Hotel Key Cards Education and Training

Finding online help for training staff on hotel key cards
By J. Stoltzfus, writer/programmer LOCAL CITIZEN It's part of almost any hotel these days: hotel key cards form the basis for a convenient and effective system of guest use that has revolutionized the industry. But, like any system, the hotel room key card method isn't perfect, and a lot of its effectiveness depends on the staff and management teaming up to deliver good policy and administration. From keeping the cards straight, to explaining their use to customers, training for front desk and other staff is highly important.

The Internet offers a wide array of resources for helping managers decide how to train staff on a hotel key card system. Readers can find lots of info on these tools online, including the following:

1. Options for on-site training where professionals will instruct staff about how to develop an entire hotel electronic key process for checking guests in and out.

2. How-tos or online guides for using electronic key card tools or directive sites with details about opinions on their use.

3. Learn about "green" hotel electronic key or hotel door card options.

Find options for on-site hotel key cards training online

Some companies offer actual staff training through the web: find one of these resources and talk to reps about how their organizations can help staff figure out the tricks of using key card hotel and motel tools every day, or how to develop a program for best use of electronic keys and other tools.
Try:  For remote training on hotel key cards, try resources like Kaba Ilco's DVD set for front desk users. Check out degrees.info for degrees in general hotel security management, where the use of hotel key cards is part of the course. View the Keri Systems website for training sessions.

Look for resources on hotel key cards and their use

Another thing the web has is a vibrant debate over aspects of the use of hotel key cards: specifically, a lot of the online discussion focuses on security details that may or may not be on a hotel key card. Staff can use these sites to educate themselves about how to deal with this potentially problematic factor.
Try:  Look at Duracard for basic information on the hotel key card. Then see some of the debate over the use of hotel key cards at the Consumer Affairs site. Find more on the debate issue at sites like Dolans, where research results are discussed. These kinds of info resources help staff to make the right decisions about using hotel card key systems or informing guests.

Learn about "green" key cards

As a typical medium-size hotel may use 10,000 to 15,000 keycards a year, alternatives to this wasteful plastic are being sought, such as recyclable products.
Try:  Check out Green Key for an environmentally-friendly alternative to the plastic card. For more education on this, go to Environmental Leader.

• Hotel key cards education and training can really improve the customer service of a front desk -- but only if it's directed at the right people! Find out how to streamline your business to deliver the intended results, through thoughtful training and follow-up.