Tech Talk

Locking RFID

Security solutions have progressed beyond the mechanical lock and key. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), a well-established technology, is finally making a breakthrough with its new security locks. By Sayoni Bhaduri

Locking solutions may not seem that flamboyant, but Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) has been very successfully utilised. Moreover, it is quite likely that India will only be able to afford that, thanks to the high investment cost involved. The biggest disadvantage of a mechanical or even an electronic lock is that the keys might be misplaced or fall in the wrong hands. Manit Narang, vice president of business development for the Middle East, Africa and India, VingCard Elsafe describes the emergence, "With a focus on security, anti-cloning was one strong argument for introducing RFID as a technology. Other benefits include more intuitive and user-friendly interactions from the end user with the RFID lock preventing the potential confusion of how to insert the keycard into the lock slot."

With a definite benefit over old-fashioned locks, contact-less systems can be reprogrammed to prevent access by any other means. The carriers of the id for a lock can also be diversified to allow permanent access to the staff and limited access to guests. Considering that the entire system is traceable at a centre, every movement in every room, by both the staff and the guest can be monitored.

Narang describes the working of the system, "The lock communicates through radio signals with a chip located on a keycard or a similar device such as a wristband. Just like the conventional contact smart cards, the capacity of the chip can vary depending on the usage." Similar to the contact smart cards, the RFID cards come with a card unique ID protection to prevent cloning of the cards. For optimal security, the system when encoding the key cards utilises an encrypted combination of the unique individual serial number that comes with every card with the particular ID, which is embedded onto the cards. Therefore, if the key-string content is illegally copied from one card to another, the key will not work in the lock, providing added security. As to the threat of hacking into the RFID system, Narang is confident, "The stored data is encrypted with a secured key, making it unintelligible to those who do not have the encrypted key and information regarding the encryption method. If an attempt to copy data from a key card is carried out, the copy will not work as a valid key card."

Once the system is put in place, RFID can be tweaked for various other purposes including point-of-sale purchases, identification, loyalty clubs, swimming pools, theme parks, parking systems, etc. This allows access to one or more of the other sectors through an interface, hence allowing hotels to enjoy multi-application in one single guest key card, offering a wide array of value-added services. The biggest advantage is its user-friendliness, not just for the guests but also the hotel management. It is the safest for outdoor installations and outdoor resorts. The RFID key need not be limited to a key card only; other options like key fobs or wristbands work equally well. Moreover, if a guests' cellular equipment is Near Field Communication (NFC) enabled, hotels can then send the booking confirmation number, room number and an encrypted room key via Short Message System (SMS) to their guests, prior to their arrival, to avoid check-in lines at the front desk when they arrive. This will no doubt enable cost savings as well as rationalise opportunities for the hotel.

However, there is still time for this service to catch on in India, mainly because of its high investment costs. Narang, however, is hopeful when he says, "More and more hotels want RFID locks because of all their benefits. Moreover, when upgrading the hotel locks, many view RFID as the natural choice for the future."