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Security is obviously very important in hospitality and technological advancements are helping to make hotel stays easier and more secure. The hotel industry is exploring options to that replaces the standard plastic keycards with new entry methods. One example is using smartcards or RFIDs, which stands for radio frequency identification. Smartcards and RFIDs work like a fast-pass at a gas station when quickly paying at the pump. The guest simply waves the card/key in front of a sensor granting entry. The guest doesn't have to worry about the card being deactivated by his or her cell phone and the hotel doesn't have to constantly spend on replacements. Another example is technology that allows us to enter our hotel rooms using our using our phones. Guests would download an app, receive a text message with an encrypted sound code and play it by the door to be granted entry. Using biometrics for entry is likely the ultimate level of technological security. Like in the movies, guests would have their physical attributes scanned including eyes, and/or thumbprint to identify a guest. Video cameras will always be a great form of security. Now that they're getting smaller and more vivid, surveillance makes the phrase "Big Brother is watching" all the more relevant by being a huge crime and incident deterrent. Technology is advancing rapidly and I can see some of these methods hitting mass markets sooner than we think.

This article talks about the new technologies applied in the hotel to keep safety. The first one is Smart cards/RFID that helps to open the door via sensor receiving. The next one is smartphone, personal belongings that help to open the door with encrypted sound code. Biometrics also can help by identifying personal physical traits. For hotels, security cameras is necessity. 

This article serves as a good reminder that as hotels adopt certain technologies to enhance the guest experience, it is also important to remember to test and retest these new technologies for possible security concerns. The thought of being able to open your hotel room door with your cell phone is appealing and convenient, but also comes with some security concerns that traditional key cards do not. On the other hand, some argue that RFID chips would actually make door locks more secure, and make it easier to track who enters the hotel room and when. Either way, security concerns always have to be considered when adopting new technologies.

With the success of having mobile locks for our homes and even our cars, it's no wonder hotels are adopting the technology as well. Technology advances quickly, and like any business hotels must do the same, they're constantly refurbishing rooms and implementing new things to better serve their guests and a mobile lock would be no different. Having keys on a guest's phone would improve efficiency for hotel management because they wouldn't need to replace a lost key, and guests would no longer need to wait in a line to check in, just head up to their room as soon as they get there. This allows hotel staff to use that extra time to ensure guests get even better customer service. Mobile keys do possess a few problems in that, unless a guest is loyal to a particular hotel chain or unless they travel a lot, they might be unwilling to download an app just to be able to get into their room. This can be circumvented by designing an app that can do more than just open their room door such as making/changing reservations, making spa appointments, allowing gym/pool access, and being able to call for a bellboy, and getting help from the concierge. While not quite there yet, mobile door locks will let hotels know more about their guests and how to "better manage assets and the workforce with predictive analytics" that could be used to make guests experiences better and more likely to turn them into repeat guests.

I found this article extremely interesting! Just last weekend I was in Key West at the Hilton Doubletree and I had my first experience of using the keyless entry, which was by using my cell phone as a key instead. My bluetooth was turned off so the staff informed me to turn it on and that was how the phone communicated with turning the door unlocked. This article discusses about how bluetooth technology now enables guests to do more than just unlock their hotel door. Checking in, setting the room temperature, ordering food, and managing the television can all be done. When a guest is walking near a restaurant in the hotel, bluetooth marketing technology can send a notification to the guest offering them something, which can lead to an increase in sales. The future of hotels is ever-changing with technology. Great article to read!

Following a robbery at a Houston hotel in which thieves exploited security flaws in Onity locks first revealed at the Black Hat conference in July, Hotel Management spoke with Todd Seiders, director of risk management at Petra Risk Solutions and former director of loss prevention at Marriott, for tips on how hoteliers can keep their rooms secure. An NFC-compatible lock, such as this Signature RFID by VingCard lock, can streamline the check-in process.

Some of the major concern hotel such as Houston hotel are facing is robbery. A lot of the older locks in the hotel are so old that it may be easy to rob precious items from the guest rooms. NFC has a new lock where the newer lock does not have an encryption code, instead the guest will get a new code from the front desk. The new lock ensure that hackers can not easily hack into a guest rooms. In addition, the new NFC-compatible locks help guests skip the check in process at the front desk and instead use their mobile phone to open their guest room doors and check themselves into the hotel.

This article discusses how a self service mobile app called FCS i-Guest has also included OpenWays Mobile Key in its program. Now the guest can use the app to see reservation details, hotel information, checkin, and got straight to the room and unlock their door. Now there is less hassle for the guest, since all their secure information is stored on their phone.

Hotel Skypark central is lending out smart ohones at check in that do everything from open the door, tuen on and off lights and so much more in the room. Most hotels do not have technological advanes such as this so it proves quite interesting how much we can make a smart phone do

Hotel Skypark central is lending out smart ohones at check in that do everything from open the door, tuen on and off lights and so much more in the room. Most hotels do not have technological advanes such as this so it proves quite interesting how much we can make a smart phone do

Few inventions have had such widespread and practical appeal to the hospitality industry. Since the introduction of the recodable electronic door lock in the late 1970's, hotel security has been virtually transformed. The focus at the time of inception was increased guest security, but the benefit to the property was quickly realized. Hotel security experts, along with media pundits, the courts, and the insurance industry all agree - keycard locks, which can be easily changed so that every guest gets a new key, are the best way to boost security. In fact, there is speculation that by the end of this decade, hotels that do not feature electronic locking mechanisms in guestrooms will be unable to obtain insurance. Even the simplest of key card locks have been found to reduce break ins by up to 80%, reminding us that effective guestroom security is an essential part of the hospitality package.

This article is talked about the company's new door lock system that uses Bluetooth connectivity to allow guests with smartphones to bypass check-in and unlock their door simply by touching the handle. The guests can download the hotel's app, and put their username and password in, and then it links the reservation to their mobile devices. This system is providing guests convenience as well as automation when they check-in and out from the hotel but keep the safety. What is more, this automating the check-in experience was not meant to deemphasize the role of the concierge and other human staff, but to enhance it. The reason for appling this system is that customizing the guest's room in the best benefit, reducing the guests' trouble, and helping guests to get the real experience they are looking for.

This article talked about ASSA ABLOY, which is the world's leading provider of hotel locking systems and in-room safes, as well as energy-saving energy management systems. ASSA ABLOY door opening solutions can increase security and convenience. What's more, those solutions are including access control, automated entrance and mobile keys for guestroom entry, which can bring for both guests and staff. And, these solutions can also be applied to marine applications, ensuring the safety and security of all guests on board.

This article talks about the fingerprint entry system in hotel. Yet more card-free security systems are on the way. They may still be minor blips on the greater hotel horizon, but biometric systems that seem right out of Mission Impossible have been introduced in the U.S. If you want to get into your room at New York's SoHo Loft, you're going to have to lift a finger. The seven-room hotel has a fingerprint entry system. Guests touch the door pad then enter a code for extra security. Kimpton's 190-room Nine Zero Hotel in Boston was the first hotel to install a biometric iris scanner back in 2004, but only guests of the 1,065-square-foot Cloud Nine penthouse suite have to bat their eyelashes. The uses for biometrics don't have to stop at the guestroom door, either. The Nine Zero also uses the technology to make the property safer all round, as it has installed the LG IrisAccess 3000 at the employee and delivery entries to the hotel, as well, meaning that non-staff members and intruders can't access the property.

This article describe a new smartphone app based on Android system in Samsung phone. At the first, this article introduce the long history about the room key development. It points out that the physical keys always have a problem that key itself can be stolen, and thus used by someone who doesn't have access privileges. Then the article introduce the  new Samsung's system. What amazing me is the phone is not only can be used as a door key but also a control center in guests' hand. "Once inside the room, the same phone can be used to order room and laundry service, book other hotel facilities, and act as an in-room phone extension. " The app has powerful features and I thought it will become a trend in the future.

Jingjia...this is a great article. I agree with you, I am impressed with the functionality of the phone application and how it works. It eliminates the middle man and any room for human error. I wonder how much more we can do with our phones. On this article listed below, it talks about how you can start a car directly from your IPhone (http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/10/start-your-car-from-your-iphone/). Soon, we will be able to do many things with simply the touch of a button.

This article basically talks about how much technology has changed and what directors of softwares predict technology will be in the near future. The article informs how the Peachtree Plaza hotel like many other hotels replaced the keys to all the rooms with electronic key cards. Which increased security for the guest and cost saving. Hospitality consultants agreed that in the future mobile phones will be the way to open guest room doors and will probably occur through infrared or wirelesss access to rooms. Neil Roodyn the director of software developers informed that he predicts that in the future people will be sitting around touch sensitive table top computer in lobbies where they can searchfor places to go in the area and make their own restaurant reservations. Neil predicts this can also influence more communication and interaction between guest. My thoughts on this article is that the younger generation is far more technology oriented and feel more comfortable with working all these new gadgets, but for the baby boomers and older crowd have the want and need of having that human interaction. Technology seems a bit to advanced for them. The more technology advances the less human interaction will occur. I think that technology advancement is great for everyone, but human interaction needs to remain for those that are not very technology savy.

This is an informative article, and I also understand Mary's opinion. Over decades, technology has rapidly advanced and it seems to be quite hard to catch up with all the new technology released quickly. For example, I stayed in a hotel called Aria, one of the newly built hotels in Las Vegas, and the hotel is equipped with state-of-the-art room technology (not just room but all over the hotel). To get into a room, unlike other hotels, I just put a room key on a sensor instead of inserting a key; as well as, I just touched a button right next to the door for privacy instead of putting the "Do not Disturb" card on a door knob. This is not something really huge, however this is how hotels are technologically changing. As a person studying Hospitality Management, the change was very impressive, but at the same time, it was intimidating. Obviously, our parents generation should have harder time to use new technology and/or to get used it than I do. I totally agree that there should be a balance between technology advancement and human interation.

I agree with Mary regarding baby boomers may not be as quick to adapt to the advancement of technology, however what is noticeable in resort hotels is that more people are taking family vacation and the kids are the ones driving the technology. It will therefore just be a matter of time where the use of technology within hotels will be just like a regular lifestyle activity.

The article talks about how restaurants can use a POS system and reviews the pros and cons of whether a system like this is beneficial to an establishment. It states that customer service plays a huge role in the success of a business and having a well operational POS system aids in the success of the customer service offered. One example of being more successful is to be sure you can accommodate as many customers as possible… so offering the payment option of just cash limits your projected revenue whereas accepting credit cards broadens your horizon as a business owner. Saving on merchant fees may be hurting income all together. This article goes over the benefits of a POS system and how it can improve daily sales. These benefits include a quicker processing of payments, more accurate payments, splitting orders, opening the door to more customers, preventing errors and tracking inventory. All of these things assist in the accuracy and smooth running of an establishment.

Hello, This article is very insightful with regards to how a POS system can become beneficial. Indeed, customer service plays a major role on the business and having a well-positioned POS system. Therefore, as a hotel or a restaurant needs to focus on service, a POS system can complement this objective. Being able to accommodate as many clients as possible through great customer service and organization can be obtained through a POS system. Additionally, I think this system helps maximize time and optimize processes. I'm sure a wide array of companies are appealed to this, it is a matter of finding which type of POS system would be most suitable for them.

This article offers a telling account of how Disney developed and implemented the MyMagic+ initiative, providing important insights into how major corporations approach massive tech-related capital investments. Among the most salient takeaways: 1) how Disney recognized that the parks' pain points could be addressed through the public's growing predilection for personal, always-connected; 2) how these massive internal projects can pit different departments against each other, and how sometimes that antagonism can lead to beneficial results; and 3) how a project like MyMagic+ can have a profound positive impact on the company and still be considered by many to have not fulfilled its potential.

Going back to the 70's when internet connections did not rule our minds and travelers would make hotel booking directly with the hotel or use travel agents. When there were no email confirmations, TripAdvisor reviews and when we had to use maps to find the locations. This article talk about five ways hotels are starting to use more technology to connect with the guest. 1) Mobile bookings. 2) Quick check-in with tablets. 3) Self check out. 4) Live chats to help turn lookers into bookers. 5) Door opening with Technology. I choose this article because all these new technology need to work on storage and software and there is no better way than to use cloud computing to run these programs safely.

Things have certainly since the 70s, I am glad to have self checking rather than waiting in line. I cannot wait to get my cell phone to give me a key to access my room. With self checking, and room access, I will be glad to bypass all the waiting and processing and get to my room. I'm usually tired from traveling and so it would eliminate any aggression. Get article and great use of technology for hotels.

This article suggests that Facility Managers should keep the door open to new technology. It gives an example of Marriott Hotel to demonstrate this point. Moreover, this article shows us several ways to evaluating new options. This methods are shared by  managers with great experience.

Green hotel has become a hot topic recent years since people have more concerns about sustainability of natural resources. This article is talking about sustainable hospitality hardware. It starts right from one kind of hardware material, bronze. Two types of bronze are introduced as the most popular choice for hardware, "silicon bronze" and "white bronze". Considering the long durability, excellent corrosion resistance, better fatigue resistance, lower melting point, easy care and maintenance, bronze, as a material is a dramatically long time and continues to be so today using both time -tested and innovative manufacturing techniques. The article also talks about green characteristics of bronze products. For example, it use life cycle analysis results to show bronze products is better than other materials. Bronze is 100 percent recyclable and make healthier environment. In hospitality industry, the most applications of bronze must be the door hardware, including the lock set. The article gives an example of Pelican Hill Resort which used lot bronze in the resort manufacture. Overall, it's a material choice that can contribute positively to the overall design intent of a given facility and its long-term successful operations.

This new bedside technology controls lights, media, bedroom setting and also lets you know if someone is at your door waiting for you

This new bedside technology controls lights, media, bedroom setting and also lets you know if someone is at your door waiting for you

This article provides us a current issue of the tourism security. According to analysis the safety and security of a destination influences travelers' "go/no go" decision, so the author suggest the destination hotels should have a risk assessment and security management program by use the modern technology. And it provides us a detailed guide line to before starting a risk assessment and security management program, what the hotel and security experts should do, and also it shows us some technologies, which may be helpful for the hotel guests security protection. for example: Electronics - Lock the Door Although some hotels still cling to the old-fashioned door key, Farina stresses the importance of electronic locks and deadbolts. He is not sure whether a growing interest in the use of cell phones to open hotel room doors provides the same level of safety, although they are gaining international acceptance.