As a retailer, you already know that a smart lock is more than a gadget; it is the first touch-point of a modern security ecosystem. One feature, however, is still flying under the radar among end-users yet is a proven upsell trigger: Passage Mode (sometimes called “Always-Open” or “Store-Open” mode). Below we unpack what it is, which verticals are begging for it, and how you can turn it into an extra margin-builder.
What Exactly Is Passage Mode?
Passage Mode suspends all authentication checks for a user-defined window:
- Door latches remain retracted or free-handle entry is enabled.
- No fingerprint, PIN, card, or app unlock is required.
- The lock can revert to full security automatically by schedule or with one-touch manual override.
Think of it as turning any smart lock into a “push-bar” door for meetings, parties, deliveries, or cleaning crews—without removing the lock from the door.
Customer Segments That Will Pay Extra for It
A. Small & Medium Offices
• Pain point: Reception toggles between welcoming walk-in clients and securing private zones after 5 p.m.
• Sell the benefit: One click on the admin app switches the lock to Passage at 8 a.m. and back to secure at 6 p.m. No keys handed out, no tailgating guests.
B. Co-Working & Makerspaces
• Pain point: Members hate fumbling with apps when carrying coffee and laptops.
• Sell the benefit: Time-based Passage windows (e.g., 7 a.m.–10 p.m.) keep traffic smooth; outside hours, only enrolled members gain access.
C. Retail & Pop-Up Shops
• Pain point: Staff turnover is high, and mechanical keys disappear.
• Sell the benefit: During open hours, Passage mode allows any employee to open with a simple push; after closing, the manager remote-locks from the POS tablet.
D. Luxury Residences
• Pain point: Homeowners host large gatherings and don’t want guests lining up at the door.
• Sell the benefit: Tap “Party Mode” in the app; the lock auto-secures at 2 a.m. when the last guest leaves.
E. Short-Term Rentals
• Pain point: Cleaners and inspectors need daytime access without permanent codes.
• Sell the benefit: Host sets a daily Passage slot (e.g., 11 a.m.–1 p.m.); outside that slot, only the guest’s unique code works.
How to Pitch It on Your Product Pages & In-Store Displays
A. Use Scenario Imagery
Show two photos: a bustling co-working breakfast bar (Passage ON) and the same space locked down at night (Passage OFF).
B. Quantify Convenience
“Save 18 seconds per entry × 200 daily visitors = 1 extra productive hour every day.”
C. Security Reassurance
Emphasize instant manual override—handle lifted from inside or a single tap on the app immediately cancels Passage Mode.
D. Bundle Packages
Pair Passage-capable locks with smart doorbells or sensors. The lock goes to Passage when the doorbell camera recognizes a delivery uniform, then auto-locks after the parcel is placed inside.
Training Your Floor Staff—Three Quick Sound-Bites
- “It’s NOT a downgrade in security; it’s scheduled convenience.”
- “One app toggle replaces handing out 10 mechanical keys.”
- “Great for Airbnb turnovers—cleaners love it, owners stay in control.”
