Add-on, is generally acknowledged as extensions or plugins.
In the hotel lock industry, I think vingcard is the best at playing add-on. Before we talk about vingcard, let’s first understand what an add-on is.
What is add-on？
An add-on is an enhanced component. Original product will achieve more functional extensions after add it.
An important feature of Add-on is that it usually does not change the original product.
So it is lossless.
Add-on in Digital and entertainment industry
The console is an very early example. NEC started sale PC Engine in the 1980s.
NEC PC Engine launched lot of add-on accessories, all with different functions in different years, they greatly extend the life of the game console.
Add-on in Software industry
Germany 3D software company MAXON’s 3D software, Cinema 4D, has become very popular in recent years.
In Cinema 4D the ‘add-on’ is described as plugin.
The most famous two plugins of Cinema 4D are Redshift and X-particles.
As a professional 3D modeling and rendering software, Cinema 4D’s original render is not so good.
But the plugin render-redshift makes up for that. Its performance is much more better than original render.
And Cinema 4D original particles effect very very normal. The plugin X-particles provides amazingly realistic particle effects.
The two plugins greatly enhance the functionality of the Cinema 4D.
Add-on in life
Also there are many add-on in life.
Cleansui is a add-on water cleaner. User installed it to existing faucet.
The manufacturer Mitsubishi even designed adapters for different faucets.
Mitsubishi could sale more Cleansui, with these adapters. And more people and family could benefit.
Why add-on is so common?
- Commercial activity
There are some companies that specialize in offering add-ons to make money, it’s their business.
For example the add-on device ‘doctor7’ is an illegality device, that when add it to Nintendo Super Famicom（Super Nintendo Entertainment System in the north America）,the console cound run clone games.
- User need. For example the user have a lock on door, but user don’t want change the lock, add-on a RFID lock to make the door in RFID card access available
So Add-ons are basically win-win outcomes – the customer is happy and the company makes money.
What are the add-ons for hotel locks?
-Mobile open (sound wave)
This is an un-official add-on to KABA ilco RFID model hotel lock.Affer add-on the lock could be opened by a phone. The phone must call to a number, and the number gives a voice. Stick the handset part of the phone to the top(red line part), and the door will open in a few seconds
-Cloud function
-Vingcard Persona
This is an card lock plus pincode function. Obviously, it is in the ordinary magnetic card lock on the basis of an additional device, so that it has a pincode function
-Vingcard BLE module
BLE module can only add to signature RFID. The origin signature RFID do not support mobile app open. After add the BLE module, it can open the lock by using a smartphone app.
-Vingcard RFID upgrade kit
It allow upgrade classic lock(magnetic card) to RFID card solution.It saves users the cost of repurchasing locks and only requires a fraction of the cost of replacement parts.
Add-on is the crystallization of human wisdom
Technology continues to evolve backwards, and add-on is where people are able to take care of the past. It’s important not to be extravagant.
Generally, users will accept the add-on solution. Compared with the new solution, it has the following characteristics
-Saving cost
For example, faucets and door locks, if they are all removed and replaced with new ones, then the project is very large and costly. Add-on don’t require do modify or remove the old one.
New function is added directly to the previous.
-Retain usage habits
Usage habits are important. y. Add-on don’t require do modify or remove the old one.
New function is added directly to the previous.A brand new solution may have a completely different feel. For those who are used to the old things, there will be discomfort.
