Safety has always played an important role in the hotel industry and not only in terms of taking care of guest’s material items but to protect their and the hotel staff’s health since the pandemic burst out. Actually an electronic lock can take care of both at the same time! Nowadays, the usage of electronic locks is becoming increasingly popular in the hotel industry but before we dive into their numerous benefits, it's important to clarify what we can call an electronic lock and what are their outstanding functions which can help you increase guest experience . Read on and find out from our Blogpost!
What is an electronic lock?
Electronic locks are the most innovative options available. To operate this kind of locking system you need electricity. Digital systems are very handy and provide a wide range of functions and features – for example, you may set a specific time for the door to lock and unlock automatically. Nowadays, you can even or use your smartphone to open the door via Wi-FI or Bluetooth!
Which electronic locking systems suits you the most?
Here are several kinds of electronic locks, that you should know about:
1. The RFID locking system
RFID stands for 'radio-frequency identification', which means recognition through electromagnetic waves. The contactless transmitter-receiver system identifies objects and people by using radio waves. It can be combined with an electronic door lock. In this case, a special chip must be programmed and built into a small transponder*, placed on the door. The authorization check is performed by the data transfer via the radio frequency. Depending on the provider, the guest's transponder can look like a key fob, card, special bracelet, etc. The RFID locks are widely used in hotels because the key cards can be reprogrammed for each guest.
* FYI: The word 'transponder' originates from the terms 'transmitter' and 'responder' and means a wireless communication device that receives incoming signals and automatically responds to them (or transmits them).
2. Lock with a PIN or a chip
Locks with PIN code can be opened with a correct sequence of digits, entered on a keypad or touchpad. Among other useful features, the software allows recording the time of access. Compared to the touchpads, keypads are splash-proof, have a smaller surface area and are less vulnerable.
Electric door locks with a sensor and a chip card are extremely popular with hoteliers. First of all, they can be easily reprogrammed as well. Another factor that makes them attractively convenient is the ease of use for both guests and hotel employees.
3. Lock with smartphone control aka. smart lock
The locking system with a smartphone app control allows users to enter the room or apartment using Bluetooth technology or Wi-Fi. Their possibilities and functions are endless! For example, you can significantly improve customer experience by combining the mobile check-in option with a possibility to open the door with a smartphone. This will save your guest’s time and let them avoid queueing at the reception.
These locks can be easily integrated with your current Property Management System. The only drawback is that guests must always carry smartphones with them and keep the battery charged, but we believe it's not even a problem for guests of the 21st century.
Why do you need an electronic lock in your hotel?
However, a traditional security lock has a weak spot, which is – the key. If it is lost, the finder can easily get access to your hotel. Moreover, lock replacement is expensive and takes time. Adopting more advanced technologies may help you to avoid such problems. Besides the benefits mentioned above it gives you Full-time control over the door and you can also grant multi-user access to your guests.
How can SabeeApp help you with electronic locks?
Assa Abloy
With the help of our RFID integration with AssaAbloy, you can easily write key cards from your SabeeApp account. We Are the first PMS providers who made it possible to connect a cloud-based PMS with an electronic lock system instead of using an installed system. Just read the guest’s card with a card terminal and data will be directly transmitted to SabeeApp. The function which enables Assa Abloy lock opening with smartphone is coming soon...
NUKI
Our GuestAdvisor smartphone application is compatible with NUKI smart locks, allowing guests to open or close the room door just by using their phone. SabeeApp customers are eligible to receive a 16% discount from the net prices published on the NUKI website
Contact us if you need more info on our smart lock solutions or if you are interested in other intelligent solutions, visit SabeeApp Marketplace webpage.