Focus: RFID technology
29 March 2011
For the first time, a move away from magnetic stripe guestroom lock technology toward smore durable, versatile radio frequency identification device (RFID) technology is feasible for hoteliers looking to reduce costs and increase flexibility.
RFID-enabled keycard systems have numerous benefits over the magnetic-stripe card systems that are used industrywide. Because RFID technology works by matching a unique key to a networked lock, cards rarely need to be replaced unlike keycards which expire after they come into contact with magnetic interference from a computer or mobile phone. To open a door, one places the RFID card against the card reader and the data is transferred automatically.
The 895-room Peabody Orlando in Florida, U.S. said it has far fewer key problems after guestroom locks at the hotel were updated to RFID models as part of a US$450 million renovation.
"We have far less incidence of any sort of key problem now,” said Barb Bowden, general manager of The Peabody Orlando. "It’s very unusual that a guest would have any sort of issue with their key. Guests like it and are impressed with RFID technology."
"One of the most valuable things is the room move," added Kerry Hershey, senior VP of sales and marketing, KABA Lodging Systems. "With RFID, if I go to my room and don’t like it, the front desk can send me to a new room without needing a new key."
Stats
6 times — The average number of times a day a guest uses a key to access his or her room. Source: Duracard
228 million — The number of mobile phone users above the age of 13 in the United States. Source: The Nielson Co.
328 feet — The maximum range of RFID tag recognition, boosted by batteries. Source: RFID Journal
Use of RFID by hotels in Asia
Singapore’s integrated resort uses RFID-enabled staff cards that enable its staff to access premises and clock their working hours. The resort also has RFID in the uniforms of its 9,000 staff.
This is an adaptation of an article that originally appeared on our U.S. sister publication Hotel Management
Related content
An article by Deloitte on the use of RFID technology in the hotel business
