Salto has its foot firmly planted in the multifamily door, following the introduction of its DBolt Touch Interconnected, a smart electronic deadbolt that’s ideal for both new and retrofit multifamily projects. The DBolt Touch IC provides a manual, interconnected deadbolt and passage latch electronic locking solution with a sleek touchscreen keypad. The ability to retract both the latch bolt and deadbolt in a single motion for a quick and easy exit is the solution that many residential building guidelines require.
It follows the introduction of the DBolt Touch earlier in 2024, and integration and flexibility across Salto’s multifamily line are important features, according to Salto Residential Building Leader Preston Grutzmacher.
“Both the DBolt Touch and the new DBolt Touch IC are built on Salto’s advanced M-series technology. This allows all versions of DBolt Touch and DBolt Touch IC to be programmed using any of Salto’s three core platforms: Salto Space, Salto Homelok, or Salto KS,” Grutzmacher notes.
DBolt locks are ideal for both retrofit and new-build multifamily projects, he added. Both DBolt Touch and DBolt Touch IC comply with local codes and are fully compatible with industry-standard residential door preparations.
Multifamily Growth
Grutzmacher sees multifamily as a growth market, despite a small construction downturn in 2024.
“2025 was a challenging year for multifamily developers, with a slowdown in new construction. However, the multifamily tech market continues to grow despite this slowdown. This growth is driven by the need for millions of units in legacy buildings to update their access systems to keep pace with the significant new apartment supply that was delivered between 2022 and 2024.”
When asked what products multifamily customers are requesting, he said consistency was key. “Multifamily customers seek consistent and streamlined systems. Many properties currently offer a disjointed access experience where residents might swipe to open the main door, tap a key fob at common doors, and use a mechanical key for their unit. This swipe-tap-key experience is not ideal and complicates property management.”
He noted that Salto software and DBolt Touch address these issues by allowing multifamily operators to manage access at every door through a single software suite. Residents' key fobs, tags, and mobile credentials work seamlessly on every door they have access to, which can include amenities as well as unit entrances.
“Looking ahead, we expect substantial growth in the deployment of smart access control solutions in both new builds and retrofit properties. This trend reflects the ongoing demand for modern, secure, and efficient access management in the multifamily sector,” he added.
Retrofit Opportunities
Retrofits are also predicted to increase, as existing properties find themselves competing for tenants with new construction and tenants want all the bells and whistles.
“The influx of new apartments equipped with smart technology has set a high standard. To remain competitive, existing buildings are rapidly adopting new solutions and undergoing renovations. This trend is driven by the need to match the modern amenities and security features offered by newer properties,” said Grutzmacher.
Locksmiths do need certification to install Salto products. Visit https://saltosystems.com/en-us/events/ for information on upcoming training sessions and learn about the business partner program (which includes training, referrals and tech support) at https://saltosystems.com/en-us/business-partners/.
“Once certified, Salto products are an excellent fit for locksmiths, as our hardware is designed to replace mechanical keys with a more secure platform,” he added.
DBolt Touch IC Details
The DBolt Touch IC combines an electronic deadbolt with the convenience of a design that simply replaces an existing mechanical deadbolt. It is compatible with almost any interior unit entrance, and blends seamlessly and connects wirelessly to a property’s ecosystem. Its smart access technology – powered by Salto's access management platforms – delivers a comprehensive and modern digitized property that unifies security, access control, property management, and the tenant experience in an all-in-one residential smart access solution.
The Salto DBolt Touch IC supports a wide range of access control methods to create a keyless experience for residents and property employees. Users can unlock the Salto DBolt Touch IC via mobile app, PIN code, smart credential, or Apple Wallet when used in Homelok - Salto's cloud-based residential access solution. The keypad reader enables PIN-based entry for residents and visitors. For users who require a physical credential, the DBolt Touch IC support smart MIFARE and DESFire RFID credentials in an all-in-one solution.
The Salto DBolt Touch IC is fully compatible across the Salto platform, so can be used in a system that can manage full sites. The DBolt Touch IC works seamlessly with Homelok, Salto’s cloud-based electronic access solution that’s designed specifically for multi-family and residential properties. It also works with Space, Salto's on-premise high-end residential smart access management platform, as well as KS.
Salto has an extensive access solutions portfolio for common doors, emergency exits, garage doors, elevators and pool areas.
DBolt Touch IC Features and Benefits:
- Battery powered for easy installation
- Keyless and mobile entry. Create a secure, smart home entryway.
- Utilize multiple keyless entry options. With powerful RFID/NFC and BLE technology inside, residents and staff can use mobile or physical RFID smart credentials.
- Advanced user PIN Code. Create unique entry codes with time-bound options.
- Activity logs. Easily monitor who is coming and going from your residence. Run activity logs that note every time the door is locked and/or unlocked.
- Salto cross-platform capable: On-premise or cloud-connected.
- SVN stand-alone networked locking system. Powered by SVN Data-on-Card Salto core technology.
- BLUEnet Wireless ready. Advanced connectivity and SVN-Flex ready, extend your system capabilities across any door and user access profile.
- JustIN Mobile access compatibility. Fully bidirectional – JustIN Mobile NFC/BLE Digital Key.
- Apple Wallet. Distribute digital keys in Homelok, enabling compatible iPhone and Apple Watches to unlock Salto smart locks without the need to download any Salto app.
- Certified Grade 2 ANSI/BHMA A156.12 American National Standard for Interconnected locks.
- Available in several finishes that blend into any type of property decor.
- Security and privacy are assured with end-to-end communications encryption.
Emily Pike | Managing Editor
Emily Pike is managing editor of Locksmith Ledger International.
