A Complete Guide for Integrators Ready to Become hattrix Managed Service Dealers
Prepared by My Managed Security, supporting integrators who want to grow their cloud access control business with confidence.
Introduction
Cloud-managed access control has become the most important shift in the physical security industry. Traditional on-premise systems require local servers, software installations, operating system updates, antivirus management, manual backups, and constant support from integrators. Today’s customers want simpler systems that do not rely on local IT resources, and integrators want solutions that reduce overhead, increase revenue stability, and allow them to scale.
Kantech hattrix provides a powerful cloud framework built on the EntrapassWeb platform. It gives integrators the ability to deliver Access-Control-as-a-Service (ACaaS) while eliminating local servers entirely. For dealers who choose to become hattrix Managed Service Dealers (MSDs), the shift from project-based revenue to recurring monthly revenue (RMR) can transform their entire business model.
This article combines the technical depth of a migration guide with the strategic insights needed to grow a cloud-based security business. It is written to help integrators understand the migration process, the long-term business value of cloud adoption, and the benefits of partnering with My Managed Security to build a successful MSD program.
1. Why Cloud-Managed Access Control Matters Now More Than Ever
On-Premise Access Control Overview
Traditional on-premise systems operate with software and SQL databases installed on servers located at the customer’s site. Integrators must maintain this infrastructure, which includes:
• Server hardware
• Operating system updates
• Antivirus and Cybersecurity protection
• Backup procedures
• Database maintenance
• Software patching
• Upgrading legacy PCs
• Responding to failures and downtime
This model creates higher support costs and limits scalability.
Cloud-Managed Access Control Overview
With cloud access control, the server environment is removed entirely. EntraPass software is hosted in a secure cloud environment operated by an MSP, and controllers communicate to the cloud through encrypted connections. Administrators access the system through a web portal or mobile apps. Integrators gain:
• No server installation
• No software deployments
• No OS or antivirus updates
• Automatic feature upgrades
• Automatic backups
• Multi-site administration from one location
• Remote diagnostics and support
• Lower cost of entry
• Access control delivered as a subscription
Cloud management is easier for clients and far more efficient for integrators.
2. Why Integrators Should Become hattrix Managed Service Dealers (MSDs)
Industry data shows that by 2027, more than half of all new access control deployments will be cloud-based. End users are shifting away from server rooms and toward remote administration, and integrators who adopt cloud early gain a significant competitive advantage.
Below are the three core reasons integrators should become MSDs.
Growth
Building recurring monthly revenue changes the economics of a security business. As your RMR engine grows, it stabilizes cash flow and reduces dependence on new project sales. Strong RMR allows dealers to:
• Offer more competitive bids on installations
• Improve margins across their business
• Increase company valuation
• Build predictable month-over-month revenue
• Differentiate themselves from integrators who lack cloud offerings
My Managed Security supports dealers by providing hosting, training, and optional pricing guidance so they can build an RMR model that matches their goals.
Cost Efficiency
Cloud-managed access control removes servers, eliminates software installations, reduces IT workload, and lowers support labour. Dealers benefit from:
• Fewer truck rolls
• No server commissioning
• No emergency server repairs
• No OS upgrades or antivirus maintenance
• Fewer on-site service calls
• Less time spent troubleshooting networking issues
Lower operational overhead makes dealers more competitive and more profitable.
The Future
Cloud-first development is accelerating rapidly. The newest features, integrations, and enhancements in the access control industry are being designed for cloud environments first. End users increasingly expect:
• Remote access
• Multi-site visibility
• Mobile administration
• Zero on-site software infrastructure
• Automatic updates
Cloud-based deployments will continue to dominate industry growth, making the MSD model the most strategic long-term play for integrators.
3. Benefits of Kantech hattrix for Dealers and End Users
Benefits for Dealers
Kantech hattrix offers a unified platform that enables dealers to:
• Manage multiple clients through one cloud portal
• Scale from one door to thousands
• Provide remote support instantly
• Build recurring revenue streams
• Reduce maintenance labour
• Own their customer relationships
• Offer flexible hosted, hybrid or fully managed service models
Hattrix is built on the proven EntraPass software, so dealers can migrate existing Kantech customers without changing hardware.
Benefits for End Users
Clients gain:
• Lower cost of ownership
• No on-site servers or IT burden
• Remote administration through web or mobile
• Automatic software updates
• Redundant and secure hosting environments
• Simplified multi-site management
• Increased uptime
• Faster support responses
The customer experience improves significantly while the integrator workload decreases.
4. Technical Planning for Migration from On-Premise to Cloud
A successful migration requires structured planning. Below are the key steps integrators should follow.
Step 1: Assess the Existing System
Record:
• Controller types (KT-1, KT-400, KT-300, legacy)
• Firmware versions
• Software version (EntraPass edition)
• Integration points
• Schedules, access levels, and credential formats
• Door unlock schedules and alarm logic
• Network model
Identify legacy hardware requiring upgrades.
Step 2: Complete a Full Backup Including Events
Export:
• Cardholders
• Badge data
• Access groups
• Schedules and holidays
• Alarm configurations
• Door settings
• Database backups
A proper backup ensures a smooth transition.
Step 3: Review Network Readiness
Confirm:
• Stable internet
• DHCP or static IP availability
• Firewall rules that allow encrypted controller communication
• Port requirements
• VPN or cellular options when IT environments are restrictive
For complex networks, consider Kantech Cell NaaS.
Step 4: Stakeholder Communication
Explain downtime expectations, training requirements, and the benefits of cloud management. This reduces disruption during the cutover.
5. Creating the Cloud Environment
Step 1: Provision the Cloud Instance
Depending on the dealer’s business model:
• Dealers working with My Managed Security have MMS provision the account
• MMS provides structure, configuration, Migration Step-by-Step Instructions and best practices
System structure should match the customer’s current environment.
Step 2: Prepare Controllers
Controllers must be IP ready for cloud operation:
• Confirm existing EntraPass Special/Corporate v8.72 or newer
Step 3: Connectivity Testing
Start with a single test controller:
• Bring it online in hattrix
• Verify that events appear
• Confirm remote commands work
• Confirm reliable heartbeat communication
Once confirmed, apply configuration to the full system.
6. Data Migration and Cutover
Technical Planning for Migration from On-Premise to Hattrix Cloud
A smooth migration from EntraPass on-premise to the hattrix cloud platform requires both structured planning and precise technical execution. Below is the updated process integrators should follow.
Step 1: Export & Back Up On-Premise Data
Begin with a full system backup to ensure all critical information is preserved.
Export or back up:
• Cardholders and badge data
• Access levels, schedules, and holidays
• Operators and permissions
• Action schedules and tasks
• Door settings and hardware configurations
• Report programming and integrations
• Full database backup (encrypted for hattrix v9.00)
When preparing for the new hattrix account:
• Upload backup(s) to MSP
• Download a fresh backup into the new hattrix account
• Run the migration wizard to automatically map hardware, access permissions, schedules, credentials, and badges into the cloud environment
Controller-specific actions:
• Move controllers to new gateway assignment
• Use override gateway mode for conversion
• Perform remote controller conversion where supported
Important note:
Events, audit trails, pop-ups, and old licensing data do not migrate.
When preparation is completed correctly, downtime is minimal.
Step 2: Validate Network Readiness
Confirm the network can support cloud-based encrypted communication.
Checklist:
• Stable internet connection
• DHCP or appropriate static IP availability
• Necessary firewall rules open for controller ↔ cloud communication
• Required ports enabled
• VPN or cellular failover options for restrictive IT environments
For complex or multi-site networks, consider Kantech Cell NaaS for simplified connectivity.
Step 3: Stakeholder Readiness & Cutover Planning
Communicate expectations with the client:
• Explain the migration window and any brief downtime
• Identify required user training for the hattrix interface
• Review access changes, operator roles, and new workflows
• Confirm testing responsibilities during cutover
Clear communication reduces disruption and ensures users are prepared for the new cloud environment.
Step 4: Full System Validation
After the migration, perform comprehensive testing to confirm stable cloud operation.
Validate:
• Badge reads at all doors
• Remote commands (unlock, lock, pulse)
• Schedule execution
• Alarm/exception notifications
• Proper offline behaviour and reconnection
• Door logic and timers
• Operator permissions
• Hardware communication status
This ensures all site hardware, credentials, schedules, and access logic operate correctly within hattrix.
7. Training and Post-Migration Support
Provide training on:
• EntrapassWeb
• EntrapassGo mobile app
• User management workflows
• Reporting
• Administrative tasks
Support during the first weeks should be proactive, with monitoring and fine tuning.
8. How My Managed Security Helps Integrators Become Successful MSDs
My Managed Security supports dealers in two main ways:
Infrastructure Provider
MMS hosts the hattrix environment, so the dealer does not need to build or maintain:
• Servers
• Redundant environments
• EntraPass hosting
• Monitoring infrastructure
• Cybersevurty and encryption
• Database management
• Security hardening
Dealers retain full customer ownership while relying on MMS for stable, highly available hosting.
Strategic Partner for RMR Growth
Dealers choose their own customer pricing, but MMS provides:
• RMR modelling frameworks
• Market guidance
• Example pricing structures
• Training on upsell strategies
• Best practices for scaling a managed service business
Dealers stay fully independent while gaining the benefit of proven cloud experience.
Conclusion
Transitioning to cloud-managed access control is one of the most valuable steps an integrator can take. The migration process is straightforward when completed with proper planning, and the long-term business benefits are significant. By becoming a hattrix Managed Service Dealer, integrators gain predictable recurring revenue, lower operational overhead, stronger customer retention, and a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving industry.
My Managed Security enables integrators to enter the cloud market quickly and confidently. We provide the infrastructure, technical support, training, and guidance needed to build a successful MSD practice while ensuring that dealers retain complete ownership of their customers and revenue.
If you are ready to future proof your business, improve profitability, and offer modern cloud access control services, My Managed Security is here to support your journey into the hattrix Managed Service Dealer program. Get started on your journey to becoming a dealer here.