A partnership between hospitality vendors OpenWays and FCS Computer Systems has produced a self-service mobile app that contains OpenWays’ embedded mobile key.
The FCS i-Guest app is a self-service mobile application for hotel guests and the inclusion of OpenWays’ Mobile Key is expected to make the guest arrival process more convenient.
The combination of FCS and OpenWays technology forms a distinctive smart phone app that enables guests to access hotel information, room reservation details, local attractions, restaurants all while offering the ability to go straight to their room upon arrival and unlock their door. Upon check-in, travelers can use the i-Guest app to make service requests, listen to voicemails left for their room, read text messages from the front desk, order room service, view membership points and conduct express check-out without having to wait in line or visit the hotel lobby.
While the solution is meant to benefit hotel guests first and foremost, hotel operators also stand to benefit from the new app. The joint solution reduces costs associated with the purchase, issuance and disposal of plastic keycards as well as saves time and labor costs at the front desk, enabling personnel to devote time to other important engagements.
The combination of FCS i-Guest and OpenWays’ Mobile Key is likely to be a catalyst for hotel mobile strategies, and where many similar solutions have failed, the additional utility of a Mobile Key will help to ensure that the i-Guest app is being used to its full capacity. By adding a physical access utility, the new tethered solution better guarantees that the app is actually being used, not just downloaded and forgotten.
Travelers who opt for the inclusion of Mobile Key are given all the information they need to access their room. Guests simply press an unlock button in i-Guest app and receive a virtual, secure mobile room key that will grant them access to their room.
OpenWays’ Mobile Key does not require the purchase of new locks, as the solution is compatible with all major electronic-locking systems currently on the market.