"On-Line"
vs. "Off-Line" :
The Difference in Hotel Access Control Systems
An understanding of certain terminology is necessary in order to realize the difference between the numerous access control systems on the market today and how their different capabilities affect the daily operations of a hotel. Basically, there are two different types of electronic locking systems available to the lodging industry today. They are:
1) "Real-Time"
or "On-Line" access control systems, and
2) "Stand-Alone" or "Off-Line" electronic locks
Although on the surface these two types of systems may appear similar, in actuality they are extremely different. An On-Line system is one consisting of individual devices that have the constant capability of sending information (communicates data) back and forth to a central location. The ability to send that information as it happens is called "Real-Time."
In comparison, an Off-Line system consists of individual devices that are not connected together. Therefore these individual devices are called Stand-Alone units. Because Stand-Alone devices are not interconnected, they lack the ability to communicate in Real-Time. Any type of information exchanged between devices must be accomplished manually by walking to the device (room/controlled door) with some sort of interrogation equipment.
A good example of an On-Line system is the telephone. When calling from L.A. to New York, voice signals are communicated back and forth through On-Line systems in Real-Time, as if the conversation was taking place with a person standing beside you.
An example of an Off-Line system is the U.S. Mail. In order to get information from L.A. to New York via the mail, the information must first be manually written on paper. The paper must then be manually carried from L.A. to New York. The information exchange takes place eventually, but only through a labor-intensive process.
As a general rule, when comparing similar equipment, an On-Line system will provide all the features and capabilities of an Off-Line system and more. Our ACCESS-PLUS® System provides even more with cost-saving features, managing benefits, efficiencies and operational flexibility.
FIND OUT MORE:
"On-Line" vs. "Off-Line" : The Difference in Hotel Access Control Systems
Side-by-side Comparison: On-Line and Off-Line Features
How Can Access-Plus® Save Money?
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UPDATED Access-Plus Brochure and Print Ads (download .pdfs)
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written permission from Security Innovations, Inc. Revised 10/04