Hotels using Linen Technology Tracker to stop linen theft

[Ned]

This is neat.

Three hotels, one each in New York, Miami and Honolulu are now using Linen Technology Tracking patented a radio-frequency identification chip which is designed to keep real-time inventory of frequently misplaced or stolen goods.

Apparently during any given month, hotels can lose 5 to 20 percent of their towels, sheets and robes, and that's expensive.

In addition to stopping thefts, the chips help managers keep proper levels of linen stocks, and order supplies.

The company's concept is similar to the sensors used for automatic toll taking on tolls roads, but these sensors are also "waterproof."

Company VP William Serbin said, "We tweaked the technology, went through trial and error with different types of chips and put them in the correct place. Now, chip life exceeds 300 wash cycles."

The trackers have already busted several robe and towel thieves at the hotels, who were politely asked to return hotel property.