Everything About Mobile Key and Keyless Entry

What is Mobile Key & Keyless Entry

Looking to give your guests the ability to use their smartphone as a key to their room? It used to be the case that only major hotel brands had the ability to offer mobile key to members of their loyalty program but with the latest tech developments, now any hotel can without needing a massive budget. Mobile key not only helps cut down on key cards but it also eliminates common guest friction points ranging from frustrating keycard demagnetization to lost keys and also allows for a more streamlined and contactless checkin experience.

Finding the right Mobile Key & Keyless Entry solution for your hotel depends on several variables ranging from user experience and pricing to functionality and support.

BENEFITS

How can keyless entry help hotels improve profitability and efficiency?

• Guest Convenience:?A key benefit for hotel guests is the convenience of using their own smart device as a secure room key to access their room, eliminating the need to keep track of a physical key and the worry of losing it. It also saves time for guests by allowing them to check in remotely and go directly to their room upon arriving at the property, skipping the queue at the front desk.?
• Increased Security:?In addition to the advanced digital encryption that is built in to Mobile Keys, the solution provides added security, since a guest’s smartphone is less likely to be misplaced than a plastic keycard and typically is password-protected by the user, providing a secondary layer of digital security. Should a guest lose their phone, Mobile Keys can typically be instantly revoked through the system and reassigned in real time by the hotel staff. Remote keyless entry can enable your hotel team to improve security via security system and access remote control and manage access even when off property.
• Added Revenue Opportunities:?Mobile Key solutions are typically app-based, allowing hoteliers to offer and promote a variety of revenue-generating amenities, services and offers to maximize ancillary room revenue. This, includes room upgrades, internet, room service, restaurant & spa bookings and other optional on-property offers. Since the Mobile Key is used often by the guest to access the room, it encourages download and frequent use of the app, maximizing the resulting revenue opportunities available within the app.

FEATURES

What are the most important features of mobile keys for hotels?

• Future-proof Technology:?When comparing Mobile Key solutions, hotels must bear in mind whether a particular platform can provide a level of security that meets the highest industry standards, and that it can be easily and affordably updated as technology evolves. The provider they choose should have a track record on innovation and timely release of the most advanced upgrades, as relevant and reliable new security technologies emerge. Keyless locks are mainstream in home security to open door handles and are increasingly being used beyond the smart home.?Hotels can future proof their properties by staying up to date with the latest in home technology trends.
• Flexible and Modular Solutions:?As each property has different needs for security and locking solutions, hoteliers should select a Keyless Entry locking system provider that offers various ways to implement the solution, either via integrated software, though a hotel’s own mobile app or through certified third-party providers.?
• Training and Onboarding Capabilities:?As a relatively new technology, the success of Mobile Key and Keyless Entry at any given property is highly dependent upon its adoption by staff and guests. Hoteliers considering implementing Mobile Key should identify a partner that offers adequate consultation, training and educational materials on how to implement and use the system, as well as how to encourage its use by guests, in order to get the best ROI.?
• Financial Security and Backing:?Due to the rapidly growing demand for Keyless Entry, there are many providers in the marketplace today and many others emerging. To ensure the most reliable and stable solution, hoteliers should seek out providers that are backed by a trusted and financially secure company that has a long history of success and support in the industry.?
• Service and Support:?Coverage Since the hotel industry is a global one, properties and groups - especially those with properties in more than one region - should make sure their chosen vendor provides adequate service and support in every property’s local area. It is therefore best to choose a global provider of Keyless Entry and Digital Key services to ensure the best ongoing support.

Most Popular Mobile Key & Keyless Entry

Choosing the right Mobile Key & Keyless Entry for your hotel depends on several variables some of which come down to personal preference but most of which come down to the characteristics of your property. Is your hotel a small property with limited budget? Or is your property a luxury resort with lots of outlets and high ADR? Below are HTR’s defined key personas based on common property characteristics that typically indicate similar product choices.

What are the typical pricing models and ranges that I should budget for?

• Hardware Expense.?Most hotels already have hardware from major locks providers.
• Implementation & Training.?$5,000-$20,000.?Many vendors are waiving implementation fees due to COVID.
• Monthly Subscription.?$1-$3 per room per month

IMPLEMENTATION

What does the typical implementation timeline and process look like to go live?

Varies by property.?Mobile key vendors are typically able to deploy solutions remotely, resulting in a faster and more efficient delivery for hoteliers. During the implementation process, vendors work in close cooperation with customers which means that hoteliers get to know solutions better and vendors get a hands-on understanding of what the hotel's specific needs are. Depending on the solution, the whole process usually only takes 30-90 days.

FAQs

Hoteliers Also Ask

What makes a great keyless entry experience for hotel guests? Hotel guests save valuable time by skipping the front desk and going directly to their rooms and unlocking the lock with their own smart device. They also enjoy the convenience of not having to keep up with a physical key. Mobile Key also reduces the workload at the front desk, freeing up staff to concentrate on more valuable guest services and engagement. Guests also benefit from increased security since Mobile Keys are housed on the user’s personal smart device, which is typically password-protected, it is inherently more secure. Digital keys are also encrypted to ensure that only authorized users can gain access to a guest room or other assigned areas.

Why do hotels need mobile keys and a keyless entry system? A Mobile Key is a digitally encrypted ; that resides on a mobile device, smartphone, tablet or wearable key fob, allowing the authorized user to gain access to secured doors or other physical or digital access points within a property. The advancement of this mobile technology and its successful application of digital keys within the hospitality industry has led to a rapidly growing trend toward Keyless Entry. This innovative solution allows hotel guests to check in and access their assigned guest room immediately upon arrival via smart lock, unlocking the door with their mobile device via the Mobile Key and thus eliminating the need to visit the front desk. Some mobile keys operate via touchscreen keypad and others via bluetooth smart key. The solution works by generating an encrypted digital key that is transmitted to users’ smart devices and safely stored in a key vault on a mobile app. When presented to the appropriate door lock, the app then transmits digital key information over a secure communication channel, ensuring that only authorized users are able to gain access. When Keyless Entry is implemented at a property, both guests and authorized staff members enjoy the convenience of using their smart device as a secure key to access assigned areas of a property without the need to carry or keep track of a separate physical key.

Best 10 Mobile Key & Keyless Entry 2022 | Find Reviews, Pricing, Buying Guide (hoteltechreport.com)