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How Smart Access Control Cuts Real Costs for Property Owners

Running a property isn’t just about collecting rent — it’s about keeping costs under control.


From lost keys to constant maintenance calls, the hidden expenses add up fast. But the biggest shift happening right now in property management isn’t about design or marketing — it’s about access.


When traditional locks are replaced with smart access systems like S-PLUS, property owners aren’t just upgrading convenience — they’re cutting real, measurable costs.


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1. The Hidden Cost of Keys

Keys might look cheap, but managing them isn’t. Every lost key, late return, or emergency lock change means wasted time and labor — and for multi-room properties, that adds up quickly.


Think about it: a tenant loses a key on a Friday night. The manager gets a call, someone has to drive over, replace the lock, issue a new key, and update the record. That’s not just a €100 locksmith bill — it’s an hour of staff time, disrupted tenants, and often a few angry messages.


  • 🔑 Average lock replacement in Ireland: €80–€150 per door

  • 👷 Add staff labor and admin time: another €30–€50 per incident

  • 🏢 For a 50-room student building: that’s easily €6,000–€8,000 a year burned on something completely avoidable.


With S-PLUS, keys become digital. If a tenant moves out, or a cleaner leaves, access can be reset instantly from your dashboard — no locksmith, no coordination, no downtime.


And the best part? You’ll never again have to wonder who still has a copy of the key — because every single access is logged, and every entry is controlled.



2. Reduce Labor Without Sacrificing Service

Property management is full of “hidden hours”: checking tenants in, coordinating access, handling after-hours lockouts. Staff hours add up fast — and that’s money leaving your bottom line.

Example:

  • A staff member spends 2 hours/week on access issues at €18/hour → €1,872/year per building

  • Multiply by multiple properties, and labor costs explode

With S-PLUS:

  • Digital credentials remove the need for on-site key handovers

  • Staff can remotely grant or revoke access

  • Move-ins and check-ins happen seamlessly

The result? Staff focus on higher-value tasks, not chasing keys. Time saved can equal hundreds or even thousands of euros each year.



3. Fewer Security Incidents, Less Risk

Security problems aren’t just inconvenient — they’re costly. Lost keys, unauthorized entry, and weak audit trails can create insurance claims and complaints.


S-PLUS protects your property with:

  • Real-time access logs

  • User-level permissions

  • Centralized dashboards

Scenario:

  • A building using traditional locks may see 10–15 lost key incidents per year → staff and locksmith fees = €2,000–€3,000

  • With smart access, those incidents can drop by 80–90%

Less risk means fewer headaches, reduced insurance complications, and a better reputation with tenants or guests.


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4. Maintenance and Operational Efficiency

Traditional locks require manual inspection, wiring, and sometimes renovation for upgrades.


Smart access eliminates these hidden costs:

  • 🔋 Battery life up to 18 months → fewer maintenance visits

  • 💻 Centralized control → manage multiple doors/buildings from one dashboard

  • 📊 Automated reporting → audit trails without staff time


For a 100-room student accommodation:

  • Staffing savings = €3,500–€5,000/year

  • Reduced maintenance = €4,000–€6,000/year

  • Potential increase in occupancy/revenue from modern access = €20,000+

The system can pay for itself in less than 12 months.



5. Future-Proof Your Property

Ireland’s student accommodation and hotel markets are competitive. Tenants and guests expect modern, secure, and convenient access.

S-PLUS is more than a lock — it’s an investment in your property’s efficiency and value:

  • Improves operational workflow

  • Reduces risk and costs

  • Provides a scalable solution for multiple buildings


Think of smart locks like smartphones — eventually everyone will have one. Why wait to enjoy the convenience that technology brings, while also increasing the value of your property? Early adoption gives you a head start in efficiency, security, and tenant satisfaction.


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Smarter Access, Smarter Business

At Bear & Me, we bring S-PLUS commercial access solutions to student accommodations, hotels, and co-living spaces across Ireland — helping owners manage smarter, safer, and more efficiently.


📞 Contact us at dc@bearandme.ie to see how much your property could save this year.

Control Costs. Control Access. Control Your Business.

 
 
 

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