The new electronic locking systems are one of the fastest changing elements of hotel designs. The use of newer technology such as RFID and smartcards coupled with the streamlined aesthetic style of the new locksets is clearly starting to peak the interest of many designers. These newer design features present a softer and more engaging look that is being adopted at upscale hotels and resorts. The door lock is one of the first items that the guest sees and hoteliers are interested in setting the correct tone and expectation.

While there have been a number of design advancements to the traditional magnetic card swipe locks, the most dramatic change appears to be provided by the newer RFID locking systems. While RFID technology has been around for quite some time, these types of door locking systems have never gained wide acceptance in the hotel industry, primarily because of installation and ongoing operational costs associated with the proximity cards needed to operate them.

RFID locking systems have been installed in European hotels and resorts and other parts of the world for a number of years, however, the only installations that were really highlighted in the United Sates involved resorts that utilized the technology for their theme parks.  A few years ago Great Wolf Resorts invested in the technology primarily for its multipurpose functionality.   Today there are a number of resorts and hotels that are considering the technology to enhance the overall guest offering and improve efficiencies in operations.

The newer technology provides tracking of both guests and hotel staff around the property and provides some insight as to facilities accessed and the times that they are being accessed. The issue of tracking a guest’s movement is somewhat controversial and while it is true that the information can be utilized to target guests’ preferences and where they spend their time and money, there are also operational benefits to the application that should be highlighted. These systems have the ability to determine staffing requirements, the best time to service a room or perform turn-down or the performance of housekeepers.

The following are examples of electronic locking systems that are currently being offered.

Biometric systems have had limited exposure in hotels primarily because people are reluctant to allow the capture of a thumb print or retinal scan. Due to the unique security features of these systems their primary use has been seen as a possible option for a presidential or VIP suites. Most people consider the use of a finger print or retinal scan to be an invasion of privacy. Hoteliers have trouble with obtaining a guest’s signature on a registration card let alone asking for a retinal image of the guest’s eye.

More installations involve smartcard technology which offers many of the same recording features as RFID through its ability to store information on the actual cards.  While smartcard technology offers some tremendous features, there are however issues associated with the recording and storing of guest information which limit the overall capability of these types of systems. Most of the current installations utilize the technology for operational and administrative purposes associated with tracking staff members.

Electronic keys are ones with an encoded security chip.  While operators like these because they offer the guest the same look and feel as a traditional key, these keys tend to be very costly and have in some cases proven to be somewhat problematic as they are usually tied into other systems such as lighting and energy management.

A review of the most of the prominent hospitality focused electronic lock manufacturers reveals that several of them are starting to offer RFID solutions that incorporate the secured MiFare technology, and which offer a cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing look and feel.

VingCard Elsafe has introduced its new Signature series of designer RFID locks that among other features promises to offer the ability for guests to use cell phones to access the guestrooms. By taking advantage of the new Near Field Communication (NFC) secure transaction platform which will soon be deployed in cell phones worldwide VingCard Elsafe hopes to provide guests with a security code when booking reservations that will allow them to access their room with a cell phone.

SAFLOK’s Quantum RFID solution offers all of the same functionality as its magnetic swipe solution but also offers the non-contact and reporting features of RFID. SAFLOK’s Glenn Peacock said that the company expects that RFID product offerings would account for about 20 percent of product sales in the future. The higher cost of the technology would limit the initial appeal of the product range to higher-end properties and those looking for a unique competitive advantage.   

MIWA locks provides both RFID and biometric locking solutions for the hospitality industry and while most of its installations have taken place on the international front, MIWA is starting to target the U.S. market with the famed Hotel 1000 in Seattle having installed its system. The key differentiator with MIWA is the security component of the RFID system which incorporates Sony’s FELIECA standard. This standard is in use in Japan where the use of RFID with cell phones and credit cards is more widely accepted. MIWA’s Bruce Humphrey said that the biggest barrier to entry in the hotel industry is getting owners and operators to buy into the higher cost of the proximity cards.

There are also entries into the U.S. market by at least two European companies Häfele and Salto Systems who are also focusing on RFID solutions. Salto Systems has focused its efforts on aesthetically pleasing locks that take advantage of the RFID technology including extensive reporting capabilities. By providing hotel staff with high-capacity proximity cards that are able to store information on the actual cards, they can track where personnel have been throughout the day and monitor productivity. Staff cards are downloaded at the end of each shift via strategically placed hotspots and the reporting is available to management for analysis and potential action items.

From a guest’s perspective the main advantage of RFID systems is ease of use. In environments such as theme parks or resorts guests are provided with either a RFID key farb, card or wristband which not only serves to grant secured access to a room but also to gain entrance to theme parks and other restricted areas of the resort. In addition, the devices can serve as an electronic wallet providing guests with the ability to purchase food and other items throughout the property.

This technology is starting to be embraced by the industry and it looks as though RFID locking systems are here to stay. Many hotels are already starting to utilize RFID technology from inventory tracking to baggage handling systems. With the demand for these types of systems ever increasing there is a strong amount of pressure being applied to manufacturers to bring the cost of the systems down. Once this starts to take effect you can be sure that these types of systems will become more common.

Jeremy Rock is the president of the RockIT Group, a hospitality technology consulting firm. He can be reached at jrock@rockitgroup.com.