Long gone are the days when guests had to use keys to get into hotel rooms. Virtually every hotel and resort use cards that they program at the front desk. Still, there are opportunities to add further functionalities to the card itself.

ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions has been a pioneer in electronic door lock technology since 1975, when company founder Tor Sornes developed the world’s first recodable electronic door lock. Since then, the RFID/NFC solution-based technology leader has brought many innovations to the market.

“Our company has a long and impressive background specializing in hotel door lock technology,” said George Winker, VP sales, North America for ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions. “ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions has maintained a goal of driving further innovation in technology in order to make hotel-based environments ever safer, more efficient and convenient for both guest guests and staff alike. Additional industry firsts related to door lock solutions achieved by ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions also include launching hospitality’s first digital key platform as well as the industry’s first cloud-based access management system.” 

Sornes launched the recodable VingCard lock during the 1970s, and the company continues to expand the functionalities of solutions belonging to the brand. In 2022, ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions unveiled the VingCard Novel door lock at HITEC Orlando. The VingCard Novel caught the eye of the industry as well as jury members of the prestigious Red Dot Awards, which honored the modular and sustainably designed lock with the Product Design award after competing against approximately 20,000 entries from more than 60 countries.

”VingCard Novel is a fantastic product and a true confirmation that we are focusing on the right aspects of security innovation and product design,” said Perla Munhoz, the global head of product design at ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions, after receiving the award. “Since it was first presented, it has been loved by our customers, especially architects and interior designers. Our focus has been to offer a product for indoor and outdoor use that meets all requirements and regulations while also providing a service and experience that’s truly outstanding.”

Winker observed that ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions has continued to develop and release newer VingCard lock models representing the latest capabilities and industry needs.

“The VingCard brand name represents a wide line of electronic door lock solutions purpose-built for the needs of modern hospitality-based environments,” Winker added. “Featuring an extensive range of advanced capabilities, including RFID, NFC and digital key service compatibility, VingCard locks symbolize the industry’s highest standard in door lock security while also providing valuable opportunities to enhance operational efficiency and guest convenience.”

Winker noted that VingCard Novel gained an edge as a next-generation door lock combining the latest functionalities into a single, scalable and attractive solution.

“The lock features a modular design that can adapt and be upgraded as hotel business needs or industry standards change,” Winker continued. “This includes the ability to integrate the lock with third-party platforms, even solutions that have yet to be created or officially launched. The lock’s sleek and attractive exterior appearance also played a contributing factor in being named this year’s winner, with VingCard Novel’s minimalistic design and handle options able to seamlessly blend in with virtually any property’s specific style.”   

Use of advanced RFID is one of the leading technologies behind VingCard Novel’s capabilities. By utilizing the latest in RFID-based data encryption, VingCard Novel ensures heightened property and guest safety by protecting sensitive keycard information.

The utilization of RFID keycards can also serve to enhance guest convenience when VingCard Novel is utilized in online mode, with guests able to request stay extensions or room re-assignment without requiring a front desk visit and the issuing of a new key.

By also including compatibility with advanced features such as Mobile Access, VingCard Novel further provides enhanced guest convenience and operational efficiency with the ability for guests to digitally check themselves in and gain guestroom access using their own smart devices as a secure room key. When used together with the cloud-based Vostio Access Management System, VingCard Novel also supports compatibility with room key in Apple Wallet.

Winker pointed out that while VingCard Novel’s stylish appearance often is what initially attracts hoteliers seeking to ensure an attractive environment for their guests, the lock’s enhanced security and scalable flexibility is what typically represents the most value.

“Each hotel undoubtedly has a certain type of experience that they wish to promote, which may require a specific exterior style as well as any number of backend system integrations in order to provide guests with the services and offerings able to create that type of experience,” Winker said.

“By utilizing modular components, VingCard Novel provides the ability for hoteliers to integrate their security access operations with the look and feel of their hotel environment thanks to a range of handle design options. Its modular approach also means other systems and technologies can be integrated as they see fit and as needed. This could include facilitating integrations with a hotel’s energy management system, PMS, POS and more.”

Since its introduction in 2022, VingCard Novel has fast become a sought-after door lock solution among hotel operators.

“While a solution that has only been available to for approximately one year, VingCard Novel, thanks to its advanced features and scalability, is already enjoying substantial interest from virtually every corner of the industry,” Winker said.

“Although it has yet to experience the level of adoption that several of our more established and older lock solutions currently enjoy, adoption rates are undoubtedly rising and will continue to do so as more industry professionals become familiar with the unique advantages that the technology provides,” he concluded.