TECHNOLOGY
Update on
DOOR LOCK SAFETY
WHAT ’ S NEW WITH DIGITAL KEY AND BLUETOOTH NETWORK TECHNOLOGIES .
By KATHAKALI NANDI
While cybersecurity breaches remain a constant threat , maintaining the physical security of hotels , staff , guests and resources require a robust and foolproof adoption of access management and door lock technologies that can ensure increased security and the ability to manage / monitor access to all parts of the property at all times . While CCTV plays an important role in monitoring and mitigating potential security threats , hoteliers say it is only one aspect of what is required to ensure a safe environment .
For example , an advanced access management system can alert staff with notifications of potential security threats in real-time . These can include an intruder attempting to use a keycard on multiple doors . In such a situation , hotel staff can instantly block access to keys suspected of misuse or a door lock technology can instantly review door entry audits to determine the full scope of the risk and implement an appropriate response .
DIGITAL KEY TECH Digital key technologies continue to be widely adopted in the industry , as it is a perfect fit with the new age smartphone-based lifestyles and guest demands for faster service and enhanced convenience , said Nicolas Aznar , president , Americas , Assa Abloy Global Solutions .
Digital key services also provide a great opportunity for hotels to show that they are in tune with modern lifestyle preferences . This is especially important with a younger guest demographic such as millennials and Gen Z , who mostly favor digitalized experiences .
“ Adoption rates of digital key tech skyrocketed further during the pandemic and properties implemented it as part of their enhanced hygiene initiatives ,” Aznar said .
Assa Abloy ’ s Mobile Access solution enables guests to store keys directly on their personal devices ’ digital wallets , sidestepping the potential unfamiliarity with a hotel ’ s mobile app and ensuring a hassle-free experience . For an additional layer of security , a digital strongbox is used to store digital key information .
“ Our solution utilizes Assa Abloy ’ s Seos credential technology ,
86 hotelsmag . com Jan / Feb 2023