An understanding of certain terminology is necessary in order to realize the difference between the numerous access control systems on the market today and how their different capabilities affect the daily operations of a hotel. Basically, there are two different types of electronic locking systems available to the lodging industry today.
They are:
1) “Real-Time” or “Online” access control systems, and
2) “Stand-Alone” or “Offline” electronic locks
Although on the surface these two types of systems may appear similar, in actuality they are extremely different. An Online system is one consisting of individual devices that have the constant capability of sending information (communicates data) back and forth to a central location. The ability to send that information as it happens is called “Real-Time.”
In comparison, an Offline system consists of individual devices that are not connected together. Therefore these individual devices are called Stand-Alone units. Because Stand-Alone devices are not interconnected, they lack the ability to communicate in Real-Time. Any type of information exchanged between devices must be accomplished manually by walking to the device (room/controlled door) with some sort of interrogation equipment.
A good example of an Online system is the telephone. When calling from L.A. to New York, voice signals are communicated back and forth through Online systems in Real-Time, as if the conversation was taking place with a person standing beside you.
An example of an Offline system is the U.S. Mail. In order to get information from L.A. to New York via the mail, the information must first be manually written on paper. The paper must then be manually carried from L.A. to New York. The information exchange takes place eventually, but only through a labor-intensive process.
As a general rule, when comparing similar equipment, an Online system will provide all the features and capabilities of an Offline system and more. Our systems provided even more with cost-saving features, managing benefits, efficiencies and operational flexibility.
| FEATURES | ONLINE | OFFLINE SYSTEMS |
| Deadbolt Status | Indicates whether deadbolt is thrown; information recorded at central computer. | OPTIONAL availability, BUT information stored at lock and retrieved with hand-held device. |
| Real-time Door Monitoring |
Alarm sent when door is ajar or forcibly opened. Valid entries and invalid tries recorded. Unlimited history recorded at central computer. | OPTIONAL alarm available, BUT does not alert front desk. Lock can only be interrogated after the fact with hand-held device. Limited history. |
| Master Key Voiding/Validation | A command at the central computer deletes or adds master key card from all locks without physically going door-to-door. | A hand-held device or program card must be taken door-to-door to delete or add a master key. |
| Precise Smoke Detection (optional) | Indicates which room has activated smoke detector. | NOT POSSIBLE. You must go door-to-door to find smoke source. |
| Energy Management (optional) |
Allows remote setting of climate controls for each room. | NOT POSSIBLE. |
| Control Employee Access |
Instantly limit employees to work areas and scheduled times from the central computer. | Physically go door-to-door to revise employee access. |
| Employee Evaluation, Tracking and Locate Personnel | Track length of time to perform housekeeping duties and employee whereabouts throughout facility. Find the last door employee entered. | Go door-to-door to trace one employee’s activities. Not possible to locate immediately. |
| Prevent Crime | With individual keys, real-time monitoring, unlimited record of entries and tracking capabilities, theft is greatly reduced. | Imprecise key management, no door alerts, limited door history. |
Watch the brief video below for a general understanding of RFID.
