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Alyssa Westmeyer

Hotel technology trends that are changing how hotels do business - 1 views

  • Choice created the software in 2003 as an inexpensive solution for franchisees of its economy brands.
  • The PMS had a lot of growing pains at first, but eventually it became more and more cloud enabled and was adopted across the company.
  • “A lot of companies had outsourced their IT and now they’re bringing it back in house because they can do almost everything they need on the cloud or through software as a service.
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  • Switching to the cloud from a client server platform pays off with a big drop in both the initial capital outlay and the ongoing operating costs for the property management and other systems.
  • pects of a franchisee’s business, from guest check-ins and housekeeping services to billing and finances. Over time new features have been rolled into the software platform making it more robust and useful for hotel owners—it’s currently distributed in eight countries and available in four languages. And while plenty of cloud-based PMS packages are now available from third-party vendors like Micros, Maestro, and RoomKey, Choice’s internal solution has garnered its fair share of attention. “We had been getting knocks on the door from IT vendors at other hotel companies and individual Choice franchisees that own other brands, saying they were interested in our product,” says Pacious, “So we set up a new division so we could take a look at other opportunities we could develop.” This led the company to launch SkyTouch last year, a new division that develops and markets cloud-based software solutions to hotels inside and outside the Choice system. Pages: 1 2 3 4 2013-06-18 Sean Downey !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); (function() { var po = document.createElement('script'); po.type = 'text/javascript'; po.async = true; po.src = 'https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); (function() { var li = document.createElement('script'); li.type = 'text/javascript'; li.async = true; li.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https:' : 'http:') + '//platform.stumbleupon.com/1/widgets.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(li, s); })(); inShare0 Related Articles attachment-3
  • his led the company to launch SkyTouch last year, a new division that develops and markets cloud-based software solutions to hotels inside and outside the Choice system. Pages: 1 2 3 4 2013-06-18 Sean Downey !function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs"); (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); (function() { var po = document.createElement('script'); po.type = 'text/javascript'; po.async = true; po.src = 'https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); (function() { var li = document.createElement('script'); li.type = 'text/javascript'; li.async = true; li.src = ('https:' == document.location.protocol ? 'https:' : 'http:') + '//platform.stumbleupon.com/1/widgets.js'; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(li, s); })(); inShare0 Related Articles Hotel Market Insight: Cleveland a
  • This led the company to launch SkyTouch last year, a new division that develops and markets cloud-based software solutions to hotels inside and outside the Choice system.
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    Choice Hotels has been a industry leader in the cloud PMS movement. They identified the opportunity to create their own platform 10 years ago when cloud was barely on the radar and have now successfully distributed it to 5,500 of their properties. Unique functionality built into the system is internet redundancy via cellular data plan, company-wide campaign pop-up messages to staff, interface to Pegasus and revenue management through predictive analytics. The platform has been so successful that, in response to inquiries from other companies who wanted to use Choice's proprietary system themselves, they created an additional revenue stream by establishing a separate company that sells and creates custom cloud PMS systems. One advantage pointed out is that managers no longer need to be on property to access and make changes to their PMS. While this is hugely beneficial to the majority of the industry (who already work long hours and visit the property on their day off), there may be some who take advantage of the situation. If this becomes the case, less oversight at the property means that operations has the potential to slip. It doesn't seem that this is a concern for Choice Hotels but it should be considered.
Ryan Jove

First look: US$58 million guestroom makeover at The Peninsula Hong Kong | CNNGo.com - 0 views

  • The Peninsula Hong Kong launches US$58 million guestroom makeover Grande dame of Asian hospitality moves up to the 21st century with in-room technology and modern aesthetics
  • (US$58 million) refurbishment of its 300 guest rooms with new digital enhancements. The first completed phase was unveiled y
  • . The first completed phase was unveiled y
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  • New rooms at The Peninsula Hong Kong will be smothered in digital touches, ranging from touch-screen tablets that control all functions of the room, to a DVD library of 3D movies to be watched on the in-room HD televisions.
  • A touch of a screen can change pre-set room modes, such as switching to a "spa mode," or change languages settings across all platforms in the room. 
  • Long-distance calls from the rooms become free-of-charge as complimentary Wi-Fi allow VOIP calls. 
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    The Peninsula Hong Kong has launched a $58 million dollar renovation to get up to date with their in-room technology.  They have chosen to add touch screen tablets to each room.  These tablets will control all functions of the room.   They have also added a dvd library of 3D movies that you can watch on their new in-room HDTVs.  You can switch room modes at the click of a button.  They have added VOIP calling from the rooms as well.  This is a huge upgrade and they have become relevant in the tech world.
yessica henriquez

Wendy's makeover in Perrysburg includes new look, digital menus - 0 views

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    The renovations include an outdoor patio, large glass windows, and a contemporary exterior design. Inside, there will be booth, table, bar, and lounge seating, the latter with leather chairs. It will have Wi-fi, a television, and a fireplace. Part of the changes include new uniforms for employees and digital menus Read more at http://www.toledoblade.com/business/2013/10/07/Wendy-s-makeover-in-Perrysburg-includes-new-look-digital-menus.html#mL60M2aulWC9PuTp.99
faith_snow

The Hospitality Industry Is Getting a High-Tech Makeover | BizTech Magazine - 2 views

  • Millennials are destined to reshape the hospitality industry over the next decade
  • they want to serve the customer, rather than first starting with technology
  • understanding how
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  • in constant touch with guests, building loyalty and sales.
  • Data,
    • ansonj55
       
      How important and useful data can be
  • Predictive analytics
  • the possibilities are endless
    • ansonj55
       
      This article was written two years ago and describes how the hotel industry is getting a technological makeover. It argues that this has been shaped by Millennials in order to secure customer loyalty and business by providing quality, value, promptness, responsiveness, and flexibility through technology. It continues to mention five technologies that customers seek: service automation, digital signage, personalized concierge, technology as a luxury, and mobile device support. An example is a mobile app that can gather data from the user to ensure that their preferences are met or to simply allow the guest to chat with an associate. The data gathered from user profiles can be used for strategic planning or quick decisions as a global corporation or a local hotel. Regardless of when or how any data will be used, the demand from guests to be constantly connected from pre-planning stages and beyond is evident. It poses interesting questions as to how technology will continue to develop in the next two years.
  • Building and maintaining strong customer relationships is crucial for long-term success in the hospitality industry.
  • Building and maintaining strong customer relationships is crucial for long-term success in the hospitality industry.
    • faith_snow
       
      New goals of the industry
  • a 'wow' experience in every step of their journey."
  • Today, technology is enabling the industry to offer guests an immersive, personalized experience like never before, from wayfinding and push notifications based on their location and personal preferences to simplified check-in/checkout and a more 'homelike' experience while they're traveling,
  • "Mobile apps, combined with loyalty rewards programs, now allow hospitality providers to create a persona-based experience,"
    • faith_snow
       
      All guests want things that make them feel important like they are being heard
  • "This speeds check-ins, increasing customer satisfaction, and encourages return visits," Kramer says.
  • meet guests’ preferences, improve efficiency and increase revenue.
  • If a door lock sensor, for example, detects that a guest has left his or her room for more than a specified number minutes, energy consumption can be automatically reduced, cutting costs and reducing energy consumption.
  • predictive analytics can be used for long-term planning or to make rapid, on-the-spot, revenue-enhancing decisions
  • "Predictive, proactive and actionable data opens the door to new travel experiences, from offering a personal booking experience to a seamless and personalized check-in, to a room specially configured to a guest's preferences, to ensuring that guests never get lost while they are on-site
Nicole Stevens

At Disney Parks, a Bracelet Meant to Build Loyalty (and Sales) - NYTimes.com - 1 views

  • Visitors would wear rubber bracelets encoded with credit card information
  • vacation management system called MyMagic+
  • If you fully use MyMagic+, databases will be watching, allowing Disney to refine its offerings and customize its marketing messages
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  • wristbands equipped with radio frequency identification, or RFID, chips
  • Disney is not the first vacation company to use
  • MyMagic+ will allow users of a new Web site and app — called My Disney Experience — to preselect three FastPasses before they leave home for rides or V.I.P. seating for parades, fireworks and character meet-and-greets. Orlando-bound guests can also preregister for RFID bracelets. These so-called MagicBands will function as room key, park ticket, FastPass and credit card.
  • MagicBands can also be encoded with all sorts of personal details, allowing for more personalized interaction with Disney employees
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    The technological makeover Disney is planning will require brand new software yet to be used in the parks. RFID scanners will be placed at set locations allowing guests easier access to the 'Magic'. No more turnstiles or waiting in lines. With just a flick of the wrist those mickey ears are yours and you are on your way. Personal RFID tags will be placed into guest MagicBands allowing Disney to track guests behavior within the parks. This is all thanks to the new vacation management system called MyMagic+.
aquaholic1371

The Hospitality Industry Is Getting a High-Tech Makeover - BizTech - 1 views

  • Building and maintaining strong customer relationships is crucial for long-term success in the hospitality industry. To seal customer loyalty, hospitality businesses of every type can now take advantage of a wide range of affordable, easy-to-deploy technologies that result in a competitive advantage and meet guest expectations for quality, value, promptness, responsiveness and flexibility.
  • "Today, technology is enabling the industry to offer guests an immersive, personalized experience like never before, from wayfinding and push notifications based on their location and personal preferences to simplified check-in/checkout and a more 'homelike' experience while they're traveling,"
  • "Technology is no longer just about infrastructure; it is a true enabler for offering the traveler a 'wow' experience in every step of their journey."
  • ...2 more annotations...
  • "Mobile apps, combined with loyalty rewards programs, now allow hospitality providers to create a persona-based experience,"
  • Regardless of the communication channel — mobile app, website or social media — hoteliers must ensure they provide relevant and meaningful information to guests. Developing the right engagement approach requires both careful planning and insight.
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    Hotels are using IT information to "maximize" the guest experience.
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    "Big Brother is Watching", but in a good way. Hotels are now using guest information to "personalize" their stay. Let's face it, technology is here to stay whether we like it or not. How businesses choose to utilize this technology could be the "key to their success or failure". Hoteliers must now sift through a mountain of information with regards to guest satisfaction. We live in a "microwave" world, and we want results now, faster is better. Hotels must continue to gather information on guest preferences, but utilize this information carefully. Businesses must walk the fine line between excellent service and "stalking".
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    It is interesting what technologies customers latch onto when traveling. The big fancy technology typically does not wow the guests as much as you would thing. It is actually the tiny details they notice more in terms of technology. My hotel is very technologically advanced and was built with the new technology implemented by our brand, The interesting thing that everyone notices though is the usb connectors in every outlet.
Kristen Kaminski

Travel Channel's "Hotel Impossible" visited the Telemark Lodge; No PMS! - 0 views

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    The Telemark Lodge, located in Cable, WI, was visited by Anthony Melichorri (host of Hotel Impossible). It was in dire need of serious makeover. Although the Telemark resort "had architectural greatness in its bones, a unique history and a world-class fitness center that trained Olympic hopefuls, it lacked the most basic of systems to run a commercial establishment." This establishment was running its business from a homemade Property Management System (PMS). In other words, it had none. Their PMS consisted of pencil and paper, which had been detrimental to the success of the resort. Melichorri threatened to go back to New York if this problem was not fixed. Fortunately for the Telemark Lodge, Anthony and his crew were able to revamp the place. Most importantly, a PMS was created and installed.
Jennifer Beatriz Hernandez

Las Vegas-Based Technology Company Gets Creative With an 'ALICE(TM) Virtual Receptionis... - 0 views

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    WinTech, LLC, a Las Vegas-based technology company, announced today it has launched "Who's ALICE?" -- an online contest for businesses nationwide to win a 'front desk makeover' featuring the new ALICE Receptionist system.
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    The ALICE Receptionist software uses features such as motion detection technology to greet visitors, notify employees of the vistor's arrival, and even uses audio communication with the visitor. The ALICE software allows for hotels with small lobbies that cannot afford a 24 hour recptionist to have an opportunity to interact with the guest-at a fraction of the cost. ALICE stands for "A Live Interactive Communication Experience" and it will be introduced to the industry in 2013.
Marcia Brown-Kelly

Point Of Sale Gets An iPad Makeover - 1 views

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    SalonPOS is setting the trend in utilizing the point of sale specially created for Ipad. This is following on apple's POS system created for Old Navy last year. SalonPos thought it beneficial to focus on a system for spas as most of the focus is usually on restaurants and perhaps other retail business forgetting that spas and wellness centres are becoming a large revenue generator and growing rapidly. SalonPro system for Ipad is entering the market at a very reasonable cost. The entire system including Ipad retails for under US$2,000.00. The system provides flexible access for manager to monitor business remotely. This POS system does not have much more capabilities than the traditional POS system except that 3G and Wi-Fi are included. A very good feature of the system is also that the Ipad includes close circuit camera that will allow managers to keep tract of activities even remotely. This will also be introduced to the Iphone later this year. SalonPro back up can be done on property as well as through iCloud with full access to apple updates. Though Salon Pro is not offering much more in terms of software capabilities to the spa system, it will be a good move to introduce this into the operations. Mobile check out where a guest does not have to go to a reception desk to sign out is also great. This will also give the spa an image of technological competence.
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    The iPad POS is a great innovation for the salon. I believe that it can be used very successfully for many businesses that rely on personal interaction; the best example would be hotels. An iPad check-in system would be a great integration that eliminates paperwork, cables, keyboards, mouse, etc. Since the iPad and Mac sofware are very user-friendly to operate, trainings costs could also be easily reduced.
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