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This article share some pros and cons about utilizing a digital menu. It describes the convinces involved in using this device and also how cost for repairs and maintenance can be disheartening. All in all, digital menu's are becoming the new trend in this world but this shouldn't eliminate the need for waiters/waitresses.

This article talks about cruise ship which is equipped with RFID-based passenger tracking system. With this system, cruisers can find where their family members and friends are through Wi-Fi-based RFID tags in badges or wristbands, and iPhones. There are nearly 1000 access points installed with Wi-Fi network on the ship. So wherever someone with a RFID badge or wristband goes, their location can be found. With iPhones, passengers can not only locate their party members but make reservations at restaurants and spas by calling or sending messages to those places. The goal of this system is to allow cruisers to more freely communicate with their party members and merchants on board so cruise operator can improve guests' experience on board. In the near future, with the advancement of RFID system, everything on board can be done with RFID badges, wristbands, or something else, which means guests will not have to bring their cash, credit cards to pay and crew on board will go through less hassle.

I think this can be a helpful tool if used appropriately. It should be an elective option chosen by the passenger who is eighteen years or older. I think the age limit is important because once passengers are eighteen years old they are technically adults. This way parents can choose whether or not they would like to monitor their children's location throughout the ship. Keep in mind that not only can their parents see where there children are but any crew member who has access to the system may be able to track such movements throughout the ship. I hope appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent people from using the system inappropriately.

I would not be a fan of this if I were going on a cruise. This is too "Big Brother is watching" for my liking. I think it's a good idea for families to keep track of their kids but that does not apply to me. The only function I would like is the alert from the restaurant saying your table is ready.

In 2017 JetBlue announced that they will be the first airline to partner up with US Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) to come up with a biometric technology that will use facial recognition to check in their customers and allow them to board the airplane, instead of using cell phone applications or paper boarding passes. The way it will work is that your image will be sent to CBP where it will be matched with your passport or visa. At the same time the technology will verify your flight details and let you know when you're okay to board the flight.This will be the first time biometric facial recognition is cleared through CBP.

I was just reading this today! Great article and fascinating technology.

I am a frequent flyer with Jet Blue, and love everything their airline. This futuristic step will not only enhance security, increase boarding speeds, but also help the environment with paperless boarding. I think there will always be passengers who want to be offered the traditional boarding pass, and those who do not want their picture taken. However, the more airlines that come to use this system, the quicker it could become airports new normal. Thanks for posting!

Week 4 Article Summary 15 Benefits of Having Digital Menu Boards in Your Restaurant. This article discusses the positive ways in having a digital menus and explains the benefit it has on the restaurant. The focus of the restaurant should be more on the quality of food being served. Even though there are a lot of restaurant that give you an experience like no other but if the food is not top quality it will be hard to bring customers back. Having this type of digital menus could enhance the guest experience while helping the restaurant increase revenues. Here are ten of the top fifteen positives reasons of having a digital menu boards. 1) Digital menu displays will make communication easier. This starts form the customer directly to the kitchen. It will also allow the establishment to display videos and animations that will catch the eyes of the customers and could highlight specific menu items. 2) Saves time by easy updates on display. The software will allow the restaurant to update the menu very easy. You could add and take away dishes without having to print all new menus. It will also allow you 86 items that are sold out at any time during the shift. 3) Sound Investment of saving money. With the system allowing you to change menus, it will save money because you won't have to pay to print new menus every time you want revise it. 4) Digital displays create a more memorable experience. With having a digital screen, it will allow the customer to stay entertained by having a right mix of graphic videos and allowing them to keep them occupied during down times. 5) Better Visibility of menu. The display on the tablet will allow the guest to see a nice HD screen with colors that will make it easy to see and read. 6) 24/7 support. No matter what time of day, there will be support for mangers to trouble shoot any issues that might be happing at time. 7) Boost sales up to 21-23%. It has been said that having an emenu will increase revenues by allowing the establ

Carnival Cruise line wanted to make life on board easier for guests and staff and has developed an application. This app provides a favorites section that has daily events on board, itineraries, and basic account information. Even better the application allows a " one-off fee per cruise of $9AU, which includes a chat function for friends and family aboard". This implementation is currently available on the Carnival Spirit and Carnival Legend. Providing this type of technology on board for guests will surely differentiate Carnival from other cruise lines. We will see how long it will take others to offer a similar function of that of Carnival Hub.

This is awesome! This is definitely just the beginning of this new application. I am sure that now the other cruise lines will have to keep up with the trend.

This article looked at the views on IT investments of Hospitality Technology's Editorial Advisory Board. The Board represents a variety of hospitality industries. The article focused on areas of improvement, emerging technologies, IT priorities for 2012, "wish list" IT investments, and more. Among the areas for improvement, guest Wi-Fi and mobile apps, loss prevention technologies, and social media targeting older clientele topped the list. Older guests connecting to and understanding social media are a worry among many of the Board members as well as lack of standardized, secure payment methods. Many also mention that their current systems (POS in particular) tend to hold them back from implementing new IT technologies because they would not be compatible.  Most Board members listed having mobile devices that could be used for a variety of purposes on the guest end as well as on the business end would be top on their "wish list" for IT implementations. With almost everyone owning smartphones today, I think this would be the smartest and most effective IT implementation to invest in. Many customers and guests are looking for easy and accessible ways of navigating through the hotel and restaurant environments without extensive help from others. Since many people, especially the generation coming up, are more and more attached to their phones and tablets, mobile apps for nearly everything seems like the smart way to go.  Cloud-based servers were a close second in terms of what they wanted in invest in. Many of the Board members pinpointed technologies that have been around but are still new, especially in their respective areas, when speaking of useful emerging technologies. Mobile apps, tablet and 73456

this article gives a great overview of the steps leaders in the Hospitality industry are taking towards new technology. In this article members of the industry were interview regarding weaknesses in the current hospitality market as well as emerging trends that each believe is in rapid increase. Some of the answers give very interesting approach towards technology. Although, overall it seems that the number one emerging technology is the use of cloud-based/mobile-based services.

"Technology and innovation are what have helped, even saved, restaurants as they transform how they operate to not just survive, but thrive, in this new connected and contactless era" "Third-party food delivery apps like UberEats, Foodpanda, or Door Dash will continue to be an important solution for those not able to offer in-house ordering and delivery services" "Contactless technology is going mainstream, and it's not just about placing an order online, but also about paying with a smartphone, smartwatch or smartcard via an app or touchless device" "technology-enabled reservation systems, restaurants can manage seating, waitlists, customer loyalty and dining preferences as well as collect vital client data be it for contact tracing or market insights" "Kitchen Display Systems (KDS) are a digital menu board for kitchen staff helping restaurants streamline back-of-house operations" "companies like Winnow are helping restaurant owners and managers cut food waste and costs and run their businesses more efficiently and sustainably" "auto-scanning barcodes with smartphone cameras on posters, tables, coasters, doors or websites allows customers to access online menus, order and pay - without contact" "air purification technologies to promote 'clean air'" https://diigo.com/0lmspn

Some of these technologies such as food delivery services, and conctactless payments I have grown used to as a consumer. However, technology like KDS to improve the back of house operations or air purification technologies are more behind the scenes type of technologies that I have not given much thought so I found this article interesting.

Many restaurants are adapting to a new reality. Some of the digital trends to watch in 2022 are as follows: 1. Online ordering systems and delivery apps - Food delivery market worth more than $150 billion globally. 2. Contactless payment estimated to triple from $2 trillion to $6 trillion by 2024. 3. Online table reservation system such as Open table Experiences initiative offering unique culinary events and dinner experiences. 4. Digital kitchen boards such as KDS, a digital menu board for kitchen staff linked to the restaurant's POI which displays orders automatically and efficiently. 5. Automated inventory management software tracking food and beverage stocks, anticipating quantities and scheduling reorders. 6. QR codes that allow customers to access menus online, order and pay. 7. Air purification technology like bipolar ionization and ultraviolet light.

I am adding a travel site rather than a travel article. The Future Travel Experience site provides news of technological innovations for travelers world wide. Every travel consideration is covered, including Self service, Baggage Handling, Facilitation & Security, Mobile Technology, Boarding & Gates, Immigration, Arrivals, and Technology. The index page lists all these on the menu at the top, as well as displayed below as separate "file folders" which show the most recent article for each subject. This website has a wealth of up-to-date information regarding world wide travel technologies in place and how such innovations enhance and simplify the passenger experience. The information is even relevant to would-be travelers by explaining available options for booking travel arrangements, and assisting them when they arrive at their destination. The site describes such options as being able to order food delivered to the gate that is properly packaged according to airline requirements (B4 YOU BOARD). Other articles describe self-boarding, curbside lounge access, and sleeping pods for layovers. This is not only a extremely informative website for world travelers, but also is a forerunner in media that provides exclusive international travel related topics and information. Any site visitor can browse the articles and gain a greater understanding of the technological capabilities, and the issues present in the world market. The site is connected to Facebook, and LinkedIn, and has ongoing Twitter updates right up front. FTE is an interactive site which fully communicates travel considerations worldwide and provides comprehensive information regarding technological systems available for travelers so that they can know what is being offered, where ever they are going, and how to utilize it to their benefit.

Brendan Ciecko is the founder of the Cuseum software. This software was created because Ciecko identified a problem with the technology that museums have or lack thereof. "I was working with a number of museums and was constantly hearing of the frustrations when it came to providing a certain level of experience to visitors on site" (Ciecko). The technology or procedures used in the museum were generally outdated. Now with this new software, guests can download the app on their phone and are able to navigate through different tools and options that the particular museum has for them. The guests will be able to select tours through exhibits that are available at the museum once they walk in. The article also mentions the new product that Ciecko has invented, digital membership, which makes the membership process for the museum more convenient. This makes the process of any application type service in the museum digital. It not only makes all of these processes faster but it also saves paper. In my opinion, I think this a great app. I currently work at a museum and I believe that creating an app that enhances customer experience right when they walk in is worth investing in. It provides guests with highlighted tours and exhibits that are available. Though people at the museum can simply tell the guests where to go and give information about the exhibit, they can easily find it on the app to locate what they are mostly interested in. The app also works as a great marketing tool for museums. It allows visitors to share their favorite items or exhibits on their social media sites and allows them to participate on interactive discussion boards. I think this will help promote specific exhibits, especially if there are tags on the post like #AviationExhbitit or #GizmoCity. Those "tags" are exhibits that I have in my current workplace. With adding a guest's location to the app, it prompts the guests to sign up for a membership. The guest will no longer have to go

This article features 11 new tech features that cruise ships have implemented.Technology is transforming these floating hotels into smart cities. From remote check-in, wearable technology, to geo-locating your children aboard. These tech gadgets are helping cruisers enjoy their time aboard as stress free as possible. As stated by the author "Once on board, it didn't take too long to figure out how the MSC for Me app, public interactive screens, cabin TV and wearable bracelet, available for the first time on Meraviglia, all worked together to streamline and enhance life on board."

I agree. I think this technology will be very beneficial for not just guests but also for the cruise lines. This helps collect data and help personalize the guest experience. This will have guests coming back time and time again. This also provides an incredible guest experience since they won't have to wait in long stressful lines. I think this technology is very beneficial for both the guests and employees.

Cruise ships have really stepped up their game when it comes to technology. I wrote a paper last semester about Princess Cruise Line's latest technology, the OceanMedallion. This little wearable device allows guests to unlock a whole new level of different features such as room key, tracking system, and a bunch of different amenities. It will be interesting to see what other cruise lines come up with to compete with this.

The Kimberly hotel located at 145 East 50th Street in New York City became Manhattan's and New York's first hotel to utilize touch screen technology in its guest rooms. The technology is provided by Intelity, an Orlando based hospitality software solution company. The touch screen use a prgram called ICE (Interactive Customer Experience) to allow guests to order room service, check flight status, express check outs, check destinations using Google maps, and even the ability to print their boarding pass. This software and touch screen technology will definitely increase employee custoemr service and reduce guest wait time. Hotel personnel will be able to spend more time with the guest because many of the tasks will be literally at the guests fingertips. The hotel will save money because they will not need to staff as much because of the automated system. Fantastic technology.

This article gives an overview of security considerations of a cruise liner. Initially it cites a comparison between cruise security concerns and that of a hotel, which are basically the same, such as secure doors to cabins (rooms), having an exact record of all passengers and onboard staff, as well as having surveillance such as cameras taking constant video recordings. Whereas hotels are mostly open to outside traffic, cruise ships are limited only to those who have purchased passage, are working there, or are conducting business onboard. This has led to boarding procedures which are as stringent and detailed as those conducted when passengers board a commercial airline. Safety concerns for cruise ships have been a forefront concern since the 1985 hijacking of the MS Achille Lauro (See next comment) which led to minimal security standards issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The tragic events of 9/11 compelled US issuance of an International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) to strengthen security protocols. This includes requirements that any "ship over 500 tons…not (be) allowed into the United States unless their last ports of call conformed to ISPS code." The ISPS code, however, involves minimal adjustment for cruise lines currently in compliance with IMO rules. Newer ships are being constructed to include the infrastructure for video fibre optics and metal detection equipment. State of the art equipment will have crew member's photo and data available to be checked with each swipe of their ID card. Biometric fingerprint detection equipment is another safety layer that is available, but is not currently in use, although it will certainly be put into place promptly if a major incident occurs. The odds of such a major incident are high when considering the volume of cruise passengers in the last decade. Since other commercial ships have witnessed attacks, cruise lines are strongly advised to progressively

Additional information regarding the 1985 MS Achillies Lauro hijacking: http://www.britannica.com/blogs/2010/10/remembering-the-achille-lauro-hijacking-picture-of-the-day/

In this article, Salsarita's Restaurant installed Digital Menu Board(DMB) techonology in more the third of its locations, on the purpose of generating customer's attention and sales. Being a fan of its reputation for its creative products, Salsarita's Restaurant chosen WAND Corporation as the exclusive supplier of their Digital Menu Boards(DMBS). With this advanced DMB system, Salsarita's Restaurant will be able to add new items to its digital menu by WAND Creative Servise using WAND TRM and synchronise with store, market or chain-wide immediately. The DMB system is also going to help Salsarita's Restaurant generate sales by gaining more customers' attention. it can analysis customers' purchase record and find out the most popular items and lest popular ones, then the restaurant can adjust its menu based on the analysis. Our society is stepping into its electronic age, techonology innovates day by day.One thing stands out to me ‌ this article is that to be a good manager, to generate more salse and profit, you should always keep customers experience"fresh and engaging". To approach that goal, you should always keep your techonology updated.

The owners of a Culver's franchise decided to install a digital signage to provide more menu information quickly because the menu board couldn't communicate enough with customers for a short time to select menu in the fast food restaurant. The challenge was how the small business owners and franchisee would handle their budget for the investment and added cost.  The problem was solved by selecting EzSign TV from LG Electronics which displays branded messaging and shows broadcast television or input content at the same time. Furthermore, the software offers a choice of more than 50 templates that can be customized with images and text. Therefore, the business can highlight the items with pictures and deliver their daily specials more efficiently.  Installation is easy, and daily specials menus can be replaced by simply clicking. The digital signage looks cleaner than old fashioned menu board, and saves more time to change menus. By implementing a system that requires limited attention from staff, Culver's can focus on customer service and deliver value. That was a good decision adopting a new technology fits in the quick service restaurants.  

In 2017, Royal Caribbean announced they were making a huge investment in technology that will make the cruisers' experience easier, more seamless and a lot more fun. They are developing a new app that will first include a cruise schedule and on-board activities. This app will eventually grow and include registration, excursion bookings and facial recognition plus games built in. Royal Caribbean believes to stay competitive you need to stay on top of technology and include it wherever you can. As of this article, the app was available on 2 of their ships and will hopefully be added to their entire fleet (including all 6 of their brands) within the next few years. The company believes in creating this technology from within the company and outsourcing as little as possible.

As if any of us can afford a vacation these days, Holland America is offering reduced rates for National Cruise Vacation Week. The cruise line promoted this sale through a series of e-mails, flyers, and website banner ads in order to make it easier for possible consumers to view option and then make their reservations online. By completing this booking, guests were able to receive a $200 credit on board of the ship to use for services or souvenirs.

On August 17th, 2012 Forbes Magazine wrote about Onity's security breach with hotels room doors that affected over 4 million hotel rooms across the globe. During a security conference, Cody Brocious, a program developer showed how simply he could insert a device into the data port to access hotel rooms. The cost of this device cost him $50 to build. The company responded to the security issues with a two part resolution. To avoid hackers from accessing the data so easily, Onity will be issuing the hotels new caps that will cover the data case on the doors. Onity is also protecting the equipment with obscure torx screws that will enable the hackers from accessing the panel. The second fix is more costly and challenging for Onity. The company has created a new circuit board and firmware that allegedly fix the security issue. However, Onity is asking hotel owners to pay a nominal fee to help with the fix. Onity could face many financial hurtle through the recall of the 4 million door locks that need to be replaced. The security and safety of many travelers are at risk if this issue is not resolved. Companies such as Marriott International, Starwood Hotels and Hilton utilize Onity's key system across the globe (http://en.onity.com/companyprofile/Pages/Hotel-Resort-Worldwide-References.aspx). These companies won't be affected by the cost associated with the fix; however the small and independently owned and operated hotels will be affected. The question Brocious wrote on his blog and I also ask myself; how many hotels will refrain from properly fixing the issue? Are the major corporations such as Marriott and Starwood given each hotel a deadline to complete such project? Since neither company owns the properly, they simply operate the hotel, how much money and how quickly are owner willing to get this issue resolved?

This article is a case about how digital menu helps the restaurant increase sales. There are several benefits by using digital menu. The most important one is that digital menu enable customers to better know the dishes. The restaurant could use full-motion video to show more details. Another advantage is the easier way to control the updating and changing of the menu. 

After September 2011 alot of changes have occured in airline and airports throughout the world. TSA has purchased, trained, and introduced innovative machinery that can easily detect authorized items inside luggages. The US governement have spend alot of money also to simply protect the nation from terrorists and any form on violence especially in the hospitality and tourism industry. Alot of th airlines have changed the way they used to operate before the attacks; for instance food is no longer served on airplanes, and more fees are charged for luggages and definitely more screening in airport terminals. The introduction of air marshalls and new machinery have definitely changed the perspective of traveling nowadays, travelers have to wait longer to be screened and to even get out of the plane after the plane have landed at its destination. On a positive note, everything that have changed is for our own safety as citizen of the US and i personally believe moew things should be implemented if it can only improve the way we are being protected.