Forward Thinking

New security products keep the door open for future technology.

Hotels - April 2004

Rebecca Oliva
Associate Editor

At a time when hotel security continues to make headlines, hoteliers must make extra efforts to ensure that guests feel safe. Implementing the latest in locking and safe technology is one way to do that. Yet advanced technology often comes with a large price tag and the potential of facing fast obsolescence and even more advanced products.

Security technology companies are recognizing hoteliers’ dilemma and responding by launching products with the capability to adapt to future technologies. Many vendors also have offered better payment options such as Atlanta-based Onity’s new programs under which hotels can install certain Onity security products for a fee per occupied room. SAFLOK, Troy, Michigan, also introduced a similar program that requires no capital investment.

These new security products offer hoteliers options without limiting their future technology investments and leave guests feeling safe and sound throughout the hotel.

Future Integration

When the 3,005-room Bellagio, Las Vegas, began a massive US$375 million renovation project, it switched from a traditional lock-and-key security system to an online solution. The management team chose the TimeLox DC-One IR5 system for its ability to combine the functionality of an online system with the stability of offline locks. Having the offline operating capability allows the mega-complex to operate a backup system in case of power loss. Since Bellagio covers such a large area, the ability to relocate guests and extend stay times without re-encoding keycards is also a convenient feature for both staff and guests.

“The fact that the system is online was a key factor in our decision,” says Scot Campbell, vice president of information systems, MGM Mirage Resorts, Las Vegas. “The benefit of getting online and be able to conduct real-time transactions is a plus.”

The DC-One IR5 system uses infrared communication technology to transfer data directly from door locks to a central station through an energy management interface. Features include instant cancellation of any card for any door, door-ajar notification and battery status monitoring.

MGM Mirage Resorts conducted thorough research, including creating a management team with representatives from all of its properties to test and compare products based on a list of 78 different required features. The panel was formed in anticipation of future integration of technologies and operations between resorts, including a company-wide Mirage Resorts players club that would allow guests of one resort to shop, dine and play at sister properties using the same card. Bellagio is the second hotel in the MGM Mirage Resorts family to implement TimeLox’s system and Campbell says there are plans for more properties to switch to the online system.

One of the most applicable features to the Bellagio is the One-Card Solution capability, which would allow all the hotels to achieve a one-stop solution. The management team also took into consideration the locks’ ability for a dual-platform operation, which means it can read both magstripe and smart cards.

“We were operating a hard-key system,” Campbell says, “and that system was not going to give us the ability to swipe. The inevitable future is using it as a gaming system.”

The Bellagio will be able to use the system for other technologies, as well. The TimeLox solution uses the rooms’ INNCOM energy management system backbone, which runs on a CAT 5 cable. The benefits are twofold: It made for a pain-free installation, and Campbell says it will enable the Bellagio to be able to remotely manage both the thermostat and lock in the future.

Safer Choices

Even in-room safes have been introduced that allow hoteliers the option of upgrading to future technologies. In 2003, the 575-room Abuja Sheraton Hotel & Towers, Nigeria, began work on a major renovation plan with the needs of the corporate traveler in mind—developing classic executive rooms with modern amenities such as Internet access and wide-screen televisions. The Abuja Sheraton chose Elsafe’s Sentinel Advanced Safes for its 235 newly renovated executive rooms.

Abuja is located near the equator and, thus, has four months of rain followed by two months of wind and then a dry season. For this reason, the Sheraton conducted a pilot test for in-room safes that included safes from three different suppliers. Elsafe’s Sentinel Series was the only one that did not jam in such damp conditions.

Being able to endure the harsh weather conditions was only one part of the safes’ capabilities. Marco Battistotti, executive assistant manager of the hotel, says he wanted a safe that was user-friendly, but also allowed the hotel to upgrade and adapt to future technologies. The Sentinel series can be upgraded as new technology becomes available by replacing the front panel. Battistotti says the ability to change the locking technology easily was a major factor because it protected the hotel’s investment from becoming outdated. He attributes an increase of US$1 per occupied room to the installation of a safe, but more importantly he says, it largely contributes to increased customer satisfaction.

The safe also provides the Sheraton with the ability to print out the last 100 safe events via the hand-held SafeLink units. The safe also features anti-tamper labyrinths, extended solid-steel hinges and reprogrammable software.

Turning Old Into New

Many other new locking systems offer benefits aside from the option to upgrade—from aesthetic enhancements to extra durability. One such system is the new SAFLOKConfidant MT lock. The lock combines advanced electronic technology with compatibility for European standards.

Like many of its European neighbors, the Ibis Hotel, Czech Republic, faced challenges in upgrading its locks from traditional hard-keys to electronic locks. Using SAFLOK’s Confidant MT lock, the hotel was able to install an aesthetically pleasing lock (one that did not detract from the traditional architecture of the building). The Confidant MT features a snap-on, metal trim that fits in place of any European Din standard mortise lock (with an 8 mm spindle).

The lock offers benefits similar to that of other electronic systems such as FLASH memory, which allows properties to store up to 5,900 entries as well as add new software programs without changing the hardware. The Ibis uses it in conjunction with SAFLOK’s System 6000, a Windows-based operating system. The system can encode magstripe, memory and smart cards, which allows hotels to mix and match keycards used, without reprogramming.