The hotel door locking systems supplier should provide more than door locks. Hardware, electronic circuit components, software, and peripheral accessories comprise a complete and excellent hotel door lock system. It is more than a hotel room door lock. There are many factors that determine the quality of the hotel door lock system. For example, the hardware of the lock should be durable and easy to use. The electronic circuit shall be sensitive and stable in card reading, and the software shall be efficient and simple. These are what a qualified supplier should provide for the hotel.
A good hotel door lock system includes an elevator controller, common access controller, and other auxiliary equipment. The hotel door lock system supplier has many secrets you don’t know. As simple as everything seems, there are many complexities involved. Our first step should be to understand the unique industry background of the hotel door lock system suppliers.
1. What is the hotel door lock system?
We all know that hotels are used to providing customers with room keys. However, with the development and evolution of technology, standard hardware locks, and keys are becoming electronic. Now, the hotel electronic key card has replaced the standard key system. The old lock and key system also show many shortcomings.
In a typical lock and key system, the possibility of theft is actually huge. But now, the combination of the hotel door lock systems and the latest electronic hotel door lock system is more efficient and safe. When a person looks for a hotel, they will give priority to the safety of their luggage and articles as well as their safety. This means that they need an efficient hotel access control system.
Privacy is also an important factor for guests. In the commercial space where many people gather and stay an efficient thermal insulation door is needed to help keep out all interference. It is essential for any hotel to provide guests with complete privacy. The electronic hotel door lock system works best in this case and has been proven to be the most effective.
2. How does the hotel door lock system work?
Key card lock system is now widely used in hotels. If we try to explain, we can say that the appearance of the hotel electronic lock key card is very similar to that of the credit card. Now you may want to know how the key card works. So let’s explain. Digital security codes or unique unlock patterns are embedded in the key card. A key card provided by the hotel is required to open each door. Each door has mechanical functions.
As technology advances, key cards become more advanced and efficient. They have been enhanced with the latest technologies. Now various key cards are used, such as mechanical key cards for mechanical door locks in hotels and electronic key cards for electronic locking systems. In addition, the hotel also uses the RFID key card of the RFID hotel lock.
3. Different types of hotel door locks
There are many types of hotel door locks, including:
1) Standard lock
Standard locks are the most commonly used locks in hotels. Intruders cannot gain access to the hotel unless they have the correct key or card (usually from the front desk staff). The hotel room key is usually printed with the hotel logo or other identifying information to help identify whether you are staying in the hotel.
2) RFID Hotel Lock
As with standard locks, when you brush the authorized RFID hotel key card on the door lock panel (the part that turns the key), these locks use RFID technology to open the door. These are often cheaper than biometric ones, but they can still prevent theft and unauthorized access to your room while allowing employees to access without using keys every time they need to access them。
3) Biometric Hotel Lock
These systems will use biometric technologies such as fingerprint or iris scanning to determine the identity of a person before opening any door in institutions such as hospitals or government buildings (usually only management personnel). This type also usually costs more money.
4) Mobile Hotel Door Lock
If you want to ensure the safety of guests, moving the door lock is the right choice. With this type of lock, you can open it from any place in the world with an Internet connection.
5) Keyboard Lock
These types of locks can be used as independent devices or integrated with other electronic components (such as doorbells and intercom systems). They are easy to use and convenient, allowing you to track who enters and leaves your site. However, if you have a valuable property in the hotel, they may not be the safest choice, because there is no physical barrier between the outside world and your room.
6) Magnetic Door Lock
Magnetic locks are usually used in areas with high security, such as embassies or banks because they can be opened from any side without any key or password. Consequently, they are a great choice for hotels that want to offer maximum security and convenience to guests with disabilities.
4. History of hotel door lock system
As hotels sought to improve staff efficiency and provide good service, punch cards began to replace old locks and keys. The use of these punched cards is very similar to the use of a pin lock. The punch card needs to be placed in the cardholder.
Each card has a unique convex and hole pattern. They were able to open the lock due to their special design. It was Tor Sornes who was credited with popularizing punch cards in the 1970s. Instead of a one-time use card, he made one that can be used again through recording.
But when they became famous, charged magnetic strips replaced them. In 1960, magnetic stripe cards were introduced. The original reason for the invention of magnetic stripe card is that it is used for data storage like debit card and credit card. Security keys were later made from them. Perforated cards are more expensive and more difficult to operate than magnetic strip cards.
But if we talk about shortcomings, the magnetic stripe card and the perforated card are equal. Two later inventions helped revolutionize the card access system we see today. The first is the Internet. It changes the database and network process by making it server-based. Secondly, RFID has changed the degaussing problem of magnetic stripe cards.
5. Why is the hotel door lock system needed?
If we implement the advanced hotel door lock system, we will get more advanced security and privacy functions. With the advanced hotel door lock system, the manageability and scalability will also reach a new level.
Today, when all content can be accessed on your smartphone, it is necessary to implement it in every possible region to make full use of it. New opportunities were opened as a result of them. Physical keys are now a thing of the past. They have been replaced by numerical keys and rewritable plastic keys. Both the hotel and customers benefit from the new locking system and digitalization.
- Security – use relevant solutions to control access to areas
- Employee productivity – employees get more focused and concentrated work mode
- Guest convenience – no time-consuming front desk procedures
- Reduce operating costs – can be implemented in multiple guest room systems in an integrated way.
6. Is the hotel door lock system safe?
The hotel needs to provide reasonable security for its customers and employees. The hotel is installing electronic locks, firewalls, and other tools to improve security. One of the basic responsibilities of the access control system is to check any unauthorized entry or local movement.
Motion detectors, closed-circuit television, and electronic locking systems have also been incorporated into the hotel to enhance the security system of its premises.
7. Suppliers of various hotel door lock systems
In the simplest case, you will find that many companies that provide hotel management software (PMS) will also package and sell hotel locks. All hotel door locks need software to control them.
These software companies can better integrate the card-issuing function of hotel door locks into their hotel management system for packaging and sales. The advantage of choosing them is that you don’t have to worry about the compatibility of the hotel management system and the door lock because the software company has already debugged and integrated it.
However, software is an asset-light industry, and only a few computers and a few experienced engineers can form a software company. So the hardware is not their main business. During the installation and commissioning of a door lock purchased from a software company, you should pay special attention to the quality of the service. Many software companies have good software engineers, but they are not necessarily good at hardware debugging and service.
1) Traditional Lock (Hardware) Factory
Many mechanical door lock and hardware manufacturers have transformed into electronic door lock systems. The most famous ones are KABA (the top 5 of the current hotel electronic door lock system) and Hafele. KABA has a long history of mechanical locks. The hotel lock system began after the new millennium.
Baling is also a factory specializing in the production of traditional mechanical door locks in China. In recent years, he has set foot in the field of hotel electronic locks. Hardware manufacturing is one of these suppliers’ specialties.
In addition to beautiful surface treatment, their locks can also be very durable. However, system functions and electronic circuit components are not necessarily perfect and easy to use. It takes several years to collect customer feedback to continuously optimize system functions. A manufacturer transformed from a traditional door lock may not do well if its history is not long.
2) Circuit Company
In China, a large manufacturing country, due to the developed industrial chain, many enterprises that only do electronic circuits can become suppliers of hotel locks.
In fact, they control the electronic components, that is, the brain of the hotel door lock. Take advantage of mature supply chain industrial clusters, put their electronic components on the purchased hardware, and make a complete system for sales.
The systems of these companies are powerful, but the quality control of hardware is mixed, and the style is outdated. In addition to the three main types mentioned above, there are many other types of suppliers.
3) Hotel Supplies Dealer
These companies usually sell daily necessities of hotels, from small tools such as towels, electric kettles, and hair dryers, to large items such as televisions and air conditioners. Electronic door locks and various locks are also included in its business scope.
Such suppliers will find some manufacturers to make OEM orders. They will affix their product logo on the surface of the door lock shell and in the software. They have no R&D and manufacturing capabilities. So you will think about where you have seen their style. In fact, other manufacturers changed their brands. They are distributors of hotel supplies.
- Harle-Philippines
- JVD-Singapore
4) System Integrator
In the field of building automation and security systems, many such companies provide various services. The business scope covers closed circuit television, IT network, weak current engineering, etc. The system integrator obtains customers and lives by providing system installation and maintenance. Such companies have a large number of engineering implementation personnel.
They are generally agents of the original brand products, so if they have a better solution for the hotel door lock system, they can consider it. After all, these integrators are based locally. If there is a problem with the product, you can call someone to solve it.
5) Online Traders
Open the world’s largest business-to-business (B2B) alibaba.com, 95% of which are traders. These traders have no production and R&D capabilities. They just sell and enter the market at the lowest price through online sales.
Therefore, you may even find that the same style is sold in online stores by multiple sellers – in fact, they all come from the same manufacturer. Don’t be confused by the beautiful picture above. Apart from the cheap price, the door lock is almost useless. If you only want to be cheap and choose the seller above, you can only ask for more. If there is a problem with the product, you will need to make a long-distance call or send an email, and you will not be able to get any local services.
6) Door Lock Maintenance Service
This kind of service has been very mature in North America, forming a complete industry. Since the electronic door locks of modern hotels first appeared in North America, the inventory of electronic door locks in its hotels is huge.
Accordingly, the annual maintenance volume is also large. We set up a company that provides hotel lock maintenance and upgrades (such as magnetic card locks and RFID card locks).
These service providers are specialized in the repair and replacement of well-known hotel lock brands and second-hand transactions. Some companies stood out and began to make hotel door locks of their own brands. iLockey is a company engaged in the maintenance business and has started its hotel lock business.
7) Security Product Manufacturer
Some security product manufacturers also produce hotel electronic door locks, which is a cross-border business for them, such as ZKSOFTWARE.
Security products are similar to hotel electronic door locks, but they are quite different. There are not many styles available from such manufacturers, and their products are not necessarily professional. But the brand awareness will be relatively large.
8) Local OEM Brand
There are also some regional brands:
- Eastern Europe Amadeo
- VENTAZA, Indonesia
- Hotel, Netherlands
- Godrej, India
- Thailand Great Lock
In fact, most of these regional brands are operated through OEM, only for sales, installation, and after-sales service. The advantage of these suppliers lies in their high degree of localization and their understanding of the needs of local users in terms of marketing. In terms of price, they also try to combine the local economic conditions. It gives people a special sense of reliability, but whether the actual product is good or not, depends on luck. Because reputation and brand image can be built on money.
The door lock of the hotel is crucial to the safety and comfort of the guests. You want to ensure that your customers can rest assured because they know they are safe in your hotel. In addition, the practical smart door lock will save you and your employees a lot of time and resources.
8. What are the 8 best hotel door locking systems？
It is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of each hotel door lock system before choosing one. You will then be able to determine which hotel door lock system is appropriate for your door.
1) Mechanical Door Lock for Hotel
The traditional hotel mechanical door lock has a basic structural design and is the most common type of door lock. They provide worry-free installation and budget.But if we consider large commercial hotels and places, this mechanical door lock is inefficient. They are easy to pick.
- Knob lock
It is more widely used in interior doors and is one of the most commonly used door lock types.
- Deadbolt Locks
These are safe and can resist intrusion; They provide better security.
- Padlock
These designs are original and have different shapes.
The plunger lock is the most complex, including all types of mechanical locks. The locking system consists of a cam and a set screw.
- Portable hotel door locks for hotel travelers
Portable door locks can be used to lock doors that require additional locking devices. In this way, security can be improved to multiple levels by using portable hotel locks. These are the most suitable hotel locks for travelers.
- Hotel door lever lock
A hotel door rod lock, which has one or more lugs connected to the door frame and rod, is called a hotel door rod lock. Bar locks provide enhanced security measures to protect hotel doors.
- Hotel chain lock
The hotel chain lock is equipped with a chain joint on the door frame connected to the door panel. These are mainly used for doors of hotel rooms. They provide privacy for guests and let them meet strangers without fully opening the door.
- Advantages and disadvantages
It is low cost and there are no other functions except locking and unlocking. There is no potential to enhance the value of the hotel. The elderly or disabled cannot use it easily.
- Application range
The interior door of the hotel, such as the bathroom door, bedroom door, and other room doors require additional security protection.
2) Hotel Electronic Door Lock System
Electronic locks can be seen almost everywhere. You can see them everywhere. In addition, the electronic hotel door lock system is the most commonly used hotel lock system.
The hotel’s electronic door lock system is convenient to use and does not require much maintenance and installation. They are also called digital locks. They are also more efficient and safer than traditional locking systems and are the first choice for electronic door locks in hotel rooms. They are considered to be the best choice for apartment or bedroom door locks.
They contain various characters and do not require Internet access. If you want to know how to open the hotel’s electronic door lock, just use the electronic key card. Generally, the types of hotel electronic lock systems usually include the main types of Thress: key card hotel door lock system, keyboard hotel door lock system, and mobile application hotel door lock system.
3) Key Card Hotel Door Lock System
The door card reader is installed on each door to use the hotel key card and process them in a specific way to operate the required door within a given time range. The hotel access management system groups door locks according to the number of users in the same group and the audit trail.
Magnetic strips and swiping cards are economical for large hotels, but they cannot be used for a long time because they wear out quickly and are less safe than other alternatives. RFID cards are more expensive than other hotel key card locks and hotel magnetic locks.
In the hotel key card lock system, the key card is combined with the magnetic strip to store all information that is allowed to enter the corresponding room door of the hotel. The hotel key card encoder helps to prepare the information. This information only relates to basic details such as name, telephone number, date, and room number.
4) RFID Key Card Hotel Door Lock System
RFID means radio frequency identification. The term refers to the use of electromagnetic waves for recognized purposes. The transmitter and receiver are non-contact and work by identifying objects and people.
For RFID or inductive cards, there is no need for sliding movement, because the radio frequency they use operates in a small range, so it is called proximity. The non-contact card is about the RFID card in the Mifare hotel door lock system. However, the sensor card needs minimum contact with the RFID reader to operate the door.
Smart cards also belong to the category of contactless cards. They use microchips to carry information. Any hotel that wants to modernize its security system will choose smart cards, even if they are expensive.
RFID hotel door locks can also be combined with electronic door locks. To this end, the chip is processed and converted into a small transponder. It is located on the door related to the hotel access control system. The authorization and identification process is completed through radio frequency. The supplier decides the appearance of the guest transponder. It can be a key chain, bracelet, or card.
5) ShineACS Locks RFID Key Card Hotel Door Lock System
RFID hotel key card is superior to manual key and barcode in all aspects, and both of them are easy to forget. Let’s take a look at some advantages of RFID hotel locks over traditional lock and key mechanisms.
- Easy to forge: no such device can copy radio signals, so it is safer.
- Customizable and reprogrammable: RFID hotel key cards only provide access to locks for a specific period of time. This specific programming provides effective management and work by locking any unnecessary movement in unauthorized areas.
- Anonymous: There is no specific identification mark. Only the actual user and the hotel door lock system software can identify the card and its authorization.
- Convenient deactivation process: In case the card is misplaced or stolen, deactivation helps prevent any unnecessary use.
- Economical and feasible: the traditional hotel door lock system needs to replace the entire door lock if the key is lost, but it is easy to discard the card authorization without changing the key card.
- Advantages and disadvantages
Different guests use exclusive RFID cards; The lock cannot be unlocked when the power is off. No need to carry a mechanical key. Centralized and unified management with hotel door lock software. The valid time can be set for the RFID card and RFID cards can be used to control room power supply and hotel elevator.
- Application range
Most modern hotels require centralized and unified management of hotel rooms.
6) Magnetic Card Access Control System
All magnetic stripe cards contain a magnetic stripe containing the details of the guests. The user access number is the most important and unique information encoded in the card. The hotel staff will provide the cardholder information to the guests. The card has a fixed use time from check-in to check-out.
The card reader is installed on the hotel door. When the hotel door reads the card information, they will lock or unlock it. The key card lock of the hotel provides a simplified access process. After exchanging the magnetic key card in the hotel’s magnetic access control system, the information on the card strip comes from the sensor on the door lock.
This is the process of the hotel door lock system with a magnetic stripe key card. The installation of information in the card can be completed manually or through central system management. Traditional keyholes are also used in various hotels.
- Lower cost compared with RFID card lock; The magnetic field is easy to demagnetize the magnetic card;
- It is convenient to use and requires magnetic card swiping; The slot of the magnetic card reader is easy to be contaminated with dust;
- Mature technology; Magnetic cards are rarely reused;
- The lock cannot be unlocked when the power is off.
It is applicable to low-cost and economical hotels with low-end and low-cost demand.
7) Key Code Hotel Door Lock System
Keyboard-hotel lock is mainly used to open the door by inputting the correct number password through the keyboard or touch keyboard. However, in general, traditional hotels no longer use this password hotel door lock system. At present, the password lock system is mainly used in Airbnb hotels, apartment hotels, and short-term rental houses.
- Multi-user access; The password needs to be changed regularly;
- Password door opening is more reliable in an emergency; The password is easy to be disclosed;
- The password is easy to remember;
- Multiple users can use it.
It is applicable to apartment hotels, Airbnb hotels, and rental houses that need to be used and managed independently.
8) Mobile Key Hotel Door Lock System
The mobile key hotel lock system allows hotel guests to use mobile phones to complete the check-in process without close contact and avoid possible infection with COVID-19.
Of course, the mobile key hotel lock system is usually not suitable for traditional hotels, especially if your goal is to reduce operating costs. Mobile phone key hotel lock system mainly allows users to unlock hotel rooms with mobile phones through Bluetooth or WIFI technology. You can also open the door by sending passwords and Bluetooth keys remotely. The mobile key hotel system is mainly used in high-end apartments and rental houses.
Advantages and disadvantages:
- Fast check-in experience; Mobile phone is required;
- Non-contact safe check-in; Bluetooth or WIFI is required;
- Open the door easily with a mobile phone; You may need to install additional applications;
- Multiple door-opening modes are available. It is inconvenient for the elderly or those who seldom use mobile phones.
- Bluetooth key or password can be sent remotely to open the door.
It is applicable to high-end hotels, apartments, and rental houses with high safety requirements.
9. What you need to consider when choosing a hotel door lock
Here are the factors you should consider when choosing a hotel door lock.
1) Safety
When choosing the door lock for your hotel, the first consideration is undoubtedly safety. Your guests believe that you will ensure their safety, which requires a safe environment for them to enjoy the accommodation.
Safety is the most important thing in hotels because people often carry a lot of cash and valuables, such as jewelry or electronic products when they travel, and they don’t want to steal them – or worse, if they live in an all-inclusive resort, where they have paid thousands of dollars (or even more) in advance for the holiday package.
When selecting locks for hotel doors, safety is the most important consideration. You want to ensure that the lock is durable, elastic, and wear-resistant. Your guests will use this door lock day after day; Therefore, it must be easy to operate; Otherwise, if there is any problem, they may try to open the door. In addition, you need a hotel door lock that can withstand any weather conditions from summer heat waves to winter storms!
2) Convenience
When selecting the door lock, make sure it is easy to use. Convenience is the key to hospitality. The last thing you want is to make it difficult for your guests to enter their rooms. In addition, ensure that the lock can be easily installed on the door. Installing a new lock on a hotel door shouldn’t result in an employee or guest breaking their waist.
It is also important that the maintenance of these locks is easy so that employees will not waste too much time maintaining them every day or every week during busy hours (such as weekends). Make sure to replace the broken lock without any complications – this includes quick replacement if necessary!
Installing, maintaining, repairing, and cleaning your hotel door lock is determined by the local type you choose. If the door lock of your hotel has a problem in an emergency (for example, when an unruly guest breaks into someone else’s room), how long will it take the maintenance personnel of another company to repair it for you? Can they do this without causing damage to your property inside and outside, and without causing inconvenience to the guests who may have stayed there at nightfall?
3) Cost
Cost is the second most important consideration because it will determine how much you must spend on locks. The cost of different types of locks varies greatly. Locks can cost as little as $50 or as much as $250. You should select the model that is suitable for your budget and provides the required functions without damaging your bank account.
Many factors affect pricing; Some manufacturers offer discounts for bulk orders, while others charge extra for custom options such as custom colors or personalized options. The materials used will also affect the price: stainless steel is usually more expensive than plastic, but it has a longer service life and requires less maintenance.
4) Reputation of hotel door lock manufacturer
It will be helpful if you also consider the reputation of the hotel lock manufacturer. The longer a company operates, the more likely it is to enjoy its reputation and win customer satisfaction. Find comments on Amazon or Yelp, or ask other hotel owners for suggestions on specific brands.
More importantly, you will want to know that every lock has a lifetime warranty provided by the manufacturer – this is their confidence in their products! If there is any problem with the lock during its service life (this does not happen frequently), please contact customer service immediately。 They will do their best to solve your problem quickly and effectively.
Finally, please consider whether the hotel nearby uses the door lock of this brand, and then make your own decision; If many high-quality hotels in the town are using these types of locks, your hotel will probably be satisfied!
5) Ensure the safety and comfort of guests
As a hotel manager, you must ensure that the safety and comfort of guests are the top priority. This is why you should choose the most appropriate hotel door lock according to the specific requirements of the hotel.
Ensuring security and convenience is very important to select the most appropriate door lock for your hotel. Cost is also important, but don’t forget quality! When checking the price, you must also check the reputation of the manufacturer: if the lock has problems (and does) during its service life, who can I call to repair it? Are they trustworthy?
Finally, make sure you know what you want to buy when you choose products from different companies – don’t choose the products that appear first on Google because of the low price; Instead, study each product so that you can know exactly what features its contains and how easy it is for employees who have never seen them before.
10. Conclusion
After looking at the various hotel door locks available on the market, it is easy to see that you can choose from a variety of functions and options.
Please remember that each hotel has unique requirements, so when deciding the best type of door lock for your enterprise, please consider whether each choice meets your specific needs before making any final decision.
