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This article introduces three reasons to upgrade POS system. Most restaurant owners think traditional POS system is good enough to use because they already used to the system and it has not bothered their business seriously. Even though there are some malfunction problems on POS machine, they just chose to keep using them. However, below three reasons support why restaurant owners need to upgrade POS system. First, owners sometimes neglect small hardware malfunctions such as fuzzy monitors, printers, or connectivity issue. Yet, it will not be fixed automatically and it might cause the worst scenario which affects business negatively. Not only this reason but also the advantages of cloud-based POS system can give more efficiency and safety. By easily replacing the hardware in the event of damage or failure, information can be stored safely. Second, upgraded POS provides the unified system. Even though it still needs third-party apps, these resources are well unified into the core POS software and owners can operate system seamlessly based on user-friendly, and on-brand manual. Third, it is a security issue. Traditional POS system requires simply login/password combination, but advanced system can be protected with stronger security system such as fingerprint scanner or ID card logins. Therefore, important business information can be secured safely and it can prevent the possibility employee accidentally change key settings or information. To sum up, customers demand is changing fast and technology is developing fast to meet the new trend, so it is the time for restaurant owners to check their POS system and update it when it is needed.

This article introduces five ways about how small hospitality businesses improve information security. Compared to big hospitality companies, small business owner(SBOs) are not fully aware of the importance of security and in turn, they are vulnerable to damage their brand and potentially sink the business. Especially, small business highly depends on word-of-mouth to advertise their brand. If they face the security issue, they might have no resource to recover when we consider their business size and budget. In order to help SBOs strengthen their information security protocols, first, disposal protocol should be kept when they dump or change the computer. In other words, they should remove and safely destroy the hard drive to ensure information is not recovered. Second, training is necessary. Training is one of the easiest ways to protect confidential data and employees should be knowledgeable of handling the information. Third, organizations must understand the responsibilities for data protection and ensure their protocol comply with new laws. Thus, they should keep up with any changes in legislation. Fourth, paper shredding is necessary. Though we pursue paperless office, still paper is being used, so paper shredding is required to avoid the risk of data breach. Lastly, SBOs should use locked storage consoles to protect sensitive data.

This article talks about something similar that was discussed in our security and emerging technology module video. In the video it is discussed that hotels want to avoid having visible lines of security so guests do not feel threatened. In this article, it states that Disney Land and Walt Disney World have been budgeting more money for safety. But now Disney is trying to focus on how to make security more effecient, for example, they have recently changed their security checkpoints location in order to make it flow better for guests. Now checkpoints have even gone further away from Magic Kingdom and starting infront of the Ticket Center that is miles away from the park entrance. I guess this is creating a sense of safety for the guests as well as faster lines. Disney is even going so far as creating a PreCheck line like TSA for annual passholders that would create less security lines.

way to see anticipate ongoing changes in technology

"The Future of Revenue Management " Hotel revenue management is moving front and centre of the overarching business model for many hotels, and this trend is only set to rise further. Revenue management undergoes constant change, more so than other departments. This is because it is rooted in technological capability. Technology will continue to evolve and more sophisticated methods of guest analysis will come to the fore, as revenue managers keep searching for ways of becoming more competitive. This constant change has contributed in large part to the expanding roles that today's hotel revenue manager is charged with carrying out. After all, it is through inventive marketing strategies that hotels can generate business. Ecommerce, social media, client engagement and relationship management have all become central to the revenue manager's job in order to drive business. The hotel sector is probably more competitive than ever before. Hotels aren't only competing with their cross-town rivals, but inter-city and even international counterparts. Online travel agencies, the rise of hostels, and high guest demands make the industry even more competitive. So, hotels are turning to guest analytics; and new technology is making efficient analysis that produces unique, valuable insights possible.

CRM (Customer Relationship Management) Software must change and adapt to fit the needs of hotels & guests alike. If these systems do not change it is likely that they will no longer be useful therefore making them obsolete. New systems must not focus on the sales & marketing potion, but allowing for smooth customer experiences.

A security researcher, Mr. Noam Rotem has found a security vulnerability in the widely used Amadeus airline software. Mr. Rotem booked a flight with El Al and the company sent him a link to retrieve his Passenger Name Record (PNR). Rotem inputted a random booking reference number into this link, which is sent to all customers upon booking, and he was able to access other passenger's information. This raises concerns among attackers changing seat flights, meal specifications, or claiming flyer miles. The security researcher also viewed email addresses, phone numbers, and was even able to cancel flights. Additionally, this data can easily be accessed because reference numbers and last names are printed on baggage tags, making this available for many to see in an airport. The Global Distribution System does not have any form of authentication factor or password to keep this information safe. The GDS has not been updated to ensure security in many years. The company claims that the PNR process must be in accordance with the whole industry, and it needs to collaborate with everyone in order to form a new procedure.

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.

With the demand for sustainability initiatives by consumers, hotel are having to make major changes in order to oblige. Sustainability has become a major concern for many consumers and businesses have taken notice. As a result, major hotel chains across country have begun to put in order plans to make changes to their daily operations. As noted in the article by L.A. Times, changes have been made to features such as water usage, machinery operations and even landscaping design . These changes and updates are in the hopes to attract a wider consumer market which now includes Eco-friendly travelers.

The LA Times article, "More hotels are going green, and not just to save water or money" highlights how an "earth-friendly image" is important to many corporate travel managers. Research suggests that having an environmentally friendly hotel not only aids in decreasing operational cost and avoiding city or county fines but may also be a way to differentiate a firm's brand and compete more effectively in the market. With travelers specifically seeking out eco-friendly choices and demonstrating a willingness to pay extra to accommodate a hotels ability to provide these services; going green could be a strategic solution implemented in a manner that allows for increasing market share while reducing operational cost.

Good Afternoon, It good to see hotels are being proactive about being environmentally friendly. It also great they mentioned that corporate travelers are looking for Eco-friendly hotels. I know a lot of companies require corporate travelers to seek out hotels that meet certain green levels and along with there corporate rates. Hotels are demonstrating that they are willing to invest in green technology not only for money but because it the right thing to.

The article discusses restaurants beginning to make changes or the better towards today's modern society. From software changes and upgrades to ordering your food online, paying your tab by tablets and making reservations by app--smart dining has begun and won't be going anywhere.

Hi Jennifer, Thanks for sharing! This article was a great read and it was also awesome to see some of the technology that is currently integrated into restaurants mentioned here. I've definitely been enjoying the new restaurant technology that is out there. Ordering at my table, paying at my table, etc. I'm excited to see where else the industry goes. Most importantly just hoping we continue to advance meanwhile being cautious with the information of consumers.

The article described the importance of investing in technology for hotels in details. It can help improve the operational efficiency and support business growth from many aspects. And there is no technology that suitable forever because the circumstance of the industry and the technology is always changing. So if a hotel want to survive in the fierce competition, it needs to do the right technology investment and adjustment according to the specific necessary timely.

This article speaks about the importance of investing in technology in the Hospitality industry. There are so many different types of technology that can be implemented in the industry that will help us be prepared for the load of guests. The article also explains that investing in technology while costly, is very important to the success of the hotel.

As the world becomes more dependent on technology, the opportunities to exploit or steal one's personal information becomes easier and easier. Passwords and pins can be stolen. Manager cards can be handed out or duplicated. Bio metric information is the one thing that remains a secure way to ensure proper protocols are being followed. Short of cutting off someone's finger, it is impossible to duplicate an individuals bio metric information. This is proving to be a very cost effective means of ensuring compliance to company procedures. The savings in time card fraud, or improper void protocol outweigh the expense of implementing the system. I believe that this is a sign of things to come, as our world transitions to a more electronic state; Bio metric information is the only secure means of insuring the actual "user" is the one performing the specific task.

This concept is very interesting as I deal with timecard fraud often. However, without the option of over riding or using a paper time correction, I wonder if it would actually waste some time waiting for a manager to come and fix the problem.

As a manager, I prefer the biometric option for punching in and out of employees. The only problem I have seen with this technology for employees is for those that work in laundry or dish washing areas. The constant exposure to heat and water on their fingers causes their fingerprints to distort temporarily. I find that I have to utillize less dominant fingers to make it work for these associates. I have made it mandatory for any associate to speak with a manager if they do not punch in or out correctly.

This article talks about the growing need for customers to have certain in-technology. It also talks about what hotel industry is doing and investing keep it's ahead of the curve and what current are guest expectations when arriving at a Hotel in 21 century.

In this article, it explains that technology is the ruler of today's world. It creates an "easy life" and raises the expectations of customers by the minute, essentially making anything possible. To meet these expectations in the hospitality industry, hotels are incorporating more technological accommodations. This is a must to stay ahead of the competition and attract new customers. A report showed the hospitality industry as the 5th highest investor in sensors to ensure a positive customer experience. From simple technology such as online booking to things such as automated check in/ out are changing the game for the customers overall experience. These things have become normalized for a better guest experience along with keyless hotel room entrance making a shift to app's that act as the bedroom key. Another growing trend is having robots complete simple tasks such as room service as well as more sustainable practices such as adjustable lighting. In order to properly track the success rate of these new technologies, many hospitality related companies are hiring data scientists to assure they are meeting their guest's expectations. All of these advances make life easier for the company and the guests but none of these things can replace the art of human interaction. Although this art is dwindling away, it is something that most still yearn for, regardless of the technology involved in their experience.

Information technology has become extremely important to the hospitality industry. It has helped with customer service, financial status, and in many other ways. With so much changing with information technology it is vital that companies keep up with all these changes in order to not fall behind. As stated in the article if information technology is implemented correctly it can help a company become the most efficient it has ever been. This has also helped improve the communication between companies and their investors, now communication can be done via email or call in a matter of seconds. As I stated above it has also improved guest service and communication, this includes apps, messages and allowing guests to have immediate assistance with any of their needs. When you improve customer service and create an open window for communication, it brings in more guests to want to stay with your company and give their business to you. Not only this but, technology has helped companies save money by needing to provide less staff. This is why information technology has helped so many companies succeed financially.

This article was mainly about the growth of ecommerce businesses due to the fact that the world is changing into a more technological environment. It stated five trends that would begin to show up more as time goes on such as interactive chatbots on store websites to help with customer complaints and even answer questions about products. It also stated that physical stores are going bankrupt but will try to accommodate with the change by providing smaller and more intimate customer service experiences in store because even though the internet is great it still does not provide the entire customer service experience for customers most of the time.

This article describes how technology is forcing companies to reevaluate and change how they take certain approaches to business. A lot of companies are having a difficult time keeping up to date with technology as more and more different companies emerge and start using more advance technology than they have. An alarming amount of companies have admitted they have no approach. Experts are telling companies to be open-minded and start thinking of an approach.

Some argue that the GDS is a fair system. It it does enable travel agents and clients to access travel data, make price comparisons, access special rates and book travel. The big 3 Travelport, Amaadeus, and Sabre do generate billions of dollars of global travel sales for travel providers. The fact is though that the current system is old, dating back to the 60's, has serious flaws, and can be hacked. It is also biased as travel agents bookings are swayed by the airlines they have preferred agreements with, which can skew the equation away from the traveler's best interests. Having 3 Big players with a virtual travel monopoly is not an ideal situation. Carriers are fighting back and airlines are changing strategy. Tension between airlines and the GDS caused by disputes has European airlines exploring models outside the GDS. To make the changes successful they cannot be restricted by outdated systems, old technology or financial burdens.

It discusses the high fees of the GDS and the fact that their system needs to be upgraded. Also, the challenges airlines face with paying those fees and ways the airlines are making additional revenue without having to pay fees to the GDS.

Due to the high fees some airlines were or are paying to the GDS companies, they are re-thinking their strategy to get more revenue out of the passengers, in order to mitigate the lost of revenue for not being anymore in an open GDS market like Amadeus. Amadeus knows they are the big gorilla in the market with a 44% of the share, compared to Sabre or Travelport, the other two leaders in the GDS market.