In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, the demand for flexibility and convenience has permeated every aspect of our lives. This is particularly evident in the realm of services provided to homeowners and businesses, where after-hours service has become a crucial expectation. Understanding these expectations is key not only for service providers seeking to maintain customer satisfaction but also for consumers who rely on these services to manage their personal and professional lives effectively.
For homeowners, after-hours services offer an invaluable safety net. Life is unpredictable; emergencies rarely happen between 9 AM and 5 PM. Whether it's a plumbing disaster that strikes late at night or an electrical issue that needs immediate attention over the weekend, having access to reliable service outside of regular working hours can be the difference between minor inconvenience and major disruption. Moreover, after-hours availability allows homeowners the flexibility to schedule non-emergency work at times that do not interfere with their work or family commitments.
From a business perspective, the importance of after-hours service cannot be overstated. In an era where global connectivity means that business never truly stops, companies need solutions that accommodate their operations around the clock. Downtime can equate to lost revenue; therefore, having maintenance support available beyond traditional hours ensures continuity and minimizes interruptions in productivity. Additionally, businesses often prefer scheduling routine maintenance during off-peak hours to avoid disrupting regular operations-a preference only feasible with after-hours service options.
Service providers who recognize these demands are positioned advantageously in today's market. Offering after-hours service is not just about meeting client expectations; it's about exceeding them by demonstrating a commitment to customer care that transcends normal business constraints. Those who invest in this level of accessibility are likely to see increased customer loyalty as consumers naturally gravitate towards businesses that prioritize their needs regardless of time constraints.
Understanding after-hours service expectations involves acknowledging both explicit requests from clients and anticipating potential scenarios where such services could prove beneficial. It requires clear communication channels, robust logistical planning, and trained personnel ready to respond promptly at any hour. By investing in these areas, service providers can establish themselves as dependable partners for both individual homeowners and large enterprises alike.
In conclusion, the significance of after-hours services lies in their ability to seamlessly integrate into the lives of customers-providing peace of mind for homeowners facing unexpected challenges while supporting businesses striving for uninterrupted efficiency. As society continues its shift towards more flexible lifestyles and work arrangements, recognizing and meeting these expectations will remain a hallmark of superior service delivery across industries.
Key Features of Wi-Fi Enabled Garage Door Openers —
In today's fast-paced world, where time is of the essence and convenience reigns supreme, after-hours services have become not just a luxury but an expectation. This is particularly true for services related to home maintenance and security, such as garage door repairs and installations. Understanding common customer expectations for after-hours garage door services can help service providers meet and exceed their clients' needs, ensuring satisfaction and loyalty.
First and foremost, availability is key. Customers expect that when they encounter an issue with their garage door outside of regular business hours-be it a malfunctioning opener or a broken spring-they can rely on prompt assistance. The very nature of after-hours service implies urgency; customers are often dealing with unexpected situations that require immediate attention. Therefore, having a responsive system in place, such as 24/7 hotlines or quick-response online chat services, can make all the difference in providing peace of mind.
Reliability goes hand-in-hand with availability. When customers reach out for after-hours service, they anticipate that the technicians dispatched to their homes will be both competent and trustworthy. They expect professionals who are not only skilled at diagnosing and fixing problems efficiently but who also respect their home environment by maintaining cleanliness and order during the repair process. This level of professionalism helps build confidence in the service provider's expertise.
Transparency in communication is another critical expectation. Customers appreciate being informed about what exactly needs to be done to fix their issue, how long it will take, and what costs are involved upfront. Unforeseen expenses or extended timelines can lead to dissatisfaction; hence clear communication helps manage customer expectations effectively.
Moreover, safety is paramount when dealing with garage doors-a crucial component of home security. Customers expect that any repair or installation performed will adhere to strict safety standards to ensure that their property remains secure once the technician has left. This includes proper testing of all mechanisms before concluding the service call.
Finally, value for money remains an overarching expectation across all types of services offered post-business hours. While customers understand that there might be additional charges for emergency or late-night calls due to labor laws or operational overheads, they still seek fair pricing without feeling exploited due to their urgent need.
In conclusion, understanding these common customer expectations for after-hours garage door services involves focusing on availability, reliability, transparent communication, adherence to safety standards, and delivering value for money. By aligning their offerings with these expectations, service providers not only foster trust but also cultivate lasting relationships with their clients-ensuring continued success in this competitive field.
In today's fast-paced world, convenience and efficiency are paramount, and technology continues to evolve to meet these demands.. One area where modern technology has made significant strides is in the realm of home automation, specifically in the operation of garage doors.
When it comes to hiring an emergency garage door technician, one of the most crucial considerations is ensuring that their technicians are trained in handling hazardous situations safely.. A malfunctioning garage door can present a gamut of risks, from electrical hazards to mechanical failures, and having a technician who is not only experienced but also adept at managing these potential dangers is paramount.
Firstly, the nature of garage doors themselves necessitates a high level of safety awareness.
In recent years, the evolution of smart home technologies has revolutionized the way we interact with our living spaces.. One area that has seen significant advancements is smart garage door systems.
Posted by on 2025-01-02
Installation Process for Wi-Fi Integrated Garage Door Systems
In the modern world, where services are expected to be available around the clock, technicians providing after-hours support play a crucial role in maintaining the seamless operation of various industries. However, meeting these expectations is not without its challenges. Understanding these challenges is essential for both service providers and consumers to ensure that after-hours support continues to meet high standards of reliability and efficiency.
One significant challenge faced by technicians during after-hours service is the unpredictability of demand. Unlike regular working hours where patterns can often be anticipated, after-hours calls can vary widely in frequency and urgency. This unpredictability requires technicians to be on constant alert, ready to address any issue at a moment's notice. The nature of problems encountered during these hours can range from routine maintenance issues to critical system failures that require immediate attention. Preparing for such variability demands a high level of expertise and flexibility from technicians.
Another challenge lies in the limited resources typically available during after-hours periods. Many businesses operate with reduced staff during nights or weekends, which means that technicians may have fewer colleagues on hand for consultation or assistance. This scarcity of resources can place additional pressure on technicians who must rely heavily on their own skills and experience to troubleshoot and resolve issues independently. Furthermore, access to parts or specialized equipment may be restricted outside normal business hours, complicating the resolution process.
Communication barriers also present a unique set of challenges for after-hours service providers. Reaching out to clients or team members might prove difficult due to time zone differences or varying availability, leading to potential delays in problem-solving efforts. Effective communication becomes even more critical when dealing with complex technical issues that require collaboration among multiple parties.
The impact of irregular work hours on personal life should not be underestimated either. Technicians often sacrifice family time or personal activities to meet job demands during unconventional hours. This can lead to burnout if not managed properly, affecting job performance and overall well-being over time.
To address these challenges effectively, both companies and customers must cultivate realistic expectations regarding after-hours services. Companies should invest in comprehensive training programs for their technicians, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to handle diverse scenarios independently. Additionally, implementing robust communication systems can help bridge gaps between team members and clients across different time zones.
For customers seeking after-hours support, understanding the limitations inherent in such services is key to fostering better cooperation with service providers. Patience and clear communication about issues being faced will aid technicians in diagnosing problems more efficiently despite constraints posed by time or resource availability.
In conclusion, while providing after-hours technical support presents numerous challenges ranging from unpredictable demand cycles through limited resources down towards balancing work-life commitments; understanding these hurdles fosters empathy amongst all stakeholders involved - paving way towards smoother interactions leading eventually toward improved outcomes overall within this vital sector supporting continuous operations round-the-clock worldwide today!
Security Considerations and Best Practices for Remote Access
Understanding after-hours service expectations is crucial in today's fast-paced, globalized economy. As businesses expand their reach across different time zones and customer demands continue to evolve, providing exceptional after-hours service has become a significant differentiator. Meeting and exceeding these expectations involves a strategic approach that takes into account several key factors.
Firstly, it is essential to understand who your customers are and what they expect from after-hours service. Expectations can vary significantly depending on the nature of your business, the industry you operate in, and the profile of your customer base. For instance, customers seeking technical support might expect immediate assistance regardless of the time, while those in retail may be satisfied with prompt responses the following morning. Conducting surveys or gathering feedback can provide valuable insights into what your customers need when they reach out after regular business hours.
Once you have a clear understanding of customer expectations, it's important to align your resources accordingly. This might involve investing in technology such as automated chatbots or virtual assistants that can handle basic inquiries efficiently around the clock. These tools not only help manage customer queries during off-peak hours but also ensure that human agents are available for more complex issues when needed. Moreover, implementing an effective ticketing system ensures that any unresolved queries are promptly addressed as soon as regular operations resume.
Training staff to handle after-hours inquiries is another vital component of exceeding customer expectations. Employees should be equipped with comprehensive knowledge about products or services and be skilled in managing interactions empathetically and efficiently. Providing them with scenarios or simulations can prepare them for various situations they might encounter outside normal working hours.
Communication plays a pivotal role in managing after-hours service expectations successfully. Set clear guidelines about response times and availability so that customers know what to anticipate when contacting you outside standard operating hours. Transparency helps build trust and reduces frustration if immediate assistance isn't feasible.
Additionally, companies should continuously evaluate their after-hours service strategies by analyzing performance metrics such as response times, resolution rates, and customer satisfaction scores. Regular assessment allows businesses to identify areas for improvement and adapt their strategies to meet changing customer needs effectively.
In conclusion, understanding after-hours service expectations requires a deep dive into customer needs coupled with strategic planning and resource allocation. By embracing technology, training staff effectively, communicating transparently, and continually assessing performance, businesses can not only meet but exceed these expectations-ultimately fostering stronger relationships with their customers and gaining a competitive edge in the market.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Wi-Fi Connected Garage Doors
In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, businesses are no longer confined to the traditional nine-to-five working hours. Customers expect seamless access to services at any time of the day or night, which has led to a growing emphasis on comprehensive after-hours support. Understanding after-hours service expectations is crucial for businesses aiming to enhance customer satisfaction and maintain a competitive edge.
One of the primary benefits of offering comprehensive after-hours support is increased customer satisfaction. Customers appreciate the ability to resolve issues or obtain information outside regular business hours, which can significantly enhance their overall experience with a company. When customers feel valued and supported around the clock, they are more likely to develop loyalty towards the brand, leading to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth referrals.
Furthermore, providing after-hours support can help businesses expand their market reach. By catering to customers in different time zones or those with unconventional schedules, companies can tap into new demographics and geographic areas that were previously inaccessible. This flexibility not only helps in capturing a broader audience but also strengthens the company's position in an increasingly globalized marketplace.
Another significant advantage is the potential for increased revenue generation. After-hours support can lead to higher sales as customers who encounter issues during off-peak times may require immediate assistance before making purchasing decisions. By ensuring that there is always someone available to address queries or concerns, businesses can reduce barriers to purchase and close more sales.
Additionally, offering comprehensive after-hours support can improve operational efficiency by preventing backlogs of customer inquiries that often accumulate overnight. By addressing issues as they arise rather than delaying them until standard operating hours, companies can manage workloads more effectively and ensure quicker resolution times for all customers.
Moreover, investing in after-hours support demonstrates a commitment to exceptional service quality. It sends a clear message that a company prioritizes its customers' needs at all times, fostering trust and credibility in its brand image. In industries where competition is fierce and differentiation challenging, outstanding customer service can be a key differentiator that sets one business apart from another.
Understanding after-hours service expectations also involves recognizing the importance of leveraging technology effectively. Automated systems like chatbots or AI-driven virtual assistants can provide immediate responses during off-peak hours when human agents might be limited. These technologies not only offer cost-effective solutions but also ensure consistent service delivery without compromising on quality.
In conclusion, offering comprehensive after-hours support aligns with modern consumer expectations while delivering tangible benefits for businesses across various sectors. Increased customer satisfaction translates into loyalty; expanded market reach opens up new opportunities; enhanced revenue generation boosts profitability; improved operational efficiency streamlines processes-all contributing factors towards sustainable growth and success in today's dynamic business environment where meeting customer demands remains paramount every hour of every day.
Future Trends in Smart Home Technology and Garage Door Integration
In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, businesses are increasingly recognizing the importance of providing comprehensive after-hours services to meet customer expectations. The concept of after-hours service extends beyond simply being available outside standard operating hours; it embodies a commitment to enhancing customer experience, fostering loyalty, and ensuring operational continuity in an ever-demanding marketplace. Understanding after-hours service expectations is crucial for businesses aiming to implement these services successfully.
Customers today expect round-the-clock accessibility, reflecting a shift towards a more consumer-centric approach in business operations. This expectation stems from the digital age's influence, where information and services are accessible at any time with just a few clicks. As such, companies across various industries have begun to invest in robust after-hours service frameworks designed not only to handle emergencies but also to provide seamless support and maintain engagement during off-peak times.
A successful case study exemplifying after-hours service implementation can be found in the healthcare industry. Healthcare providers have long understood that patient needs do not adhere strictly to business hours. By establishing 24/7 helplines and telemedicine options, they ensure that patients can access care and advice whenever necessary. This model has proven effective in reducing emergency room visits for non-critical issues while simultaneously improving patient satisfaction by addressing concerns promptly.
Similarly, the IT sector has embraced after-hours support as part of their service offerings. IT companies often operate on a global scale, catering to clients across different time zones who require immediate assistance irrespective of local working hours. These companies have adopted strategies such as rotating on-call teams and leveraging automation tools to monitor systems continuously. Such measures guarantee rapid response times and minimize downtime for their clients' operations-an expectation that has become a standard benchmark within the industry.
Retail businesses have also adapted by offering extended customer support through multiple channels like chatbots or virtual assistants that provide instant responses even outside traditional hours. This approach not only meets consumer demands for convenience but also captures potential sales opportunities that might otherwise be missed during non-operational periods.
Understanding customer expectations involves acknowledging specific needs relevant to each industry while aligning them with broader societal trends toward 24/7 availability. Businesses must conduct thorough research into their target audience's preferences and pain points regarding after-hours interactions. By doing so, they can design tailored solutions that resonate with consumers' desires for immediacy without compromising quality or personalization.
Moreover, successful implementation requires investment in training staff adequately equipped both technically and emotionally to handle inquiries at all times effectively-ensuring consistency between daytime operations and those conducted during off-peak hours is paramount here too.
In conclusion, comprehending what constitutes effective after-hour services entails recognizing evolving consumer behaviors driven by technological advancements alongside inherent demands unique per sectoral context-the sooner organizations adapt accordingly via well-conceived strategies backed up by reliable infrastructures capable handling increased workloads swiftly yet efficiently around clock-the better poised they'll remain amidst competitors vying same clientele base ultimately resulting improved brand reputation overall market position alike!
About customer service
Provision of service to customers
A DMV clerk helps a customer with paperwork.
Customer service is the assistance and advice provided by a company through phone, online chat, mail, and e-mail to those who buy or use its products or services. Each industry requires different levels of customer service,[1] but towards the end, the idea of a well-performed service is that of increasing revenues. The perception of success of the customer service interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the customer".[2] Customer service is often practiced in a way that reflects the strategies and values of a firm. Good quality customer service is usually measured through customer retention.
Customer service for some firms is part of the firm’s intangible assets and can differentiate it from others in the industry. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.[3] It is expected that AI-based chatbots will significantly impact customer service and call centre roles and will increase productivity substantially.[4][5][6] Many organisations have already adopted AI chatbots to improve their customer service experience.[6][7][5]
The evolution in the service industry has identified the needs of consumers. Companies usually create policies or standards to guide their personnel to follow their particular service package. A service package is a combination of tangible and intangible characteristics a firm uses to take care of its clients.[8]
Customer support
[edit]
Main article: Customer support
Customer support is a range of consumer services to assist customers in making cost-effective and correct use of a product.[9] It includes assistance in planning, installation, training, troubleshooting, maintenance, upgrading, and disposal of a product.[9] These services may even be provided at the place in which the customer makes use of the product or service. In this case, it is called "at home customer service" or "at home customer support." Customer support is an effective strategy that ensures that the customer's needs have been attended to. Customer support helps ensure that the products and services that have been provided to the customer meet their expectations. Given an effective and efficient customer support experience, customers tend to be loyal to the organization, which creates a competitive advantage over its competitors. Organizations should ensure that any complaints from customers about customer support have been dealt with effectively.[10]
Automation and productivity increase
[edit]
Customer service may be provided in person (e.g. sales / service representative), or by automated means,[11] such as kiosks, websites, and apps. An advantage of automation is that it can provide service 24 hours a day which can complement face-to-face customer service.[12] There is also economic benefit to the firm. Through the evolution of technology, automated services become less expensive over time. This helps provide services to more customers for a fraction of the cost of employees' wages. Automation can facilitate customer service or replace it entirely.
A popular type of automated customer service is done through artificial intelligence (AI). The customer benefit of AI is the feel for chatting with a live agent through improved speech technologies while giving customers the self-service benefit.[13] AI can learn through interaction to give a personalized service. The exchange the Internet of Things (IoT) facilitates within devices, lets us transfer data when we need it, where we need it. Each gadget catches the information it needs while it maintains communication with other devices. This is also done through advances in hardware and software technology. Another form of automated customer service is touch-tone phone, which usually involves IVR (Interactive Voice Response) a main menu and the use of a keypad as options (e.g. "Press 1 for English, Press 2 for Spanish").[14]
In the Internet era, a challenge is to maintain and/or enhance the personal experience while making use of the efficiencies of online commerce. "Online customers are literally invisible to you (and you to them), so it's easy to shortchange them emotionally. But this lack of visual and tactile presence makes it even more crucial to create a sense of personal, human-to-human connection in the online arena."[15]
An automated online assistant with avatar providing automated customer service on a web page
Examples of customer service by artificial means are automated online assistants that can be seen as avatars on websites,[12] which enterprises can use to reduce operating and training costs.[12] These are driven by chatbots, and a major underlying technology to such systems is natural language processing.[12]
Metrics
[edit]
The two primary methods of gathering feedback are customer surveys and Net Promoter Score measurement, used for calculating the loyalty that exists between a provider and a consumer.[16]
Instant feedback
[edit]
Many outfits have implemented feedback loops that allow them to capture feedback at point of experience. For example, National Express in the UK has invited passengers to send text messages while riding the bus. This has been shown to be useful, as it allows companies to improve their customer service before the customer defects, thus making it far more likely that the customer will return next time.[17]
See also
[edit]
Automated attendant
Customer experience management
Customer relationship management
Customer satisfaction
Customer Service Assurance
Customer service representative
Customer service training
Demand chain
Interactive voice response
Live support software
Privacy policy
Professional services automation
Public Services
Sales
Sales process engineering
Sales territory
Service climate
Service system
Social skills
Support automation
Technical support
Help desk software
References
[edit]
^
Lucas, Robert (2015). Customer Service Skills For Success. New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 978-0-07-354546-2.
^Buchanan, Leigh (1 March 2011). "A Customer Service Makeover". Inc. magazine. Retrieved 29 Oct 2012.
^Teresa Swartz, Dawn Iacobucci. Handbook of Services Marketing and Management. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage
^Adam, M., Wessel, M. & Benlian, A. AI-based chatbots in customer service and their effects on user compliance. Electron Markets 31, 427–445 (2021). doi:10.1007/s12525-020-00414-7
^ abKrishnan, C., Gupta, A., Gupta, A., Singh, G. (2022). Impact of Artificial Intelligence-Based Chatbots on Customer Engagement and Business Growth. In: Hong, TP., Serrano-Estrada, L., Saxena, A., Biswas, A. (eds) Deep Learning for Social Media Data Analytics. Studies in Big Data, vol 113. Springer, Cham. doi:10.1007/978-3-031-10869-3_11
^ ab"AI-enabled customer service is now the quickest and most effective route for institutions to deliver personalized, proactive experiences that drive customer engagement". New York: McKinsey & Company. March 27, 2023.
^Brandon Turpin (August 2, 2023). "How chatbots can provide a better customer experience". IBM.
^Bordoloi, Sanjeev (2019). Service Management Operations, Strategy, Information Technology. New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 978-1-260-09242-4.
^ abbusinessdictionary.com > customer support Archived 2018-07-23 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved March 2011
^Crittenden, Victoria (2020-01-01). "Customer support services: more than administrative support – it has to be strategic!". European Journal of Marketing. 54 (7): 1807–1808. doi:10.1108/EJM-07-2020-972. ISSN 0309-0566. S2CID 225558345.
^"10 reasons why AI-powered, automated customer service is the future". ibm.com. 16 October 2017. Retrieved 2020-05-17.
^ abcdKongthorn, Alisa; Sangkeettrakarn, Chatchawal; Kongyoung, Sarawoot; Haruechaiyasak, Choochart (2009). "Implementing an online help desk system based on conversational agent". Bibliometrics Data in: Proceeding, MEDES '09 Proceedings of the International Conference on Management of Emergent Digital EcoSystems. New York, NY, USA: ACM. ISBN 978-1-60558-829-2. doi:10.1145/1643823.1643908
^Goebel, Tobias. "Google Duplex's Conversational AI Shows a Path to Better Customer Service". CMSWire.com. Simpler Media Group. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
^Tolentino, Jamie (20 April 2015). "Enhancing customer engagement with interactive voice response". The Next Web. Retrieved 2020-05-17.
^Solomon, Micah (4 March 2010). "Seven Keys to Building Customer Loyalty--and Company Profits". Fast Company. Retrieved 29 Oct 2012.
^Mandal, Pratap Chandra (2014). "Net promoter score: a conceptual analysis". International Journal of Management Concepts and Philosophy. 8 (4): 209. doi:10.1504/ijmcp.2014.066899. ISSN 1478-1484.
^"Lunch Lesson Four - Customer service". BBC News. October 3, 2003. Retrieved October 27, 2008.
Further reading
[edit]
Krishnan, C., Gupta, A., Gupta, A., Singh, G. (2022). Impact of Artificial Intelligence-Based Chatbots on Customer Engagement and Business Growth. In: Hong, TP., Serrano-Estrada, L., Saxena, A., Biswas, A. (eds) Deep Learning for Social Media Data Analytics. Studies in Big Data, vol 113. Springer, Cham. doi:10.1007/978-3-031-10869-3_11
Adam, M., Wessel, M. & Benlian, A. AI-based chatbots in customer service and their effects on user compliance. Electron Markets 31, 427–445 (2021). doi:10.1007/s12525-020-00414-7
Hardalov, M., Koychev, I., Nakov, P. (2018). Towards Automated Customer Support. In: Agre, G., van Genabith, J., Declerck, T. (eds) Artificial Intelligence: Methodology, Systems, and Applications. AIMSA 2018. Lecture Notes in Computer Science(), vol 11089. Springer, Cham. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-99344-7_5
Roberts, C. and Maier, T. (2024), "The evolution of service toward automated customer assistance: there is a difference", International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, Vol. 36 No. 6, pp. 1914-1925. doi:10.1108/IJCHM-08-2022-1037
Suendermann, D., Liscombe, J., Pieraccini, R., Evanini, K. (2010). “How am I Doing?”: A New Framework to Effectively Measure the Performance of Automated Customer Care Contact Centers. In: Neustein, A. (eds) Advances in Speech Recognition. Springer, Boston, MA. doi:10.1007/978-1-4419-5951-5_7
Authority control databases
National
Germany
United States
Japan
Czech Republic
Israel
Other
NARA
About remote keyless system
Electronic lock without a mechanical key
This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Remote keyless system" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR(June 2013) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
A remote control for a keyless entry system built into an ignition key: pressing a button on the key unlocks the car doors, while another button locks the car and activates its alarm system
A remote keyless system (RKS), also known as remote keyless entry (RKE) or remote central locking, is an electronic lock that controls access to a building or vehicle by using an electronic remote control (activated by a handheld device or automatically by proximity).[1] RKS largely and quickly superseded keyless entry, a budding technology that restrictively bound locking and unlocking functions to vehicle-mounted keypads.
Widely used in automobiles, an RKS performs the functions of a standard car key without physical contact. When within a few yards of the car, pressing a button on the remote can lock or unlock the doors, and may perform other functions.
A remote keyless system can include both remote keyless entry (RKE), which unlocks the doors, and remote keyless ignition (RKI), which starts the engine.
History
[edit]
Remote keyless entry was patented in 1981 by Paul Lipschutz, who worked for Nieman (a supplier of security components to the car industry) and had developed a number of automotive security devices. His electrically actuated lock system could be controlled by using a handheld fob to stream infrared data. Patented in 1981 after successful submission in 1979, it worked using a "coded pulse signal generator and battery-powered infra-red radiation emitter." In some geographic areas, the system is called a PLIP system, or Plipper, after Lipschutz. Infrared technology was superseded in 1995 when a European frequency was standardised.[2][3]
The remote keyless systems using a handheld transmitter first appeared on the French made Renault Fuego in 1982,[4] and as an option on several American Motors vehicles in 1983, including the Renault Alliance. The feature gained its first widespread availability in the U.S. on several General Motors vehicles in 1989.[citation needed]
Prior to Remote Keyless Entry, a number of systems were introduced featuring Keyless Entry (i.e., not remote), including Ford's 1980 system introduced on the Ford Thunderbird, Mercury Cougar, Lincoln Continental Mark VI, and Lincoln Town Car, which Ford called Keyless Entry System (later marketed SecuriCode). The system used a five-button keypad on the driver-side with that could unlock the driver's door when the code was entered, with subsequent code entries to unlock all doors or trunk — or lock the vehicle from the outside.
The sixth generation Buick Electra (1985-1991) featured a sill-mounted keypad for model years 1985-1988, superseded in 1989 by a remote keyless entry system.
Nissan offered the same door keypad technology on the 1984 Maxima, Fairlady, Gloria and Cedric, essentially using the same approach as Ford, with the addition of being able to roll the windows down and open the optional moonroof from outside the vehicle on the door handle installed keypad on both the driver's and front passengers door as well as roll the windows up, close the optional sunroof and lock the vehicle.
As of 2024, Ford continued to offer a fob-operated remote keyless system or completely keyless system, augmented by its Securicode five-button keypad.[5] The combination enabled tiered or time-restricted permissions, i.e., the code giving access to the vehicle but not its operation — and the code being easily changed to prevent subsequent vehicle access.
Function
[edit]
This section, except for two footnotes, needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources in this section, except for two footnotes,. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "Remote keyless system" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR(November 2013) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
Keyless remotes contain a short-range radio transmitter, and must be within a certain range, usually 5–20 meters, of the car to work. When a button is pushed, it sends a coded signal by radio waves to a receiver unit in the car, which locks or unlocks the door. Most RKEs operate at a frequency of 315 MHz for North America-made cars and at 433.92 MHz for European, Japanese and Asian cars. Modern systems since the mid-1990s implement encryption as well as rotating entry codes to prevent car thieves from intercepting and spoofing the signal.[6] Earlier systems used infrared instead of radio signals to unlock the vehicle, such as systems found on Mercedes-Benz,[7] BMW[8] and other manufacturers.
The system signals that it has either locked or unlocked the car usually through some fairly discreet combination of flashing vehicle lamps, a distinctive sound other than the horn, or some usage of the horn itself. A typical setup on cars is to have the horn or other sound chirp twice to signify that the car has been unlocked, and chirp once to indicate the car has been locked. For example, Toyota, Scion, and Lexus use a chirp system to signify the car being locked/unlocked. While two beeps means that driver's door is unlocked, four beeps means all doors are unlocked. One long beep is for the trunk or power tailgate. One short beep signifies that the car is locked and alarm is set.
The functions of a remote keyless entry system are contained on a key fob or built into the ignition key handle itself. Buttons are dedicated to locking or unlocking the doors and opening the trunk or tailgate. On some minivans, the power sliding doors can be opened/closed remotely. Some cars will also close any open windows and roof when remotely locking the car. Some remote keyless fobs also feature a red panic button which activates the car alarm as a standard feature. Further adding to the convenience, some cars' engines with remote keyless ignition systems can be started by the push of a button on the key fob (useful in cold weather), and convertible tops can be raised and lowered from outside the vehicle while it's parked.
On cars where the trunk release is electronically operated, it can be triggered to open by a button on the remote. Conventionally, the trunk springs open with the help of hydraulic struts or torsion springs, and thereafter must be lowered manually. Premium models, such as SUVs and estates with tailgates, may have a motorized assist that can both open and close the tailgate for easy access and remote operation.
For offices, or residences, the system can also be coupled with the security system, garage door opener or remotely activated lighting devices.
Programming
[edit]
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Remote keyless entry fobs emit a radio frequency with a designated, distinct digital identity code. Inasmuch as "programming" fobs is a proprietary technical process, it is typically performed by the automobile manufacturer. In general, the procedure is to put the car computer in 'programming mode'. This usually entails engaging the power in the car several times while holding a button or lever. It may also include opening doors, or removing fuses. The procedure varies amongst various makes, models, and years. Once in 'programming mode' one or more of the fob buttons is depressed to send the digital identity code to the car's onboard computer. The computer saves the code and the car is then taken out of programming mode.
As RKS fobs have become more prevalent in the automobile industry a secondary market of unprogrammed devices has sprung up. Some websites sell steps to program fobs for individual models of cars as well as accessory kits to remotely activate other car devices.
On early (1998–2012) keyless entry remotes, the remotes can be individually programmed by the user, by pressing a button on the remote, and starting the vehicle. However, newer (2013+) keyless entry remotes require dealership or locksmith programming via a computer with special software . The Infrared keyless entry systems offered user programming, though radio frequency keyless entry systems mostly require dealer programming.
Passive systems
[edit]
Some cars feature a passive keyless entry system. Their primary distinction is the ability to lock/unlock (and later iterations allow starting) the vehicle without any input from the user.
General Motors pioneered this technology with the Passive Keyless Entry (PKE) system in the 1993 Chevrolet Corvette. It featured passive locking/unlocking, but traditional keyed starting of the vehicle.
Today, passive systems are commonly found on a variety of vehicles, and although the exact method of operation differs between makes and models, their operation is generally similar: a vehicle can be unlocked without the driver needing to physically push a button on the key fob to lock or unlock the car. Additionally, some are able to start or stop the vehicle without physically having to insert a key.
Security
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Keyless ignition does not by default provide better security. In October 2014, it was found that some insurers in the United Kingdom would not insure certain vehicles with keyless ignition unless there were additional mechanical locks in place due to weaknesses in the keyless system.[9]
A security concern with any remote entry system is a spoofing technique called a replay attack, in which a thief records the signal sent by the key fob using a specialized receiver called a code grabber, and later replays it to open the door. To prevent this, the key fob does not use the same unlock code each time but a rolling code system; it contains a pseudorandom number generator which transmits a different code each use.[10] The car's receiver has another pseudorandom number generator synchronized to the fob to recognise the code. To prevent a thief from simulating the pseudorandom number generator the fob encrypts the code.
News media have reported cases where it is suspected that criminals managed to open cars by using radio repeaters to trick vehicles into thinking that their keyless entry fobs were close by even when they were far away (relay attack),[11] though they have not reported that any such devices have been found. The articles speculate that keeping fobs in aluminum foil or a freezer when not in use can prevent criminals from exploiting this vulnerability.[12]
In 2015, it was reported that Samy Kamkar had built an inexpensive electronic device about the size of a wallet that could be concealed on or near a locked vehicle to capture a single keyless entry code to be used at a later time to unlock the vehicle. The device transmits a jamming signal to block the vehicle's reception of rolling code signals from the owner's fob, while recording these signals from both of his two attempts needed to unlock the vehicle. The recorded first code is sent to the vehicle only when the owner makes the second attempt, while the recorded second code is retained for future use. Kamkar stated that this vulnerability had been widely known for years to be present in many vehicle types but was previously undemonstrated.[13] A demonstration was done during DEF CON 23.[14]
Actual thefts targeting luxury cars based on the above exploit have been reported when the key fob is near the front of the home. Several workaround can prevent such exploits, including placing the key fob in a tin box.[15][16] A criminal ring stole about 100 vehicles using this technique in Southern and Eastern Ontario.[17]
See also
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Near field communication
Ignition switch
Transponder car key
References
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^
Job, Ann. "Driving Without Car Keys". MSN Autos. Archived from the original on 9 May 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2012.
^Mills, James (8 November 2014). "Keyless wonder: how did we end up with 'smart' wireless keys for our cars?". Sunday Times.
^Torchinsky, Jason (23 February 2021). "I Had No Idea The Renault Fuego Was The Car With This Huge Automotive First". Jalopnik.
^"1980–1985 RENAULT Fuego Turbo". Octane. Archived from the original on 27 October 2012. Retrieved 27 February 2012.
^Ryan McManus (2 December 2004). "The Persistence of SecuriCode:". Medium.com.
^Lake, Matt (7 June 2001). "HOW IT WORKS; Remote Keyless Entry: Staying a Step Ahead of Car Thieves". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 10 February 2017.
^infrared-keyless-entry, benzworld.org.
^"Archived copy of post to BMW forum". Archived from the original on 9 November 2013. Retrieved 29 June 2012.
^"Thieves target luxury Range Rovers with keyless locking systems". TheGuardian.com. 27 October 2014.
^Brain, Marshall (15 August 2001). "How remote entry works". How Stuff Works website. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
^"CCTV video shows suspects using electronic method to steal cars in northeast Toronto – CityNews Toronto".
^Steinberg, Joseph (12 May 2015). "Vulnerability In Car Keyless Entry Systems Allows Anyone To Open And Steal Your Vehicle". Forbes.
^Thompson, Cadie (6 August 2015). "A hacker made a $30 gadget that can unlock many cars that have keyless entry". Tech Insider. Retrieved 11 August 2015.
^Kamkar, Samy (7 August 2015). "Drive It Like You Hacked It: New Attacks and Tools to Wirelessly Steal Cars". DEF CON 23. Retrieved 11 August 2015.
^"3 solutions to electronic car theft, a continuing threat to high-end Toronto automobiles". CBC.
^"Toyota, Lexus owners warned about thefts that use 'relay attacks'". CBC.
^"20 charged in high-end vehicle thefts in Ontario". CBC.
External links
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Plips.
Article about how keyless entry remote systems on automobiles work
Requirements of Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) Systems
False warning about RKE code thieves at Snopes.com
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