An electronic system is an advanced security system that has transformed the hospitality industry. It is also referred to as mag lock, magnetic lock and an electromagnetic lock. It is an intelligent and convenient security system that assigns a new customer a clean room card with a new and original code. These locks can be classified into two categories the fail safe and fail secure locks. Fail safe locks are operated with the aid of continues flow of electric current and cannot be used for high security operations. On the other hand, fail secure locks are those that operate with the aid of magnetic currents are applicable for high security doors.
These locks have their advantages and disadvantages. We first consider their advantages. First, there is ease administration: customer records are stored electronically and can easily be accessed within a short time. Second, they are convenient to the customer because they do not have to carry metallic keys out of their room, but have a card that can easily be chipped into their wallets. Third, doors with fail secure locks are convenient in case an emergency because they can be open by interruption of the flow of current.
Despite the strong advantages, these locking systems have several drawbacks. For instance, because fail safe locks can be opened by interruption of electricity, customer rooms fitted with this locks can be accessed by unauthorized personnel. Secondly, in case of an emergency and electricity is cut off, fail secure locks will fail to open, and they will be no exit. Lastly, not all people are familiar with these locks and will face difficulties in operating them.
In summary, use of electronic locks in the hospitality industry symbolizes embrace of technology. Despite the disadvantages, these locks have a lot of strong advantages and supersede the traditional locking systems. The hospitality industry has made a milestone in implementing these systems and should embrace them wholly.
Bibliography
Diener, M. (2006). Sustainable Hotel Case Studies. High Performance Hospitality, 48-89.
O’Fallon, M. (2010). Hotel Management and Operations. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, INC.
