SECURING THE BEST PRODUCTS
Security has always been a top priority for the hospitality industry and with this sector booming in the Middle East a host of new high-tech security solutions are offering hotels a choice in how to keep guests feeling secure.
Hotelier October 2008 Issue Cover Page
Hotelier's Techonology Supplement Cover Page
Hotelier's Technology Supplement Page 22Guest security is a topic of paramount importance to any hotel. It's essential for properties to keep up to date with the latest gadgets to show the guest they take security seriously - and as a result, the past decade has seen a boom in companies supplying security-related products to the region's hotels.
VingCard Elsafe is a division of the ASSA ABLOY Group, a company providing security and hospitality systems to more than 35,000 properties worldwide. Providing locks and electronic in-room safes, VingCard introduced its latest product at the Hotel Show in Dubai in june - the Signature RFID electronic lock.
"It is compatible with NFC-enabled cell phones in order to allow remote check-in and check-out using the guest's cell phone as the key to open room," explains VingCard director of marketing and communication Ivan Aramayo.
American firm First view Security (FVS) designs, manufactures and markets innovative electronic imaging and security products, aiming to replace traditional security items with technologically-advanced versions incorporating luxury design and convenience with security elements.
Commenting on FVS's new Digital Door Viewer, chief operating officer Suzette Fowler explains: "This was designed to replace traditional peephole. The Digital Door Viewer uses a high quality digital camera and a large liquid crystal display panel enclosed in a designer frame to create an electronic viewing system."
Panasonic also boasts a range of security items for hotels, including fully-integrated analog and network security systems combining surveillance cameras, hard disk recorders for surveillance applications and even iris recognition readers.
And with increased competition, firms have realised the necessity for a strong regional presence to stay competitive.
Indeed FVS's Fowler believes the Middle East is a "key market" for the introduction of state-of-the art security products. "The region has assumed a foremost role in producing the class property that defines a significant market for technology and design-forward products," she says.
Panasonic's Yasuo adds that the steady growth of the hospitality market has turned a great deal of attention towards security infrastructur e- noting that continued positive growth predictions for the next few years suggest a bright future for security system suppliers.
But it's not all plain sailing: as in any major market, there are challenges - one of which, as VingCard's Aramayo points out, is that it is essential that products and services measure up to the high quality and service standards expected in the region.
Panasonic's Yasuo adds that although more attention is being paid to security infrastructure in the region, many developers are still hesitant about making the decision to invest in better-quality and more reliable systems.
"In addition, the switch to IP-based security systems is prograssing very slowly in the Middle East,: he continues. "However Panasonic is making great efforts to increase the market awareness of the advantages of IP-based security systems, as opposed to conventional ones. And we do expect the security market in the Middle East to follow that international trend towards IP-based security in the near future."
It seems that the Middle East hotel industry's passion for using the very latest technology in their properties has spread to security as well. And while industry growth continues, seucrity manufaturers and suppliers look set for a bright future. (HME)
