Most major hotels replaced traditional key rings with swipe cards years ago, impressing guests with the latest security technology while bolstering safety and convenience. Today, hotel operators are upgrading security once again, this time with devices using radio frequency identification. Although not new in concept, RFID keycards are proving beneficial both to guests and managers by making the overall hotel experience smoother and safer.
When first introduced, RFID was designed for tracking. An item was labeled with a tag containing an integrated circuit and small antenna, which communicated with a database. Although these tags revolutionized package shipping, the same principle is applied today to control merchandise in retail outlets, or to track and manage on-site business inventory such as computers, but potential applications are unlimited.
Production is fast and relatively simple. Using a system of etching, vapor-depositing, or machine-stamping, the electronics can be applied to light-weight, paper-like surfaces with ease. When referred to as a unit, antenna and chip are called an inlay. Most have more than one antenna, and the chip stores or accesses the necessary information, including room identification and other pertinent data.
When the correct signal is detected, the card automatically awakes. Once alert, it is then able to speak to an RFID reader, which is sometimes called an interrogator because it asks pointed questions. After collecting data sent by the remote tag, the reader works with a central computer via local network or Internet in order to retrieve or process the whatever is being requested. This system makes sense for large hotels, making the technological transition inevitable.
Although guests may not be thinking about technology, it helps improve their stay. There is no fumbling for the right card, because the chip awakes on its own. Drapes and lighting can be made to open or turn on automatically, and resort guests in swimwear no longer need be concerned about what to do with personal effects. A private locker opens and closes automatically, making storage simple.
Hotel operators can also place these chips in items that are relatively expensive to replace, but which commonly find their way into guest suitcases at checkout time. These include not only towels and bathrobes, but even bed-sheets and tablecloths. The printed circuits are not only durable but also washable, and help track and control thousands of items which must be laundered daily.
Even food and drink are subject to these controls. Some guests quickly learn to take care when opening room refrigerator doors, because sensors can detect the smallest movement, and sometimes charge per use. RFID security expands on that principle, and is now being included in sensors placed on the lip of a liquor bottle, recording exactly when and how much has been poured.
The cards wear out less frequently than magnetic-strip technology. The expense is still greater, but will eventually level out as more establishments revamp current systems. Consumers are positive about the new developments, and complain of fewer glitches. In the future, arriving guests will likely be able to program their own personal smart phones with this technology, eliminating the need for a separate card.
When first introduced, RFID was designed for tracking. An item was labeled with a tag containing an integrated circuit and small antenna, which communicated with a database. Although these tags revolutionized package shipping, the same principle is applied today to control merchandise in retail outlets, or to track and manage on-site business inventory such as computers, but potential applications are unlimited.
Production is fast and relatively simple. Using a system of etching, vapor-depositing, or machine-stamping, the electronics can be applied to light-weight, paper-like surfaces with ease. When referred to as a unit, antenna and chip are called an inlay. Most have more than one antenna, and the chip stores or accesses the necessary information, including room identification and other pertinent data.
When the correct signal is detected, the card automatically awakes. Once alert, it is then able to speak to an RFID reader, which is sometimes called an interrogator because it asks pointed questions. After collecting data sent by the remote tag, the reader works with a central computer via local network or Internet in order to retrieve or process the whatever is being requested. This system makes sense for large hotels, making the technological transition inevitable.
Although guests may not be thinking about technology, it helps improve their stay. There is no fumbling for the right card, because the chip awakes on its own. Drapes and lighting can be made to open or turn on automatically, and resort guests in swimwear no longer need be concerned about what to do with personal effects. A private locker opens and closes automatically, making storage simple.
Hotel operators can also place these chips in items that are relatively expensive to replace, but which commonly find their way into guest suitcases at checkout time. These include not only towels and bathrobes, but even bed-sheets and tablecloths. The printed circuits are not only durable but also washable, and help track and control thousands of items which must be laundered daily.
Even food and drink are subject to these controls. Some guests quickly learn to take care when opening room refrigerator doors, because sensors can detect the smallest movement, and sometimes charge per use. RFID security expands on that principle, and is now being included in sensors placed on the lip of a liquor bottle, recording exactly when and how much has been poured.
The cards wear out less frequently than magnetic-strip technology. The expense is still greater, but will eventually level out as more establishments revamp current systems. Consumers are positive about the new developments, and complain of fewer glitches. In the future, arriving guests will likely be able to program their own personal smart phones with this technology, eliminating the need for a separate card.
About the Author:
Hotel owners can take advantage of our custom rfid keycards that are specially designed for ease of use. To order from us today, simply refer to the homepage here http://www.frontdesksupply.com.
EmoticonEmoticon