Hotel Door Lock System
Hotel door lock systems are critical to safeguard property, protect guests and ensure privacy for all hospitality and leisure businesses. But the right solution isn’t always easy to implement.
Larger hotels and motels often choose RFID commercial hotel locks with mobile access software where user credentials can be managed remotely, while smaller bed and breakfasts or vacation rental properties opt for PIN or key fob locks.
Integrated Circuit (IC) Cards
Integrated circuit cards are used for hotel lock system to control the door. They work in a similar way to the magnetic stripe cards, with the exception that they are much more reliable and have more security features. They also offer an easier way to keep track of who enters a room. These are the preferred choice for many hotels, as they provide a higher level of security than magnetic stripe cards.
During the check-in process, guests will be given an IC card with their personal data on it. This card will have a unique code that will allow them to open the door. This card is then hotel door lock system activated by the staff in the front desk for a specific period of time, usually until the guest checks out. This allows the staff to have control over who is staying in each room, while providing guests with a secure and convenient experience.
The IC card will also have other information recorded on it such as room rate, validity and more. This is useful because it will help staff to fulfill their responsibilities and to avoid malicious evasion of payment. Unlike magstripe cards, RFID smart cards do not have a magnetic layer and cannot be easily damaged by water or rubbing. Therefore, they are much more reliable and require less maintenance than magnetic stripe cards.
Magnetic Stripe Cards
If you’re a guest at a hotel, you probably have a key card that you use to get into your room. These cards look similar to credit cards, and they work by magnetically encoding digital data on a stripe that can be swiped through the door lock’s reader. The information read by the reader is then sent to a hotel’s computer, which verifies that the cardholder is authorized to enter and grants access.
Magstripe key cards are the more traditional option, and they still offer a reliable way to grant hotel guests access to rooms. These cards have a magnetic stripe that runs along the length of the card. When the card is inserted into a reader, it passes across a magnetic head (similar to that of a tape recorder) and the read information is transferred to a computer that checks for a match with the hotel’s database. If verification is successful, the door lock will unlock.
To create these cards, the hotel uses a special program and a key card encoder/programmer that connect to the hotel’s hotel room door lock system. The hotel also needs software to tell the key card programmer what information to write on the cards, and a PC that can install this software, such as ShineACS. The key card programmer typically has a slot to insert the blank cards and another slot for a USB connection with the software.
Keypads
Keypads offer a quick and simple way to gain entry into hotel rooms, without the need for cards or keys. They work by entering a numeric passcode into a keypad that’s located at the door handle. You can easily change passcodes when there are new guests or staff to keep things secure.
Compared to traditional locks, keypads are more streamlined and provide better security. However, they also come with some drawbacks, including hacking and battery life issues.
A good option for hotels, smart locks with keypads allow you to monitor who enters your property and when. This is because a code that’s linked to each guest’s reservation is automatically generated and only valid during their stay. Moreover, these smart locks come in both knob and deadbolt styles so you can choose the one that suits your needs best.
Designed to be an easy replacement for European cylinder lock hardware, these smart locks are compatible with your existing doors and can connect to a WiFi network. They are perfect for granting temporary PIN codes to guests and delivery personnel, which can be managed from a smartphone app and monitored in real time. They are also ADA compliant and can be customized to fit hotel door lock system your aesthetics. The most popular smart lock in this category is ButterflyMX, from dormakaba (formerly Dorma and Kaba). It’s a separate component lock with both a reader and lock handle that houses the batteries and requires a two-step installation process.
Electric Door Locks
Many hotels choose electronic hotel locks to reduce the amount of time staff spends tracking and distributing physical keys. This is particularly true for smaller bed and breakfasts and motels that may not have the staff to manage this task efficiently. Electronic locks allow hospitality teams to monitor, adjust and revoke access permissions using a site-wide digital portal, eliminating the need to manually track individual key locations and usage.
Many newer smart lock solutions work with mobile credentials to provide a seamless guest experience and cut operational costs. These locks offer a variety of options to suit your property’s needs, from a slim design that fits narrower door frames to the option to install a handle for added security.
Most of these systems require an access item to open, like a card or fob, but some also include PIN code locking options where guests can enter a number sequence on the touchpad or in the app to unlock. This type of lock provides a higher level of security since there is no need to carry around an extra access item, but guests do need to remember the code to enter their room.
Dormakaba is one of the leading suppliers for electronic locks for hotels and offers a range of options for additional security. Their MT RFID is a full-body lock that uses RFID technology for guest convenience, plus it works with the stand alone Front Desk Unit or the legacy Saflok System 6000 or Messenger LENS online wireless system for superior control and monitoring.
