FCS i-Guest, OpenWays puts mobile key into guests’ hands
05 March, 2013
category: NFC, Smart Cards
OpenWays, alongside FCS Computer Systems has announced a solution that could enhance mobile travel experiences for guests and benefit bottom lines for hotels.
FCS i-Guest — a self-service mobile application — is now outfitted with OpenWays’ Mobile Key, aiming to make the check-in process more convenient, personal and hassle free for guests.
Using its triple-play technology platform, which includes the Crypto Acoustic Credential, Pure NFC and RFID, OpenWays is hoping to enable guests to skip the traditional check-in process and open their room doors using any cell phone in the world— regardless of make, model or mobile network.
The FCS i-Guest app with built-in OpenWays Mobile Key is a smart phone app that enables users to access hotel information, room reservations, local attractions, restaurants, and other amenities. Upon checking in, they can also make service requests, listen to voicemails left in their room, guests can read text messages from the front office, place in-room dining orders, view membership points and redemptions and conduct express check-out direct from their device.
Travelers who elect to use the Mobile Key are given, electronically, the credential to access their room. Simply pressing the “unlock” button in the i-Guest app will provide a virtual room key to unlock the room door.
OpenWayss solution does not require hotels to purchase new locking mechanisms as it is compatible with all major electronic-locking systems currently on the market regardless of the card tech being employed— magnetic-stipe, smart card, proximity card, RFID cards, etc.
From a hospitality perspective, the solution cuts costs associated with the issuance and disposal of plastic keycards, saving time and labor costs, all while dampening the hotel’s carbon footprint.