In today’s security-conscious environment, most properties are requesting a photo ID, either in conjunction with a guest’s check-in or their use of a credit card at the Front Desk. The practice of presenting a passport has long been a common occurrence internationally but asking for identification is a relatively recent development here in the US. What many are not yet doing is taking advantage of that opportunity to import the guest’s image into SMS|Host as part of their Profile.
ID scanners have advanced beyond little copiers over the past decade as the software has evolved to capture contact details from US and international ID cards, driver’s license and other government issued credentials utilizing Optical Character Recognition (OCR).
For the past few years, SMS has offered ID scanning interfaces that can auto-populate or update a Guest Tile and Profile with the guest’s name and address information, date of birth, ID number, issue and expiration dates along with their photo and an image of the ID. Obtaining these details directly from the source is a best security practice for both the property and the guest, enabling individual validation when, for example, charging to accounts in your POS outlets running SMS|Touch or SMS|Teres or when requesting new room keys at the Front Desk. Additionally, you can improve your marketing opportunities by ensuring accuracy in your contact information.
For those that may need it, one of the interfaces also offers an option for handling images and data from double-sided IDs. For our international properties, it can accommodate importing local language names (initially Arabic) when supported by the scanning device and configured in SMS|Host. Additional security features may be available depending upon the country and their requirements.
All told, capturing IDs and images is a smart step. Prevent chargebacks with proof-of-stay imagery, reassure guests with personal validation for their security and obtain accurate information for future marketing efforts all while eliminating the need for photocopies.
Contact your Account Manager for details on the various hardware and software options available.
In the next post, we’ll look at a Housekeeping feature that might be the most valuable function you’re probably not performing.
