When hotels first began replacing traditional keys with swipe cards, guests appreciated the simplified security as well as the cutting edge technology. Newer systems are taking this concept a step further by using radio frequency identification. While not a new technology, RFID keycards are benefiting both hotel operators and guests by making the overall hotel experience safe and smooth.
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.
The integrated circuits used require no painstaking manual labor to produce, and the antennas can be transferred to a paper-like material using vapor-depositing, etching, or stamping processes. Together with the antenna, the circuit is called an inlay, and there may be more than one antenna within a card. The chip itself is the brain of the card, containing not only identifiers, but also any other data necessary.
When the antenna detects the right signal, the card comes alive. It is programmed to connect with a device called an interrogator, or reader, which asks for information and gives instructions per its program. After receiving a radio signal from the tag, a reader communicates with a centralized computer system in order to carry out what has been requested, making RFID ideal for unlocking rooms and other devices.
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 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.
The chips have even appeared on foods and drink. Many guests have already learned the hard way to be wary of opening the hotel beverage refrigerator, because electronic sensors record and charge for usage. RFID takes this concept a little further, attaching electronic flow sensors to liquor bottles, which can report precisely not only how much liquor has been used, but when the drink was actually made.
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.
The integrated circuits used require no painstaking manual labor to produce, and the antennas can be transferred to a paper-like material using vapor-depositing, etching, or stamping processes. Together with the antenna, the circuit is called an inlay, and there may be more than one antenna within a card. The chip itself is the brain of the card, containing not only identifiers, but also any other data necessary.
When the antenna detects the right signal, the card comes alive. It is programmed to connect with a device called an interrogator, or reader, which asks for information and gives instructions per its program. After receiving a radio signal from the tag, a reader communicates with a centralized computer system in order to carry out what has been requested, making RFID ideal for unlocking rooms and other devices.
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 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.
The chips have even appeared on foods and drink. Many guests have already learned the hard way to be wary of opening the hotel beverage refrigerator, because electronic sensors record and charge for usage. RFID takes this concept a little further, attaching electronic flow sensors to liquor bottles, which can report precisely not only how much liquor has been used, but when the drink was actually made.
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.
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