In the hospitality industry, some inconveniences seem inevitable. There’s no way you’ve ever had to wait an ungodly amount of time to check in at a hotel while the staff checks your documents and details. Likewise, most of us are familiar with the feeling of being at the door of our room after a long night to find that we have lost our card, or it stubbornly refuses to be read by the device…
Help is just a finger away. Biometric technology is already widely used in airports – in August 2019, American Airlines became the latest airline to introduce biometric boarding systems – and there is no reason why such technology could not be implemented in hotels, making processes such as check-in and unlocking the room fast and hassle-free.
Biometrics in practice
In a number of cases, in fact, they are already in use. hotels have been offering room access via fingerprint check-in for years. Biometric technologies provide convenience, security, and cost optimization. In addition, hotels create a technological experience for guests that they unlock their door with just a finger.
Security
But what do consumers think of these technologies? The reviews so far are positive. A 2019 survey by market research and consulting firm Atmosphere Research Group found that 68 percent of U.S. hotel guests indicated they would use a biometric check-in system, up from 65 percent in 2018, while the same figures for guests in Great Britain were 62% in 2019, up from 58% in 2018.
Convenience
Hotel guests using BIODIT’s biometric system state that the convenience of not having to carry cards or chips is the most important benefit of using biometrics for hotel room entry, followed by the security and peace of mind they feel knowing that in their room can only be entered with their fingerprint.
SMART electronic locks and cartridges
We should also mention the so-called independent electronic security systems /standalone system/ of established manufacturers, such as Codelocks, Sorex. These are self-powered systems that work without the need to run cables. They are managed in various ways with digital codes, RFID cards or chips, as well as remotely by sending messages from a smart phone/tablet or other devices via Bluetooth. Some of them work with special software applications uploaded to the cloud.
This is a secure way to control access, which is also applicable in the management of small hotels and when renting out in the AirBnb system, as it provides remote management and 24/7 reception.
Here we can mention the smart lock model CL 5500 of the English company Codelocks. The device is controlled using any Bluetooth-enabled smartphone and the special K3 Connect application. This makes it easy to set up, generate and send access codes to users.
The lock has a capability to store and manage the access for 350 users, 100 stored phone numbers, generate 100 user codes, contact 150 customer smart cards, set up to 10 codes for free access. Does not require a Wi-Fi connection.
The Controlled Entry feature allows you to set user codes valid for a certain time period by date and time, which automatically expire after the end of that period. These codes can be sent by e-mail, sms, mobile application, etc. Through the Code free mode, free passage is ensured without the need for identification with a code, card or other. for a period of the day or week specified by you.
The SOREX FLEX electronic cartridge is an innovative product that allows you to unlock and lock your doors by code, RFID transponder (cards/chips) or fingerprint scanning. It is an ideal solution for both new and existing doors. You don’t have to run electricity to the door leaf or frame, so they stay intact. At the same time, you have the full functionality of the lock that you have and control both languages.
Installation is easy: simply replace the existing standard cartridge with the SOREX FLEX electronic cartridge and no replacement of doors or hardware is required. The length of the cartridge can be changed to suit a variety of door types, i.e. it can be easily dismantled and reassembled. The inconvenience of carrying keys is eliminated.
Bring your finger to the identification slot, enter your code, or place your card or chip on the cartridge’s keypad, and after opening the electronic cartridge is self-locking. What’s more, you will no longer have to replace the cartridge in the event of a lost key.
The HOME TEC PRO 3000 system is easy to use: the door can be locked/unlocked in several ways: by pressing a button, by remote control, by code and wireless keyboard.
No special cartridge is required for the HOME TEC PRO 3000 to function – integration into an existing locking system is possible (the cartridge is required to protrude 7-12 mm from the inside of the door).
The system is characterized by fully automatic programming, intelligent motor drive with controller, autonomous power supply, easy and wireless installation.
This type of lock has maximum security due to AES-128 bit encryption. It is suitable for entrance doors, office and service rooms.
Fingerprint – Biometrics
The use of a fingerprint as a way to control access has also made its way into a number of proprietary technologies and products from manufacturers such as iLock, IDENCOM, Biodit, Sorex. These are high-quality biometric systems that meet the highest security standards.
No need to use or memorize codes – Master Finger concept. Intuitive to use, with short and clear instructions. They use capacitive or thermal sensors with surface (static) or linear (sliding) scanning. Fingerprint sensors scan the “paths” of the fingers, their curves, crossings, contours and branches – the so-called minutiae. Twelve of these characteristics are enough to assign a fingerprint to a specific person.
The electromechanical locks used have several important characteristics such as: automatic self-locking when the door is closed, fire resistance and anti-panic function, maximum mechanical durability, minimum consumption of electrical energy, high protection against burglary class 6 according to European standard EN12209.
The lock cartridge is protected with a special hardened steel protection and has class 4 resistance to burglary according to European standard EN1906:2012.
Two-way, autonomous wireless communication is available, over an encrypted connection, with a mobile application, through which the fingerprint reader is set up.
The solution is applicable to wooden, armored, and profiled doors. It is available in different colors and shapes, corresponding to the design solution of your door. It is possible to connect to a Home Automation type system. A modern, technological, and secure solution for your home or office.
