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Frequently Asked Questions:
Electronic Card Hotel Locks:
Here, you can find answers to potential questions you may have about electronic locks.
01 What distinguishes hotel lock systems from other locking systems?
Traditional access control systems are generally designed for places with fewer variables and more standard scenarios, such as offices or government institutions. They have wired connections, and information is not loaded onto cards. The information on cards is sent to devices on the walls. In hotel systems, information about which room(s) you will use and for how long is written on the card. This makes it possible to control hundreds of thousands of doors without cables. However, well-thought-out algorithms and optimized energy usage are necessary for this. Battery life is crucial. Hotel locks also have anti-collision and anti-theft features. The ‘Do Not Disturb’ system is also connected to the lock. The hotel system is developed considering all the requirements for the hotel/hostel/guesthouse (accommodation sector).
02 What is the battery life of the locks?
Makfa systems use 4 AA/AAA batteries. The battery life varies between 18-30 months. Usage life is determined by variables such as data retrieval from the lock, lock programming, battery quality, and freshness. Makfa, with its years of experience, is equipped with technologies to maximize battery life. Most importantly, it prefers Texas Instruments, which produces the least energy-consuming processors globally.
03 How does the lock recognize and read if there is a card in front of it?
When the electronic circuit is in a near-dead state, the processor wakes up when a object caught by the microwave sensor is detected. However, the sensors we use in locks have a limited detection range of 50mm. Thus, a guest passing through the corridor cannot wake up the lock. A card approaching the lock within 5cm or more will activate the lock. The lock, broadcasting at 13.56MHz, receives the card’s information (in case of encryption and knowing the code), and if the information is correct and valid, it opens the door. After the door is opened, the processor goes back to sleep.
04 What technology do you use?
Alplock uses Philip Mifare NXP technology in Card Locks. You can see the original NXP integrations in our devices. We use the processor of the American company Texas Instruments as the main processor. The algorithm developed in C language has been evolving since 2004, and there are no ‘bugs’ or vulnerabilities.
05 How does the computer software work?
Makfa uses MS SQL and C# in its software. Since MS SQL is a network-based database, our system is also developed as network-based, allowing many users to use the system from different locations simultaneously. Makfa’s software, from its initial production to today’s production, can work compatibly with updates. This sets us apart from many competitors. Additionally, a customer who was using Windows XP ten years ago can now transition to Windows 10 for free. All our software is multilingual and user-friendly. None of our software has an annual usage fee.
06 How does the door open when the lock’s battery is depleted or in case of a malfunction?
All locks we produce have master-coded metal keys. This key can open all doors in the hotel or a designated group of doors. This key is kept in the safe of the General Manager or Security Manager and is only used under necessary control. When locks are opened with a metal key, it is recorded.
07 Are RFID cards affected by magnetic fields?
No. These types of cards are mostly magnetic stripe or contact chip cards. Since the first day (2004) of Makfa, we have only produced RFID card systems. These cards are not affected by sunlight, moisture, temperature (up to 120 degrees), dust, sand, salty water, pool chemicals, magnetic fields, X-rays, or magnets, or even if the antenna or chip is not damaged. The card cannot be damaged even if it is pierced or folded, as long as the antenna or chip is not damaged. You can use a card a million times. The same card can be programmed again and again, used by thousands of guests. (This information is valid only for cards produced within approved quality and standards.)
08 Are these systems secure?
Yes. Mifare Classic systems are not the most secure systems globally, except for military and special security applications. However, unquestionably, the most reliable and accessible system outside of military and special security applications is the Philips Mifare Classic system. It operates on the same basis as NFC in mobile phones.