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Ariane Systems, the world leader in self-service check-in/out technology for the hospitality industry, announced the completion of a groundbreaking technology partnership with Chicago-based OpenWays, the developer of the Mobile Key cell phone-based front desk bypass system that allows hotel guests to directly access their assigned rooms. The agreement designates Ariane Systems as a Value Added Reseller of the OpenWays solution, and gives them the ability to offer an integrated solution to their new and existing hotel clientele around the world. In partnership with Comfort Xpress/Choice Hotels Scandinavia, the two companies have developed a joint solution, allowing for fully automated check-in/out processes within an upscale hotel environment. A detailed announcement about this technological innovation will be made in the near future.
Ariane’s flexible new web/online/kiosk check-in platform, combined with the OpenWays patented solution which turns any cell phone into a secured room key by using encrypted audio signals, aggregates the unique features of both technologies in order to maximize the benefits to the hotel and their guests. Similar to the online check-in system that has gained popularity in the airline industry, the new Ariane online check-in solution will allow guests to check in to their hotel on the device of their choice – such as PC, laptop, cell phone or other web-enabled device and receive an immediate confirmation. If the hotel is equipped with OpenWays-upgraded guestroom door locks, the guest is then sent a text message (SMS) or email on the day of their arrival, which contains their assigned room number and instructions on how to securely use their cell phone as the room key. Upon arrival, the guest simply proceeds directly to the guestroom, dials the toll-free number in the SMS/email, and their cell phone emits a secured, encrypted tone that activates the door lock when held in close proximity to it.
The OpenWays cell phone solution uses the principle of Crypto Acoustic Credentials and SMS to securely deliver key codes to the correct user anywhere in the world via a unique sound pattern. Fraudulent sound recordings are ineffective, and nearby guests are not disturbed by the acoustic unlocking code since the sound is no louder than someone speaking into a phone.
“The real beauty of this solution is that it works with all cell phones and provides the ultimate level of self-service automation, privacy and convenience for hotel guests, which in turn differentiates the hotel or brand from their competitors,” says Laurent Cardot, CEO of Ariane Systems. “With more than 5 billion people worldwide currently using a cell phone, email and SMS texting are the key to the heart of the business travelers and the Gen Y populations. This solution leverages their comfort level and mastery of that those technologies to make their hotel guest experience better and more efficient. It is truly the wave of the future, and we hope it will catapult the hotel industry into a whole new way of interaction with their guests.”
In addition to guest convenience, the automated check-in solution provides a multitude of other benefits to the hotelier, as well. These include more efficient use of staff time, increased revenue opportunities and paperless/plasticless check-in, which is environmentally responsible and may even contribute to earning points toward LEED certification and other green hotel programs. It allows hotel staff to focus more on hospitality and personalized guest service, rather than on the mundane day-to-day task of checking guests in and out. Therefore, they can perform more added-value activities that translate to increased hotel revenue and a better guest experience.
“Ariane has developed an innovative software platform that lets guests check-in on their own terms, be it online, via mobile device, at a kiosk or at the front desk,” said Pascal Metivier, OpenWays founder and CEO. “This unique flexibility is a perfect complement to OpenWays, which is all about simplicity and freedom of choice. We are excited to be partnering with Ariane, and look forward to seeing them introduce this suite of solutions to the hospitality market worldwide.”
Vicky is the co-founder of TravelDailyNews Media Network where she is the Editor-in Chief. She is also responsible for the daily operation and the financial policy. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Tourism Business Administration from the Technical University of Athens and a Master in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Wales. She has many years of both academic and industrial experience within the travel industry. She has written/edited numerous articles in various tourism magazines.
