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It will be an interesting experience that you can place a drink or food order with your special requirements and to pay the bill if using a card by your own iphone, iPad, or Android smart phone? The product, dubbed 'the waiter in your pocket, made this become true. The app uses a cloud-based system, hosted by QikServe, to receive orders, connecting with the restaurant's own EPOS system, so the front and back of the house can view the order as soon as possible. It is time efficient and cost saving. Since it is cloud-based, there are no hardware or software requirements for the operators. Besides the staff costs can be reduced to a large degree because a lot of work can be done by the system. We can also expect improvements in service quality for most of the causal restaurants or chain restaurants. Staff spend more time taking care of  each table with less time spent on ordering and cash handling. The system can help to capture consumer behavior and send target offers to them. QikServe is linked to social networking sites, so we can view feedbacks posted by customers directly. It is a good choice for casual restaurants and chain restaurants to apply this system.

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.

This article introduces the 5 common ways in which dishonest employees steal from restaurant owners and customers. Fraudulent Tip Adjustment, The Wagon-Wheel Method, Providing Free or Overpoured Drinks, Voiding or Comping Items and Pocketing the Cash Difference,Unreported Food Waste and Eating Without Paying. And to remind the restaurant management attention, and make targeted measures.

As VP of Digital Marketing George Corbin said, "Smart devices are now everyone's indispensable travel companion, as more and more travelers increasingly expect to have their needs satisfied using their mobile phone." Engaging with guests via applications is an excellent marketing tool and Marriott's recent update allows guests to access the application via Apple electronics. The application is now featured in 6 different languages, allows for mobile check in/out, room upgrades, late checkout, and direct request. Marriott wanted to go above and beyond in its offerings for guests. Exploiting this avenue of marketing allows guests to have an hotelier within their pocket. Guest rewards will be directly accessible and the app will be personalized via preference data and destination content. Ensuring guests have an easy and reliable source as this, allow for more bookings. In the future, the application will allow guests to order from restaurants within the hotel and room service, as well as feature a messaging system that will send out offers to guests.

"Stop, look and listen before investing in hotel tech"

This article first reviewed the technology revolution in hotels. From the telephone, TVs, to today's mini bars and electronic door locks. Why hotels install more and more technology into guestrooms? Because the hotels believe the guest wants it, needs it, and it's become a way to stay competitive. However, the high technology gives brings them competitive advantages and also provides convenience for the guests, at the same time, it also carries a high cost with it. How to select the best technology and how to make best use of the technology? The author suggested the hotels should Stop, Look and Listen before investing in hotel technology. First, the hotels should justify the reasons to set the expensive devices. How to make sure the devices is useful and worth that much money? The hoteliers need to see whether the guests really want and need the technology. Consider very carefully the kind of tech you are deploying. Is it because you feel threatened by what your competitors are doing? Remember they may be on the wrong track. It is important for hotels to understand what the guests really want and need and before investing the new technology, the hotels need to stop, look and listen.

When it comes to investing in technology in hotels, a better approach might be to simplify. In a day and age when most people carry around all their technology needs in their pockets (Cellphones, Tablets, Laptops, etc.) There may not be a need to invest so heavily in gizmos to attract customers and keep them happy. We may want to consider that all the guest wants is to be connected, so offering a super fast, reliable and suitably priced internet access is all the technology they really need. Investing in every new technology, with short lifespans, can end up making a real dent in your ROI.

This article mainly talk about new technology has changed people's social habits and relationship current years. Mobile will increasingly prompt consumers to interact with their physical environment. We take the convenience of our pocket powerhouses for granted for us. However, for the most people who is in the developing world, these devices are hard to get access. Therefore, mobile technologies in 2012 will free to more people and save lives. The fast growing power and great convenience of mobile devices will give you more choices to accomplish task.

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

This is an interesting article that teaches us eleven useful methods to be energy efficient in running hotels. According to authors' experience, it is not unusual for hotels to save $10,000 to above $30,000 per year, per property, by employing the right measures. For me, I like the lights saving part which can be simple and effective. For instance if we install a motion sensor in the bathroom per suit, it can help to keep the lights off when no one uses it and this can save at least $50 per room per year. For the decorative using lights, like the night pool lights, if we turn it off, we can save at least $250 per year. We can also install motion or occupancy sensors to light hallways and stairwells. Besides we can control the parking lot lights to a saving of $250 per year.  Energy saving methods can be everywhere and if we pay much attention to details of energy usage, it puts money in hotels' pockets.

This is an awesome article. I think that if people would just think a little more when they are using electricity it can save money but when people are staying in hotels the mind set is that they are not the ones paying for the electricity so who cares -- leave lights on all day and leave the TV on all day. There are so many ways to help save money in hotels by putting up lights with sensors in so many locations that really will help the planet as well as help the property save money. Great article!!

I was listening to the news over the week end and was intrigued about a story on a new smart card that would one day take the place of all of our credit cards. My mind started reeling and could not grasp the concept especially with technology and hackers in the forefront of any credit card online usage. I read this article several times and it helped me understand the simplicity of this card and also the fact that your credit/debit account numbers are not stored on the card just a chip then the consumer either uses a PIN number or signature as authorization for payment. Fingerprint technology will be added in the future, which will bring about an evolution into the use of the Smart Card.

The geniuses over at Apple may have finally broken the code (so to speak) on secure transactions and electronic data interchange. Under their new Apple Pay program, arriving with the iPhone 6 in 10 days, users can pay for their transactions with a touch of their finger on their own phone. A unique transaction ID is created for each use, meaning the card data (secured by hardware, software AND biometrics on the phone) never leaves your hand, but the bank and the vendor conduct a highly secure transaction. Apple is launching with support for 83% of credit cards in use and a host of vendors who are ready to accept your digital transfer. Noticeably absent from the list was the world's largest retailer, Walmart. However, if Apples gambit is successful (as the majority of them are), Walmart would be crazy not to follow suit. I would gladly forego a few more things in my pockets if I can still have instant access to the same transaction power from my phone.

This article lists of some common security breaches that hoteliers need to be aware of and prepare the hotel system for.

This article talks about how cybersecurity can critically affect hospitality businesses if they are not careful about what ways could attack their business.

As the article states, "Protecting the identity and information of a customer is paramount to the success of any business and hotels are no exceptions." Quite unfortunately, cybersecurity issues are some of the biggest obstacles that hotels are experiencing nowadays. With hacking attacks such as phishing and ransomware, hotels need to invest in increasing their cybersecurity as any breach can lead to a downfall in business loyalty and brand.

The rise of tablets.

Tablets have become a success in faster casual and casual-dining restaurant and seem to be better for all around service. Customers like how fast they are able to order, servers are happier because they see a trend of getting more tips at the end of the night, and businesses are profitable because less servers on shift and more profit in business pockets. People tend to spend more money with games to play and ability to order more food in less time. There is a benefit for data collecting on experience at the restaurant as well that helps the companies out on what they need to focus on. Tablets are showing great promise and will most likely be on almost all casual dining tables.

This article addresses a main point, "cloud computing is a growing sector". it further accents the economic factor in cloud computing and the need for capital for its maintenance and viability. The article specifically speaks to the limitation of providers due to the high cost required for its implementation. Specifically, where it says " given", the substantial upfront capital needed to be competitive in the field, addresses directly the point that only large developers with deep pockets will be able to not only enter this arena, but also sustain themselves in it. The article also makes a compelling point which is not contradictory , but thought provoking which is that although it is expensive and there is extensive competition, the market and the need is "huge". This means that potentially regardless of the resources it takes to start up, there will be a demand and need for cloud computing services in the future, particularly as more entities refrain and stay away from development and maintenance of their own in house services. The article focuses on the largest players in the sector which one expect are the tech giants; Amazon, Microsoft and Google and the fact that they have a two thirds of market share in the present day, which is a lions share of the market by any standards. The article further discusses this sector in foreign markets and the effect economies such as the Chinese economies will have on these sectors, and in fact addresses how instability in Asian markets directly affect the stability of cloud computing domestically. This is a key area to watch in the future.

This article from the CEO of PayBright discusses the many ways that restaurants can make their POS better at serving its employees. Options such as pre-calculated tip suggestions, flexible ordering options, cash discounts, and gift card management are all ways that more (tip) money can flow into servers' pockets. An intelligently managed POS can lead to happier (and retained) employees and a more efficient operation.

This article focuses on the "smart" trends in hotels that are replacing the human service. In this article David-Michael Davies does make a good point about "technology as a substitute for human hospitality" Now days hotels are focusing on having the latest technology that it could be seen as if they are forgetting the human service in the hotels. Though, I do agree with Barbara Kahn, that "most guest, especially younger ones who are used to having information at their fingertips…l" However, hotels are still focusing in personalization and making their guest feel like they care about them and not just their money. In my opinion, it is wonderful that hotels are focusing on being up to date with all the technology that is being offered to hotels because it does simplify the whole experience of staying in a hotel and at the same time it saves money for the hotel. Like they mentioned in the article, hotels are saving money by using technology to manage their inventory instead of having employees physically counting them. Specially, when the technology being adopted in the hotels can help safe money for guest. Just like The Park Hyatt Tokyo helps their guest with saving money with international calls. Furthermore, hotels are adding more advantages to being connected with them through social media. by offering promotions, discounts and even free drinks if you tag, check-in or write about them. This type of telecommunication is growing every day, but hotels should remember that the most basic modern service is important for the guest. Free Wi-Fi is a most for almost everybody now days.

The financial crisis of 2007-2008 is considered by many economists to be the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. It resulted in the threat of total collapse of large financial institutions, the bailout of banks, and downturns in stock markets around the world. The bursting of the U.S. real estate bubble, which peaked in 2006, caused the values of securities tied to U.S. real estate pricing to plummet, damaging financial institutions. Prior to this crisis strategies to develop new hotels or acquire existing assets with a small percentage of cash out of pocket were plentiful. Today to secure funding it may take 30%-40% of hard cash to move a deal forward. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering a way to leverage funds at well below market rates for major renovations and new construction with as low as 10% cash down. The catch? Some money-saving energy efficiency or renewable energy measures must be in the mix. Millions of dollars in SBA 504 loans have been available for decades to help small businesses grow. The greening of the program began when the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 added 3 public policy goals that could qualify businesses for a loan for construction, renovation, or refinance to: 1.Build a new facility (or retrofit an existing building) that consumes at least 10% less energy. 2.Incorporate sustainable design such as LEED into the new construction or renovation projects or building purchases. 3.Incorporate the production and use of renewable energy onsite for the business and/or for the local utility. Another area the 504 green loan program can assist the hospitality industry is to bring cash to the table for major renovations. Hotel franchise companies have been lenient over the past several years on product improvement, as not many hoteliers have had the financial ability to perform major renovations. In the past several months the need for franchise companies to protect their brand have