Everything you need to know about key cards in the hotel industry

Technology has transformed many aspects of our daily lives, and the hospitality sector is no exception. The emergence of key cards is a striking example. Used mainly to control access to hotel rooms, these small cards have revolutionised the way in which establishments manage safety and efficiency on a day-to-day basis.

Definition and general use of the key card

A key cardalso known as entry document or electronic keyis a card, often made of plastic, used to provide secure access to the Internet. a hotel room. Unlike traditional metal keys key cards usually contain a magnetic strip or RFID chip that communicates with the electronic door locking system.

The main advantages of key cards include :

• Increased security They are less easy to duplicate than traditional keys.
• Improved operational efficiency In the event of loss, simply deactivate the lost card and generate a new one.

The different types of key cards used

There are several types of key cards that hotels can use, each with its own unique features and benefits:

• Magnetic stripe cards These cards use a magnetic strip to store the information needed to unlock the door. Although they are commonly used and fairly economical, they can be subject to wear and tear and require regular maintenance.
• RFID cards These cards contain a chip that communicates by radio frequency with the locking system. RFID cards are more durable and harder to hack.
• Smart cards They have an integrated chip containing all the information necessary. They provide an even higher level of security and even allow advanced options such as activity tracking.

How key cards work

The process of using a key card starts as soon as you arrive at the hotel. Here's how it usually works:

1. Recording At reception, you will be issued with a key card specifically configured for your room.
2. Access to the room To access your room, simply swipe or tap your card against the reader on the door.
3. Maintenance and services Some key cards also give access to other areas of the hotel, such as the swimming pool, meeting rooms or spa.

In addition to their practicality, the key cards enable hotels to track entries and exits, adding another layer to security management and customer service.

Visual effects and customisation of key cards

The visual effects and personalisation are key aspects of keycards, contributing not only to security but also to the overall user experience. Many hotels choose to personalise their keycards with their logo, distinctive branding elements and sometimes even useful information for guests, such as a map of the hotel or promotional offers.

Here are some popular options for personalising key cards:

• Logos and colours Integrate the hotel logo and colours on the key card to reinforce the brand image.
• Texts and messages Add welcome messages or personalised instructions on how to use the facilities.
• Decorative elements Choose specific aesthetic designs, ranging from minimalist motifs to complex works of art.

Additional benefits of key cards

The key cards don't just open doors. They also offer a range of functions that make them the ideal solution for modernising hotel operations:

• Activity monitoring The new system allows you to monitor movements and optimise human resources, in particular housekeeping.
• Multi-purpose Used to access other services such as the restaurant, car park or sports facilities.
• Durability Less likely to break or get lost than traditional keys, reducing replacement costs.

These points show how key cards have become synonymous with convenience and ease of use.innovation in the hotel industry.

Technical considerations for key cards

A number of technical aspects need to be taken into account when installing key cards to ensure maximum efficiency:

• Hardware compatibility To ensure that the card readers and electronic locking systems are compatible with the type of key cards selected.
• Software update Keycard management software needs to be regularly updated to respond to new security threats.
• Staff training Employees need to be well trained to manage key card incidents, such as resetting or issuing new cards.

Mastering these elements will enable you to take advantage of the benefits offered by keycards while minimising the potential drawbacks.

Key card vs. other entry control methods

Compare the key cards with other traditional and modern entry control methods:

• Mechanical spanners Although simple and economical, they pose challenges in terms of duplication and loss. Upgrading to keycards therefore offers greater security.
• Numeric codes They offer a contactless solution but require a memory or device to store the code, which may not be suitable for all users. Keycards eliminate this problem by offering an easy-to-use tangible solution.
• Mobile applications Key cards: Increasingly used in large tech-savvy hotels, key cards allow guests to use their smartphone as a key. However, this requires a compatible smartphone and can cause connectivity problems, unlike key cards, which operate independently.

Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, but keycards remain an essential option for their simplicity and security.

Future key card innovations

The key card industry continues to evolve, with innovative possibilities for the years to come:

• Biometric integration Combine key cards with biometric sensors to add another layer of security.
• Smart cards Cards capable of interacting with IoT (Internet of Things), enabling customers to personalise their room environment via their recorded preferences.
• Durability Making eco-responsible key cards using recycled or biodegradable materials.

These inventions demonstrate our determination to constantly improve the performance of keycards and their growing adoption in the hotel industry.