Will Guestroom Locks Ever Get Smart?

Will Guestroom Locks Ever Get Smart?

Summary

     Tammy Mastroberte, Contributing Editor for Hospitality Technology discusses three different options for guestroom locks (Mastroberte, 2010).  Magnetic Stripe is described as the most affordable and common yet demagnetization is a great concern.  While the cards can be used for tracking all activity in the hotel the mechanical parts of the readers require maintenance.  RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is the next solution and Mastroberte described it as the most likely to succeed.  The cards can be reprogrammed for repeat visitors so you receive a text message with your room number and you loyalty card will automatically be reprogrammed, thus eliminating the need to check in upon arrival.  Two cons are that the card needs to be held close to the reader and if the reader’s battery is low it may not be able to pick up the signal.  This system is more expensive to install, but the readers can be equip with override feature so it may be used as a mag stripe also.  The RFID also opens the way for Wireless control which Mastroberte considers the most versatile option.  Wireless will allow both mag stripe and RFID cards to be used for tracking and billing through the entire property.  The wireless will also enable a signal to be sent from the RDIF machines to notify low battery thus solving one of the biggest issues with the RDIF system.

Reflection

     The traditional magnetic stripe entry card for hotel rooms being so widely used still shocked me. I would think the transition to RFID cards would be more common.  The ability to reprogram the cards for repeat customers and to limit access to various different areas in the facility is a very useful. This would enable all areas of the property to be controlled by the same cards and guests that do not have clearance for certain areas will not be able to gain entry. I can envision this technology being used in a large variety of ways in my hospitality future.  RFID along with Wireless Control is the best way to go.  Each guest can customize their room controls prior to arrival and their RFID card will be programmed to work appropriately. I will be able to track all of the guest’s activities within the property. This will be helpful for reporting purposes as well as for comprehensive billings.  While technological advances make things run smoother and more simply, I must give pause to the possible security issue. It seems quite plausible for someone to be able to figure out a way to reprogram the cards to gain access.  This may not be probable, but it will be a security issue that must be addressed in the future.

Mastroberte, Tammy. (2011, February 14). Will Guestroom Locks Ever Get Smart?.  Retrieved  February 27, 2011, from Hospitality Technology http://hospitalitytechnology.edgl.com/top-stories/Will-Guestroom-Locks-Ever-Get-Smart-67078