Project Description
We are a hotel in the UK using an older SmartLock key card system (MiFare / SecureFast / Be-Tech type system).
The original supplier is no longer operating in the UK, so we need an experienced freelancer to safely migrate the entire system (software + SQL database + encoder functionality) to a new Windows PC.
This is a live hotel system, so reliability is critical.
CURRENT SETUP
Software: SmartLock – Reception Hotel
Database: SQL Server (NOT Access)
SQL Instance: RECEPTION-PC\SmartLock
System currently runs locally on one PC
Card encoder connected via USB
System has previously had compatibility issues with newer SQL versions (worked with SQL 2017, not with newer versions)
SCOPE OF WORK
The freelancer must:
1. Full System Migration
Install SmartLock software on new PC
Install and configure correct SQL Server version (likely 2017 or compatible)
Migrate database from existing system
Reconnect SmartLock to SQL database
2. Hardware Integration
Configure card encoder
Ensure ability to:
Encode new key cards
Read cards
Issue guest keys
3. System Validation
Test full workflow:
Create guest
Encode card
Verify card works on locks
Ensure no data loss (rooms, locks, users, settings)
4. Backup Setup
Create a proper backup system
Ideally:
SQL backup (.bak)
Manual backup method we can use ourselves
5. Documentation (IMPORTANT)
Provide simple instructions for:
Restarting system if it crashes
Backing up database
Restoring system
KEY CHALLENGES (IMPORTANT – READ)
Legacy system with no UK support
SQL Server compatibility issues
Possible driver issues with encoder
System may require:
Older .NET frameworks
Specific SQL versions
May need to work via remote access (AnyDesk / TeamViewer)
IDEAL CANDIDATE
Experience with:
SQL Server (especially older versions)
Legacy Windows software
Hotel lock systems (bonus but not required)
Comfortable troubleshooting without vendor support
Able to work methodically and avoid breaking live system