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.
In the beginning, RFID was intended to be a tracking system. A package was tagged with a small device that included an antenna connected to an integrated circuit. These tags easily attach to clothing or other retail merchandise, and are also used to keep track of physical business assets such as furniture or computers. The circuits fit nearly any style label, making the applications nearly limitless.
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.
For paying guests, the result is a seamless and pleasing experience. Room doors unlock effortlessly when approached, and the drapes and lights can be programmed to activate upon entry. Resort guests who may be wearing swimwear do not have to carry personal items, but can place them in a locker that already knows exactly who they are, and opens and shuts whenever approached.
Hotel operators concerned with cost control also benefit. Some items are costly to replace continuously, but often make their way into suitcases upon departure, and bathrobes, towels, sheets and even tablecloths must be laundered daily. Not only is a tracking label durable, but survives hot water well, while remaining active to ensure that an item does not mysteriously disappear.
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.
Chip-embedded cards last longer. While still more expensive to initialize, increased use and greater production is bringing costs competitively lower. Guests are generally enthusiastic, and report fewer glitches or security errors. There are even predictions that it will be possible to similarly program personal smart phones upon arrival, making a separate card obsolete.
In the beginning, RFID was intended to be a tracking system. A package was tagged with a small device that included an antenna connected to an integrated circuit. These tags easily attach to clothing or other retail merchandise, and are also used to keep track of physical business assets such as furniture or computers. The circuits fit nearly any style label, making the applications nearly limitless.
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.
For paying guests, the result is a seamless and pleasing experience. Room doors unlock effortlessly when approached, and the drapes and lights can be programmed to activate upon entry. Resort guests who may be wearing swimwear do not have to carry personal items, but can place them in a locker that already knows exactly who they are, and opens and shuts whenever approached.
Hotel operators concerned with cost control also benefit. Some items are costly to replace continuously, but often make their way into suitcases upon departure, and bathrobes, towels, sheets and even tablecloths must be laundered daily. Not only is a tracking label durable, but survives hot water well, while remaining active to ensure that an item does not mysteriously disappear.
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.
Chip-embedded cards last longer. While still more expensive to initialize, increased use and greater production is bringing costs competitively lower. Guests are generally enthusiastic, and report fewer glitches or security errors. There are even predictions that it will be possible to similarly program personal smart phones upon arrival, making a separate card obsolete.
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