Chatlock Enhances Smart Lock Management Features to Support Unmanned Hotel Operations

Key Management in Lodging Facilities Changing Due to Increased Inbound Tourism

Chatlock Co., Ltd., developer of the smart lock brand "Chatlock," has strengthened its smart lock management functions for short-term rentals and lodging facilities. The update addresses practical challenges faced by operators, such as late-night arrivals, per-user PIN management, and remote access control.

### Inbound Recovery Transforming Lodging Operations

With the recovery and growth of inbound tourism, establishing unmanned or contactless operation systems is critical for accommodations and rental spaces.

- **Surge in demand for late-night/early-morning check-ins:** Staff cannot always be available for arrivals from late-night/early-morning international flights. - **Need for contactless operations across language/cultural barriers:** PIN-based entry systems enable check-ins that do not require spoken explanations, reducing operational costs and burdens. - **Increased complexity of key management:** Systems allowing individual entry permissions and expiry dates are essential for both security and operational efficiency.

### Key Enhancements for Lodging Facilities

- **1. Time-bound PIN issuance and management:** PINs are issued with expiration dates linked to check-in/out times. They expire automatically upon checkout, eliminating the need for physical key return. - **2. Remote locking status checks and remote unlocking:** Operators can monitor lock status and unlock doors from anywhere via the app, assisting guests with check-in issues remotely. - **3. Enhanced entry/exit logs:** Logs provide records of who entered and exited, useful for confirming facts during troubleshooting or managing multiple properties. - **4. Easy retrofitting without construction:** As it can be installed on existing doors, operators can build unmanned systems without major facility investments.

### Real-world Application

Operators can automatically issue time-bound PINs after reservation confirmation and send them to guests via messaging apps. Guests can check in independently at any hour, and operators can verify the status via the app after checkout, eliminating the need for on-site staff during check-ins.