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As it happens, the restaurant industry is leading the way in IT innovation. A UK-based online reservation provider called Livebookings will soon be rolling out a software package that will allow restaurants to manage their bookings, promotions and customer feedback in real-time. This allows restaurateurs instant data analysis of customer trends and behaviors, and gives them the ability to develop timely strategies to draw in new customers.  Before cloud computing, the need for a significant investment in IT meant restaurants were hesitant to use computing to interact with their customers. Now all they need is access to the internet. Going hand in hand with this new infrastructure is the development of mobile apps, which ultimately put the power in the customer's hands, or pockets, as it were.

From this article,I think it is amazing to have such revolution of POS system. First of all, POS system itself is wonderful for the hoteliers all these years. The latest i-trends and NFC put it much further step to not only free the employees,but also bring efficiency to the customers. It is said that "the point of sale on the move" which free the employee to use the mobile device to control everything it matters of the business. It makes hoteliers more flexiable and at the meanwhile, it provides quantity information. The other innovation here is that there is one IPAD POS kiosk which allows self-service card swiping system so the customers can complete their own transaction. Though this technology is the only IPad enclosure, it help eliminate theft and tampering. Then ,when the growing trend of Near Field Communication comes, it free the customers another further step to eliminate the necessity to carry money/credit cards to pay their bills. This technology is also come with the smartphone by just swiping the mobile device across a special kiosk at the counter, and the payment is done quickly. This technology also developed another growing technology "RFID" card readers. Another name for the NFC is the digital wallet means that a customer's device can store all their bank account details and credit card information with no need for a real wallet. That's amazing for the people who are not good at financing. This technology can really impact the hotel market and bring the competitive advantages for the hotels. It's a new trend for the hotel to update themselves to level-up. This trend is also fit the market nowadays, the consumer is more and more younger, they curious about the high-tech things, the success of Apple proves this trend. In order to meet with the customer needs in current hotel industry, this technology is worth to have a try.

This article talks about the importance of POS systems in the hospitality industry and the new technological trends that are affecting it. POS systems are extremely important to hoteliers primarily to keep track of sales and bookings. With recent technological developments though, POS systems have revolutionized that hospitality industry by increase efficiency and production. The newest trend in these accounting and POS systems are cloud-based technologies. I believe this type of technology will allow for busy hotel managers to track all accounting information through either a smart phone, PC, or even tablet. This type of technology, as stated in the article, would allow for managers to keep track of sales data and profits even when they are away from the office. All in all, I believe this is a very helpful technology for hotel operations and will benefit the industry in the long run.

Allow the customers to to use smartphone across a special kiosk at the counter to pay may benefit restaurants a lot. It may reduce the stress of the servers in the peak time. Customers no longer waiting a long time for the servers to get their bill, they can pay by themselves through mobile devices. Moreover, the customers do not need to bring their wallets to the restaurants which may improve the security of the restaurant environment.

There are several benefit of cloud computing, including low upfront costs, minimal IT infrastructure and easy across multiple properties.

Cloud computing is regarded as a good tool for hotel. It could convert capital expenditure to operational expenditure, access to the latest version easier, and remove infrastructure management. However, there are several questions need to be asked when choose a software supplier.

A "what-to-look-for in a PMS" guide for any hospitality company planning to make the switch to cloud.  The article advises to insist on flexibility, multiple interfaces, and a system that allows for phone and even mail reservations. 

This article introduce a software called SDD(Jazz Fusion), which is dealing services with customers and all the functions and benefits of this system. SDD provides internet and VIOP services, shifts voice technology integration, consolidate cloud to allow hotels maintain voice-switching system and magnify with TeleManager services. Voice and internet billing, telecommunication management, and ongoing profitability support. 

This is an interesting article about SynergyMMS software which is basically a software aimed at enhancing asset management and preventive management. This software is designed with the hospitality and tourism management in mind since it allows seamlessly communication among various departments of the hotels to improve guests' satisfaction. This system provides real time information about the workflow and maintenance for assigned villas and tracks when the work is completed . Additionally, this system can help monitor water consumption reduce energy consumption enhancing life of equipment cycle have an impact on guest satisfaction ( lower complaints) and less tear down for the hotels.

Atrio® is an app based PMS system that is completely hosted on the cloud. The program is built for the way most of us approach new technology. Many of us, especially those entering the hospitality business as young professionals, learn technology by simply looking at it. By this I mean that we expect technology and applications to be self-explanatory. It is an "I want to do X so I will click on X" mindset. Atrio® is set up so that a new user can use this approach to learn the basic functions of the system. Par Springer-Miller, the parent company, states that an individual will be able to check a guest in to a hotel room with zero training and should be able to make a reservation after only being shown one time! This significantly reduces training costs and time. In addition, the completely cloud based system minimizes on-site technology and therefore reducing implementation costs and hardware/software investments as well as allowing for seamless updates. After reading the article, I viewed a YouTube video posted by Par Springer-Miller here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtqtxN2SBJY. I must say, I wish my property would look into Atrio®!

Alice, a relatively new start-up which sells operations software to hotels, had a significant investment from Expedia in the previous round of funding. Alice has become a software that provides "the first unified platform for a hotel to run its entire back end operations, such as housekeeping and customer service communication". The system allows guests to send a text message with a request for more pillows or towels, for example, which will be directed to the proper the hotel employee department. Customers can track their requests and both the front and back of house staff can receive communications from guest requests. This IT platform has seen 5 times the amount of requests being generated. Also, the platform has partnered with double the number of hotels and they project more than two million requests will be communicated through this software in a year. Expedia is the largest shareholder in Alice currently. Alice suggests that this is because Expedia could be more interested in "more back-end software services for the hotels that use it to market and distribute their inventory globally." Expedia currently markets tools such as revenue management under the name Expedia Powered Technology to hoteliers. Expedia also offers meetings and events booking tools for hotels. Priceline, which is a competitor to Expedia, also has invested in tools and services that include revenue management software for their hotel partners. Trivago is also offering these services. Alice believes that the size of the market will allow for many other companies to work in this space, and is even open to partnering with other firms to expand. Alice also plans to expand their own business and add personnel with the new funds.

Doing more research on the topic of this week HRIS, I stumbled upon this very helpful article. It goes into detail about Human Resource Information Systems their use, and pros and cons. The article lists eight advantages that come from having one of these systems. It only has to be uploaded once, it integrates reporting and evaluations, it removes human error therefore improving accuracy, time saving because of self service, reminders, paper saving, administrative tools, and recruitment tools such as those we discussed in our class discussion. Where as there are only three disadvantages mentioned; security concerns just as there are with any online system, cost which is predicted to decrease rapidly in the upcoming years, and staffing because systems like these often require IT team. These three disadvantages are synonymous with that of the disadvantages we have seen on all of the softwares or systems we've learned about this semester. There will always be a concern with security when a business has data online and when a company reaches a certain size it will be inevitable to have an IT team so I believe that these few disadvantages do not outweigh the benefits of HRIS. The statistics provided by the article are very helpful in noting that these systems are most effective for businesses with approximately 100 employees but can be used with those with as few as 50.

This article discusses the future of PMS systems as the author sees them. It is hard to think that properties would be able to switch PMS systems so easily due to many years of data being stored on the system. Companies like Marriott and Hilton have massive PMS systems that would have to be transferred. While I could see these systems moving to the tablet systems, it would take quite a bit of work to do so. Training would still be ab issue as well, but the updated systems would make it a quicker training process.

This article is about the fast casual restaurant chain Vita Mojo and how they have incorporated software that has enabled them to provide a fully customizable meal service to their guests. With over 9 billion possible meal combinations, Vita Mojo uses iPads at their three locations to help customers create a fully customizable meal. The average lunch costs between $6.50 and $9.50 which is on average with most fast casual restaurants in London. Customer's are also able to create their meals based on the nutritional information of each ingredient and offering, and the average meal takes about 3 to 5 minutes to create. This software also enables Vita Mojo to track POS data and aids them with predicting future sales, reducing food waste, and staying on top of trends. Being a restaurant manager myself, I found this incorporation of softwares into the restaurant industry very fascinating. I can see how the POS tracking software would be extremely beneficial in menu planning and managing cost of goods, as well as continuously being able to adapt and stay on top of new dining trends. So much of what makes restaurants successful is the ability to evolve and adapt with consumer needs and expectations. Also, the ability to customize your own meal accompanied with nutritional information seems very appealing from a consumer's point of view. Our generation has become more interested in expressing themselves uniquely and creatively, while also being more health conscious, and Vita Mojo has found away to appeal to both senses. The incorporation of iPad ordering and the minimizing of labor costs has also enabled Vita Mojo to price itself competitively, while offering higher quality ingredients, while also providing their goods in a timely fashion.

This article is about innovative technology within the hospitality industry. It highlights the industry's top 10 advancements in technology and explains how these advancements have transformed the hospitality industry for the better. The article also mentions peer to peer networks, such as the company Airbnb, and how these companies are affecting the industry's approach to travelers.

Current hospitality trends within the hospitality industry. These current trends are bringing awareness to cloud base storage, application mobility, social media marketing, and integration of amenity software. Companies are now outsourcing its IT department to minimize operating expense.

@corrie242 these six trends discussed are very important to keep efficiencies and competitive advantage, and I can confirm that at the Hotel company I work for, most of these are all in use. The social media use and monitoring has been a big shift in how we have changed the way we capture our guests' sentiment from comment cards being left or mailed to the hotel, to being able to receive immediate feedback in a very public way such as through Tripadvisor, Open Table, Facebook, Twitter, etc. We employ a digital media manager who assists in monitoring all that is said about us through these different channels so we can respond and try to stay on top of what is being commented.

This article was a very interesting read and focuses on the savings and improvements that technology can deliver by outlining six trends. The main item that peaked my interest was the trend of Cloud / Software as a Service (SaaS) or cloud computing. I have been introduced to this concept over recent discussions with a close family member. Like the article noted, the argument that was given by my relative in support of this system was that this concept is the new way to go in information technology. This option is very cost efficient and like the article mentioned it has no initial hardware costs or associated expenses like full time, in-house IT staff to maintain the system. It can also allow management of your network system to be done offsite giving hospitality operators the time to service their guests more efficiently and effectively. With technology constantly changing it is very important for hospitality operators to be aware of the emerging trends in the industry. These trends can aid in considerable growth and improvements that can be beneficial to their businesses.

The POS system is saving time by reducing the amount of times that a server visits the main terminal It also assists management with keeping tracking of its inventory. An example of some of the new innovations with POS software is online ordering, online payment integration, and increased customer engagement.

This article explains what the software can do and more importantly advises the client to really examine what they nee before purchasing a solution.

Human resources is a very important part of how businesses operate. In today's world, having HR systems in place is a must. But choosing the HR system to fit your need must be well thought out. It is not easy to choose what will be best for your business, but once you find the best option, it will assist in helping your business's success or better integrate your old system to new for maximized profits. A good HR management system allows for a lot of integration of information from your employees, time clock, taxes, monitor applicants,training and development and so much more. This article identifies how a good HR management system can assist your business's success as well as offers insight into ones that may be best suited for your business.

This article introduces the role of PMS(property management system) to increase ancillary revenue. PMS encourages hotels to be competitive with high-end technology, and to provide the service beyond guests' expectations, which in turn, increases the top line revenue. The first role of PMS can be related to room upselling. With cloud-based hotel technology, hotel staff can know the guests' preferences, so before check-in, they can figure out the guest preference, and based on that, they can offer upselling. This tactic will be helpful for both guests and hotel because hotel can make ancillary revenue by upselling, and guest can get personalized service. Second, PMS system can track the guest journey through the previous visiting record. PMS has personalized record depending on the guest. It means hotel is able to offer the most attractive journey to guests. Third, PMS helps to solve the problem instantly, which increases guest satisfaction. The Internet and lots of applications at hotel deliver the instant responsiveness, and improve guest gratification. It will be related to better reviews and loyalty toward the hotel. As can be seen here, adopting the developed technology helps the hotel to build a good relationship with guests, and increase the number of loyal guests. Lastly, by having employees use mobile devices to check-in guests and solve special requests smoothly with other departments, it enables to build the strong personal relationship with guests, and enhance trust. Depending on the personality of guests, they might or might not like personalized services. However, it is obvious that hotel should offer the right service based on their need or want, at the right time, without giving any pressure to them. It can be the way to drive ancillary revenue by using property management system properly.

The article talks about the effect that cloud computing has had on property management systems. Particularly, PMS integrations.

My opinions on this article are based on my own experience with PMS systems, specifically Oracle Opera. It has been a terrible experience over the years trying to solve any type of issue with Opera and the support is existent but very limited, which makes it difficult for an average front desk agent to even understand what is going on. With Cloud-Based PMS systems, it would definitely need to be crucial to develop excellent customer service that will actually help with things go wrong with the PMS system.

New entrants into the property management system have provided better alternatives to the legacy systems. Integrating those systems has been somewhat a challenge but in the future they(Cloud system) may well be the norm.

Companies are leaning more into digital transformations for cloud services.