The Benefits of Upgrading your Traditional Hotel Room Key or Mag Lock to RFID

Given that countless independent hoteliers want to improve their lock technology, they must think about several things before starting the process. Hotels should look at locks as part of a more extensive mobile plan with the objective being to generate a smoother room check-in experience for visitors. Not only does upgrading to a digital key save money in the long run, but it is also more secure and environmentally friendly. Your guests will love the convenience of mobile keys.

Before hoteliers upgrade their locks, they should first consider what solution will work best for them, which involves taking into account guest experience, installation requirements, security measures, total cost of ownership and project support.

RFID locks not only improve guest satisfaction, but they can also be configured to work with a wide variety of access credentials like key fobs, wristbands, and mobile devices. In the long term, decreased use of plastic cards will lower your property's operating costs while reducing your carbon footprint by eliminating single-use plastic cards.

Digital-room-key-RFID-Siemlus

How RFID works and the benefits it offers over traditional key or mag lock systems

Radio Frequency Identification, or RFID, is a type of technology that uses electromagnetic fields to identify and track objects. RFID tags are usually made up of two parts: an antenna and a microchip. The antenna emits radio waves, which are then picked up by a receiver.

The microchip contains information about the object that the tag is attached to, which can be read by the receiver. RFID tags can be used for a variety of purposes, including security, operations, and inventory management.

Onity's Mobile Key system uses RFID technology to allow guests to use their mobile phones to unlock hotel room doors. The system offers several benefits over traditional key or mag lock systems, including increased security, improved operations, and convenience for guests.

In addition, the system can be integrated with other hotel applications, such as guest registration and billing. As a result, Onity's Mobile Key system provides a more complete solution for hotels than traditional key or mag lock systems.

The different types of RFID readers and how they can be integrated into your hotel security system

RFID readers are a crucial part of any hotel security system. There are different types of RFID readers available on the market, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

A popular type of RFID reader is the Onity Mobile Key, which is a handheld device that can be used to scan guests' key cards. This type of reader is very convenient for hotel operations, as it can be used to check in guests quickly and efficiently.

However, it is important to note that the Mobile Key is not compatible with all types of hotel security systems. Another popular type of RFID reader is the desktop reader. This type of reader is more expensive than the Mobile Key, but it offers a higher level of security and can be easily integrated into your existing security system. Desktop readers are also more difficult to lose, which makes them a good choice for hotels that want to prevent loss of key cards.

Although independent properties face more obstacles adopting mobile key technology than hotel chains, there are workarounds that can provide guests with a similar experience without having to invest in an expansive information technology infrastructure. For hoteliers who want to offer guests mobile keys but don't want to develop a guest app, there are cost-effective and customizable mobile apps that take minimal development time and effort to implement.

How RFID can help you manage access to specific areas of your hotel more efficiently

Hoteliers should consider what other areas of the facility they are going to secure. After a vendor upgrades your hotel's security system, always ask what other protocols they have put in place to ensure that the upgrade won't make your hotel vulnerable.

As new security threats emerge constantly, they should investigate how an upgrade can help mitigate potential vulnerabilities. In addition, hoteliers should ask vendors to show how an upgrade would work with their current security infrastructure for more effective control and management.

RFID, or radio frequency identification, is a technology that hotels can use to manage access to specific areas more efficiently. By using RFID tags, hotels can keep track of who is entering and exiting various areas, such as guest rooms, staff areas, and public spaces.

This information can be used to improve hotel operations and provide value to guests. For example, if a guest is trying to access their room but doesn't have the right key card, the front desk can quickly resolve the issue.

Or if a staff member needs to enter a restricted area, their RFID tag can be used to grant them access. In addition, RFID tags can also be used to track housekeeping status or maintenance needs. Overall, RFID provides a versatile and powerful solution for hotels looking to improve their door access control systems.

Hotels that have successfully implemented RFID technology into their security systems

With RFID technology, many hotels have successfully installed it into their security systems for door access and mobile key management. The use of RFID-enabled keys has resulted in less lost keys and a more time-effective check-in process.

As our work with our clients show, RFID can be a valuable tool for hotel security. By improving security and efficiency, RFID can help hotels to provide a better experience for guests.

Conclusion

Hoteliers continually face the challenge of meeting and exceeding guest expectations, especially when it comes to mobile technology demands from millennials and Gen Z members. Nowadays, savvy customers who are always connected expect a flawless digital experience. If hotels provide this to them, they will be rewarded with increased app use and less strain on front-desk resources for check-in from these grateful guests. In addition, enhancing customer satisfaction in this way also leads to energy savings through the interconnectedness of rooms.

Siemlus can help you integrate RFID readers into your existing security system so that you can take advantage of all the benefits this technology has to offer. Get in touch with us today to discuss your requirements and see how we can help you improve security at your hotel.

Charlie Meek

Interested in integrating technology, design and the real world into creativity and innovation.

Working with leading brands, large and small, driving creative strategy across digital brand implementation. Implementing and supporting brand initiatives, leading creative across video, digital UI/UX interactivity, advertising & photography.

Leading a variety of creative & digital marketing teams to ensure that brand creative and messaging reaches and engages the right audience.

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