Group items tagged

Hotels have been lax on keeping up with the technological advances that have come about in the past few years. This article talks about how a few different hotels all over the world are starting to use these technologies to their benefit. Some hotels have hosts greeting guests with an ipad and making room keys etc.. while they have a drink at the bar. Others have given their guests capabilities to play the movies or music they've purchased on their ipad or iphone directly on the room TV as opposed to purchasing movies from the hotel. It seems like hotels are starting to grasp what their guests really want which is quick, paperless and technilogical convenience.

Hotels are catching up with the technological advances

Breadcrumb, the iPad POS system, and its impact on daily operations are discussed in this article. This POS system has sped up daily operations and made them less difficult for restaurant staff. An upgrade has been released and it was formed by "conversations with hundreds of merchants and insights from millions of restaurant, bar, and cafe transactions". The new version offers some very helpful features such as smart swipe, less keystrokes for PIN-based access to terminals, single touch order modifications, and splitting checks has been simplified. Breadcrumb 1.2 is really helping restaurants to make the dining experience seamless and hassle-free for customers and employees.

This article talked about some features need to be considered when choosing a restaurant POS system. It suggested that restaurant should pay attention to the ease of use, customer database, tableside ordering, online reservations, online odering, scalability, pringting, and data recovery. It emphsized that live system changes, terminal flexibility, menu, menu firing, and discounts should be considered. It also talked about the important features for bars to choose a POS system. They are fast pay, tabs, repeat, job types, and credit card hold.

Merchant Hospitality was formed to cater and develop concepts in the Hospitality Industry. They established Flanagan's Prime Steakhouse & Bar in 2007, a 200 seater Irish/ American Bar and Restaurant. This success of the establishment was immediate as our product was new to Ireland and catered for the growing market of regular dining rather than occasional. Dining out has become a social past time and our customers have become frequent visitors.

They offer the highest quality products, exceptional service and unrivalled expertise for any event or occassion.

MenuPad is a mobile POS system designed to operate with existing POS systems, making the system easy to incorporate into a restaurant's operations. Customers can place orders and pay bills with this appilication on iPad. Carmel Café & Wine Bar in Sarasota, Florida, now has this app for the restaurant. The server's traditional role of order-taker is replaced with technology when a mobile POS menu is implemented. However, the still server plays a crucial role in introducing guests to the iPad itself and the software it is running.

This article talks about the recent agreement that Marriott and Iris Software Systems have signed for using an app that will allow Marriott restaurants to take a fresh approach to their menu presentation by turning them digital and presenting them on tablets for their diners. Therefore its restaurants can present their wine cellar or bar on a modern, clear, enticing and informative platform. Moreover the customers can view as much or as little information as they want. The app has two features called iRiS' "Shortlist" function and "Sommelier Specials". They allow customers who are unsure about a dish or drink can have an informed conversation with the Sommelier, bartender or waiter.The design, look and feel are made tailored for each specific brand of Marriott and are offered in three separate categories: Sommelier, Bar and Menu. According to Martin Bookallil, VP of IR at Marriott the Mobility in their Hotels is one of their key priorities. He said that iRiS Software Systems will provide them with practical software tools that enable Guest facing operation to present and engage with their Guests in fresh new ways.

Indigo Sky Casino and Hotel, one of the largest casinos in NE Oklahoma, will be implementing a "comprehensive software suite" by Agilysys, a leading developer and marketer of proprietary enterprise software, services and solutions to the hospitality and retail industries. The Agilysys software suite will consist of a Lodging Management System, InfoGenesis POS and Stratton Warren System.  The Lodging Management System will help automate all hotel operations. InfoGenesis POS will manage any combination of dining, bar service and retail operations. The Stratton Warren System will help maximize purchasing power and reduce operational costs by automating the procurement process. Combined, these Agilysys solutions will help Indigo Sky "maximize staff productivity, enhance efficiency and increase revenue." 

This is a multi-part series by AP News on how the fast pace of technology is wiping out millions of jobs globally. Technology use is in every economical sector and nobody is immune from job losses. It is terrify to think that our world has become so automated and reliant on technological use. While there are many pros on technology use such as being more efficient, accurate, cost savings, speed and others, it has no doubt taking a toll on the economy as a whole. In the hospitality industry, a few quick examples that come to mind include online travel reservations, IPads taking over the jobs of waiters and waitress or our favorite machine the Smart Bar. These advances are unique but we are slowly moving away from human interaction. The point is while we are taking advantage of technology to improve business operations we must keep in mind that in the hospitality field we are about proving as service to others that should be as individual as possible. It will be interesting to see if this series leads to suggestions on possible future applications of technology that would revitalize the job economy or create new possibilities.

HP has released two new POS systems, which can be found in Australia. The two systems released are: HP RP3 Retail System, Model 3100, and the HP RP7 7100, Model 7100. One system can be used in higher temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius. This enables it to be placed outdoors, in a building with no air conditioning, at a serving counter, or closer to a kitchen. The RP3 model can be placed under a counter or above a cash drawer. This particular model does not need external cooling and is geared towards hotter locations. The RP7 can be wall mounted if there is no counter space. It is also dust, splash, and smoke resistant. The ability to not have to worry about external cooling for the one system is extremely important. Even today some technology can become overheated and malfunction. With the ability to place the one POS system outdoors or near a kitchen is a great convenience. This would help business owners not having to worry about temperatures or where the POS system is located. The POS system can be in 40 degree Celsius temperature (104 degrees Fahrenheit). I especially feel this would be useful in South Florida where it can be warm and muggy outdoors. Also on the RP7 system I found the splash resistant feature to be useful, especially for a bar where drinks can easily be splashed. Both systems I feel have some advantages in the POS world.

Point of sale typically refers to the software solution that is used at the point of purchase by the sales clerk. The advantages of having a point of sale solution is that it allows the store to simplify the checking process.  Not only does point of sale software simplify the entire process but also tracks it. Managers can log in and analyze sales, customers, and trends.  By using a point of sale software solution you will simplify your business operations, gather valuable data, and improve your flexibility. In the long run a point of sale solution should save you time, money and headaches.

Why the hotel should do the IT investment? Everybody know that the great thing about technology is it is always moving on and forwards. It can save businesses a lot of time, bring people through the door and turn them into returning customers. And the article lists products and technologies that are moving hospitality businesses forwards, exploring how cafes, restaurants and bars are able to push the boundaries of modern technology. And show us the benefits such kinds of IT Investment. For example, the article said WIFI used in the hotel bar pub will make their guests more convenient and satisfied with their service, and more and more guests would like to go to these place which provide the free wifi. So maybe the IT investment could not enhance the benefits directly, but it really help the hotel to manage the daily working, and provide their guests more comfortable and convenience service.

"Stop, look and listen before investing in hotel tech"

This article first reviewed the technology revolution in hotels. From the telephone, TVs, to today's mini bars and electronic door locks. Why hotels install more and more technology into guestrooms? Because the hotels believe the guest wants it, needs it, and it's become a way to stay competitive. However, the high technology gives brings them competitive advantages and also provides convenience for the guests, at the same time, it also carries a high cost with it. How to select the best technology and how to make best use of the technology? The author suggested the hotels should Stop, Look and Listen before investing in hotel technology. First, the hotels should justify the reasons to set the expensive devices. How to make sure the devices is useful and worth that much money? The hoteliers need to see whether the guests really want and need the technology. Consider very carefully the kind of tech you are deploying. Is it because you feel threatened by what your competitors are doing? Remember they may be on the wrong track. It is important for hotels to understand what the guests really want and need and before investing the new technology, the hotels need to stop, look and listen.

When it comes to investing in technology in hotels, a better approach might be to simplify. In a day and age when most people carry around all their technology needs in their pockets (Cellphones, Tablets, Laptops, etc.) There may not be a need to invest so heavily in gizmos to attract customers and keep them happy. We may want to consider that all the guest wants is to be connected, so offering a super fast, reliable and suitably priced internet access is all the technology they really need. Investing in every new technology, with short lifespans, can end up making a real dent in your ROI.

This article is talking about the ihotel, a new system where  guests are no longer checking on the counter .  This new system started at the Andaz West Hollywood where guests register on an iPad tablet.  These hotels are adopting new system to fit their guest which are trying to keep us with their guests who are technology oriented.  Some of the hotels are a going to adopt a Wi-fi coffee-shop atmosphere in their lobbies.   Nowadays hotels are trying to make their guests fill as comfortable as possible, they are also  installing electrical outlets so guests can power their laptops and mobile devices 24 hours a day. Those hotels are trying their best to make customers feel comfortable and less formal to bring life to their hotel. But the only reason more hotel are not adopting this technology is because those upgrades are not cheap.   For example  at The Andaz removing  the wall between the lobby , bar and restaurant increase their  revenue  because as guest  spend l more hours in the lobby they tend to other more and more food.The lobbies are becoming the more living room which in their hotel which cause the customer to be more loyal to the hotel since thy feel more comfortable.

ITG Networks provides multi-product technology solution at the new Residence Inn by Marriott on Pittsburgh's North Shore. Wexford, PA April 15, 2010 - Kratsa Properties awarded ITG Networks a multiple product contract to install and support Kratsa's technology solution for the new Residence Inn by Marriott, a 148,500 square foot, extended stay hotel offers luxury suites on Pittsburgh's North Shore, within walking distance to Heinz Field, PNC Park and a variety of bars and restaurants. Adjacent to PNC Park's home plate entrance, on the corner of West General Robinson Street and Mazeroski Way, this 10-story hotel will provide an array of the latest digital amenities. When the hotel opened its doors on April 5th guests had mobility with a business-class, wireless, high-speed Internet access (HSIA) solution throughout the property. This solution provides secure, plug n' play access. Wireless is available throughout 180 suite-style rooms and all common areas. Wired Ethernet is also available in all guest rooms. Each desk is equipped with a convenient pull-through desk hub and 10' Ethernet cable. For added convenience, the hotel lobby offers a large social laptop table with twelve built-in Ethernet and power outlets. With a complete understanding of the Marriott requirements ITG was able to engineer the overall network to use common networking gear for both Voice and Data. Kratsa Properties now has a system that will both cost less to operate and offer the features and functionality the company requires to meet its customer service goals. Summary: This company provides mobility internet throughout a property, and in this case is the Residence Inn Marriott with 180 suites. ITG Network works hand in hand with different companies to integrate the property management system. Nevertheless, ITG is a full service management development company whom helps with the maintenance of the hospitality industry properties

From this article, I can get some information that the new technology bring convenience both hotel and customers. The customers just press the simple button to control everyting in the hotel room that is a good experience difference from home. And the hotel can utilize the high technology to satisfied the customers and thus improving the competitiveness in the industry. However, high technology means high cost. The hotel that adopt the high technoloty should has the ability to maintain and update which will become a huge cost. So keeping up with the development of technology is the biggest difficulty problem in the hotel industry.

The latest technology gives hotels an opportunity to provide new products and services to guests but also the challenges . The biggest difficulty is the speed at which technology is evolving which makes it impossible for hotels to keep up with the latest developments. On the other hand there are many hotels are embracing the new technologies. Such as guest's smartphone, which will allow for interactive channel guides to appear on the handheld and can store guest preferences that travelers can take from one hotel to another. And the Plaza provide iPads in every guest room. which provide an easy way for customers to make reservation checking airline schedules and printing boarding passes.

Gaylords Hotels has added the POS system for their customers to experience. POS stands for Point Of Sale. Its a small devices that allows an employee to charge the customers credit card right then and there. No cashier, no register. The article elaborates on how the hotel has implemented this systemin their pool area. It discusses how pool attendants spend so much time walking back and forth which eventually makes the order longer. This system allows the employee to charge the credit card and print the receipt right then and there, saving a few trips. This should be implemented in most places saving time and preventing a slick employee to steal someones credit card information

The goal of any business is increasing and exceeding the bottom line; in other words, profit. Those companies especially within the hospitality industry that have the ability to seek and implement new/ innovative methods to cut costs tend to be the most successful. One way hoteliers, restaurant owners, cruise lines, and other 24/7 operations within the hospitality industry will be able to cut costs is a simple new advancement created by Phillips- The 7 W master GU10 LED lamp with DimTone. This article discusses the the DimTone light, its features and the potential amount of savings it offers users in the hospitality industry. Many hotels, bars, restaurants, cruise lines and other hospitality businesses incur a huge expense from energy use due to the volume and demand of business. The article points out that this new lighting feature will save those within the hospitality industry a large percentage of money each month while still providing an inviting ambiance. The life span of the DimTone light is twenty times more than traditional halogen lights. One hotel that completed a full replacement of all lighting with the new DimTone light has seen costs reduced by 82% and an investment payback of making this change within only two years. If this is true for all hotels that have the ability to invest in this cost efficient change, the only question I have to ask is why aren't we seeing this more frequently? The opportunities for an increase in profit from year to year appear to surpass the amount it would costs to enhance all hospitality businesses and help the environment as well.

The La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club in California has had many problems with time cards for their employees over the past several years. They used to use swipe cards with bar-codes to tell when people were coming in and out of work but there are a lot of problems with that technology. If people misplaced their cards or knew they were going to be late so gave it to a co-worker to punch them in is not a very smart thing to have in the hotel. After a lot of problems with this system management finally went in a new direction. They decided to move to newer technology and go with Biometrics. The hotel now has a hand reader system that makes every employee get there hand measured to clock in. This technology measured length, width, thickness, and surface area of the hand to store in the system so it knows each persons hand every time they go to clock in any time there after. When going to clock in the system asks for the employee number and then is ready for your hand on the little screen for your scan. The entire process of this takes under 1 minute. This technology of the HandPunch 3000 not only allows the employees to clock in but also allows management to collect data for pay codes, tips collected, and to allow the employees to go back and view their past times in and out. This system is a very green way to go in the hotel industry because there is no paper for records of clock in times, and there are no swipe cards that need to be made for clock in times. Ever since this hotel got the HandPunch 3000 they have not had issues of other employees clocking in other people. The system of course had some glitches to it in the beginning but they were fixed immediately while the staff was there installing it. My only question to this article that is not answered is : since it is a machine that has to be plugged in, what happens if the power goes out? Can employees still clock in to work because the hotel still is functioning?