge between innovative technology and practical implementation, security integrators play a pivotal role in helping high-rise residential building developers, owners, and managers successfully navigate the transition to smart locks. By understanding the unique challenges of retrofitting existing buildings and offering strategic, cost-effective solutions, you can deliver significant value to property developers and managers.
Smart locks are evolving from luxury amenities to essential utilities, following the path of digital payments and streaming services. The question is not whether high-rise buildings will adopt smart locks, but when and how smoothly they’ll make the transition, with your expertise guiding the way.
Brad Cook is head of product and integrations of Alfred International.
