Signature RFID by VingCard communicates design flexibility in color
07 November, 2007
category: Biometrics, Contactless, NFC
Designer door locks available to match the hotel’s environment have been released by hotel security provider VingCard. The contactless locking hardware comes in four colors–green, blue, red and orange allowing VingCard to provide an electronic-locking system for hospitality that speaks directly to designers’ and architects’ requests for a solution that doesn’t detract from the aesthetics of the guestroom corridor.
Paris — Oscar Wilde, a 19th century Irish poet and dramatist, said: “Mere color, unspoiled by meaning, and unallied with definite form, can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways.”
VingCard, a global leader in hotel security technology, has announced that in addition to providing more guest satisfaction, more selection and more security through its Signature RFID solution, it now offers even more adaptability by making the standard black RFID reader available in one of four optional colors: Green, Blue, Red and Orange.
“Our new, colorful Signature RFID readers speak directly to the ongoing demands of the hospitality design community,” said Pascal Metivier, President ASSA ABLOY Hospitality Europe/Middle East/Africa/Latin America. “While other lock manufacturers continue to play catch-up in developing solutions that are design-centric, VingCard is once again a step ahead by adding a splash of color to our readers in order to add even more versatility to our lock designs and enable the door hardware to truly blend in with the hotel environment.”
VingCard became the first manufacturer to design an electronic-locking system for hospitality that spoke directly to designers’ and architects’ requests for a solution that did not detract from the aesthetics of the guestroom corridor. In 2005, Signature by VingCard became the industry’s first electronic-lock series to feature a minimal-hardware design complemented by Designers’ Collection door handles from Valli&Valli. Signature RFID was launched in June 2006.
“VingCard now offers a wide range of exclusive reader colors to add an even more unique, personal touch to hotel décor and design,” Metivier said. “By adding optional colors to our standard black RFID reader, we are strengthening our ‘chameleon’ approach to blending door hardware with its environment. After all, that’s what hoteliers, architects and designers asked for. At VingCard Elsafe, ‘We Listen.'”
All elements of Signature RFID are designed to complement each other and the hotel décor. The metallic RFID reader ring matches the finish of the standard and Designers’ Collection door handles.
Working with famous Italian handle crafter Valli & Valli, VingCard partnered with the following renowned designers for its Designers’ Collection door handle series: Norman Foster and Partners, Yoshimi Kono, Gustav Peichl, Antonio Citterio, Gregotti Associati, Richard Meier, Sottsass Associati, Taller Design Ricardo Bofill and Piano Design Workshop.
“Style needs to be in every detail of the hotel,” said Carlo Edoardo Valli, owner of the world renowned Italian door handle design company. “One of the first things that a guest touches when he or she walks into any room or building is a door handle. As the leader in door handle design worldwide, Valli & Valli takes style very seriously. When you touch one of our door handles, it gives you a very good feeling. A lot of effort is put into making our handles literally fit into your hand. Whether on a conscious or subconscious level, when you grasp our handles you say to yourself: ‘Wow this is really different.”
Metivier said the combination of the Designers’ Collection door handles coupled with colorful Signature RFID readers opens a new world to designers’ and architects’ imagination. He anticipates that with the new color options for Signature RFID, even more hoteliers and designers around the world will be attracted to the security solution than ever before. Signature RFID reader colors also can be used to compliment the hotel’s own signature logo and can be customized to match personalized or branded RFID keycards, wristbands and keyfobs.
“We are proud to say that VingCard offers a security solution for every taste, every hotel segment, every budget and every designers’ or architects’ imagination,” he added.
In addition to its colorful design, Signature RFID provides leading edge security and convenience for the guests. The system is perfect for harsh environments where traditional magnetic or contact smart cards readers may not fare well, such as beachfront properties and other wet climate. Since the interface between card and reader is “contactless,” the reader is sealed so that it is virtually impervious to harsh climates. In addition, this contactless solution eliminates guest frustration since no key needs to be inserted into a lock – the keycard only needs to come in close proximity to the card reader.
New Finish for Extreme Conditions
Properties located in harsh environments also can benefit from the new Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) finish that protects electronic locks from extreme conditions. The PVD finish protects against corrosion, UV beams, salt, aggressive cleaning products and more. PVD locks are covered by a 10-year warranty and come available in Satin Chrome / Satin Brass or Polished Chrome / Polished Brass finishes.
“Signature RFID is developed as an open-platform RFID lock that is design centric, guest friendly and compatible with all main RFID ISO standards (ISO 14443 A-MIFARE, ISO 14443 B, ISO 15693) and the new Near Field Communication (NFC) secure transaction platform, soon to be deployed in cell phones worldwide,” Metivier said. “In addition, it is the first electronic-locking solution that offers the unique ability to establish brand differentiation through customized RFID keys while making hotel corridors look great at the same time.”
About VingCard Elsafe
The world leader in hotel security technology, ASSA ABLOY Hospitality has products installed in more than 35,000 properties worldwide, securing in excess of 6 million hotel rooms. The ASSA ABLOY Group, a publicly listed company, is a world leader in security and hospitality systems. VingCard provides numerous electronic locking system solutions, including traditional magnetic-strip, smartcard systems and the latest RFID electronic locks compatible with the main ISO standards: ISO 14.443A (MIFARE), ISO 14.443B, ISO15.693 and NFC-compatible (Near Field Communication), fully integrated PMS interface software solutions and worldwide service and support in more than 165 countries. Elsafe provides the first UL-listed (1037) hotel safe series on the market today in keypad and card-based models. Safes that include an internal power outlet to support recharging of laptops and camcorders also are available with a UL listing. Elsafe customers also enjoy the same worldwide service and support. The ASSA ABLOY Hospitality Group is dedicated to the hospitality industry. For more information on VingCard Elsafe, visit www.vingcard.com or www.elsafe.com.
About Valli & Valli
Valli & Valli was founded in 1934 and remains a Valli family business. The company prides itself on its functional yet distinctive designs, uncompromising craftsmanship and quality production. Its products are manufactured near Milan, and are distributed in more than 70 nations. Valli&Valli has its own commercial branches in Europe, United States and Singapore. More information about Valli & Valli is available at www.vallievalli.com.
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