Transforming Existing Hotels with Smart GRMS: Overcoming Challenges with the RFTC-3 Retrofit Solution

As the hospitality industry evolves, hotels must adopt smart technology to enhance guest experiences, optimize energy management, and improve operational efficiency. One of the most crucial technological advancements in modern hotels is the Guest Room Management System (GRMS). However, integrating a GRMS into an existing hotel presents several challenges, from infrastructure limitations to high installation costs.

In this blog, we’ll explore why GRMS is essential, the challenges faced by existing hotels, and how the RFTC-3 from iNELS simplifies retrofitting without major renovations.

Why Do Hotels Need a GRMS?

A Guest Room Management System (GRMS) is an advanced automation solution that optimizes room control in hotels by managing lighting, HVAC, fan speeds, curtains, and more. It seamlessly integrates with Property Management Systems (PMS) and Building Management Systems (BMS) to provide an enhanced guest experience, improve energy efficiency, and streamline hotel operations.

One of the most significant benefits of GRMS is energy savings, as it can reduce HVAC and lighting costs by 30-50% through automated controls that adjust settings based on occupancy. It also enhances guest comfort by allowing personalized temperature, lighting, and ambiance adjustments. From an operational perspective, GRMS boosts efficiency by automating housekeeping and maintenance alerts, ensuring rooms are cleaned and maintained based on real-time status updates. Security and safety are also improved with integration into smart access control systems, ensuring only authorized access to rooms. Additionally, GRMS enables voice and mobile control through assistants like Google Assistant and Alexa, allowing guests to manage their rooms effortlessly.

While GRMS offers numerous advantages, integrating it into an existing hotel can be challenging due to infrastructure constraints, cost concerns, and operational disruptions.

Challenges of Retrofitting GRMS in Existing Hotels

Infrastructure Limitations

Many older hotels were not designed with smart wiring or GRMS-compatible HVAC and lighting systems. Traditional setups often use manual switches and relays that do not support digital communication, making integration difficult.

High Cost of Installation & ROI Concerns

Implementing a wired GRMS in an existing hotel typically requires wall modifications and complex rewiring, leading to high installation costs. Additionally, many hotel owners worry about the return on investment (ROI) and whether energy savings will justify the initial expense.

Integration with Existing PMS/BMS

Many hotels operate on legacy PMS/BMS platforms that lack API support for modern GRMS solutions. This creates challenges in synchronizing room occupancy, housekeeping updates, and guest preferences with the GRMS.

Operational Disruptions During Installation

Installing a wired GRMS in an occupied hotel can cause operational downtime, as rooms need to be taken out of service for electrical modifications. Additionally, hotel staff requires training to manage and operate the new system effectively.

RFTC-3: The Ultimate GRMS Solution for Retrofitting Existing Hotels

Upgrading an existing hotel with a Guest Room Management System (GRMS) can be challenging, but the RFTC-3 from iNELS offers a seamless, cost-effective, and efficient solution. Designed specifically for hotel retrofitting, RFTC-3 eliminates wiring complexities, enhances energy efficiency, and provides a smart, guest-friendly experience with minimal disruption.

No Wiring Required – Built-in iNELS Wireless Gateway

One of the biggest challenges of retrofitting GRMS is the need for extensive wiring. The RFTC-3 eliminates this issue by featuring an inbuilt wireless gateway, allowing effortless integration with iNELS Wireless devices, including lights, sensors, dimmers, and curtains.

​Unlike traditional GRMS that require rewiring, RFTC-3 can simply replace existing thermostats, reducing installation time and complexity. Acts as a centralized hub, connecting all wireless units in the room. 

Integrated HVAC Control for Enhanced Room Climate Management

Managing room temperature and airflow efficiently is crucial for guest comfort. The RFTC-3 has an integrated FCU actuator which is designed to control HVAC systems directly, making it ideal for hotel room climate control.

✔ 5 x Relays – 2 x Relays for Heating and cooling control, 3 x relays to Adjusts low, medium, and high-speed fan settings.

✔ Two Analog Outputs (0-10V) – Modulates fan coils, dampers, and motorized valves for precise climate adjustments.

✔ Modbus RTU​ – Handles control​ for VRV/VRF systems, split ACs, and FCU.

​Works seamlessly with existing HVAC systems, eliminating the need for costly modifications.

Maximized Energy Savings with Smart Automation

Hotels often waste energy by leaving HVAC systems running in unoccupied rooms. The RFTC-3 automates energy management to reduce unnecessary consumption while maintaining guest comfort.

✔ Occupancy-Based HVAC Control – Automatically turns off air conditioning when the room is vacant.

✔ Curtain & Blinds Automation – Adjusts curtains based on time of day or occupancy, reducing cooling load.

✔ Smart Energy Monitoring – Integrates with PMS, BMS, and iNELS Cloud to track and optimize energy usage.

Immediate reduction in energy costs without requiring infrastructure overhauls.

Seamless Integration with PMS & BMS

The RFTC-3 is designed for effortless integration with a hotel's existing Property Management System (PMS) and Building Management System (BMS). It supports multiple communication protocols, ensuring flexibility and compatibility.

✔ Modbus RTU Terminals – Connects to existing BMS platforms.

✔ MQTT Support – Enables integration with third-party IoT and automation systems.

✔ iNELS Cloud Connectivity – Allows remote room monitoring and control via the iNELS app.

✔ Google Assistant & Alexa Support – Enables hands-free voice control for a modern, guest-friendly experience.

Easily integrates with any hotel's existing PMS or BMS, simplifying operations and guest management.

Quick Installation with Minimal Operational Disruptions

Installing traditional wired GRMS can cause significant downtime, requiring rooms to be taken out of service. The RFTC-3 eliminates this issue with its wireless setup and fast installation process.

✔ No wall modifications or additional cabling needed.

✔ Works wirelessly with all iNELS devices, allowing installation without disrupting operations.

✔ Can be deployed room-by-room, minimizing downtime and guest inconvenience.

Fast deployment with minimal disruptions, ensuring a smooth transition to smart hotel automation.