Key card despenser automation?

Ruby Marie in Vienna had key card dispensers, but they are no using them any more.

The thing with key card dispensers is: They are great when the work. But when you have technical issues, it sucks, can get expensive and you need a backup strategy.

But I would also like to learn more about the experience from others and probably there is a reliable solution out there.

Interesting and much thanks for your input! When we review the camera footage of guests using the kiosk, we see a very clear pattern. Most guests find the steps logical and understand the payment process well. The final step, where the guest needs to take a card and place it on the key encoder, is where things start to get messy, and guests often end up ringing the bell for assistance.

I actually think it would be a smart idea for Mews to consider offering pre-built, fully integrated kiosks as an add-on to their solution. Based on my experience, guests are already familiar with this type of setup from airports and similar environments, and the more integrated the steps are—especially key issuance—the higher the usage we would achieve.

If I find the time, I may submit a product improvement request. I’ve attached a picture of something similar to what I’m describing. The design of what I attach is pretty awfull. A winning strategy for this to be successfull would be offering different design options so hotels could make it fit in to their design. 

Hardware is always tricky, so I fear that Mews won’t do that. 

I think it would be best to have a flexible setup with different parts:

• (Large) screen (running Mews kiosk)
• Payment terminal
• Key card encoder OR key card dispenser with built in encoder
• Proper ID and QR code scanner --> I think it would work best if its behind a glass, so that the distance is fixed and scanning works reliably; with the built in table camera, you often get reflections and it doesn’t work.

All of these parts integrate with each other, but you can build it into furniture, so that the overall design looks stunning.

I am not even sure if there is an ID scanner out there that integrates with the Mews kiosk.

Interesting take, and perhaps you are right. I don’t know much about MEWS’ strategies for improving the guest journey, other than the hints I get from companies they have acquired. However, there is always a network of partners that I assume would be willing to develop a more integrated kiosk, certified to work with MEWS.