FAQ

What is Oracode?

Oracode is an intelligent, electronic access control system that provides keyless access for temporary users, such as vacation renters, timeshare owners, and corporate housing tenants. Using a time- and date-specific code, Oracode eliminates keys and cards as well as time-consuming access control management. The system employs either stand-alone (K Series) or online (i Series) keyless locks.

What are some of the features and benefits of the Oracode system?

+ No keys or cards to manage, eliminating re-keying or card replacement
+ 5,000 event audit trail for accountability
+ Simple to use, web-based software that can be accessed from anywhere in the world
+ Program guests’ stay in advance and from a centralized location
+ Guests do not need to check-in at a counter
+ Locks needs to be programmed/activated just once
+ Ideal for one to thousands of doors
+ Available to accommodate exit trim, mortise, and cylindrical locking devices
+ Ocean Front Satin Chrome, Satin Brass, and Oil-rubbed Bronze finish options
+ Deadbolt functions are certified compliance to the Florida Building Code for HVHZ (High Velocity Hurricane Zone)

How does Oracode work?

Oracode integrates a web application, handheld maintenance unit or controller, and a lock(s) to create a system for generating encrypted numerical codes. When the lock is built, it has no ID; once the lock is programmed it becomes “live.” It becomes a true standalone access control system that understands time, dates, and access codes. If the correct six-digit code is entered that corresponds with the dates and time, then the lock will grant access. There is no hardware or communication between the lock and the website. An Oracode lock can be on another continent (once programmed), and it will function as required. With the ID, the lock will know an unlimited set of parameters (dates) and the codes that correspond with it. The codes recognized by a lock are unique to that lock, i.e., the door on the next property (house, condo unit, etc.) has a totally different set of codes.

Why would a property management company implement a stand-alone or K Series system over the i Series online system?

The standalone system is a perfect way to migrate from a traditional lockset with keys to a keyless access control system.

Why would a property management company implement an online system over the stand-alone system?

The online system provides all the features and benefits of a stand-alone system in addition to real-time notifications and alerts, such as Guest First Arrival, Battery Status, and Internet Down. The online system has the ability to activate and audit a lock from a PC or mobile device, and special notification codes inform when a guest checks out early, the housekeeper finishes cleaning, or maintenance finishes work. In addition, the online system can integrate with the BeHome247 Enterprise Property Management System for a complete home automation system.

Does the Oracode system work with any Property Management System?

Both the stand-alone and online systems work with over 25 different Property Management Systems, including BeHome247, HomeAway, and Streamline.

Does the Oracode system work with an energy management or status management system?

Oracode integrates with the BeHome247 Enterprise Property Control System to not only streamline property operations but create a welcoming and comfortable environment for the guest. With a few key strokes, the BeHome247 system allows managers to:
- Monitor and control a property’s temperature
- Turn on/off lights
- Adjust pool/spa settings, lights, and pumps
- Receive notification when the HVAC system or appliance is out of service
- Shut down the water supply to prevent frozen pipes
- Property readiness eliminates turnday madness

Where does a property manager need to be located to manage a unit?

Once the lock is initialized, a unit can be managed from anywhere in the world; the date and time must be correct for the location.

Do property managers or owners have a choice in Oracode lock styles?

Managers and owners can choose between two versions of keyless locks: full body or deadbolt. The full body 660 locks (K or i Series) are available with a variety of locking device options, including mortise, cylindrical latch, and exit device. The small, sleek 480i (stand-alone or online) replaces existing deadbolt hardware and blends in with existing door levers. In addition, Oracode locks work in conjunction with our Remote Access Controllers to operate special access points, such as an elevator, parking entrance or any other door requiring an electric strike or electro-magnetic lock.

Do Oracode locks include a mechanical key override?

In the full body lock, there is a key override in the handle and in the deadbolt version, the key override is located under the cylinder cap. The physical key should be used for emergency purposes only because there is no way to trace the user of the key; however, the lock does record that someone gained access by a mechanical override.

Do Oracode locks require maintenance?

The lock requires no wiring, no cleaning, and is built to withstand harsh environments. Stand-alone locks run on three AA batteries, which typically last two to three years. The lock will flash red and green, indicating low batteries for up to three months prior to becoming inoperable. Online version locks typically last 18 months before they require changing.

How weather resistant are the Oracode locks?

Both the full body and deadbolt locks are totally sealed with no exposed electronics. Under the Florida Building Code, Oracode 660 Series full body locks are approved in the exterior door category (exterior door components).

They have certified compliance to the Florida Building Code FL1306.1 for installation in HVHZ (High Velocity Hurricane Zone) areas for mortise and deadbolt and auto deadbolt locking devices.

How is the lock programmed and audited?

For a standalone lock, the Maintenance unit (M-unit) is the communication device between the web-based software application and the lock; the locks only needs to be programmed once. After the lock is programmed, there is no need to revisit the lock, except for necessary audits or routine maintenance. For an online version, the lock is activated via Oracode Live from a centralized location.

If a unit has an Oracode K Series lock, how often does someone need to visit the door?

Initially someone needs to visit the door once to install and program the lock. If there is a need to revisit the lock, then it is to change the batteries (24 – 36 months) or audit a lock.

If a unit has an Oracode i Series lock, how often does someone need to visit the door?

With the i Series or online version lock, the only time someone needs to visit the door is to install the lock or to change the batteries (18 months). With Oracode Live and an i Series lock, there is no reason to visit a door lock to perform the initial lock programming; simply activate 480i and 660i online locks from a centralized location. In addition, the online system a manager to audit a lock from any PC or mobile device.

How many doors can be put on an Oracode system?

This system can work with one door to thousands of doors/site, depending on the configuration.

How many time frames can be entered into the lock?

The lock will generate codes anywhere from one day up to 62 weeks.

How many users can access the lock while still providing audit capabilities?

The system can have 128 different users entering codes into the lock for any given period of time. Each will have their own traceable code. Managers can give a code to the guest for a week, the housekeeper a code for the day, and the maintenance person a code for the month . . . Each code is time specific and linked back to the individual whom the code was given to.

How can managers keep track of who is in a unit?

The lock remembers the date and time of the last 5,000 events that occurred in it. By using codes instead of keys, there is a virtual fingerprint of everyone who enters a unit. Each user/level that enters the unit can be traced by going to the door and downloading (auditing the information) from the lock or with an online system, locks can be audited from any PC or mobile device. The lock will indicate the exact time the lock was accessed (to the second) and the action performed.

How does an Oracode lock adjust to daylight savings time?

When the lock is programmed, it should be set one hour in advance for daylight savings time. Six months of the year the lock will grant access one hour before the intended time and six months it will open as scheduled.

What is the longest time period an access code will function?

In daily mode, the longest code time frame accepted by the system is 31 days. In bi-weekly mode, the longest code time frame accepted by the system is 62 weeks.

Can there be a different check-in and check-out time?

The Oracode system is designed to have variable check-in and check-out times to the half hour, noting that daylight saving must be factored into the setting of the check-in and check-out times.

Can you restrict a user’s access time?

The Oracode system allows for time frames/level. A housekeeper can have a code that will work for a day, week, month or year between a selected times, i.e., 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Why does Oracode use a six-digit code?

A six-digit code allows for random guessing of access numbers to become almost impossible. However, to make it easier for a guest to remember a code, there is an option for the guest to “personalize” the six-digit code, which is still sensitive and traceable to the user.

Can someone guess a code at a property’s door?

The lock is designed to shut down for 40 seconds after the fourth incorrect code is entered into the lock. Once the shutdown has passed, the next incorrect code will shut the lock down for another 40 seconds.

How far in advance can a code be given out?

Codes can be generated today that will grant access years from now at the time and date required, not before.

What happens if a guest forgets their code?

The guest calls the number the property management has provided, and the administrator can produce another code for the guest in seconds via the Internet. Or, an emergency code can be produced, on a different level, that is valid for a period of time that suits the individual (e.g., weekly, bi-weekly, monthly). This code is used in the event of an emergency, and the guest is re-issued a new code the following day.

Does the code expire automatically?

The codes are only good for the selected time frame and expire upon the departure date. This means that no guest can get into the unit before or after their stay. Guests can sleep soundly knowing that no one else has a key to the unit during their time of stay.

What is the best way to provide access codes to the housekeeper, vendor, and maintenance man?

You can produce codes on different levels and duration for all of your support staff. For example, you can give a code to the housekeeper for six days or four weeks or let a plumber in a unit at 2:00 am. And, you can do it in your pajamas from hundreds of miles away.

Can an Oracode lock in the same site have an identical code?

When a lock is initialized, the M-unit assigns a site ID number, a unique unit ID number, and the time and date. This information is exclusive to that lock and no other lock will have the same code for the same date and time.

What happens if a homeowner leaves a program with a property management company or changes property management company?

If a homeowner is on a property management site and wants to move their unit to another company, then the door must be deleted from the original site and placed on another site. This means that the lock has to be reinitialized with the proper parameters. Once a lock is moved from one site to another, the lock has to be reprogrammed.

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