Why Integrators Should Lead with Person Readers in Elevator Modernizations
The Modernization Opportunity
Every year, thousands of elevators are modernized in commercial real estate, multifamily, education, and healthcare properties. For integrators, these projects represent a recurring revenue stream — not just in hardware sales, but in long-term service, software, and upgrades.
Yet many integrators are still specifying outdated, single-function card readers for elevator modernization. These readers offer limited features, low differentiation, and little value-add. Worse, they box integrators into a commodity role, competing only on price.
There’s a better way forward: leading with the BluB0X In-Car Person Reader — an all-in-one elevator solution that delivers security, convenience, and analytics in a single package.
Why Card Readers Hurt Integrators
- Low Margins – Traditional card readers are cheap and commoditized. Clients shop them online. Integrators earn little profit and face heavy competition.
- Limited Value-Add – Card readers only solve one problem. Clients don’t see their integrator as an innovator or trusted partner.
- Missed Recurring Revenue – Card readers don’t connect to data platforms, limiting service, analytics, and monitoring opportunities.
- Replacement Risk – Once installed, card readers age poorly. Clients blame integrators for outdated technology.
Integrators who rely on card readers risk being replaced by competitors offering smarter, more complete solutions.
The Person Reader Advantage for Integrators
The BluB0X In-Car Person Reader consolidates multiple systems into one device, giving integrators a differentiated solution that is harder to compete against.
- All Credential Types: Cards, mobile wallets, BLE, QR, PIN, face, voice.
- Visitor Enablement: QR-based access with automatic floor restriction.
- Intercom Built-In: Audio, video, and text communication.
- In-Car Surveillance: Local recording and network streaming.
- Ride-Quality Analytics: Data that informs service contracts and creates upsell opportunities.
- OTA Updates via BluSKY®: Keeps systems current without costly truck rolls.
How Integrators Win
1. Higher Margins
With Person Readers, you’re not competing against commodity hardware. You’re offering a unique, full-featured platform that clients can’t easily price-shop.
2. Recurring Revenue
Because the Person Reader is fully integrated with BluSKY, integrators can offer:
- Analytics packages
- Remote monitoring
- Managed visitor workflows
- Maintenance and support contracts
3. Stronger Client Relationships
Clients don’t just see you as a hardware installer. They see you as a strategic partner delivering modern tenant experiences and operational insights.
4. Faster Deployment
One device replaces five. That means fewer cutouts, fewer cable pulls, fewer integration headaches, and faster project turnover.
Elevator OEMs & Technology Partners
For OEMs and tech partners, Person Readers are a chance to differentiate in a crowded market:
- OEMs can pair Person Readers with their dispatch systems to deliver touchless, intelligent rides.
- Access control vendors can extend their ecosystem into elevators without additional hardware.
- Analytics and IoT partners gain a new source of operational data: ride quality, occupancy, usage patterns.
By embracing Person Readers, technology partners create stronger platforms and more sticky customer relationships.
A Real-World Integrator Scenario
An integrator bidding on a major office modernization has two options:
- Option A: Propose traditional card readers. Margins are slim, visitor handling remains a pain point, and the client sees no real innovation.
- Option B: Propose Person Readers. Margins improve, visitor workflows are automated, and the client gets future-proof elevators with built-in analytics. The integrator secures the deal and locks in long-term service revenue.
Which integrator wins the project — and the next one?
The Modernization Differentiator
The elevator modernization market is growing. But the winners won’t be the integrators who keep installing yesterday’s technology. The winners will be those who lead with all-in-one, future-proof solutions that make elevators smarter, safer, and more connected.
Integrators who lead with Person Readers don’t just win jobs — they win clients for life.