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The project included removing the old locks, adding 20 to 30mm of timber to a number of hotel doors (so the new locks would fit), installing the 325 new proximity door locks and configuring the security system with the hotel’s PMS.

The installation project took four weeks – conducted in conjunction with the hotel’s occupancy to minimise guest disturbance – and saw all interior and exterior mag stripe door locks replaced with new proximity door locks.

Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove’s front office manager Andrew Ashdown said the main reason behind installing the new security system was the hotel’s old system simply needed updating.

“We haven’t updated our locks for a long time and there have been a lot of advancements in technology since then. Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove has a lot of locks that are outside and subjected to the elements and we were having a lot of problems with the locks not working because water and dirt was building up in the mechanism and the mag stripe card couldn’t be read. To absolve this issue we needed to update to new technology and so we went with the proximity card rather than a mag stripe again because we needed something that if the key got dirty the lock would still work. The proximity locks are perfect, the key doesn’t even have to touch the lock - you just hold it to it and it works.”

The new proximity door locks are Vingcard’s Signature RFID. Featuring radio frequency identification, the lock offers less contact with more benefits. For Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove the main problem with the old lock system was the exposure to the elements preventing the keys from working. With the Signature RFID electronic lock the components are sealed to provide better performance for outdoor use and, with the chip contained inside the key, there is no need for insertion into the lock.

The RFID technology also offers more security with anti-cloning technology. Unlike mag stripe cards that can be cloned, RFID technology allows powerful anti-cloning solution.

The Signature RFID is also adaptable to individual hotel styles. Customers can choose from low cost guest cards, long lasting staff cards, wristbands and key fobs to perfectly match different hotel types such as boutique, business, luxury or budget. This technology is easy integrated with existing interfaces such as PMS, loyalty programs and vendor payments and more control of information.

Mr Ashdown said with the system’s seamless integration with their PMS it is more user friendly and eliminates human error.

“The Signature RFID system directly links with Opera PMS. There is an interface that links the two programs together and when we hit the check in button the arrival/departure dates are automatically sent to a chip the card and then we simply set the key on it and automatically updates the key. The last system we had we were plugging the key cutter into the computer, this system removes all human error as it is done automatically and not manually,” Mr Ashdown said.

The Signature RFID electronic lock can also write back information on staff RFID keycards for better information and management such as staff card audit trail, low battery status and cylinder tamper alarm.

Mr Ashdown said, “All staff within the hotel use this new system to access rooms and other areas of the hotel. With all the information being contained in a chip in the lock we have the ability to log entry of access to see who has been accessing where and put restrictions on locks so only certain staff can access particular areas.”

With a solid brass handle, three point steel latch construction with antifriction mechanism and case hardened full 1” throw deadbolt and a selection of battery and reader cover colours, the Signature RFID is easy to install and aesthetically pleasing.

Vingcard sales manager Dominic Burns said before the new 325 RFID locks could be installed through out Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove the old locks had to be removed and some of the doors configured.

“We replaced all the locks on guest doors, function areas, conference rooms and back of house. Before we could start the installation we had to take the opposing product out. Being an old system, it was hard to get parts so the hotel thought it was easier just to upgrade.

Some of the doors our lock wouldn’t fit so they had to be made larger by adding 20mm to 30mm of timber so the locks would fit. We worked in with the hotel so when they were quite we were installing, we didn’t want to disturb any of the guests,” Mr Burns said.

Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove is one of the Gold Coast few five-star luxury resorts. Styled as a traditional 1940s grand Queensland homestead, the hotel boasts 243 rooms and suites, conference facilities, three restaurants and bars, golf course, lagoon pool with artificial reef, tennis court, rec club and Camp Hyatt for kids.