Retrofit versus Upgrade

Retrofitting vs. Rip and Replace: Maximizing Security Investments

When it comes to enhancing your building's security entrances, you have two primary options: retrofitting your existing infrastructure or completely replacing it with a "rip and replace" approach. While starting fresh might seem appealing, retrofitting often provides significant advantages in terms of cost, time, and sustainability. Let's explore why retrofitting deserves serious consideration for your next security entrance upgrade.

Leverage Your Existing Technology Investment

One of the most compelling reasons to choose security entrance retrofitting is the ability to preserve your current technology investments. Your existing infrastructure—including access readers, biometrics, sensors, power and cabling, and electronic access control (EAC) software—can be integrated into your retrofit plan. This approach not only reduces waste but also significantly lowers your overall project costs.

Implementing a Layered Security Approach

A key advantage of retrofitting is the ability to enhance security in stages without disrupting daily operations. This approach allows you to build overlapping security measures that work together to create a more robust security posture. For example, you might start by upgrading perimeter security, then enhance entry points with modern optical turnstiles or biometric access systems, and finally secure internal zones—all while maintaining operational continuity.

Streamlined Permitting and Compliance 

From a regulatory perspective, retrofitting offers distinct advantages. Since these projects are typically classified as enhancements rather than new construction, they often require less extensive permitting processes. This classification can help expedite approvals and ensure compliance with local building codes without unnecessary complications or delays. Additionally, modern security entrance systems can be retrofitted to help meet specific industry regulations by providing detailed access logs and minimizing human error.

Reduced Capital Expenditures

The financial benefits of retrofitting cannot be overstated. By preserving existing construction elements, you'll substantially reduce capital expenditures. You don't have to start from scratch when upgrading an entryway to a security entrance. These cost-effective security solutions allow you to avoid the often-overlooked costs associated with repairs to surrounding infrastructure and subsequent cleanup that typically accompany complete replacement projects. Many organizations find that retrofitting existing entrances with modern components like biometric readers or turnstiles with tailgating detection systems delivers most of the security benefits of a full replacement at a fraction of the cost.

Accelerated Implementation Timeline

Time is money, and retrofitting saves both. Faster implementation is a key advantage. The more existing assets you can leverage without compromising integrity, the more efficiently the job can be completed. This includes reducing the time and expense of finding and vetting extra contractors and labor for rip-and-replace work. By leveraging existing assets, you can significantly shorten your project timeline. This approach streamlines the implementation process and allows security teams to adapt to new systems gradually, improving adoption rates and effectiveness.

Minimized Operational Disruption

The benefits of lower costs, faster implementation, and improved efficiency translate to minimal disruption across multiple fronts. Your physical property experiences fewer construction-related disturbances, your budget remains stable, and the facility's occupants enjoy a more consistent user experience throughout the upgrade process. Custom retrofit solutions—such as optical turnstiles with smaller footprints or mantrap portals that fit existing doorways—can be tailored to work within your space constraints without requiring major structural modifications.

Sustainable Security Entrances

Security entrances can serve your facility for decades with proper maintenance and strategic retrofitting. A well-planned retrofit approach, combined with scheduled maintenance, helps prevent unexpected service issues and eliminates the need for costly emergency service calls or additional security personnel deployments. Modern security systems boost efficiency by automating access, reducing security staff, and improving environmental control through minimized air infiltration—especially vital in climate-sensitive facilities.

Building Security Upgrades: Beyond Infrastructure

Effective security isn't just about physical infrastructure—it's also about fostering a culture where security is valued. Retrofitting provides an excellent opportunity to engage employees and stakeholders in security awareness and the proper use of new systems. This cultural component is often easier to implement during a gradual retrofit process than during a disruptive complete replacement.

Making the Right Choice for Your Facility

While complete replacement may be necessary in some situations, retrofitting offers compelling advantages that deserve careful consideration. By evaluating your current infrastructure and security needs, you can determine whether retrofitting provides the optimal balance of security enhancement, cost efficiency, and operational continuity for your specific circumstances.

Contact us today to discuss how our security entrance modernization and retrofitting solutions can help you maximize your investment while minimizing disruption and costs.