Capitalizing on the highly successful introduction of “Signature by VingCard” electronic locks and its environmentally adaptable benefits in October 2005, VingCard releases a design-centric RFID/contact-less solution with more intuitive interaction, increased security and evolving technology PARIS, FRANCE | For VingCard, less is more when it comes to Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) technology. The global security leader has unlocked the future of RFID technology with the development of “Signature RFID by VingCard,” a contact-less electronic-locking system that debuted at “The Hotel Show” last week in Dubai with great success. Signature RFID will also be displayed as a preview for the North American market at the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition & Conference (HITEC) in Booth No. 300 June 19-22 at the Minneapolis (Minn.) Convention Center. “Simply stated, Signature RFID is unlike other contact-less security solutions on the hospitality market: it eliminates guest frustration since no key needs to be inserted into a lock; The RFID reader takes human factors and research into account in order to determine the right height for the largest population of guests—including those with disabilities; its upgradeable technology allows for ongoing system enhancements; And, it provides a new, interactive experience to guests while enhancing the image and design of your hotel environment,” he said. Built on Signature Series Success Upgrading from Signature mag-stripe or combo technology readers to RFID technology is done simply and quickly by replacing the reader unit and escutcheon only. Versatility and Compatibility are Key Differentiators ”Why would any hotel buy a limited, closed-platform security solution that meets only one standard?” Metivier said. “Like Signature, there is a great flexibility in Signature RFID’s technology adaptability. And due to our collaboration with Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX, PHI) Signature RFID is built to use the Near Field Communication (NFC) which is the new short-range wireless technology that combines the functionality of a reader and a card into one device and is being implemented in new generation cell phones. As a result, VingCard customers can use their guests’ NFC-ready cell phones to open their room doors. NFC is an easy-to-use, short range, secure wireless technology that is quickly becoming the technology of choice by operators, handset manufacturers, creditcard companies and public transport operators around the world for contact-less transactions, including secure payment and ticketing due to its strong consumer appeal and ease-of use. In fact, analysts predict that by 2010, 50% of cell phones in the world will be equipped with NFC chips, including Nokia, Samsung, LG, Sony and Ericsson brands (Source: ABI Research). “Most people carry their mobile phone with them wherever they go, so the possibility to use the phone to conduct daily transactions, such as transport ticketing and access control, adds great value for consumers,” stated Dominique Brule, segment marketing manager, mobile communications, Philips Semiconductors. “Together VingCard and Philips have created a way for guests to use their personal cell phone for guestroom access, as well as a solution for hotel staff and security personnel to use cellular technology for access to back-of-the-house and other private areas. It’s a full-proof, future-proof solution. Guest Preference and Brand Differentiation “VingCard Elsafe has not only designed a solution that offers the maximum flexibility in technology and communications standards, but which also brings maximum flexibility in RFID carriers and offer Hotels tools to enhance the service they provide to their guests,” Metivier said. “Providing versatility among carriers helps to increase guest satisfaction and provide a new, value-added experience to guests.” He explained that standard customers may be presented with an RFID keycard while business-class guests or those staying on executive floors may be given the option to use a keyfob carrier or their own personal cell phones as their room key. Season properties, such as ski or beachfront resorts that offer all-inclusive packages, can offer convenient RFID wristbands. This form of RFID carrier enables guests to walk around the facilities, (pool, golf course, spa, gift shops, ski lodge, ski lifts, and so forth.) and purchase goods and services without having to carry the room keycard. By color-coding the wrist bands, resorts can easily identify between groups, VIPs and first-time guests. Peripheral hotel systems, such as pointof- sale and property-management solutions, also can be integrated with the RFID wristband system to record transactions. U.S.-based hotel companies wanting to get a sneak peek of Signature RFID preview should visit VingCard Booth No. 300 at HITEC. For more information on the system’s release in the U.S., call VingCard Elsafe Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing Ken Brown at (972) 692-3111 or email kbrown@vcegroup.com
Metivier said Signature RFID was built on the successful security and design drivers of the company’s new Signature series electronic lock (which was introduced in Dubai in May 2005). Since then, “Signature by VingCard” has been successfully welcomed by the global hospitality industry, becoming the preferred electronic lock for some of the largest international hotel chains such as: Marriott International, Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, Rezidor SAS Hospitality, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, among many others. Signature by VingCard delivers the same security reliability that VingCard is known for around the world, wrapped in a flexible, style-conscious system.
Metivier explained that proximity or contact-less locks that were installed in hotels in the late 1990’s have a limited 125kHz frequency range, compared to the 13.56 MHz frequency range of the Signature RFID. In addition, earlier systems may not be compliant with today’s RFID standards and peripheral technology protocols.
Because Signature RFID is compatible with a wide range of proximity carriers,
Metivier said hotels can provide guest personalization by customizing RFID carriers
for guest differentiation, identifying between standard and VIP guests. VingCard’s
customizable carriers include: low-cost guest keycards, long-lasting staff keycards,
key fobs and wristbands.
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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