There are many types of hotel access control systems available on the market, but it can be difficult to choose which one is right for your business.
In this article, we will explain the different types of hotel access controls in detail. Finally, we will look at how you can decide upon the correct type of hotel access control system for your needs.
An access control system in the hotel is a system that allows you to manage and monitor the movements of people throughout your hotel, whether it’s guests or staff, as well as the physical assets on your premises.
The system can be set up so that only certain people can enter particular areas at various times while others cannot. This means you can keep people and property safe and prevent theft.
With an access control system, you have complete control over what happens inside your hotel.
The control system in the hotel includes the hotel door, hotel room, hotel elevator, and other public areas to control the movement of people and vehicles entering or leaving a secured area.
The benefits of implementing a hotel access control system are numerous. Some of the immediate and measurable advantages include the following:
Access control is pivotal in hotel data management, allowing guests to enjoy their stay while safely keeping their information private. Here are some of the most common types of access control systems used in hotels:
The door lock access control system is essential to hotel access control. It is mainly used for hotel rooms, public, fire, and other areas.
One of the easiest ways to implement hotel access control is by adding a keypad or card reader next to the door. This will require guests to enter a passcode or swipe a room card to unlock the door and get into their rooms. You can also open the hotel room with your phone, which gives you complete control over who comes in or goes out of your hotel room.
Some systems use biometrics (fingerprints or retinas) or RFID cards/tags scanned if you want something more advanced. These systems allow you to track who has entered each room, from where they came before entering it, and how l undyed inside.
This system controls access through hotel doors, preventing unauthorized entry and allowing authorized guests to move freely inside the building. It’s simple enough for guests to use their room key and passcode, even if they can’t remember them. The system can be operated by employees or a machine connected to an internet connection.
The elevator access control system is widely used in hotels to ensure security and prevent unauthorized elevator use.
The hotel elevator control system is mainly used to control hotel guests using the elevator and to enter the floor where their guest rooms are located.
It often works with other systems, such as the hotel door lock system. In this way, hotel guests can use a room card for the elevator to reach the corresponding floor to ensure that only authorized employees or guests can get on the lift. And at the same time, open the hotel room door.
Elevators are the central passage that connects all hotel floors, so we need to ensure that no unnecessary people can take elevators.
For example, when someone stays at the hotel for business, there is no need to go through every building floor because they will not use all the hotel facilities. Therefore, it is better if that person can access only one floor on which their room is located.
With an elevator access control system installed and programmed correctly, you can quickly achieve your goal without any doubt and tension about security.
The hotel room power access control mainly uses a key card power switch to control the power supply of the whole room.; it involves an electronic/RFID card that enables you to use this card to open room doors, activate the power in rooms, or turn on TVs and lights. Card keys are specific to individual guest rooms and are selected based on the guest’s itinerary. You should apply an access control system in your hotel rooms to protect your assets and employee safety.
If you’ve ever traveled and had to access the internet at a hotel, you know it can be safe and secure—or very much the opposite. Hotel wifi access control helps ensure that guests have quick and easy access to the internet while also ensuring that only authorized users can log on. This means keeping your data safe from hackers and preventing bandwidth hogs from using your internet connection!
This access control system regulates the entry and exit of cars. It is often seen in parking garages and car parks across hotels, shopping malls, apartments, hospitals, offices, etc.
The system relies on automatic barriers installed at the entry and exit points. These barriers use electronic sensors to detect when a car comes into range. This triggers a mechanism that controls whether or not the barrier should open for it.
Suppose you’re interested in implementing this access control system in your hotel. You could install external bollards and pedestrian gates to add an extra layer of safety while also achieving aesthetic appeal.
This type of access control limits accesses to safes by only allowing authorized hotel guests into them.
These safes are installed in hotel rooms to store guests’ valuables when they leave their rooms unattended. Most safe box access systems rely on biometric technology such as fingerprint and retina scans for authorization, making them highly secure and hard for criminals to bypass.
Other safe box systems use keypad combinations to enter the secure box surface codes.
There are three main types of access control systems: Discretionary Access Control (DAC), Mandatory Access Control (MAC), and Role- and Rule-Based Access Control (RBAC).
DAC is the most common type of access control system. DAC allows you to give users different permissions based on their needs or job function. For example, a concierge at your hotel may need full access to all areas of the hotel, but an accountant only needs access to specific rooms on certain days.
MAC requires that users have permission before being granted entry into any area or resource by an administrator. MAC is primarily used for security reasons where critical data is stored within a network environment and must be protected from unauthorized personnel with malicious intentions.
Rule-based access control (RBAC) allows you to set up rules determining whether users can access certain areas.
RBAC uses rules defined by administrators that dictate each user’s privileges over other users within the same system. For example, your front desk staff may approve access only after verifying a guest’s identity and room number.
Role-based access control (RBAC) is designed around role hierarchies that define who has what roles from the top down.
For example, if someone is responsible for checking in guests at a hotel front desk, they will have a “check-in clerk” role assigned to them, giving them specific permissions for their job function such as booking rooms and charging—credit car, ds, etc.
As you can see, the range of possible identification methods is vast. Some are more convenient for guests, and some are more convenient for staff, but no single way is best. Considering which options will work best for your hotel’s needs is essential before deciding on a system.
This section will talk about the different identification methods and their benefits.
Because of their low cost and ease of use, RFID hotel key cards are popular among hotels looking for reliable access control solutions.
These cards work by using a small radio transmitter embedded inside each card. When you hold it against an RFID hotel lock, your information will be transmitted wirelessly into the system without inserting anything into any slot on the door lock!
Biometric technology is one of the most secure methods for hotel access control. It verifies identity by using unique physical traits, such as fingerprints or iris scans. This technology is particularly well-suited for high-security areas where it’s essential to prevent unauthorized entry and ensure that only authorized personnel can enter restricted areas.
However, biometric systems are more expensive and require regular maintenance and cleaning to function properly; otherwise, they may experience malfunctions or downtime due to poor sensor operation or clogged sensors.
This is a standard method used in most hotels. It’s simple, easy to use, and low entry cost. Magnetic keys are usually inexpensive (if not free) but can also be lost quickly and must be replaced.
However, the magnetic stripe key card hotel access system is a bit outdated and cannot meet the security needs of modern hotels. You can consider upgrading the old magnetic key card hotel lock system to an RFID or mobile APP hotel lock system.
Mobile hotel access systems allow guests to use their smartphones as a keycard to open the hotel door. Please note mobile access control for hotels always needs Bluetooth hotel door locks. You can check our TTlock smart lock and TThotel lock system.
A guest could open an app like Google Maps or Airbnb on their phone or tablet, click the “check-in” button, and scan the QR code that automatically appears when they enter the building.
For example, there are no receptionists inside the lobby area but only vending machines available, so there isn’t anyone around who could assist with checking someone or anywhere else.
Before buying an access control system, it’s essential to thoroughly examine your hotel’s needs and evaluate what level of security is ideal.
Cost is among the most important factors when choosing a hotel access control system. The total cost to implement a system will depend on how many doors you need to secure, and the price for each entry will vary depending on what type of system you choose.
Remember that the system’s price can vary greatly depending on the features and quality of the design. For example, low-end systems can be purchased for as little as $50 per door, but high-end systems can cost upwards of $1,000 per door.
There are a variety of costs associated with an access control system in a hotel:
How many doors and rooms do you have? The more doors or rooms needing control, the more expensive your system is.
How many users need access? If you need to give every employee access to all building areas, you’ll need more keycards than if only a few employees are allowed into specific locations. It also means you’ll have an increased risk of lost cards because if every employee has one, there’s more chance of going missing.
How many locks do you have? If you want to secure multiple entrances with a keypad or RFID access, this could add to the cost of your system.
How much is cloud storage? A cloud storage company will charge a monthly fee per cardholder added (often around $1). It would help to consider how many employees or guests would require their account rather than sharing one person’s login.
What is the cost of installation? Some providers include installation as part of their package. In contrast, others will charge extra – get quotes from multiple companies before settling on the right solution.
If this sounds overwhelming or confusing, try contacting one or more manufacturers directly—many offer free quotes for their systems.
Now that you understand the basics, a natural question is what to look for when buying an access control system.
First, list all the features you need in such a system.
For instance, if you want your guests to be able to check in from their mobile phones on arrival, a self-service kiosk at your hotel lobby, or the ability to grant temporary access, then make sure that you get a solution that provides these facilities.
Once you have defined the must-have features, the next thing is distinguishing between different system quality levels. While this can be tricky given how complex these systems can get but once again, using our experience, we have compiled some simple tips for making this distinction:
Here are some things to think about when choosing your hotel access control system, as well as what some of the latest trends entail:
Contactless.
A critical feature of a hotel access control system is that it should be contactless—swiping and using keys is a hassle. Hence, the ideal system relies on radio frequency identification, RFID key card lock, or other forms of mobile technology. Contactless systems for COVID pandemic social distancing requirements
Ability to integrate with your hotel management system.
Integration with hotel management systems (HMS) like property management systems (PMS), point of sale (POS), staff scheduling software, etc.
Your access control system needs to integrate with your property management system (PMS) to be appropriately tracked and controlled from start to finish.
Ability to work well with other systems in place.
With frequent turnover and remodeling, hotels are dynamic environments where minor changes can significantly affect the guest experience and workflow.
Your access control solution must provide stability amid these fluctuations and seamlessly integrate with any new systems you consider installing on your property. For example:
Function:
Depending on the size of your hotel, you may only need a basic system with simple functionality or more advanced features that can support multiple properties and allow for deeper customization. An expert access control for hotels can help guide you to the best option for your needs.
Quality:
Any equipment will eventually break down, but a lower-quality system will likely have problems earlier than a high-quality system. Hotel access control systems vary widely in quality, so researching beforehand will help ensure you get a good deal on something that will last for years.
Ease of use:
The easier an access control system is to use, the less time employees will spend learning how it works—which means they’ll have more time for other tasks or projects! A system with precise controls and intuitive design will also be more accessible for guests and customers to navigate, reducing lines and questions at the front desk
Easy to install and maintain.
So the last thing you want is a system that requires someone with special knowledge or skills to make it work. This means extra costs on your part and more time wasted trying to figure out how to get it working correctly in the first place.
Your ideal access system should be simple enough to set up and operate. Straightforward maintenance will also mean fewer headaches for you or your employees, constantly dealing with potential security concerns.
A reliable system that doesn’t have any technical glitches.
Find out if there are any issues reported by customers who have used this particular product before deciding to purchase one for yourself – Look at reviews from other people who have already bought these products to see what other people think about them!
If there are no bad reviews, go ahead and buy the product; otherwise, don’t purchase it until they fix whatever problems mentioned in those negative ones.
Choose a system that offers flexibility.
For example, you can use some systems with mobile phones by giving guests temporary and limited access to specific areas of the property (think: a fitness center or parking lot).
This allows for no-contact interaction between guests and staff, which is likely necessary as we return to everyday life post-COVID-19 pandemic.
Finally, choose a data security system so that all information remains protected.
When it comes to hotel access control systems, there are several different companies that you can choose from.
Salto Systems: A company specializing in providing hotel access control solutions, founded in 1989 by two former British Aerospace Corporation (BAC) employees.
They specialize in manufacturing mechanical locking devices with advanced features such as smart card technology and biometric fingerprint readers, allowing guests to access their rooms without carrying any keys or cards while staying at one establishment.
Onity lock: Onity lock is a suitable hotel access control system Supplier. They have many products and services ideal for hotels, such as guest room locks, electronic security keypads, and door entry systems.
Yale lock: The Yale lock is among the most popular and trusted. It is a high-quality lock that you can use to protect your house or apartment. The key feature of this lock is its reliability.
Honeywell: is one of the largest manufacturers of access control systems worldwide. Their products include door controllers, readers, and software for managing multiple sites.
Dormakaba: Dormakaba offers a range of door locks and stand-alone access control lock panels. Their products feature a variety of entry systems, including hotel and guest room locks, drop arm locks, deadbolts, and high-security keyless entry systems.
ASSA ABLOY: This Swedish company has over 160 years of history in the security field and has created some of the most reliable access control systems. It’s also one of the most prominent global players in this industry, meaning that you can be confident that your hotel will receive high-quality equipment from them.
Avigilon: This Canadian company specializes in video surveillance for commercial and residential uses, and its access control solutions are no exception to their quality standards.
Now that you have a better understanding of the types of access control for hotels, you can easily choose which option is best for your business. Remember that hotels have many access points, so it may be a good idea to utilize more than one type of access control system to increase security while maintaining functionality.
You should also consider how many employees will use each access point and if they’ll need different clearance levels depending on their job responsibilities or position within the company.
It’s essential to know where these systems are implemented and how they’re implemented so as not to restrict movement around the property or cause any inconvenience to guests who may need immediate assistance during an emergency.
