OpenApp vs Seam for physical access integration
Seam is often described as middleware for smart locks — one API across many lock brands. OpenApp is Physical Security as a Service (PSaaS): a full control plane for doors, gates, virtual intercom, guest invitations, policies, and audit across heterogeneous hardware.
This page helps integrators and STR operators choose — especially when hardware goes beyond commercial Wi-Fi locks (gates, relays, local automation — see the integrations catalog).
When Seam fits
Section titled “When Seam fits”- Primary hardware is supported lock brands (Yale, Schlage, August, Salto KS, etc.)
- You need normalized lock tokens and a hosted Connect Webview for guests
- You will build your own dashboard, policies, intercom, and audit on top of Seam
- Single-vendor lock rollout across many identical units
When OpenApp fits
Section titled “When OpenApp fits”| Need | Why OpenApp |
|---|---|
| Non-lock openers and protocols | Integrations — not lock-brand adapters only |
| Time-bound guest invites | Native portal + invite APIs |
| Virtual intercom + directory | Virtual Access — no separate intercom vendor |
| Multi-site org + roles + audit | Operator dashboard + queryable activity |
| One platform for gates + doors | Entity actions (switchable.open) across vendors |
Trade-offs
Section titled “Trade-offs”- Seam — faster if locks are on their adapter list; you still own product UX and compliance workflows.
- OpenApp — broader physical-access model; best when relays, gates, and intercom matter as much as room locks.
Related guides
Section titled “Related guides”Audit note
Section titled “Audit note”OpenApp provides dashboard audit review and invite usage signals — not outbound access-event webhooks. Log switchable.open calls in your integration layer. See Query access and audit activity.