Some hotels use access cards with magnetic strips, ('mag stripe cards' for short). Magnetic stripe cards are also known as 'swipe cards'. But there are other alternatives to hotel access, such as proximity (RFID) cards, access cards with holes, photo ID cards, barcode cards, and smart cards. These can be used to access rooms, use elevators and access specific areas of the building. All of these access methods are common parts of a traditional access control system.
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All of the above examples are based on different technologies but provide the same functions for door access control. Smart cards can include a wealth of additional information about the user (whoever the card is assigned to). A smart card can be used to grant the holder access to facilities beyond the hotel room, such as restaurants, gyms, pools, laundry, conference rooms, and any other amenity that requires secure access in the building. With their enhanced security and encryption standards, smart cards collect the information from every step of the holder's journey in the facility and allow the hotel to get a joint record of all their expenses at once, rather than tallying the bills from separate places in the same building. This streamlines the financial management of the hotel and creates a smoother experience for the hotel guest.
Modern hotel access management systems enable grouping the door locks with a number of users, providing access to the same group, as well as an audit trail of who opened the door and when. For instance, one group can have access to open the hotel lobby door or the staff toilets, but only within a certain period in the day if the administrator chooses to implement a specific window of time for access.
We mentioned earlier that smart cards could also be used to grant holders unique access to elevators. For example, if a guest has booked a penthouse suite, on a floor that should be restricted to everyday users, smart cards along with advanced door readers can make this process a breeze! To learn more about elevator access control systems specifically, check out our guide.
Magnetic stripe cards have a magnetic layer or a strip which contains basic information of the hotel guest. Typically, the user access number is the most identifiable information stored on the card. Personnel at the hotel desk will imprint the user information at check-in and usually set a time limit for its use until checkout. The key card door lock is triggered once the magnetic strip is read and verified by the hotel door card reader. As a general rule, the access process is completed by swiping the card through the magnetic reader.
The most common myths about key cards are related to the information stored on them. For example, many people believe that the cards contain sensitive user data, such as personal or financial information. The fact is, the majority of hotel key cards store only room numbers and dates of stay. While key cards do come with some risks, detailed financial information is not one of them. Additional information that can be stored on a key card comes down to four key pieces of information:
Although it is true that hotel key cards are not completely immune to misuse, modern data protection regulations prevent this from happening. It is worth keeping in mind that not all geographical locations have the same privacy rules. If you are traveling abroad, for example, in Europe, your card may store financial details, such as credit card numbers.
Other possible risks associated with key cards, which can not be classified as key card myths are those ensuing from third-party vendors integrated into the same guest access management system. However, these systems are also based on strict rule compliance, so breaches are not something that needs to be expected.
The technology behind most hotel key cards provides the best protection against misuse. However, smart cards, which are increasingly used in hotels, are not so easy to reset and read as magstripe cards are, making them a perfect alternative to traditional hotel key cards. Mag stripe cards record and store information on the principles of encryption. You need to have decoding readers to be able to interpret what's on them. The practice for ISO-standard cards provides storing data on three tracks on the magnetic strip, whereas hotel lock systems use a proprietary encoding pattern to encode data on the third track.
Another alternative to hotel key cards is the NFC technology integrated into mobile phones. Hotel guests receive a code from the hotel management and are able to access their rooms by either bringing the NFC phone feature close to the NFC reader or typing the code as a pass code. This method is quite new and less frequent.
In this article, we will give you a complete rundown of hotel key cards and the technology behind how they work, as well as some additional details to give you more peace of mind when using them.
Each key card has a magnetic sheet or strip that contains the essential information about a hotel guest. When a guest is checking in to the hotel, workers at the front desk of the hotel will print the details of the guest onto the card. Upon the individual arriving at their room, the key card door lock is activated when the magnetic strip is read by the reader on the hotel door reader.
In some instances, a hotel may also use a type of key card called a proximity card (RFID card) which does not require a swiping motion. RFID cards use RFID radio frequencies to enable non-contact access from a programmed short distance. For most RFID cards, the individual would only need to touch the RFID card to the RFID card reader on the door to gain entry.
Each hotel may find that a different type of security control card is better suited for its needs, as well as its guests. While some hotels use magnetic strip access cards, often referred to as swipe cards, other hotels may use other options for entry such as RFID cards, barcode cards, and smart cards. These types of cards can also be used to gain access to other areas in the hotel such as elevators, pools, or fitness rooms.
Magnetic strip cards are the most cost-effective choice for hotels, but they can be worn out easily and may be less secure than some of the other alternatives. RFID cards, on the other hand are more durable; however, this solution can also be more costly.
Smart cards are another alternative as they contain a wealth of additional data about the individual, as well what type of access they have throughout the hotel. This is why keycards tend to be the most secure alternative, but they can also be the more expensive option.
The most popular misconception about this system is in regard to information that is stored on them. For example, most people assume that cards contain confidential information, such as personal or financial data.
The truth is, the only information contained in these hotel cards are the room numbers and the dates in which the guest is staying at the hotel. Although key cards have some notable risks, storing comprehensive financial information is not one of them.
Hotel key cards are security control passes with the least amount of stored information, thereby reducing the risk of misuse. Indeed, the biggest problem you might face is needing to get replacements for guests who lose their passes!
One of the best advantages of using this kind of security system for your hotel is how efficient they are. As a hotel manager, you can easily change an individual or employee's access without needing to redistribute new key cards. With a centralized security system, managers can now easily change access without having to go to match all the doors to all the keys.
A hotel key card electronic system also allows you to increase overall hotel security and monitor access points around the hotel from one central location. By implementing an electronic access control system, you can track who passes through any entry and exit point to maintain a better record of who is entering and exiting your hotel.
While traditional keys work great, they also have their own set of security challenges. A card provides a more reliable alternative than any other form of control access due to the fact that every key card created for a guest is completely encrypted and impossible to reproduce. With a key card system, you can provide your hotel with a more trusted and sophisticated control system.
Losing a hotel card can quickly turn into a nightmare for any exhausted traveler. The process of obtaining a new key can be embarrassing and often even costly, both in terms of time and money. Moreover, it also poses significant privacy and theft risks.
Hotel cards can be costly products. While some hotels have managed to reduce the costs of cards, they are still an expensive item for many hotels to consider implementing. Additionally, if you have guests that do not always return their key cards, you could find yourself having to replace more key cards in the future.
Access control is critical to every type of business, but even more so for hotels. Not only do you need to keep your employees safe but you also need to ensure the safety, security, and privacy of your guests at all times. One of the best ways to ensure this is by implementing a key card control system.
The MA-HKCW & MA-HKCS guest card controllers allow you to combine indoor unit power systems with hotel key card control systems, which are designed to save energy by only energizing equipment when users are in their room.
Authorized by the DoDI 5154.31, Volume 4 [PDF, 10 pages], the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) manages the card program, providing guidance, policy, and training, and serves as a liaison to GSA, the travel card vendor, and DoD Component Program Managers on travel card related issues. DTMO is also responsible for developing, coordinating, and maintaining the Government Travel Charge Card Regulations [PDF, 46 pages]. Refer to the GTCC Regulations for GTCC policy and purpose, general travel card information, and special travel considerations.