As a globally active provider of lodging systems, dormakaba has embraced mobile technology for its ease, convenience, and security benefits. That said, those security benefits can be hard-earned in today’s technology landscape, wherein cyber criminals are always after consumers’ data. LODGING spoke with Joey Yanire, senior product manager of mobile access for dormakaba, about the latest innovations in mobile access, as well as how manufacturers are working round-the-clock to keep client and end-user data safe.
How is dormakaba expanding its mobile capabilities in an era of such fast-moving technology?
We’re definitely looking to leverage new technology to expand our mobile capabilities, but it goes beyond that. We are continuously developing new products. In the lodging division, we’re responsible for providing secure access, and we take that responsibility seriously. Using smartphones and other current technologies, we’ve developed a smart secure access system that fits into our clients’ and partners’ mobile strategies.
And when we talk about secure access, we’re focusing on emerging technologies and how they fit with industry security standards and best practices. Some companies already use biometrics for security, but it hasn’t really taken hold in hospitality. I mean, it wasn’t that long ago that our industry was using mechanical locks. Only very recently have keycards and electronic locks become the norm. Now, we’re moving into the mobile era, and technology is moving forward faster than ever before.
There’s also adoption rates to be considered. It’s hard for society—let alone hotels—to adapt to smooth, mobile operations. We have to find the right balance in terms of partnerships and developing the right solutions based on our clients’ visions, because the guest experience is so important for repeat business. While some have embraced technology very quickly, others are taking time planning for it. How we fit into that process still remains to be determined.
How do you keep up with the challenges that come with constantly evolving tech?
First and foremost, we provide security. That’s at the core of what we do. Wherever there’s a door with one of our locks, regardless of the technology, it must be secure.
When it comes to mobile locks, we provide a platform that utilizes industry best practices for security and encryption. We protect data transfers from our cloud delivery platform to mobile devices from attacks using the highest levels of encryption. Security is at the forefront of our minds as we develop and introduce new solutions to the marketplace, and we actively look for areas of improvement. And, we have a third-party run an audit of our systems at least once per year.
Why do you have an outside party audit your security?
Integrity and customer confidence. It’s important to be able to walk the walk and not just talk the talk. Additionally, the consequences of a breach would be devastating in this business. That’s why we want to stay ahead of the curve. There are always new threats and we have to adjust to them.
We’re also protecting something very important—our clients’ data, which is also guests’ data. We understand that we gather some personal information, and how we protect it is extremely important.
What technologies do you see impacting dormakaba’s products in the future?
There are lots of possibilities for us in a smart hotel room. Once one of our door lock products is installed, we can integrate our systems with in-room controls, letting our locks and other controls talk to one another. Locks fitted with our Location Entry Notification System can collect data which can be turned into actionable insights such as predictive maintenance, providing benefits to property managers. We could also start utilizing mobile key readers for wardrobes, safes, and the like. We’re not there yet, but smart access can be a part of a broader digital strategy. I love the possibilities and one thing is for sure—technology is moving so fast that humans are having trouble keeping up. It’s a challenge for a customer-facing business—such as hotels—where the guest experience has to be maintained on a daily basis. We have to work harder as an industry to keep up and incorporate this technology in a smart and thoughtful way.
