VingCard Elsafe has announced the launch of a new service that enables hotel guests to check in remotely through their PC or smart phone and receive room keys directly to their NFC-enabled phone.
Compatible with existing contactless locks, the solution uses NFC as a secure delivery infrastructure for distributing and managing virtual keys securely on mobile devices. These virtual room keys are sent to the guest’s NFC phone on the day of arrival, allowing the guest to bypass the front desk and head straight to their room, says VingCard. The door is opened by simply holding the phone within 10 cm of the lock.
Built around VingCard’s VISIONLINE system, the solution features standalone electronic locks that communicate with a central property server, eliminating the need to manually encode key cards, cancel master cards and check battery life. A remote audit trail and live card-tracking capabilities are also provided, as well as optional communication functionality designed to keep hotel management constantly in the loop via automated text message or email.
VingCard says their solution also provides end-to-end security by making it impossible for unauthorized people to use a lost or stolen mobile phone. Security managers can add, remove or update access rights for any of the users instantly, regardless of if the doors are online or offline.
According to Shea, VingCard is looking into a pilot that would incorporate its NFC locking technology into the existing Aloft Smart Check-In program. ![[end]](/resources/bullet/nfcnews-4.gif)
