Wireless keys and RFID technology are becoming increasingly popular in the hotel industry. Cell phones are being used for payments, access control, and will be integrated into everyday applications in the near future. First, keys are going wireless. Guests will soon be able to make a reservation, check in, and open their hotel door without computers or the front desk. They can also check out, pay the bill, and operate the in-room safe and mini-bar.With interface, PMS systems are also allowing reprogramming of these keys if someone needs to change their room. This has reduced costs and enhanced guest service. Traveling will also be easier as airline transactions are now being done on the Internet. The RFID chips embedded in cell phones will be able to encode secure key data. The keys will also be able to track how often a room is entered and when, helping theft problems in hotels. In terms of travel, guests will be able to control their level of security with pin codes.
RFID technology is a very interesting type of technology. I think it will become very popular in hotels within the next 5 years. First, hotels need to become comfortable in easy technology, such as self-service kiosks and remote checkout with television. As soon as the majority of hotel guests become comfortable with those technologies, then they can integrate RFID into some hotels. Specific functions would probably have to be limited, as I don't think every hotel needs to operate the mini-bar or guest safe. Obviously if they don't have one, that's a different story. Guest satisfaction and needs will need to be considered. I think a similar RFID system will be developed for the restaurant industry in the near future. It will probably be similar to hotel RFID chips, being integrated into POS systems. Hopefully, guests will be able to pay their bill, make reservations, and pre-order their meal if they are in a hurry. The importance of RFID in the hospitality industry in general is completely redefining technology. It all revolves around guest satisfaction and has the hotel's best interests at hand
Terry, Lisa. (November, 2007). Next Gen Locking Systems. Retrieved March 11, 2008, from HospitalityTechnology, http://www.htmagazine.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=8D86DF469BD74C098382D9532C904D8E&nm=Magazine&type=MultiPublishing&mod=PublishingTitles&mid=3E19674330734FF1BBDA3D67B50C82F1&tier=4&id=62482FC653A345AFB07230AB98E99BB4
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I think this technology will be a huge improvement for hotels. It offers so many ways for hotels to advance with their systems, security, and guest satisfaction. Hotels can reprogram keys without guests needed to make their way back to the front desk as well as track when guests and staff enter and exit each area creating a security and liability system in terms of personal belongings as well as hotel storage and inventory. I think it is very important for hotels to take advantage of this technology; there is so much it has to offer both the guest and the hotel.
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