Allegion provides electronic access control system to B&B Hotels Italia

Allegion’s CISA eSIGNO contactless locks fulfilled the hotelier’s requirements while enhancing the guest experience

Safety and security specialist Allegion (formerly known as Ingersoll Rand) has announced the completion of a project to provide an electronic access control system for B&B Hotels Italia - the Italian brand of the European hotel chain B&B Hotels Group, which has more than 300 hotels across the continent.

Well-established in the low cost quality hotel sector, the B&B Hotels Group launched in France in 1989. Each individual hotel is characterised by a minimal and modern design, comfortable accommodation, and budget price, while the B&B Hotels Italia brand has also earned the reputation of a chain which meets its guests’ needs, offering a friendly, welcoming service.

Paul Taylor, UK Sales Leader for CISA Hotel Locking Systems for Allegion, commented on the scope of the project. “Allegion was appointed by B&B Hotels Italia to provide an electronic access control system throughout its portfolio of hotels across Italy.”

“The team set out to design an innovative security solution which would work in tandem with the check-in system, as well as fitting with the hotels’ overall aesthetic and service offering. CISA eSIGNO fitted the brief perfectly and has proven to be a successful solution which has fulfilled the hotelier’s requirements while also enhancing the guest experience.”

B&B Hotels Italia incorporates automatic reception areas in each individual hotel, enabling guests to check in at their convenience 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and CISA eSIGNO was an ideal solution for this set-up. A touch screen kiosk at reception allows guests to enter their personal information and check-in/check-out details, and the Ariane Systems software interfaces with the CISA encoder, programming the security card which is then dispensed to the guest.

CISA eSIGNO combines superior Italian design with features such as intuitive opening (by simply holding the card up to the reader), which minimises wear and tear. It requires no wiring or invasive work on the door resulting in a simple installation – whether on new projects or upgrading of an existing system.

The CISA eSIGNO system is available in a wireless, battery-powered version which offers the possibility of complete control over the entire system from a central station, even in the event of a power failure, which ensures high security levels are always maintained.

Nick Fund, Access Control Consultant for B&B Hotels, said: “The CISA eSIGNO lock meets all our needs because as well as its elegant, compact design which adapts to any kind of door, it offers the advantage of contactless technology without the need for wiring.”

“The chain’s plans for expansion and ongoing investment in the refurbishment of its existing hotels, and the speed at which it opens new establishments across Europe, make CISA contactless locks a winning solution. Designed with new build and retrofit in mind, CISA eSIGNO locks make the renovation and reopening of existing hotels much easier.”

“Our relationship with CISA is growing and is based on exchanging knowledge to come up with tailored solutions which fulfil our mission: to provide our guests with the greatest convenience and freedom.”

Pascal Contessotto added: “In my work, choosing partners for B&B hotels is strategically important. This includes our choice of suppliers who, like CISA, become partners in the true sense of the word, helping us develop the best solutions for our guests.”