Ensuring guest safety and satisfaction is paramount in the ever changing and competitive hospitality marketplace. As technology evolves and guest expectations increase, hotels and resorts are finding that digital locking systems are more than just a modern convenience; they’re a vital tool for boosting security, improving guest experiences, and reducing operational costs. Upgrading to digital locking systems is a smart move for hotels and resorts who want to maintain an exceptional guest experience.  

Enhanced Guest Security 

One of the concerns with traditional key cards is the lack of control over who uses them. Once a guest checks in, there’s no way to monitor if the card changes hands. As Joe Hinrichs, Vice President of IT and Product Development at Bailiwick, explains, “One of the challenges with key cards is you don’t know who uses them after the guest has checked in.”

Key cards could be handed to anyone, so it’s never clear who the user is. With digital access utilizing an app, hotels have a better idea who is coming and going, which makes for a safer environment for guests and staff.” 

Digital locking systems offer hotels the ability to track who enters each room, providing greater control without being intrusive. This ensures that only authorized individuals can access guest rooms, giving peace of mind to both guests and staff. As Hinrichs points out, “Digital keys allow facilities to track who is coming and going without invading anyone’s privacy.” 

Significant Cost Savings 

Traditional room cards come with hidden expenses. Not only do hotels need to purchase and manage physical key cards, but they also need to operate and maintain equipment to produce these cards. Hinrichs notes, “With room cards, hotels need to operate and maintain equipment that creates the cards. This means expense in time and money.” Over time, these costs can add up, especially when factoring in lost or damaged cards. 

Digital locks eliminate the need for physical cards and the equipment to generate them, leading to cost savings. Additionally, because digital keys are managed through apps or cloud-based systems, hotels can reallocate resources previously used for card maintenance to other areas that enhance the guest experience. 

Improved Monitoring and Maintenance 

Beyond cost and security, digital locking systems also provide powerful data insights. These systems track every access event, allowing hotel administrators to see if unauthorized people have entered a room. “Digital locks also give you the ability to track whether unauthorized people have entered the room because sensors can alert the administrator if a door was opened and whether the appropriate key was used or if it was forced open,” says Hinrichs.  

This level of monitoring not only deters unauthorized entry but also helps hotels respond quickly to any potential security issues. The data generated by digital locks can be invaluable in improving overall safety protocols. 

The Importance of Working with an Experienced Partner 

Successfully deploying digital locks across multiple properties requires expertise. From installation to configuration, maintaining thousands of digital assets is a complex task. For nationwide deployments, working with an experienced technology partner like Bailiwick is crucial. 

Bailiwick has a team of experienced engineers, technicians and project managers that have successfully designed, deployed and maintained digital lock system upgrades. And with a state-of-the-art integration center, Bailiwick has the proven expertise to manage thousands of digital assets, ensuring that each lock integrates seamlessly with hotel management systems.  

By choosing a reliable technology partner like Bailiwick, hotels can avoid common pitfalls, minimize downtime, and ensure a smooth transition to a modern, digital locking system. 

Conclusion 

For hotels and resorts, upgrading to digital locks isn’t just about moving away from key cards—it’s about enhancing security, cutting costs, and elevating the guest experience. With the help of an experienced partner like Bailiwick, hospitality providers can confidently deploy and maintain the advanced technology required to stay competitive in today’s market.