Frequently Asked Questions

Hospitality basics

Proptech is short for "property technology" and is also known as "real estate technology." It encompasses hardware and software that has the goal of improving how business is done. This can include (but is not limited to) improving staff efficiency, making property management easier, increasing guest/tenant/customer satisfaction, reducing costs, and increasing revenue. 

A mobile key is a lock key that exists on a mobile phone within an app. With current technology and security requirements, nearly all mobile keys require some kind of app to house the key.

Mobile key uses Bluetooth technology to send a signal to the door to unlock. This is different from a wallet key, which is a type of mobile key.

Wallet keys are relatively new to the industry and are very similar to mobile keys. They are housed exclusively in the wallet app of the phone (example: Apple Wallet).

They differ from general mobile keys in that they use NFC technology. This has certain benefits like being able to unlock a door without opening an app or even unlocking the phone, if security settings permit. 

Hotels use various types of technology: 

  • Magnetic stripe (magstripe): These are older, and keys have a black stripe along the length of the card. The door is unlocked by sliding the key into the mechanism. 
  • Radio Frequency Identification (RFID): These are the most common locks at newer hotels. They use thicker plastic cards that unlock the door by holding the card up to the lock. 
  • Bluetooth: Some RFID locks have Bluetooth functionality added, which allows phones to unlock doors via an app. 

Hotel kiosks

Self check-in kiosks allow guests to check-in on their own, without requiring the usual help of front desk staff. 

Self check-in kiosks provide three key benefits:

  1. Higher guest satisfaction thanks to eliminating long waits at check-in and giving guests the ability to self-direct the check-in process 
  2. Staffing flexibility with the ability to move staff from basic check-in to higher-touch positions
  3. Increased revenue thanks to increased conversion from upsell offers during check-in

While each kiosk brand is slightly different, the main process will be similar including:

  • Authenticating via a booking code, email address, phone number, etc.
  • Verifying the guest's ID
  • Submitting payment information
  • Acknowledging property terms and conditions
  • Verifying the guest's information
  • Receiving a room key

Virdee technology

Virdee technology is compatible with most common property management systems, payment providers, and lock brands, and the list expands constantly. Click here to download our fact sheet with full tech specs. Virdee has an agile team of developers that can integrate with nearly any platform. If you don’t see yours, just ask!

If you have an existing app, Virdee features can layer into it via an SDK to unlock all of the benefits while ensuring your guests keep the app they are already familiar with.

Yes! The standard feature includes your branding in the Virdee app. We also offer a standalone (white label) app and can even do custom implementations.

Yes! While the Kiosk is generally an add-on to the Mobile solution, they can each work independently. We are happy to discuss the optimal solution for you. Contact us. 

Yes! We have an external encoder that can be added to the kiosk to allow for encoding existing cards with a lock credential, speeding up the student move-in process.

Very! ID verification is managed by Jumio, which has handled over 400 million checks globally. They are trusted by companies including United Airlines and HSBC. All data is transmitted and stored with strong AES 256-bit encryption. Jumio is PCI-DSS Level 1 compliant.

Virdee technology works with nearly all lock hardware that includes at least RFID technology. For Mobile Key, the lock requires BLE as well. Magnetic stripe locks are not supported.

From signing to execution, the timing can be as quick as eight weeks. This assumes that all systems and hardware are already in place.

It doesn’t have to. Virdee’s tech team can integrate with a new system very quickly. The main cause for delay usually is due to the system provider not being as responsive as needed, which the client can help drive forward.

Yes! If you do not need a feature, it can be turned off to customize the experience to exactly what you need.

Hardware

  • All hardware warranties valid only with an active license subscription .
  • Hardware warrantied against defects. Damage caused after installation (e.g. vandalism) is not covered and should be referred to the client’s insurance.
  • Functional upgrades to hardware (e.g. change in camera prism design) that are required for full service functionality are included.
  • Cosmetic upgrades (e.g. redesign of the kiosk) that do not impact service functionality are optional and must be paid for by the client.

 

Software

  • All software warranties valid only with an active license subscription.
  • Software warrantied against defects and is covered by the support terms below.
  • Virdee-wide upgrades to software functionality are included.
  • Custom upgrades specific to the client are not included unless otherwise stated in the sales contract.

 

Support

  • Non-business-critical issues: 24-48-hour SLA
  • Business-critical issues ASAP including letting clients know if their PMS API has failed
  • Virdee facilitates and opens tickets for PMS issues to the extent possible. Some issues require client involvement.
  • Virdee provides a self-service ticket portal for clients to log requests.
  • Each client has a Virdee Customer Success Manager.
  • Support is located globally and available 24/7.