— Interview with John Wright —
R&R: Where are you based, and how long has Salto been operating?
John Wright: Salto, along with Gantner and Vintia, comprise SALTO WECOSYSTEM. Salto develops world-class hardware and networked, cloud and mobile access control platforms. With global headquarters in Spain, and North America headquarters in the Atlanta area, Salto is used daily by 40 million users in over 40,000 installations via 8.1 million access points. Salto has been providing access control solutions since 2001.
R&R: What is your name and title? How long have you been with Salto?
Wright: My name is John Wright, and I’m based in greater Charlotte, North Carolina. I’m the engagement manager team leader for Salto North America. I’ve been with the company for 3 ½ years.
R&R: What trades/services do you offer retailers and restaurants?
Wright: Salto offers advanced access control solutions tailored to meet the needs of retailers and restaurants. Our offerings include state-of-the-art electronic locks, cloud-based access management systems and mobile access technology. These solutions enhance security, streamline operations and improve the customer and employee experience. Whether managing employee access, securing sensitive areas or creating a seamless entry for staff and patrons, we provide scalable and reliable systems to fit any retail or restaurant environment.
R&R: In what regions of the country do you conduct most of your business, or are you nationwide?
Wright: With a presence in more than 90 countries — including the North America Business Unit (the U.S. and Canada) — Salto has a global reach that allows us to support clients across borders. Our expansive geographic scope will enable clients to work with a partner that understands diverse regional regulations and market dynamics.
R&R: What makes your company’s “signature service” stand out?
Wright: With innovative, keyless access control solutions designed to simplify operations and enhance security. Our cloud-based systems allow businesses to manage access across single or multiple locations, ensuring precise control over restricted areas like back offices or employee lockers. Onboarding is streamlined with mobile keys that can be sent to new employees before their first day.
Our solutions improve customer flow without disruption for retailers and integrate seamlessly with business management systems to enhance day-to-day operations. Restaurants benefit from flexible access management for employees and delivery services, accommodating varying schedules easily. We also support strategies like “dark deliveries,” allowing shipments to be received during off-hours to avoid disruptions and ensure inventory stays fully stocked.
Our wireless, scalable systems grow with a business, making adding new locations or expanding access points simple. With smartphone-enabled credentials and integrations like CCTV and inventory management, we offer a complete platform that enhances security and operations. Features like real-time reporting and audit trails add transparency, reduce shrinkage and eliminate the need for physical keys or on-site supervision.
We help businesses stay competitive by leveraging emerging technologies like AI and IoT. Whether managing access for a single store or a growing chain, we deliver a platform that enhances operations and creates a better experience.
R&R: What kind of feedback do you receive from clients?
Wright: Clients consistently highlight the significant ROI achieved by transitioning to our keyless access control solutions. Eliminating traditional brass keys and the costs of re-keying or replacing keys has simplified operations, reduced expenses.
With our cloud-based platform, access can be managed instantly from anywhere in the world. Whether it’s issuing mobile keys to new employees, revoking access for former staff or granting temporary access to vendors, this flexibility is especially valuable for businesses with high employee turnover or multiple locations.
R&R: Why should owner/operators choose your company?
Wright: Because we deliver scalable, keyless access control solutions that reduce costs, enhance security and simplify operations. Cloud-based eliminates the need for brass keys.
Installation is easy through our certified channel partners, ensuring a smooth setup every time. Our solutions integrate seamlessly with existing systems, provide real-time reporting — and scale effortlessly as your business grows.
With features like remote access management, mobile credentials and detailed audit trails, Salto addresses the unique challenges businesses face while improving efficiency and security. Salto’s focus on flexibility, reliability and advanced technology makes us the ideal partner for owners and operators.
R&R: What are some of the latest trends you see in the FM industry?
Wright: Cloud-based platforms like Salto KS are making it easier for businesses to streamline operations, enhance security and scale efficiently.
One trend we’re seeing is the shift to remote management. With cloud-based systems, retail managers can control access from anywhere — all from a mobile app or web platform.
Another trend is the integration of access control with other building systems. Salto KS connects with CCTV, alarms and inventory systems, giving retailers a unified approach to security and operations.
Mobile credentials are also changing the game. Employees and vendors can use smartphones or smart tags to access facilities, removing the need for physical keys or cards.
Scalability remains a top priority. Wireless systems like Salto KS make it easy to expand operations, add locations or upgrade existing setups without heavy downtime or costs.
R&R: What predictions do you have — for your company, your industry or both — in 2025?
Wright: Our ability to integrate cutting-edge technology with seamless user experiences will keep us at the forefront of the industry.
Demand for cloud-based, mobile-first solutions in retail and restaurants will only grow. Access control has not traditionally been an embedded technology in retail, but this is changing. Businesses will seek flexible, scalable platforms that offer high returns on investment, and Salto is ready to meet that need.
Access control will also become more personalized and data-driven, integrating AI and IoT.
R&R: Any final thoughts?
Wright: Access control isn’t about keeping people out — it’s about empowering them with access to do more. We’re focused on providing the tools that open doors to new possibilities.
— John Wright is the engagement manager team leader for Salto North America, a leading global access solutions provider. This Q&A originally was published in the February/March 2025 issue of Retail & Restaurant Facility Business magazine. For more information in having your company profiled in a future Signature Vendor Spotlight, please contact Scott Royal at [email protected].