Most major hotels no longer issue traditional keys, having replaced them with magnetic swipe cards. Consumers were enthusiastic about the introduction of that technology, which made security simpler and stronger. Today, the concept is being expanded through the adoption of radio frequency identification. Although not a new concept, RFID keycards benefit both guests and operators by making visits virtually trouble-free and seamless.
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 circuits require very little manual labor to produce, and can be stamped, printed, vapor-deposited or etched onto paper-like materials. Together with the antenna, the chip is called an inlay, and most have more than one antenna to improve reception. The circuit is the remote brain for the card, and contains identifying information as well as other data pertinent to a particular guest.
The cards become active when the antennas detect a signal. Once alerted, the card can connect with an RFID reader, which is also called an interrogator, because it asks programmed questions. Once the reader receives data from that remote tag, it communicates with a computer to complete or retrieve whatever process or information has been requested. The transition from inventory taking to hotel security systems was 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 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.
The system even works with food items. Some guests learn after-the-fact that small refrigerators in rooms can detect when their doors are opened, and also have sensors to determine which items inside are moved or taken. RFID methods expand that capability by placing unobtrusive sensors on the lips of bottles. They not only record how much liquor was poured, but the precise time a drink was 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 circuits require very little manual labor to produce, and can be stamped, printed, vapor-deposited or etched onto paper-like materials. Together with the antenna, the chip is called an inlay, and most have more than one antenna to improve reception. The circuit is the remote brain for the card, and contains identifying information as well as other data pertinent to a particular guest.
The cards become active when the antennas detect a signal. Once alerted, the card can connect with an RFID reader, which is also called an interrogator, because it asks programmed questions. Once the reader receives data from that remote tag, it communicates with a computer to complete or retrieve whatever process or information has been requested. The transition from inventory taking to hotel security systems was 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 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.
The system even works with food items. Some guests learn after-the-fact that small refrigerators in rooms can detect when their doors are opened, and also have sensors to determine which items inside are moved or taken. RFID methods expand that capability by placing unobtrusive sensors on the lips of bottles. They not only record how much liquor was poured, but the precise time a drink was 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.
No comments:
Post a Comment