While many new hotels feature RFID guestroom locks , that technology is present in a relatively small percentage of overall rooms worldwide . One reason is that the cost of installation is typically higher than that of magnetic stripe locks .
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RFID installations are increasing , but NFC ’ s prospects remain murky .
While many new hotels feature RFID guestroom locks , that technology is present in a relatively small percentage of overall rooms worldwide . One reason is that the cost of installation is typically higher than that of magnetic stripe locks .
If the switchover to RFID locks from magstripe locks goes at the same pace of the switch from metal key locks at hotels , it will be at least a decade until the majority of hotel guestroom locks are RFID .
“ There were hotels that only a decade ago were using hard keys ,” says Tom Daly , principal , The Hospitality Security Consulting Co ., Reno , Nevada . “ It is a transition period . The first electronic locks go back to the mid-1980s , but it took more than a decade for the industry to switch over to it . It ’ s not something that happens overnight .”
Vendors say they are seeing increased orders for RFID lock installations , though .
“ Magnetic stripe dominates the industry , but what I can say is going forward , up to 60 % of our product sales are RFID now . It ’ s also taking over in every market segment , not just luxury ,” says Alastair Cush , director of product marketing at lock manufacturer Kaba . “ Guestroom locks are a big investment . They last 15 to 20 years , so the decision process is quite a lengthy one .”
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50 HOTELS January / February 2013 www . hotelsmag . com