TECHNOLOGY
THE FUTURE OF DIGITAL KEY WILL SEE MORE SYSTEMS AND SERVICES BECOME INTEGRATED WITH THE PLATFORM TO FURTHER MAXIMIZE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY AND THE ABILITY TO PROVIDE GUESTS WITH EVEN MORE OPTIONS FOR ENHANCED CONVENIENCE .
CRIS DAVIDSON , ASSA ABLOY GLOBAL SOLUTIONS
Davidson says , depending on a hotel ’ s specific needs or goals , digital key can be either integrated into a property ’ s existing guest-facing app or can be implemented as a standalone solution . “ Hotels can even take advantage of strategic collaborations between digital key solution providers and other hospitality technology vendors to provide guests with more options to enhance convenience and their hotel stay experience ,” he says . “ This can include integrating a digital key mobile app with the ability for guests to control in-room amenities such as lighting or thermostats using personal devices .”
Sbaihat adds , “ The most important thing we try to reinforce is that this is an investment in the future . We work with properties to offer cost-effective upgrade options to get them to Bluetooth faster – from board upgrade , to half lock or full lock options . We have a third-party leasing program available for those properties who prefer to pay over time , and we offer flexible payment terms for those properties who desire the upgrade now and pay later .”
MANAGING HACKING CHALLENGES To address both operator and consumer concerns about hacking , Onity has all of its locks , key technologies and system software evaluated by independent third parties for security assessments and third-party penetration tests to ensure security . Its applications use multiple layers of controls , including jailbreak detection and encrypted storage of credentials on the phone that is encrypted uniquely for every phone . In addition , every Bluetooth communication session is unique with rolling codes and session keys , making recording / replaying impossible , according to Sbaihat .
Davidson says with ASSA ABLOY ’ s mobile access solution , all digital key and room number information is always transmitted to guest devices using secure communication channels that are equipped with the latest encryption protocols . “ Once present on a guest ’ s device , the data is not only protected from theft due to a guest ’ s own device password settings , but is also stored within a digital strongbox located within the app ,” he says . “ When a guest presents their device to the appropriate door lock reader , digital key data is again transmitted using a secure communications channel , with the data only passing through the space between a device and a reader to prevent the risk of data sniffing .”
Digital key platforms can now offer an option to include a secondary password in addition to guest device passwords before digital key access is granted , Davidson says , adding that more advanced solutions are also being enhanced , with abilities that can verify a user ’ s identification in a manner that is as effective as manual front desk processes .
WHAT ’ S NEXT ? As with a large majority of hotel technologies , the future of digital key will see more systems and services become integrated with the platform to further maximize operational efficiency and the ability to provide guests with even more options for enhanced convenience , Davidson says .
Digital key rollout and Bluetooth-enabled locks will lead to a fully connected and personalized guest experience , including using smartphones as a point of sale solution to validate room charges , and for overall healthy stay solutions like contact tracing , density management and geo fencing , Sbaihat says . “ We ’ re just scratching the surface of what ’ s possible with mobile access . Culture has demanded a focus on contactless check-in and access , but the guest experience can be enhanced in far more ways .
“ Imagine a guest entering their room using a mobile key , then a custom welcome message displays on the TV , lamps turn on automatically , drapes are drawn at night and the thermostat adjusts to the preferred temperature based on the guest profile ,” Sbaihat says .
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING WE TRY TO REINFORCE IS THAT THIS IS AN INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE .
FAYYAD SBAIHAT , SUPRA & ONITY AT CARRIER
104 hotelsmag . com July / August 2021