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mayr0604

Data Mining: What is Data Mining? - 3 views

www.anderson.ucla.edu/...datamining.htm

shared by mayr0604 on 27 Aug 15 - Cached
  • For example, one Midwest grocery chain used the data mining capacity of Oracle software to analyze local buying patterns. They discovered that when men bought diapers on Thursdays and Saturdays, they also tended to buy beer. Further analysis showed that these shoppers typically did their weekly grocery shopping on Saturdays. On Thursdays, however, they only bought a few items. The retailer concluded that they purchased the beer to have it available for the upcoming weekend. The grocery chain could use this newly discovered information in various ways to increase revenue. For example, they could move the beer display closer to the diaper display. And, they could make sure beer and diapers were sold at full price on Thursdays.
  • Data warehousing is defined as a process of centralized data management and retrieval. Data warehousing, like data mining, is a relatively new term although the concept itself has been around for years.
  • ata mining is primarily used today by companies with a strong consumer focus - retail, financial, communication, and marketing organizations. It enables these companies to determine relationships among "internal" factors such as price, product positioning, or staff skills, and "external" factors such as economic indicators, competition, and customer demographics. And, it enables them to determine the impact on sales, customer satisfaction, and corporate profits. Finally, it enables them to "drill down" into summary information to view detail transactional data.
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  • WalMart is pioneering massive data mining to transform its supplier relationships. WalMart captures point-of-sale transactions from over 2,900 stores in 6 countries and continuously transmits this data to its massive 7.5 terabyte Teradata data warehouse. WalMart allows more than 3,500 suppliers, to access data on their products and perform data analyses. These suppliers use this data to identify customer buying patterns at the store display level. They use this information to manage local store inventory and identify new merchandising opportunities. In 1995, WalMart computers processed over 1 million complex data queries. The National Basketball Association (NBA) is exploring a data mining application that can be used in conjunction with image recordings of basketball games. The Advanced Scout software analyzes the movements of players to help coaches orchestrate plays and strategies. For example, an analysis of the play-by-play sheet of the game played between the New York Knicks and the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 6, 1995 reveals that when Mark Price played the Guard position, John Williams attempted four jump shots and made each one! Advanced Scout not only finds this pattern, but explains that it is interesting because it differs considerably from the average shooting percentage of 49.30% for the Cavaliers during that game.
  • How does data mining work? While large-scale information technology has been evolving separate transaction and analytical systems, data mining provides the link between the two. Data mining software analyzes relationships and patterns in stored transaction data based on open-ended user queries. Several types of analytical software are available: statistical, machine learning, and neural networks. Generally, any of four types of relationships are sought: Classes: Stored data is used to locate data in predetermined groups. For example, a restaurant chain could mine customer purchase data to determine when customers visit and what they typically order. This information could be used to increase traffic by having daily specials. Clusters: Data items are grouped according to logical relationships or consumer preferences. For example, data can be mined to identify market segments or consumer affinities. Associations: Data can be mined to identify associations. The beer-diaper example is an example of associative mining. Sequential patterns: Data is mined to anticipate behavior patterns and trends. For example, an outdoor equipment retailer could predict the likelihood of a backpack being purchased based on a consumer's purchase of sleeping bags and hiking shoes.
  • Size of the database: the more data being processed and maintained, the more powerful the system required. Query complexity: the more complex the queries and the greater the number of queries being processed, the more powerful the system required.
  • mayr0604 on 27 Aug 15
     
    This article highlights the topic of Data Mining and the way in which companies use it to become informed and discover new ways to become more effective. Data Mining can be used to increase revenue, cut costs and identify growing trends. This article will feature key examples from major companies such as Oracle, Wal-Mart and the NBA, all of which use Data Mining to enhance their business performance. 
cdamo003

Disruptive Innovation: Are we There Yet? - 2 views

hospitalityinsights.ehl.edu/ruptive-innovation-hospitality

disruptive innovation

shared by cdamo003 on 14 Jan 21 - No Cached
  • both likes and fears the concept of disruptive innovation.
  • used by
  • The term ‘disruption’ is widely
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  • influenced by the theories of Harvard professor Clayton Christensen
  • Disruptive innovations are however differentiated from sustaining innovations
  • . 3-D printing of buildings will allow accommodation hosting opportunities to develop and disappear very quickly in new areas
  • , according to changing destination popularity, or to extend capacity following a surge of visitors, for example.
  • t disruption means to academics – and some business leader
  • Society both likes and fears the concept of disruptive innovation.
  • We like to experience new ways of traveling and creativity in cooking dishes; at the same time, we may be somewhat anxious or even afraid of getting into a self-driving car or eating something cooked by a robot chef.
  • a provocative marketing campaign may be seen as ‘disruptive’ as an affordable-luxury hotel concept with shared bathrooms.
  • fear or hope of emerging disruption is exaggerated and misleading.
  • guanhuahao on 14 Jan 21
     
    The author holds that the public have ambivalent attitudes of disruptive innovation，and the current understanding of its effects is inaccurate，the article mentions Uber and Airbnb as the example. This article gives the explanation that it is a form of breakthrough that takes place in a rapidly changing market. In the academic aspect, influenced by the theories of Harvard professor Clayton Christensen, It's different from continuous innovation Finally the author show 2 examples of potentially disruptive innovation in hospitality: 3D printers and virtual reality
  • swhit149 on 07 Mar 21
     
    This article gives a clear understanding on what disruptive technology is in the hospitality industry. It explains how our society craves for more "what's new?" or what a business can do to stay ahead of its competitors but are sometimes afraid of the outcomes and although we cannot see the future, we can give it a try while hoping for the best. They provided current examples such as Airbnb and how they sustain innovation effectively by capitalizing and improving the efficiency of the system.
  • cdamo003 on 11 Jan 22
     
    The article discusses how technology can potentially disrupt the market in positive ways. The article also uses examples of what would not be considered market disruption and used Uber as an example of this. IF we were to however have self driving cars this would be a significant market disruption.
rebecca Bonet

New Green Hotel Tech Includes Smart Fireplaces, Lights With Memory || HotelChatter - 2 views

www.hotelchatter.com/...Fireplaces,_Lights_With_Memory

shared by rebecca Bonet on 25 Nov 12 - No Cached
  • We're geeky enough to love new hotel technology, but we've got our green side too;
  • Most of the new green tech developments are focused on reducing energy use, and it seems like there are some killer new innovations coming to hotels at the moment.
  • they control what gets switched on and off using the system that tells them when a guest comes and goes.
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  • Other hotels are doing similar things (and even more). An example of a newly-developed energy efficient amenity:
  • And the conference also talked a lot about putting solar panels on hotel roofs with government subsidies.
  • Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference in New Orleans.
  • We're geeky enough to love new hotel technology, but we've got our green side too;
  • The system will remember how lights are set and if the fireplace is on and will shut down 20 minutes after the guest leaves and come back to the same setting when guest returns.
  • Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference in New Orleans.
  • Most of the new green tech developments are focused on reducing energy use, and it seems like there are some killer new innovations coming to hotels at the moment
  • For example, at Hotel 1000 in Seattle,  they control what gets switched on and off using the system that tells them when
  • a guest comes and goes.
  • Other hotels are doing similar things (and even more). An example of a newly-developed energy efficient amenity
  • The system will remember how lights are set and if the fireplace is on and will shut down 20 minutes after the guest leaves and come back to the same setting when guest returns.
  • And the conference also talked a lot about putting solar panels on hotel roofs with government subsidies.
  • Xu Wang on 25 Nov 12
     
    While we all know now it's the technology era, customers would like prefer new hotel technology which would enhance their experience. When we are geeky enough to love new hotel technology, however, we have got our green side too. For example, in hospitality industry, some hotels control what gets switched on and off using the system that tells them when a guest comes and goes; some also talked about putting solar panels on hotel roofs with government subsidies. Applying new technology in hospitality industry also will have some negative side as everything has two sides. it is just a kind of balance thing. We just need to find the most suitable ones for our hotels and customers.
  • rebecca Bonet on 26 Nov 12
     
    The article talks about how hotel are getting into more green technology. In New Orleans they had a conference for hotel own and GM that want to get greener with their hotel technology. The new green tech development is focused on reducing energy use. For example the new developed energy efficient system will remember how light are set and if the fireplace is on and will shut down 20 minutes after the guest leave and come back to the same setting. It will be a big saving for the hotel especially when the power bills comes in they will notice a different
lkastwood

Technologies Being Used In The Event Planning Industry - 2 views

sonburst.com/s-used-event-planning-industry

technology business hospitality software event planner digital administration mobile engagement tech

shared by lkastwood on 09 Oct 17 - No Cached
  • With the advent of technology, the event planning and management has seen enormous shifts over the past two decades. As technology continues to automate monotonous time-consuming work and connect the world like never before, many event planners are scrambling to keep up by incorporating the latest and greatest technology into their events.
  • Digital administration is now key when planning a new meeting. For large events, it’s not enough to just sell a ticket online, print them an agenda, and check IDs at the door.
  • Events and their breakouts are built in advance. All details are added including guidelines for which attendees can register or which session, audiovisual equipment needed in the space, rehearsal times, BEOs, and etc.
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  • Without a tool like this, it would require constantly manually inputting and changing spreadsheets which have no contact with the outside world.
  • If you are not utilizing the smart phone every attendee has in their pocket at your event, you are missing out on a great opportunity and even neglecting attendee expectations.
  • They want to see their unique schedule, read event descriptions, find session locations on a map, and engage with other attendees.
  • lkastwood on 09 Oct 17
     
    Technology has taken event planning to the next level. Within the past five years digital administration and mobile engagement are considered to be the two primary causes for change in the events industry. In an article written for Sonburst Communication it states "Digital administration is now key when planning a new meeting. For large events, it's not enough to just sell a ticket online, print them an agenda, and check IDs at the door". Attendees now fall into different categories that may require different forms of check-ins for example someone on the VIP list may receive a gift bag and private cocktail party or someone with special dietary needs once checked in the system notifies the catering term of their confirmed arrival. Digital administration has made it easier for event planners to manage these different kinds of request quickly and on a digital platform. The digital platform is generally tailored for each event before the event. Everything in pre-loaded to the system for example, registration, BEO, event time line, seating chart and set-up and break-down. "If you are not utilizing the smart phone every attendee has in their pocket at your event, you are missing out on a great opportunity and even neglecting attendee expectations." Today's generation is expecting to have the event information available to them at their finger tip. Mobile engagement allows event planners to give them just that weather through email, website, or event app. This also allows event planners to notify guests of any last-minute changes. For example, a change in event time line. Everyone is going digital and most people send more than half the time while at an event on their phones so why not make this information available to them.
Yaping Li

Green Business Initiative - Environmental Protection Agency, Ireland - 0 views

www.epa.ie/...gbi

shared by Yaping Li on 22 Sep 12 - No Cached
  • The Green Business Initiative is an inter-linked suite of projects, specifically aimed at helping enterprises save money and help to reduce their environmental impacts.
  • The projects aim to actively help enterprises to become more “resource efficient”. This means that they will use less energy, less water and less raw materials, in turn producing less waste and costing the business less money. It’s a great example of the Green Economy in action and a real win-win situation. 
  • The Green Hospitality Programme (GHP) is a range of projects specifically aimed at the tourism and hospitality industry. 
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  • Utilising the capacity and techniques perfected in the Green Hospitality Award and greenbusiness.ie project, the National Waste Prevention Programme is working with healthcare providers to look at water and energy use and waste production, with a special emphasis on food waste. By investigating areas where efficiencies can be made, often through simple "no" and low cost procedures, real savings can be generated for hospitals.
  • Yaping Li on 22 Sep 12
     
    This article introduces some green business initiative that is the projects to help enterprises use less resource to make money. With the development of the society, it is more important for us to protect the environment. The green business initiative is a good example to protect the environment. The article shows the greenbusiness.ie project offer an effective tool to help the company not only reduce the cost but also reduce the pollution. It also introduce the project that aimed to help hospitality industry solve the save resource problem. It list some projects like Green Festivals, Less Food Waste, More Profit to prove these program already save more money and resource. The Green Healthcare and SMILE (Saving Money through Industrial Linkage and Exchanges) are the other two examples of green business initiative.
tcale003

This $20 USB Cable Is A Dead Man's Switch For Your Laptop - 0 views

www.forbes.com/...s-switch-for-your-linux-laptop

usb cable laptop technology

shared by tcale003 on 18 May 20 - No Cached
    • tcale003
      tcale003 on 18 May 20
       
      This article is about a new inexpensive technology called a Buzz Kill Cord. It has been recently created by Michael Altfield, a Software Engineer to prevent hacking across the globe for anti-theft protection if someone steals one of your computer or phone devices. This USB cable will destroy any and all information on your device.
  • Most people are familiar with the concept of a dead man's switch that, for example, activates the emergency brake should a London Underground train driver become incapacitated.
  • Most people are familiar with the concept of a dead man's switch that, for example, activates the emergency brake should a London Underground train driver become incapacitated.
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  • Most people are familiar with the concept of a dead man's switch that, for example, activates the emergency brake should a London Underground train driver become incapacitated. There are many different technologies across multiple machines from the trains mentioned above right through to chainsaws. Unsurprisingly, laptop computers haven't been on the list until now. Software engineer and sysadmin, Michael Altfield, has created a cheap "kill cord" that can trigger a laptop to self-destruct if stolen by a snatch and grab thief. What's more, you can make your own for just $20 (£15) but there's an important caveat: this is for Linux laptops, not those running macOS or Windows.
  • Most people are familiar with the concept of a dead man's switch that, for example, activates the emergency brake should a London Underground train driver become incapacitated.
  • Most people are familiar with the concept of a dead man's switch that, for example, activates the emergency brake should a London Underground train driver become incapacitated.
  • le, ac
  • There are many different technologies across multiple machines from the trains mentioned above right through to chainsaws. Unsurprisingly, laptop computers haven't been on the list until now. Software engineer and sysadmin, Michael Altfield, has created a cheap "kill cord" that can trigger a laptop to self-destruct if stolen by a snatch and grab thief. What's more, you can make your own for just $20 (£15) but there's an important caveat: this is for Linux laptops, not those running macOS or Windows.
  • Although laptops can crash, the consequences will likely not be as devastating as a runaway train incident. So why would anyone want a "kill cord" for their laptop? Good question, and one answered by software engineer Michael Altfield in his blog posting that describes how he made one.
  • if you were doing some online banking or accessing your work network via a VPN, the opportunity to monetize the theft becomes apparent. That scenario isn't far-fetched either.
  • Stand up if you use your laptop in a coffee shop or some other public place like an airport.
  • I'm guessing nobody is sitting down at this point. Yet by using either distraction tactics or a more straightforward and violent strategy, a thief could steal your fired up and authenticated laptop in seconds. Encryption won't help much if you have authenticated and are accessing that data, or service, at the time of the snatch and grab.
  • Altfield wanted an anti-theft solution that could trigger the laptop to shut down, lock, or even wipe all data in such a physical separation scenario. "I couldn’t find a low-tech solution that implements a laptop kill cord," he said, "so I decided to build one myself." The result is what Altfield calls a "BusKill" cable.
llibe010

5 ways AI and robots will affect future travel | Flash Pack - 1 views

www.flashpack.com/...bots-will-affect-future-travel

AI travel agent hospitality hotel software

shared by llibe010 on 08 Nov 22 - No Cached
  • We accepted driverless trains very easily – London’s DLR, for example, has been trundling around without drivers since 1987. Driverless cars we’ve been more sceptical about, but seem to have made peace with their inevitability (aids for human drivers like lane assist are pretty much standard in every new car). But if either of those concepts blows your mind and/or has you feeling a little uneasy in the pant department, just wait until you board a pilotless aeroplane! That’ll feel completely fine, right? But it will almost certainly happen – it kind of does now, to an extent
  • The Vdara Hotel & Spa in Las Vegas uses two robot ‘butlers’ to deliver room service. This Chinese company claims to have created an AI receptionist. Even hotel mega-giants Hilton experimented with a Watson-powered robot concierge called Connie
  • an omnipresent army of artificially intelligent travel agents who can find the perfect holiday for you, powered by deep learning and a vast collective knowledge of everything travel-related except what it feels like to get sunburnt
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  • recognition, be it facial or cornea or fingerprint, could soon be your way through passport control: it’s already being trialled at Changi airport in Singapore
  • You might have heard of smart cities. Super-connected, intelligently-planned urban conurbations aimed at making life an absolute dream, both now and in the future, through the use of technology
  • And while ‘more planes’ doesn’t sound very environmentally friendly, that AI technology can be used to make all kinds of transport more efficient. Fewer empty planes and trains, less stacking over airports, more intelligent planning of onboard catering (no more fish dishes = less food waste IMO – who eats them?) – it all helps the goal of green tourism
  • llibe010 on 08 Nov 22
     
    The article discusses 5 potential use cases of artificial intelligence with a focus on travel and hospitality. The first example is of driverless vehicles and airplanes and the second speaks of AI receptionists and robot concierges. Other examples include AI-powered travel agents that use deep learning and create customized holiday packages for guests in the future. Biometric recognition as a replacement for passports has also been discussed along with using AI for green tourism. In general, the article highlights the role of AI technologies in improving travel efficiency and sustainability while acknowledging that there are pitfalls and that these technologies still require years of development.
sydneywolfson

The Impact of AI on the Hospitality Industry | by Willa Zhou | Towards Data Science - 0 views

towardsdatascience.com/spitality-industry-8ba7adb66be

shared by sydneywolfson on 04 Feb 22 - No Cached
  • Countless hospitality industry leaders are increasingly leveraging the use of one specific tool in their hotels to increase personalization and exceed customer expectations: artificial intelligence or more commonly known as AI.
  • More and more hotels, especially large global hotel chains such as Marriott International, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, and Caesars Entertainment, have started implementing the use of AI in their hotels in the form of chatbot messaging, AI powered customer service, and data analytics in hopes of redefining the current industry standards on a personalized guest experience.
  • Marriott International, for example, has multiple chatbots including Marriott Rewards chatbots which are available on various platforms such as Facebook Messenger, Slack, WeChat, and Google Assistant (Bethesda
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  • By allowing guests to communicate in their native languages, chatbots seamlessly remove the language barrier with guests from all over the world
  • ilton introduced the world’s first AI powered hotel concierge robot named Connie, after its founder Conrad Hilton,
  • Connie was developed in collaboration with IBM with three main goals in mind: to decrease wait time in line, provide added efficiency in hotel operations, and surprise guests with an innovative and completely unique too
  • Connie is able to inform guests on hotel features, local attractions, and dining recommendations just like any front desk agent, concierge, or hotel phone operator would
  • Besides customer service improvements through chatbots and concierge robots, AI has also impacted the hospitality industry with the use of data analytics.
  • AI demonstrates a real promise in increasing convenience, enhancing personalization, as well as raising satisfaction and loyalty for hotel guests
  • sydneywolfson on 04 Feb 22
     
    This article talks about AI in hotels. For example, the article mentioned the use of chat boxes for Marriot International. Another example is Connie, the first AI powered hotel concierge robot at the Hitlon. It is a unique tool and can help decrease wait time and provide added efficiency in hotel operations.
Xiameng Zheng

Sustainable Hospitality Hardware | Sponsored by Rocky Mountain Hardware | Originally pu... - 0 views

continuingeducation.construction.com/crs.php

sustainable hardware

shared by Xiameng Zheng on 16 Jan 13 - No Cached
  • Typically, this control requires well-designed and durable hardware systems that include door and window operating and locking components.
  • the selection of hardware that is made from predominantly recycled material by manufacturers using green and sustainable practices is paramount to green building design.
  • Xiameng Zheng on 16 Jan 13
     
    Green hotel has become a hot topic recent years since people have more concerns about sustainability of natural resources. This article is talking about sustainable hospitality hardware. It starts right from one kind of hardware material, bronze. Two types of bronze are introduced as the most popular choice for hardware, "silicon bronze" and "white bronze". Considering the long durability, excellent corrosion resistance, better fatigue resistance, lower melting point, easy care and maintenance, bronze, as a material is a dramatically long time and continues to be so today using both time -tested and innovative manufacturing techniques. The article also talks about green characteristics of bronze products. For example, it use life cycle analysis results to show bronze products is better than other materials. Bronze is 100 percent recyclable and make healthier environment. In hospitality industry, the most applications of bronze must be the door hardware, including the lock set. The article gives an example of Pelican Hill Resort which used lot bronze in the resort manufacture. Overall, it's a material choice that can contribute positively to the overall design intent of a given facility and its long-term successful operations.
LU DENG

IHG generating over $20 million a month in revenue from mobile bookings - 0 views

hotelmarketing.com/...n_revenue_from_mobile_bookings

e-market hotel

shared by LU DENG on 08 Nov 12 - No Cached
  • IHG’s mobile strategy focuses on connecting with guests at all touch points throughout their travel planning and stay experience.
  • “Our emphasis is on developing booking apps and mobile features to engage with guests in every step of their journey. It’s not just about booking rooms – we’re building relationships with our guests and connecting with them throughout their stay experience.”
  • Guests and corporate partners who stay at InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Hotel Indigo, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites hotels can now enjoy the following new IHG mobile features:
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  • Customized IHG-branded corporate apps on iPhone
  • Offers and notifications via IHG-branded apps on iPhone
  • IHG currently has Priority Club Rewards apps for Kindle Fire, Google TV, Android Tablets, Windows Phone, and Android. IHG also has iPhone booking apps for each of its seven brands
  • LU DENG on 08 Nov 12
     
    E-marketing is not unfamiliar for us and it has become a powerful tool for hotels to promote themselves. Hotels can make profit from it if it is applied in a proper way. This article introduces a successful example that IHG focuses on developing apps and mobil features to engage with guests throughout their journey and the monthly revenue from mobile booking reaches over $20 million. IHG's mobile strategy focuses on connecting with guests at all touch points throughout their travel planning and stay experience not just on the first step of room booking. IHG will continue their mobil strategy with launch of the Priority Club Rewards app for iPad that can help guests easily find and book rooms, check rates and increase flexibility to manage their reservation and view member details. This provides guests great convince and leaves them great feeling about this brand. Some new features, functions and offers will be customized for different category of guests such as corporate guests and leisure guests in IHG's e-marketing plan. So the efficiency in targeting the right market is increased. IHG benefit a lot from e-marketing and is multiplying more methods in this area to keep up with the trend. Success of IHG in e-marketing can be a good example for other hoteliers.
anonymous

Power outages play havoc with Netflix, Instagram and Pinterest - Hartford Pop Culture |... - 0 views

www.examiner.com/...etflix-instagram-and-pinterest

cloud business electricity

shared by anonymous on 01 Jul 12 - No Cached
  • The big storms that caused power outages in a line across the country played havoc with the modern day technology that people depend on daily. Netflix, Pinterest and Instagram were all down Friday due to the storms. These websites were not working, leaving millions at a loss with their favorite pass times unavailable. According to CNet News, an “outage in Amazon’s cloud means that some of the world’s greatest and most frivolous entertainments are suddenly not available.”
  • The problem comes from the outage in Amazon’s Compute Cloud in North Virginia, where a deadly batch of summer storms left millions without electricity, according to Mashable.
  • anonymous on 01 Jul 12
     
    This is a great example of something we continually talk about in class: what happens when the power goes out. I was unaware that Netflix, Instragram and pinterest were out due to power outages recently, but can certainly imagine how much damage it caused to these businesses. An interesting piece of the article was the bit about the use of Amazon Cloud, the server that makes these programs run. Here it wasn't a security issue but a reliance on power that provides a great example of where cloud computing is lacking in usability.
Minghui Zheng

2011 POS Innovations: Mobility on the March | Top Stories | | Hospitality Magazine (HT) - 0 views

hospitalitytechnology.edgl.com/...ns--Mobility-on-the-March74669

pos innovations mobility hospitality

shared by Minghui Zheng on 29 Aug 12 - No Cached
  • Another new POS vendor, eTab, debuted its table-side ordering and payment solution this past May at the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago. The solution allows restaurant and bar patrons to order and pay for meals at their table through a digital menu interface on a portable touch-screen computer, wirelessly connecting each table to the restaurant’s wait staff and existing POS system. 
  • Earlier this year at the International Restaurants & Foodservice Show of New York, Squirrel Systems announced the launch of the latest addition to the Squirrel Mobility suite of products, Squirrel Professional for Apple mobile devices. Squirrel Professional allows restaurants, bars, and hotels to manage their food and beverage operations from stationary terminals as well as mobile tablets and handhelds like the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch.
  • Minghui Zheng on 29 Aug 12
     
    The hospitality industry began to develop the mobile point-of-sale (POS) technology. Technology vendors brought POS capabilities to consumers' own devices. Hospitality Technology has scanned many of the latest releases in point-of-sale technology to help restaurants keep up-to-date on mobile solutions. For example, Tabbedout, a secure mobile payment solution, allows patrons to open, view and pay their tabs, for free, with an iPhone or Android smartphone. Another example is Micros Makes Memorable Menus. An interactive restaurant menu and marketing portal built for the Apple iPad that enables restaurants to showcase upcoming events, programs, food and beverage menus, and daily specials; as well as to facilitate tabletop ordering and payment processing.
laura kaczkowski

Why the Future of Online Hotel Marketing is Cloud-Based Utility Computing - 1 views

www.tnooz.com/...-cloud-based-utility-computing

shared by laura kaczkowski on 07 Sep 12 - No Cached
  • Technology advances incredibly fast, not least in an industry such as travel which has seen incredible levels of disruption across so many disciplines.
  • build a website, start a blog–but now we’re being told that a website is not enough!
  • Imagine no more: it’s called utility computing in-the-cloud and has been used by technology giants for years.
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  • Utility computing is a broad concept that encapsulates cloud computing and software as a service (SaaS).
  • “This time, it’s computing that’s turning into a utility. In the years ahead, more and more of the information-processing tasks that we rely on, at home and at work, will be handled by big data centers located out on the Internet.”
  • The concept of paying a subscription for a utility has gone online as well. Instead of setting up web servers in our home or office, we purchase a web hosting subscription. While interest in personal tax and finance consultants decreases, use of in-the-cloud-solutions like TurboTax and Mint continues to explode.
  • The current and future dominance of utility computing is evident, but even so, SaaS can be an intimidating concept for some hoteliers
  • By purchasing a utility, you own all benefits that come with it. You use it, consume it and master it – it is yours. Renting, on the other hand, demands a return.
  • When I rent a movie from Blockbuster, I have a limited selection (whatever fits in the store) and when I’m done with the video, I have to return it and rent it again to watch it again.
  • Netflix, I have open access to hundreds of thousands of videos that took billions to produce, which I can stream as much as I wan
  • When technology advances, SaaS companies pass those latest advances on to their client
  • Like Netflix, which delivers video content that took billions to produce, utility computing delivers web design built with an information architecture that took millions to produce.
  • This means that when you embrace SaaS, you gain million-dollar technology that never grows outdated instead of buying a static website built on thousand-dollar technology that can’t help but grow outdated.
  • My advice is to put in the tough work and choose a solution that delivers amazing results now and adapts to technology changes later, so you don’t have to go shopping again.
  • laura kaczkowski on 07 Sep 12
     
    The article I read was called, 'Why the Future of Online Hotel Marketing is Cloud-Based Utility Computing.' In the article, it says that technology is moving super fast these days and companies are trying everything they can to keep up, for example building websites and starting blogs, but they feel that it's not enough. Up until now companies could not manage all of their marketing efforts from one place but now they can and it's called utility computing in-the-cloud. "Utility computing is a broad concept that encapsulates cloud computing and software as a service (SaaS)."Some hotel owners feel intimidated because a website does not seem as permanent as owning something. One example that I really liked that they gave in the article was, "When I rent a movie from Blockbuster, I have a limited selection (whatever fits in the store) and when I'm done with the video, I have to return it and rent it again to watch it again." Compared this to Netflix, where you have access to hundreds of thousands of videos and you can watch them as many times as you want and for any long as you want for no additional cost. When you embrace SaaS, you gain million dollar technology that never grows outdated, compare this to a website that is only built on thousand-dollar technology and can get outdated, and it sounds like a great investment!
chunxia gao

40 ways to a greener hotel | Hotel Management Asia - 2 views

hma.hotelworldasia.com/...40-ways-greener-hotel

green initiatives environmental energy sustainability

shared by chunxia gao on 20 Jan 12 - No Cached
  • . Ozone laundry systems reduce the Water, Energy and Chemicals used by the wash.
  • 32. Use electric buffet warmers rather than canned fuels.
  • 12. "Green roofs" create energy savings by acting as super insulators, keeping buildings warm in the winter and cool in the summer. They also serve as a storm water management systems, catching pollutants as they drain off the roofs. 
  • ...2 more annotations...
  • 35. Offer guests bicycles for short trips instead of driving.
  • 40. Plant a garden and harvest organically-grown vegetables for your restaurant.
  • chunxia gao on 20 Jan 12
     
    This article includes standards and suggestions to operate green hotels. The 40 ways include electricity saving, water saving, recycling systems and other environmental friendly usage method. For example, it mentioned to use digital control to HVAC systems, key card to control lights in guest rooms, using CFL bulbs to save electricity. It mentioned as possible as you can to paperless or recycle paper. Use ozone laundry system to reduce cost, water energy and chemicals use. Give leftover food and amenities to charities. An interesting thing, it also mentioned plant a garden and harvest organically-grown vegetables for your restaurant, a best way to save cost and treat food debris. The highlight ways are what interesting in my mind.
  • ...3 more comments...
  • Diane Cacho on 21 Jan 12
     
    I really like this concept, it's an excellent idea to help save energy and better the environment in the Hotel Industry. Such as in room recycling, laundry systems that help out the ozone layer by reducing the water, energy and chemicals used in the wash. I would never think of biodegradable 100% recycled room keys, great idea considering people throw them away carelessly and loose them often. In the Hospitality Industry I understand that first-rate service is a must but little things such as not asking for a new bath towel every hotel night can save a lot electricity and water. The fact that they are considering a linen and towel reuse program I am sure this would be very beneficial and will help lower energy costs.
  • YONGHE FAN on 21 Jan 12
     
    This article provides numerous detailed ways of helping hotels get greener and some of them are really make sense. For example, the No.12 about the green roofs that keep building warm in the winter and cool in the summer by acting as super insulators. That is perfect that it help to reduce the use of air-conditioning which would pollute our air and weather. As for the last one about the idea of planting a garden, I have to admit that that is a creative idea but hard to implement. If a hotel wants to plan a vegetables garden that big enough for hotel consumption, the cost would be a problem against the hotel's profits.
  • Bing Liu on 21 Jan 12
     
    This is a very useful and practical article about how hospitality facilities can go green. Going Green should not be just a slogan that hotels post on their walls. It requires people's attention and it needs to be implemented in the right way. Programs like towels reuse program and paper recycle programs are being implemented in most of the hotels. However, there are still hotels that have no sense of sustainable development. Management is important in implementing these actions and they could be good examples for their teams in energy-saving activities.
  • Jingyi Wen on 22 Jan 12
     
    This article provides clarified information about what the hotel should do to be green. This is a valuable guideline for hotel to be a greener hotel. Nowadays more and more hotels bring in new technology to save energy, I know this action can bring many benefits to hotel, but some not mature technology may bring trouble for hotel. I read a story talk about the solar powered energy management system. With this system's control the air conditioner will turn down automatically when there is no person in the room. But sometimes it can turn down the air conditioner when the guests fall asleep. How to deal with this kind of problem is also a big challenge for hospitality industry.
  • angelamenoher on 31 Jan 12
     
    If your hotel is interested in being certified for Florida Green Lodging or just want tips visit http://diigo.com/0mwfk
Melissa Krajewski

Going green in Monte Carlo - Travel - MiamiHerald.com - 0 views

www.miamiherald.com/...oing-green-in-monte-carlo.html

green hotel green initiative Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation

shared by Melissa Krajewski on 06 Feb 12 - No Cached
  • The Société’s environmental successes range from banning red (bluefin) tuna to the recovery of ink cartridges in a sophisticated recycling program that reclaims six different kinds of waste.
  • What’s noteworthy about Monaco’s firm resolve for environmental protections is that it enhances the vaunted Monte Carlo experience, from the quiet serenity of its piney beaches to the lively buzz of the Place du Casino, arguably the hub of Monte Carlo’s dazzling nightlife, where the iconic Belle Epoque casino and Hôtel de Paris still glow dramatically every night, albeit with low-power floodlights.
  • Melissa Krajewski on 06 Feb 12
     
    Hotel de Paris in opulent Monte Carlo, Monaco pleasantly surprises as a forerunner in the hospitality industry's green revolution. Prince Albert II leads by example after having a 'sustainably' lavish wedding using local and fair-trade products. Even though "mullet carpaccio" does not sound delectable to me; I am sure world renowned Chef Alain Ducasse knows how to transform the ordinary into extraordinary. Prince Albert II went so far to even have his cows supply the milk for his ice cream dessert, I call that dedication. With such excellent leadership and funding in the green initiative the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation addresses three major environmental issues: climate change, biodiversity and water consumption. Because of the Foundation visitors to Monaco participate in the green initiative with or without their knowledge. The casino, four hotels, several restaurants and spas all educate their staff on how to "be green." Hybrid shuttles, organic farming, reclaimed watering, on-site herb gardens and the banning of bluefin tuna are all examples of how the hospitality industry in Monaco has gone green. Monaco's will and initiative in the green revolution is inspiring. I hope that every hotel worldwide can try to adopt some of these practices and look to Monaco as a role model.
Michelle Wilson

Special Report: Smart machines | Nation's Restaurant News - 0 views

nrn.com/...special-report-smart-machines

restaurant news energy+reduction machines green

shared by Michelle Wilson on 06 Feb 12 - No Cached
  • From heat-reclaiming dishwashers to so-called smart kitchens and voice-recognition technology, restaurateurs are looking for equipment that reduces waste, saves money, speeds operations, increases accuracy, eliminates guesswork and opens the door to new opportunities.

  • More restaurant operators across all segments are embracing the mission of reducing both waste and costs with the growing crop of energy-efficient equipment.
  • Michelle Wilson on 06 Feb 12
     
    This is a great article that discusses the upcoming technology that restaurants are looking into (and starting to use). There are five trends when it comes to the industry's technology: Energy Reduction, "Smart Operations", Multiuse equipment, Custom Equipment, and Mobile Ordering. This article shows how technology can help on reducing waste, but even the technology itself is smarter and greener, using less energy and recycling the energy it has already used (reclaiming steam from a dishwasher to use in future washes-an example of energy efficient equipment ). Mobile ordering saves wait time for consumers and reduces waste from tickets/receipts being printed. "Smart" equipment is assisting in reducing food waste in kitchens. And Multiuse equipment is reducing energy use/costs. This article is a perfect example of how technology is helping to reduce waste and energy.
Carolina Villa

Defense.gov News Article: Green Initiatives Support Energy-Savings Concept - 0 views

www.defense.gov/...newsarticle.aspx

Green initiatives gov

shared by Carolina Villa on 11 Feb 12 - No Cached
  • Last week’s groundbreaking for a new solar micro grid at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., is the latest example of a military “going green” -– saving environmental resources and taxpayer dollars, too.
  • Last week’s groundbreaking for a new solar micro grid at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., is the latest example of a military “going green” -– saving environmental resources and taxpayer dollars, too.
  • It didn’t take long to recognize that conserving resources saved money that could be used for infrastructure upgrades and new facilities.
  • ...9 more annotations...
  • Last week’s groundbreaking for a new solar micro grid at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., is the latest example of a military “going green” -– saving environmental resources and taxpayer dollars, too.
  • The 1-megawatt facility, to become operational later this year, will provide one-third of the power for the nation’s largest Army Reserve training post, and ultimately it will save $1 million in energy costs annually,
  • The concept caught on quickly, expanding to more than 30 Army installations, including posts in Germany, Alaska and Hawaii. Now, the Army hopes to take it a step further with net-zero energy, waste and water initiatives. Several pilot programs are expected to be announced during next week’s Earth Day observance.
  • It didn’t take long to recognize that conserving resources saved money that could be used for infrastructure upgrades and new facilities
  • Costs largely drove that decision.
  • It also involves working as partners with communities -- those directly on the installation as well as beyond its gates -- to pursue environmental goals.
  • It didn’t take long to recognize that conserving resources saved money that could be used for infrastructure upgrades and new facilities.
  • Last week’s groundbreaking for a new solar micro grid at Fort Hunter Liggett, Calif., is the latest example of a military “going green” -– saving environmental resources and taxpayer dollars, too.
  • Meanwhile, the Army Reserve has joined “big Army” in expanding this focus to the operational force.
  • Carolina Villa on 11 Feb 12
     
    The nation's largest Army Reserve training post is "going green" . A new
Qianlin Wang

Data Security Basics: Five Security Issues All Hotel Operators Need to Know | hospitali... - 0 views

www.hospitalityupgrade.com/...magazine_Detail-ID-581.asp

security data hotel

shared by Qianlin Wang on 14 Feb 12 - No Cached
  • This article looks at the top five issues facing hotel operators and what actionable steps can be taken to decrease the likelihood that your business will be stung by data thieves.
  • Franchise operators need to be aware, however, that an improperly configured RMA is vulnerable to data compromise attack by hackers. 
  • Transaction volume, brand recognition and the potential for sensitive data retention are all factors that make hotels (particularly franchise networks) juicy targets for hackers seeking to exploit insecure networks via the Internet. 
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  • Hotel operators need to know that passwords, designed to keep criminals out, can also be a vulnerability in the absence of proper controls
  • Thanks to wireless networks, guests can speed though the check-in process, expedite valet parking and send room service orders directly to the kitchen.  At the same time, hotel operators should recognize that criminals can leverage improperly secured wireless networks to steal cardholder data and should implement strategies to thwart these efforts. 
  • Despite all best efforts, data compromise events can occur and every hotel operator should have a plan in place. Prompt action must be taken by hotels or restaurants that have experienced a suspected or confirmed security breach to help prevent additional exposure of cardholder data and ensure compliance with the data security requirements. 
  • Ruth James on 14 Feb 12
     
    The article discusses five issues that hotel operations are facing, and how to decrease these issues in regards to data thieves. The first security issue discussed is "Remote Access", the article states "Many hotel operators and franchisors use remote management applications (RMAs)". This enable easy access to manage multiple locations downloads; conduct sales polls, and other systems within multiple companies. A advices to remote control issues are to change vendor default settings, in which you can create unique user IDs and complex passwords. Another advice is to "Configure the RMA", in which users are only allowed to connect to known MAC/IP. I personally don't think that creating a unique ID or account password may solve this issue, but allowing connection capability to a set IP/MAC is a wise intake. Although being able to just connect to a set MAC, will cause a limit on where and when you connect. The second security issue is "Network Security", many transaction volumes are being exposed, brand recognition as well; and that attract hackers. In order to reduce this problem, it is suggested that companies need to install and maintain a fire wall at all time. I agree with this other suggestion which is to Use outside resources to help identify new security vulnerabilities. This is great, because a company will be able to receive an outside outlook in regards to security. The last three issues that are on this list are: Password Management, Wireless Security, and Incident Response Plan. Overall it's evident that any system that has a password requirement is causing a major attraction towards security thieves. The suggestions within this article are great, but from my observation; many companies will have to put in time to track and monitor their systems. Systems can't allow to be left open without monitoring, and the internet is a lead way to all this, so any system that requires the internet must be monitored, and protected.
  • Qianlin Wang on 30 Oct 12
     
    Technology enables service. That's the idea, anyway. In the hotel industry, thousands of companies worldwide provide hundreds of software applications to help hotels and hotel companies manage operations to provide better guest service. However, the hospitality industry continues to find itself targeted for damaging data compromise events by hackers. There are some good ways to decrease the attack of hackers. For example, Remote Access, many hotel operators and franchisors use remote management applications (RMAs).  Their ease of use in managing multiple locations makes them ideally suited to disseminate business downloads, conduct sales polls or survey inventory. RMAs are often packaged from vendors with default or blank passwords. Creating unique user IDs and complex passwords can reduce the risk of data compromise and help facilitate compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). Another example is about Network Security, transaction volume, brand recognition and the potential for sensitive data retention are all factors that make hotels (particularly franchise networks) juicy targets for hackers seeking to exploit insecure networks via the Internet. The hotel can install and maintain a firewall at all times.  Disabling a firewall can put a business at heightened risk of Internet attacks and potential system compromise.
Michaela Gave

Digital Gifting Is Trending in the Hospitality Industry - 0 views

www.hospitalityupgrade.com/...n-the-Hospitality-Industry.asp

gifting trending hospitality industry

shared by Michaela Gave on 29 Aug 13 - No Cached
  • Mercator further projects the 2013 holiday volume of digital gifting will exceed $1 billion
  • Some related consumer m-commerce facts include: 59 percent are interested in using mobile as a form of payment 50 percent of U.S. consumers shop with mobile devices 61 percent are interested in checking balances 59 percent are interested in organizing and tracking gift cards and loyalty via mobile 76 percent want an alternative to carrying everything in their wallets 12 percent of mobile U.S. subscribers who receive a text message (SMS) advertisement  tend to respond quickly; practitioners claim that offers sent via SMS convert 10 times to 20 times higher than either email or direct mail deals.
  • Michaela Gave on 29 Aug 13
     
    Summary: The variety of gifting options has grown from a simple plastic gift card to virtual cards delivered by email, text, debit/credit cards and more. The prediction for 2013 will exceed a billion dollars of digital gifting for the holiday season and continue to grow. Digital gift cards have made giving easy due to the convenience of redemption. Paper coupons have proven to be successful to draw in consumer activity, but the digital revolution in virtual gifting is expected to explode as people are so connected to their mobile devices. Even with the convenience and growing popularity of digital gifting comes barriers and security issues. Such issues include personal banking security and privacy. Some small to midsize businesses may not be able to participate in digital gifting due to cost barriers or lack of technology. Due to electronic process, paper receipts will be obsolete. Computers aren't perfect so how does one resolve dollar discrepancies. One benefit of virtual giving is the bar codes/QR codes. Companies are able to collect and retain additional information of givers and receivers by scanning the bar code/QR Code. Often people are reluctant to provide contact information, but in this case they aren't being asked, they have no choice. This is a benefit to the companies because they can make other promotional offers to engage and possibly retain both parties, thereby increasing sales. There are a variety of methods of virtual gifting and redemption. One example is Giftly. Giftly adds the value of the gift to the recipient's credit or debit card which can be used anywhere. This is super convenient for many people and they are able to choose whatever they wish rather than receive a gift chosen for them. This is certainly the digital age version of sending a check via mail to a loved one. Other corporate examples that have impacted the transition from plastic gift cards to virtual gifting are Burger King, Dunkin Donuts, Applebee's and Starbu
smaka004

Becoming a King of the Cloud: How Hoteliers Can Level the Playing Field Using Cloud Tec... - 0 views

skift.com/...r-kings-of-the-cloudsiteminder

shared by smaka004 on 29 Sep 14 - No Cached
  • For revenue managers, however, perhaps the most important offering for hotels on the cloud is the low, predictable fees that come with a model that is typically subscription-based. This pay-as-you-go model removes the commission costs to the technology provider. Ultimately, this not only provides a boost to a hotel’s bottom line but an opportunity for that hotel to be connected to a greater number of booking sites and meta-search engines – to find travelers, and to be found.
  • Through the cloud, hotels are equipped with one architecture that is not only powerful today but is equally prepared for the change that is inevitable in future. According to Criteo’s Travel Flash Report, the first half of 2014 saw: Mobile bookings on travel websites are growing faster than desktop, at 20 percent versus 2 percent Smartphones and tablets account for 21 percent of hotel bookings In-app bookings account for 12 percent of total mobile bookings made on travel websites
  • Cisco has forecast that cloud applications will account for 90 percent of global mobile data traffic by 2018.
  • smaka004 on 29 Sep 14
     
    This article summarizes how a particular advance in IT, specifically cloud technology, has made it easier for hotels to actually provide hospitality. By democratizing the industry-leading technology solutions, the cloud provides independent hoteliers with the ability to compete with their larger counterparts by increasing efficiencies. While the article identifies many of the general benefits of cloud technology that we have been discussing in class previously, such as uninterrupted access to business solutions and much lower hardware costs, it goes on to provide specific examples of how hotels can actually integrate software within the cloud to power their business. For example, revenue management solutions on the cloud often work on a pay-as-you-go model, not a subscription. This increases the number of connections that hotel revenue managers can make with OTAs, in turn driving conversion to actual bookings. Moreover, cloud-based revenue management solutions provide integrated software that decreases the need for a large revenue management staff. The article also cites the prevalence of mobile bookings, which are growing at 20% versus 2% for desktop bookings. More than a fifth of bookings are actually done using a mobile device. With all of this new consumer data, hotels can actually personalize their offerings for their guests. This will decrease generic advertising costs over time. The reason why it is important to take these mobile bookings into account is that mobile consumers are already connected to the cloud as they make these arrangements. With that in mind, hotels need to turn around and continue to push storage, advertising, and booking solutions on the cloud to meet this demand.
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