VingCard Elsafe RFID Access Control and Energy Management at Grand Hyatt San Francisco

The luxurious Grand Hyatt San Francisco recently selected a complete package of radio-frequency identification (RFID) access control and locking solutions for hotel security from VingCard Elsafe, the global leader in hospitality security and part of the ASSA ABLOY Group.

VingCard Elsafe’s products – including its Orion energy-management system and Signature RFID locks powered by the cutting-edge VISIONLINE wireless online access management system – played a key role in the comprehensive renovation of the Grand Hyatt San Francisco’s 659 guestrooms.

With VingCard Elsafe products as the centerpiece, the 38-story, 39-year-old iconic Union Square property is now one of the most tech-forward hotels in all of San Francisco.

“VingCard Elsafe has truly helped modernize our hotel, giving us a real competitive advantage with discerning, savvy travelers who desire the latest and greatest hotel experience,” said Matthew Kovac, director of sales and marketing for Grand Hyatt San Francisco. “Guests love and appreciate that their RFID keys can’t be demagnetized – they revel in that fact. And with the Orion energy management system, we are a big step closer to becoming one of the greenest hotels in San Francisco, which feels great, and is a great selling point, as well.”

The Orion system is comprised of wireless digital thermostats, occupancy sensors, door position interfaces, remote server software and a comprehensive dashboard reporting interface. Orion automatically assumes control of ambient temperature when guestrooms are unoccupied, never allowing them to become either too warm or too cold. Upon guests’ return, the system automatically resumes the preset temperature settings.

“There’s only so much retrofitting an older hotel like ours can do to go green, and Orion gives us a fantastic ability to reduce our carbon footprint in a meaningful way,” Kovac said. “There’s definitely a segment of our guests who are more likely to choose us because we’re greener now, and it also helps us cut down on our energy bills. It’s a win-win.”

The backbone of the Orion system is VISIONLINE by VingCard, a revolutionary wireless communication platform that encompasses both the energy management and guestroom locking systems. VISIONLINE by VingCard integrates seamlessly with Elsafe’s Infinity II electronic safes, which are also in use at Grand Hyatt San Francisco.

The most visible piece of the hotel’s technological upgrade is the installation of VingCard Elsafe’s Signature RFID locks. The RFID locks allow for simple, contactless guestroom entry, and they communicate with VISIONLINE by VingCard. Additionally, the system is designed to be easily adapted to support Near Field Communication (NFC) technology.

“The VingCard Elsafe suite of security solutions combines stringent safety standards with cutting-edge technology and high design to an extent that our competition simply can’t match,” said Tim Shea, CEO of ASSA ABLOY Hospitality. “Adding the Orion energy management system to the 360-degree view of the hotel provided by VISIONLINE by VingCard makes good environmental and economic sense, as well.”