Industry-wide use of RFID lock technology increases

For the first time, a move away from magnetic stripe guestroom lock technology toward more durable, versatile radio frequency identification device technology is feasible for hoteliers looking to reduce costs and increase flexibility.

The Peabody Orlando completed in September 2010 a $450-million renovation and expansion, including a complete renovation of all the property’s 895 guestrooms and technology. "We have far less incidence of any sort of key problem now,” said Barb Bowden, GM of The Peabody

Orlando, since guestroom locks at the hotel were updated to RFID models. "It’s very unusual that a guest would have any sort of issue with their key. Guests like it and are impressed with RFID technology."

RFID-enabled keycard systems have numerous benefits over magnetic-stripe card systems that are used industrywide. The days of having to replace a guest’s keycard after it comes into contact with magnetic interference from a computer or mobile phone are over. Because RFID technology works by matching a unique key to a networked lock, cards rarely need to be replaced. To open a door, one places the RFID card against the card reader and the data is transferred automatically.

"One of the most valuable things is the room move," said Kerry Hershey, KABA Lodging Systems’ senior VP of sales and marketing. "If I go to my room and don’t like it, with RFID, the front desk can send me to a new room without needing a new key."

Creating a single unique credential for guests also allows hotels to integrate RFID technology into other areas of service, such as parking garages.