Due to recent global events, today’s travelers are aware of the vulnerabilities and potential dangers of being away from home. Hotels have responded to this by beefing up their security systems to provide the safest environment possible for their guests and staff. Establishments traditionally turn to locks for access control, installing mechanical and electronic locks both at the front and back of the house.
Due to recent global events, today's travelers are aware of the vulnerabilities and potential dangers of being away from home. Hotels have responded to this by beefing up their security systems to provide the safest environment possible for their guests and staff. Establishments traditionally turn to locks for access control, installing mechanical and electronic locks both at the front and back of the house.
Presently, it appears that electronic locks are dominating the field. IHS forecasted that the global market for electronic locks is set to surpass US$1 billion in 2015 and according to Vegard Prytz, VP and Regional Director of APAC at
Assa Abloy Hospitality, electronic locks accounts for over 80 percent of the market in Asia and has an annual growth of approximately 6.5 percent. Since these locks can enhance security and provide the framework for future integration with other systems, many hotels consider this as a worthwhile investment in their property.
Picking the Right Hotel Lock
Although aesthetics is an important consideration in hotel lock selection, functionality is still the utmost priority for hotel operators. "The most important thing is the security the lock provides; there are several critical parts in a lock as well as the possibility to hack the electronics in the locks. The other important part is the quality of the lock; this is for the guest convenience since there is nothing more annoying than a situation wherein you cannot enter the room due to a malfunctioning key card," said Prytz.
Electronic locks should also be compliant with fire safety and functional test regulations that varies depending on the country or region.
The location and function of the lock should also be taken into consideration, "A guestroom door lock must 'dovetail' into the overall design aesthetic of the hotel; however, storerooms, meeting rooms, offices, passage doors, staff lockers etc. should have a product designed 'fit for use' installed, which should also be able to be operated with the same key as the guestroom lock," commented David Rees, VP of APAC at
Salto Systems Asia.
Choices with regards to lock finish and design are quite subjective, wholly dependent on what the client wants or needs to complement the overall look of the property but some generalities can be made. "In Asia, the size of the lock should be as small as possible and even hidden in the door where only the lever is visible. There is also higher focus on the lever design," Prytz added.
As lock designs progressively get more minimal and streamlined, it is important not to lose sight that guests need to operate them, almost without thought. "On top of its' security function, a guestroom lock should be discreet and intuitive to use, so that a guest enters their room virtually without pausing," said Rees. "If I have to stop and wonder where to 'badge' then the lock has failed the 'practicality' test."