Lauren Platero

Facial Recognition Technology In Hospitality: 6 Mind-Blowing Facts

Facial recognition technology is becoming increasingly popular to enhance the customer experience. Its ability to ensure security and accuracy is a benefit unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. 

Customer satisfaction in the hospitality industry can be achieved through innovative features. Facial recognition technology is a prime example of how tech solutions can elevate an entire business model. 

In September 2018, facial recognition technology was introduced to fifty hotels in China. Ever since this period, face recognition elements have been popping up in various sectors of hospitality. 

Facial recognition technology is a mind-blowing concept. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about it.

Facial Recognition Technology

Recognition technology is one of the most innovative solutions of our generation. Digital systems are programmed to identify various elements about a person’s face. These details can include anything from the space between features, whether the person is male or female, and race. Then, mathematical formulas are used to store this information in a vast database of faces.

When it comes time to make a purchase or other type of transaction, customers can scan their face. The facial recognition technology will search the database for measurements and metrics that match. Once recorded details are found, the transaction will process. 

Hospitality industry trends often consist of technologies that can make a business more secure and trustworthy. Due to its accuracy, facial recognition technology can be used by upper management and law enforcement to uncover fraudulent activity. 

Facial Technology Technology In Hospitality Industry

Hospitality businesses regularly handle operations and transactions with countless customers. It’s vital that there are safety and security measures in place at all times. 

Artificial intelligence is capable of mapping out the details of faces, providing futuristic solutions to hotels, resorts, and other related businesses. Read on to learn more about how hospitality software can recognize customers and initiate interactions. 

1. Facial Recognition Technology Makes Transactions Safer

Payment processing methods must be secure for legal and ethical reasons. When customers make a purchase, they're placing their trust in your business. With this in mind, every business owner should offer the most secure payment methods. 

As an example, MasterCard already has a feature enabled that allows customers to confirm payments with face recognition technology. After implementing these features, it became nearly impossible for other people to make fraudulent transactions with another person’s card or information. 

Considering that purchases within the hospitality industry can be quite high, it’s vital that businesses can eliminate the risk of false charges. Face recognition technology can intertwine with data encryption measures to offer the safest environment for paying customers. 

2. Facial Recognition Technology Enhances Customer Service

Upon scanning a guest, face recognition technology can personally greet customers. After this step, the system can include recommendations about various aspects of the business. Whether it be directions to a particular area on-premise, or a reminder to redeem loyalty points, such features can be personalized to each guest. 

A key component of improving customer service is standing out amongst the competition. Custom and original facial recognition features can certainly do the trick in hospitality. 

3. Facial Recognition Technology Speeds Up Hotel Check-In Processes

Checking in and retrieving a room key can take some time in hotels. With facial recognition technology, hotels are able to speed up these processes. 

Hotel companies can request that customers scan their face online upon booking their trip. If guests visit the same hotel more than once, the stored data can come in handy to save time. 

The benefits of face recognition technology for transactions are also helpful for in room dining processes. Guests can confirm mobile payments in the comfort of their own room. Plus, it’s a secure and quick payment method. 

4. Facial Recognition Technology Can Promote Safety Protocols 

When businesses were reopening amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, hospitality software companies began working tirelessly to develop solutions to promote safety. In doing so, many businesses adopted facial recognition technology. 

The ability to recognize faces is innovation at its finest. However, software developers took it one step further. In recent years, facial recognition technology has been able to detect whether or not someone is wearing a face mask. Facial recognition technology can also integrate with health kiosks that take your temperature. Between knowing if a customer is wearing a mask and if they have an unhealthy temperature, such technologies can create a significantly safer environment. 

5. Facial Recognition Technology Can Redeem Loyalty Points

That’s right–facial recognition technology can help businesses streamline a customer rewards program. When a customer signs up for a loyalty program using a mobile device, they can add a scan of their face as part of the account confirmation. 

When a customer attempts to redeem points, the digital device will require a face scan to confirm their identity. Not only will this ensure security for the business, but peace of mind for the customers, too. 

In many businesses, perks are a result of spending a lot of money. And more often than not, all you need to do to redeem points is input a phone number or email address. Since these are details commonly known about a person, fraudulent point redemptions are a possibility. With face recognition technology, customers can feel confident that their points are safe. 

6. Facial Recognition Technology Can Confirm Identification for International Travel

If you’d ever been on a high tech cruise ship or airplane, you know that authorities practice extreme caution. Face recognition technology can offer quick, contactless security when identifying guests. 

Consumers are able to record an image of their face for the travel company’s database. Upon arriving at check-in, all they have to do is scan their face. The facial recognition technology will do the analyzing in seconds, ending with an approval or rejection notice. 

To make safety measures even more thorough, staff members can compare the image in the database to a person’s photo ID. The tourism industry is constantly seeking ways to improve security. Fortunately, facial recognition technology can do the trick. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Facial Recognition Technology

Facial recognition technology is a mind-blowing concept that’s taking over the hospitality space. Read on to learn more about the basics of using software to identify customers. 

What Is Facial Recognition Technology?

Recognition technology is a resource that utilizes mathematical equations and image capturing software to identify people. Then, the systems use algorithms to compare and match results from a database of stored facial outlines. 

What Technology Is Used In Face Recognition?

Algorithms and biometrics are used to analyze facial features. These forms of technology are also used to compare facial features across the database. 

How Does Face Recognition Technology Work?

Face recognition technology works by using unique algorithms to identify fine details about a person’s appearance. Such details often include the shape of their face, the distance between the eyes, the distance between the lips and bottom of the chin, and so on. Then, these details are put into a mathematical model. Face details are then on record for reference and future transactions. 

What Are Recognition Systems Used For?

Recognition systems are used for identifying faces, voices, and fingerprints. Due to its accuracy, this technology is used in various settings, from payment security to accessing online accounts. 

How Accurate Is Facial Recognition Technology?

Recognition technology is extremely accurate. According to one study of roughly 150 algorithms, facial recognition systems had a 99% accuracy rate.