Open Sesame: Signature RFID by VingCard

“Proximity is not new to hospitality, but RFID certainly is,” said Pascal Metivier, President of ASSA ABLOY Hospitality EMEA and Latin America. “Based on the comments we received in Dubai, VingCard has created the most flexible and attractive RFID security solution that hotels around the world are looking for. Signature RFID was designed as an open-platform RFID lock that is design centric, guest friendly and compatible with all the main RFID ISO standards (ISO 14.443 A-MIFARE, ISO 14.443 B, ISO 15.693) and also with the new Near Field Communication (NFC) cell phone technology platform. In addition, it’s the first electronic-locking solution that offers the unique ability to establish brand differentiation through customized RFID carriers and make hotel corridors look great at the same time.

“Simply stated, Signature RFID is unlike other contact-less security solutions on the hospitality market: it eliminates guest frustration since no key needs to be inserted into a lock; The RFID reader takes human factors and research into account in order to determine the right height for the largest population of guests—including those with disabilities; its upgradeable technology allows for ongoing system enhancements; And, it provides a new, interactive experience to guests while enhancing the image and design of your hotel environment,” he said.

”Why would any hotel buy a limited, closed-platform security solution that meets only one standard?” Metivier said. “Like Signature, there is a great flexibility in Signature RFID’s technology adaptability. And due to our collaboration with Royal Philips Electronics Signature RFID is built to use the Near Field Communication (NFC) which is the new short-range wireless technology that combines the functionality of a reader and a card into one device and is being implemented in new generation cell phones. As a result, VingCard customers can use their guests’ NFC-ready cell phones to open their room doors.

“Most people carry their mobile phone with them wherever they go, so the possibility to use the phone to conduct daily transactions, such as transport ticketing and access control, adds great value for consumers,” stated Dominique Brule, segment marketing manager, mobile communications, Philips Semiconductors. “Together VingCard and Philips have created a way for guests to use their personal cell phone for guestroom access, as well as a solution for hotel staff and security personnel to use cellular technology for access to back-of-the-house and other private areas. It’s a full-proof, future-proof solution.

“We believe that in the very near future, hotel guest and staff NFC-ready cell phones will be used as RFID keycards and become the preferred way to access guestrooms and other secure areas,” Brule said. “Hotels can send the booking confirmation number, room number and an encrypted room key via Short Message System (SMS) to their guests prior to their arrival to avoid check-in lines or at in the front desk when they arrive.”

“VingCard Elsafe has not only designed a solution that offers the maximum flexibility in technology and communications standards, but which also brings maximum flexibility in RFID carriers and offer Hotels tools to enhance the service they provide to their guests,” Metivier said. “Providing versatility among carriers helps to increase guest satisfaction and provide a new, value-added experience to guests.”

He explained that standard customers may be presented with an RFID keycard while business-class guests or those staying on executive floors may be given the option to use a keyfob carrier or their own personal cell phones as their room key.

Season properties, such as ski or beachfront resorts that offer all-inclusive packages, can offer convenient RFID wristbands. This form of RFID carrier enables guests to walk around the facilities, (pool, golf course, spa, gift shops, ski lodge, ski lifts, and so forth.) and purchase goods and services without having to carry the room keycard. By color-coding the wrist bands, resorts can easily identify between groups, VIPs and first-time guests. Peripheral hotel systems, such as point-of-sale and property-management solutions, also can be integrated with the RFID wristband system to record transactions.