Hotel Technology Next Generation

MADISON HEIGHTS, MI --Global electronic hotel lock provider SAFLOK™, a Kaba Group company, and MTech, the hotel industry's premier provider of Internet-enabled work flow management systems, have successfully introduced a new web services interface. This interface processes information in real-time from the SAFLOK locks to MTech's hotel service optimization system HotSOS (pronounced "hot sauce") using SAFLOK's Messenger LENS (Lock Event Notification System).

The first property to benefit from this interface is AAA Four Diamond theWit Hotel, a new luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of the Chicago Loop at State and Lake Streets. This property has been online since June with more than 300 SAFLOK Quantum™ ädəsē™ locks.

According to Darrin Pinkham, chief technology officer for theWit, "Real-time communication gives hotel management the ability to more proactively respond to an issue before a guest notices. This will significantly improve the operational aspects of running a hotel and thereby enable us to provide superior service to our guests."

"theWit and all other customers can benefit greatly from having applications that share information," says SAFLOK's Kerry Hirschy, senior vice president of sales and marketing, Kaba Lodging Systems. The introduction of the LENS module allows for any number of focused concurrent connections with other systems, providing real-time notifications. This means that guest services, security, housekeeping, and maintenance can all run targeted real-time applications to improve effectiveness.

According to Luis Segredo, president of MTech, HotSOS expands the capabilities of SAFLOK's LENS by turning information into action. "What HotSOS integration adds to the equation is getting out tasks to the appropriate hotel staff in real-time and putting in place a flawless system to track the speedy completion of the task or guest service requested. This is a true best-of-breed solution."

For example, SAFLOK communicates to HotSOS when a door is left ajar. HotSOS then creates a service order in real-time that is sent out to security staff. Once security has investigated and taken appropriate action, they close the task.

Door ajar is just one example of a security notification that will provide significant benefit to the property. Messenger LENS provides an extensive schedule of notifications that include Guest Services, Reservations, Facilities, Housekeeping, and Back Office alerts, all of which are supported by the SAFLOK and MTech interface.

"MTech continues to examine hotel operations and form relationships in hotels and with technical suppliers to improve guest service," Segredo said. "We are committed to that mission every day as we move forth and help our industry peers and our customers grow.

Echoing Segredo's sentiments Hirschy adds, MTech is a dynamic technology leader and the interface between our systems will help realize a wealth of functions that enhance hotel operations and ultimately guest satisfaction.

About theWit Hotel
AAA Four Diamond theWit Hotel (201 N. State St.) is a new luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of Chicago's energetic Loop theater district. theWit is a flagship property developed by Scott Greenberg of the ECD Company and is affiliated with the Doubletree brand of Hilton Hotels. Clients enjoy the benefits of membership in HHonors, Hilton's reward program for loyal guests. Four-diamond service with a clever twist is the hallmark of theWit experience, and the hotel's stylishly irreverent character is inspired by the culture and self-expression so inherent in its urban surroundings. Designed by Chicago architect Jackie Koo with interiors by Cheryl Rowley, theWit holds 238 hotel rooms; 60 suites; two full floors of meeting and event space; SCREEN, a state-of-the-art multimedia theater; and three dining concepts: cibbo matto, STATE AND LAKE, and a 27th-floor lounge, ROOF. The property also offers guests an opportunity for tranquility at its full-service spa (Spa@theWit) and health club. theWit is a sleek, contemporary hotel offering a new kind of lifestyle hospitality experience. www.thewithotel.com

About MTech | Since 1993, MTech has developed and installed solutions to help hotels work smarter — not harder. The company serves more than 1,800 hotels in over 40 countries. Focused on improving guest service by improving efficiency, MTech offers HotSOS, PMWorks, REX and now Libra OnDemand. All MTech solutions today are enterprise level, SaaS solutions that offer maximum value with limited investment. MTech also provides consulting and training services to help customers achieve maximum value from their investments. It serves its customers from data centers in Miami, Las Vegas and Hong Kong, and its company headquarters are in Miami. For more information on the company, please visit www.m-tech.com.

About SAFLOK | SAFLOK has been a member of the Kaba group since 2006. As a market innovator, SAFLOK has nearly 30 years of experience designing, manufacturing, and distributing electronic locks and systems. Its solutions are installed globally in the hospitality, lodging, multihousing, and commercial markets. SAFLOK is committed to delivering best in class solutions that help properties achieve improved operations and reduced costs. www.saflok.com

About Kaba Holding AG | Kaba is a globally active, publicly traded security corporation. With its "Total Access" strategy, the Kaba Group is specialized in integrated solutions for security, organization, and convenience at building and information access points. Kaba is also the world market's number-one provider of key blanks, key cutting and coding machines, transponder keys, and high-security locks. It is a leading provider of electronic access systems, locks, master key systems, hotel locking systems, security doors, and automatic doors. www.kaba.com

Contact
Dena Reyes
Marketing Communications Manager
Phone: 407.438.7949
Email: dena.reyes@kaba.com