Offering Biometric Check Ins the Right Way

Avoid Pitfalls When Using This New Technology

Automation has been a hot topic in the hospitality and leisure industry for the past few years. Biometric check ins are the natural next step in automation for operators.

While this method of speeding up the check-in process may begin to appear more frequently the next few years, some guests may have concerns when it comes to using their faces or fingerprints to verify their identities.

If you’re considering using a biometric check in strategy, you’ll want to make sure you’re addressing guest-privacy-concerns and creating the proper protocols and policies. Foodbuy Hospitality offers advice on getting started.

Make a Commitment to Data Privacy

One of the major concerns that consumers may have about biometric check ins is what will happen to their fingerprint of facial data after they leave your location. They may have questions like:

Will you save my data long-term?

Do you plan to sell or share my data with other companies?

Is your system protected from data hackers?

To soothe guest worries, you’ll want to make sure you create a solid plan around data collection and use. Data privacy is a sensitive topic, so any way that you can protect your guests’ information from being excessively used or sold, the better.

Consider Health and Safety When it Comes to Fingerprinting

In a post-COVID-19 world, many guests are highly aware of germs and sanitation. This is especially important to remember when it comes to using fingerprints as your biometric check in strategy.

Because guests will need to make physical contact with a fingerprint scanner, you’ll want to make sure your employees are sanitizing scanners regularly. You may even want to leave wipes next to the scanner so that guests can use them immediately before scanning for extra peace of mind.

Maintaining Access to Alternatives

While you may be excited to launch your biometric check in process, all your guests may not be ready to buy in. Maintaining access to traditional check ins is a good idea during your first year of roll-out.

You can roll out biometric check ins as an added option for guests when booking. That way, you can still direct traffic away from your front desk, while still allowing many of your guests to check in the way they’re used to. If the process works and gains popularity, then you can consider making this your primary form of check in.

Communicate Your Policies Around Biometric Check Ins

Communication is key when it comes to assuring your guests of their health and safety. The first step may be to put policies and plans in place, but your next focus should be on sharing information.

When first introducing biometric check ins, you should aim to address guest concerns upfront. Your announcement of the new process should include details on data privacy and whether traditional check in is still available. Your employees should also have resources available to them so that they can properly answer guests’ questions.

No matter what updates you have planned for your operations, Foodbuy Hospitality provides support through purchasing programs and solutions. Reach out to your account manager today to discuss our broad portfolio.