Keys and Room Access Options

BookingCenter can link to a ‘lock system’ (whether keyless, swipe, RFID, Wi-Fi, or Low Energy BlueTooth) and deliver codes manually or via Self Checkin.  Door locks that we support are widely sold on Amazon and other tech websites that work with the RemoteLock, UHLL/COMTROL, or TTL Locks interface, assuring a unique, secure PIN code is delivered to the Guest for each booking automatically, only between check in date/time and departure date/time.  RemoteLock charges a fee to maintain this interface to their supported locks; TTL doesn't charge a fee for access to their APIs, though they allow a lock manufacturer the option to provide ongoing interface free or via a paid subscription, so confirm the business model with your preferred TTL lock, as it can vary  in how they support ongoing API access to their specific models.  The BookingCenter price for connectivity is bundled into the price of Self Checkin/out but can be added for other needs.  For implementations using RFID keys (magnetic swipe plastic cards), the Guest Services Module (detailed here) is applied.  This allows major hospitality lock systems and legacy locks to work with Kiosks and/or Mobile Self Checkin. For keyless door locks using codes, the solution is cheap and easy, 

The main keyless approaches we support are:

1. Door codes (4- or 6- digit PIN codes generated for access between arrival date/time and depart date/time) created from daily PMS operations, and sent via email and/or SMS texts to guests at rules you decide, such as morning of the arrival or day prior. Each 'room' or 'unit' comes with custom explanation for how to access the specific unit with the automatically-created 'code'.  Multiple rooms during the same stay? No problem, our interface provides a unique code for each room during the stay.  Most guests prefer these 'codes' to  traditional 'keys' and App/RFID 'keys'.  Read our documentation on how this interface works with RemoteLock and with TTL Locks (both direct interface not requiring the Guest Services Module) and our PMS system here.
2. RFID and 'app-based' lock systems by traditional hospitality vendors are also supported. Though usually a bit costlier than the 'codes' approach, we support 45 vendors detailed here.  BookingCenter connects to these key vendors via the Guest Service Module.  If you have a vendor who sells key systems not on this list, but you are interested in their product and support with BookingCenter, ask them if they support the same interface specification as one of the vendors on the list, and often times that works, as well.

If considering a solution for a traditional hospitality lock vendor to an RFID 'key', and not used for Self Check-in or a Kiosk, there is less ‘return on investment’.  A PMS interfacing to a key system requiring staff to physically deliver keys, requires the front desk operator to check-in the booking in MyPMS, then insert/swipe a key into the ‘console’ to embed that data on the key (or e-key) system. Thus, the benefit of the Property Management System is to send the Room number, Guest name (some systems), check in/check out date + times.  Without a Property Management System interface, or a Kiosk, the front desk user manually inputs the Room number and number of nights.  Thus, 2 extra clicks into the console are required (and no Guest name gets associated with the key) without an interface.  For this reason, if a customer wishes to only interface a key console, we sometimes recommend against the investment, as the benefit is small. If, however, a customer also wishes to use or a Kiosk or Self Check-in (to automate guest access to the room), or connect to to a PBX, voice mail, restaurant/bar POS system, mini bar, movie system, etc., then the investment makes sense, because that investment delivers much more value.