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Based on understanding the wants and needs of architects, designers, security experts and hoteliers, VingCard’s new Signature Series improves the look and feel of the guestroom door lock; makes it easier for guests to use key-cards when entering their rooms; and offers a variety of optional designer handles.

MOSS, NORWAY | With the introduction of the world’s first recodable door lock in 1979, VingCard re-invented the hospitality security industry. Today, VingCard has re-invented hospitality security design with the advent of Signature by VingCard.

The new Signature Series electronic-locking solution was created for the worldwide hospitality market and will make its debut in at the International Hotel/Motel & Restaurant Show in New York, November 13 -15 at the Jacob K. Javitz Convention Center (Booth No. 3138).

“We are eager to officially kick-off our global launch of Signature by VingCard at the IH/M&R Show,” said Pascal Metivier, President of ASSA ABLOY Hospitality for Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America. ASSA ABLOY Hospitality is the parent company for VingCard Elsafe. “Not only has Signature by VingCard shown that its design is highly-coveted by security experts, hoteliers and designers around the world, but it proves that VingCard Elsafe is truly attuned to the needs of travelers and hoteliers worldwide.”

Metivier said pre-launch presentations to several hotel chains around the world, which were held in the last several months, have already resulted in securing exclusive agreements which will be announced shortly.

Extensive Research
“At VingCard Elsafe we really listen to our customers’ needs and do extensive research on what the market demands in order to continually develop new products and services that provide the ultimate in global security solutions for hospitality,” said Tod Fitzpatrick, president of VingCard Elsafe North America. “What we found was that boutique, luxury and high-end hotels in particular want every element of the hotel – from interior design to technology/hardware design – to be visually appealing to each and every user. Thus, we have created Signature by VingCard, an electronic lock that is design-centric in nature and appeals to the most sophisticated, discerning tastes.”

According to Fitzpatrick, extensive knowledge of the hospitality market drove the design effort by Bresslergroup, a world renowned industrial design firm with significant human factors expertise. VingCard partnered with Bresslergroup in December 2004 to help design a new lock that took hotel guests and staff utilization into consideration. Bresslergroup’s experience in the hospitality industry with human factors/ergonomics and design for people with disabilities were key aspects in this development process.

“The result from this partnership can be seen in the unveiling of Signature by VingCard in New York,” Fitzpatrick said. “Everyone will have the chance to discover how Signature blends within any hotel style.”

The development team understood that the majority of electronic lock manufacturers have been traditionally focused on purely functional aspects with many different alternatives for guests to interact with the electronic locks, thus driving end-users to an overall confusing experience.

Further, the team understood that most hoteliers, architects and interior designers prefer a more aesthetically pleasing door locks since the door is the first impression a guest has of the room. As such, the development team determined that:

• The lock must have minimal hardware on the outside of the door to respect corridor design.
• The design of the lock needs to combine horizontal insertion with graphic design support to make user interaction with the electronic lock intuitive.
• The position and height of the lock must fit the largest population of users, including disabled guests.
• Guests have a clear preference for a fixed handle in a locked position (versus a rotating one) because it reinforces the perception of strength and security.
• There should be a large selection of handle designs and finishes to choose from.
• It must offer an optional mechanical override feature with audit trail tracking.
• Maximum serviceability is required and therefore a modular design is preferred.
• Core technology of the lock needs to be upgradeable, as well as the reader technology.

Global Appeal, Designer Handles
“Signature delivers the same security reliability that VingCard is known for around the world, wrapped in a flexible, style-conscious system,” Metivier said. “It is available in all of VingCard’s finishes, including two alternative bezel styles (Signature Trend for contemporary designs and Signature Décor for more traditional styles).”

Metivier said research has also shown that finishes for door handles should match the hotel’s own style—hotels with a contemporary style lean toward satin and polished chrome handles,; traditional style hotels tend to select brass finishes, and decorative hotels prefer brass and ornamentation. Therefore, VingCard has partnered with the prestigious Italian door handles manufacturer Valli & Valli, one of the international leaders in the production of architectural hardware, to give hotel designers the options they seek for each property.

An optional “Designers’ Collection” of exclusive handles created by some of the most renowned designers for Fusital, the top brand of Valli & Valli, will be added to the offer of Signature. The handles are designed by Foster and Partners, Yoshimi Kono, Gustav Peichl, Antonio Citterio, Gregotti Associati, Richard Meier, Sottsass Associati, Taller Design Ricardo Bofill, Massimilano and Doriana Fuksas, and Piano Design Workshop.

“In hotel segments where design integrity of the property is a top priority, there is a desire for the necessary lock hardware to blend into the environment, becoming virtually invisible to the end-user,” Metivier said. “With Signature by VingCard, only the bezel for card insertion and the designer handle are visible on the outside of the guestroom door. This minimal approach improves the look of the hallway and the guests’ first impressions. Like a chameleon that blends within its environment, the Signature series lock integrates effectively with every design style, giving the corridor a seamless appearance.”

Smart Prox en Route
Technology options also are a part of the flexible nature of the Signature by VingCard series. In view of the rising interest for RFID technology (Radio Frequency Identification, also called proximity), Signature by VingCard also offers an upgrade to Contact Less Technology. In this way, Signature will remain “new” for a long time, enabling hoteliers to invest in a lock that has longevity.

“The bottom line is that Signature by VingCard is universally attractive, easy to use and extremely secure,” Metivier said. “There’s minimal hardware on the outside of the door, a variety of designer handles to choose from, technology that can be upgradeable, and a host of design options and flexible configurations.”

For a first hand look at Signature by VingCard, visit Booth No. 3138 at the IH/M&R Show in New York. To pre-schedule a booth appointment, call (800) 225-8464.

Signature by VingCard Offers Attractive Security Options, Hoteliers Say Wednesday 30 November 2005

Signature by VingCard’ Gives Designers More Choices When Specifying an Electronic Lock and Gives Guests a Better Interactive Experience Monday 28 November 2005

Contact
Hege Breivik Bjørsagård
Marketing Manager
Phone: +47 69 24 50 44
Email: hbbjorsagard@vcegroup.com

Organization
Vingcard, an ASSA ABLOY brand
www.vingcard.com/
631 International Parkway, Suite 100
USA - Richardson, TX 75081
Tollfree: +1 800 225 8464
Phone: 1 972 907 2273

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