Enhancing operational efficiency with smart key management at The Lanesborough

The Lanesborough - A 5-star luxury hotel in central London has earned its echelon placement among the most prestigious in England and its stature is reflected in an unmatched attention to detail. However, even the most refined hotels must continually evolve to address potential vulnerabilities, particularly when it comes to security.

Challenge: Key management inefficiencies creating security risks 

The Lanesborough faced a critical operational challenge, being an outdated key management system that posed potential security risks and inefficiencies. Until 2022, security officers manually checked out keys, recording transactions by hand. This process was not only time-consuming but also concluded to human error. The inefficiencies were obvious; unclear handwriting, misplaced keys, and a reliance on staff presence to issue keys created bottlenecks, particularly during peak staff check-ins each morning.

The lack of real-time visibility into key access presented significant security concerns. Without a precise record of when keys were returned—or by whom—there was an increased risk of unauthorised access. If a key went missing, the financial burden of re-keying part of the hotel was an added concern. Identifying these challenges, The Lanesborough’s Head of Security, Nick Mackenzie, sought a solution that would bring the hotel’s key management in line with modern security expectations.

Traka solution: Intelligent key management for seamless security

Nick Mackenzie advocated for an intelligent key cabinet, an automated system that enhances security, accountability, and efficiency. Traka’s solution was swiftly adopted by The Lanesborough, replacing the outdated manual process with a biometric-access key cabinet. Now, nearly 100 master bedroom keys are securely stored, with permissions easily assigned or revoked in real time.

The benefits: 

• Enhanced Security: Access to the cabinet requires biometric authentication, adding an extra layer of protection.
• Improved Efficiency: The system eliminates the need for a security officer to manually distribute keys, reducing wait times and streamlining operations.
• Full Accountability: The key cabinet automatically logs every transaction, providing real-time reports on key access and returns
• Future-Proofing: The system aligns with evolving security regulations, such as the proposed Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill (Martyn’s Law), ensuring The Lanesborough stays ahead of compliance requirements.

Nick Mackenzie and his team are now exploring expanded applications for the system, including access management for contractors and additional department.

“It’s a small world in hotel security management,” said Nick Mackenzie, who is also the chairman of the Institute for Hotel Security Management. “You’re inheriting the work of someone else who was in your role before you. When I leave The Lanesborough, I want to know that I’ve improved it.” Nick Mackenzie

With Traka’s intelligent key management solution, The Lanesborough has once again demonstrated its commitment to operational excellence—embracing innovation to ensure both staff and guests experience the highest level of security and service.