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Contents contributed and discussions participated by aquaholic1371

aquaholic1371

Best High-Tech Hotels | Digital Trends - 2 views

  • By Les Shu — April 24, 2015 7:00 PM 1 94 Subscribe Share Don't Fall Behind Stay current with a recap of today's Tech News from Digital Trends
  • Where technology is concerned, most hotels are behind the times. Sure, they offer amenities like Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, USB ports, and perhaps some extras like iPhone docks, but most hotel rooms don’t impress.
  • the Yobot, a robotic luggage handler that stores guests’ bags (Yotel rooms, called cabins, are small, so Yobot is useful for putting away giant suitcases). The robotic arm automatically lifts a bag to one of its available storage compartments. Yobot can even send your luggage off to the airport after you check out (via a delivery service).
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  • Besides the Yobot, Yotel features automated check-ins and check-outs (similar to airport kiosks), adjustable smart beds from Serta, and a “Technowall” with a flat-screen TV and streaming audio.
  • Hotels have gone mobile, giving you the ability to check-in and request services via a smartphone app. The James hotels in Chicago and New York have gone a step further by outfitting their properties with iBeacon sensors. With the app, James Pocket Assistant, installed, guests automatically receive notifications once they step onto the property, which could be anything from hotel information to special discounts. The app functions as a virtual concierge, too, allowing you to communicate with staff or find nearby attractions.
  • If there’s one country that isn’t afraid of robot domination, it’s Japan. Huis Ten Bosch, a European-styled theme park, is planning a hotel that’s not only high-tech, but staffed by robots. The Henn-na Hotel (translation: Strange Hotel) will feature human-like robot receptionists that converse in natural language; robots even handle bellhop and custodial duties. There will be human employees, but the company’s president told CNN that he hopes robots will eventually operate 90 percent of the property.
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    Hotels continue to implement the latest technology to enhance the guest experience. Many hotels are now experimenting with robot butlers, adjustable beds, ipads that allow guest to control all room controls. Many hotels are also using proximity marketing while on the property. Keyless entry using a smartphone, is becoming more and more common as well. There is even a hotel in Japan that wants to handle 90% of its staffing with robots.
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."
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  • "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".
aquaholic1371

Handheld Wireless Point of Sale Systems in the Restaurant Industry PLEASE SCR... - 1 views

  • As surprising as it may seem, handheld ordering systemshave been around for over 20 years.
  • Handheld wireless POSsystems are a portable version of a POS system which is defined as thetime and place in which a transaction is made.
  • Customers are the reasons restaurants are in business, andthe time saved by using a handheld device (versus waiting in line toplace an order on a traditional POS system that averages over four min-utes per order)canbeusedtobetterservetheguests.
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  • thoseminutes equate togreatertable turnover andmoreprofits.It is these benefits which lead to cost savings and return on investmentfor the purchase of a handheld POS system.
  • Thereisahugemarketofover878,000restaurantsintheUnitedStatesalonebringinginaforecasted$440.1billionfor2004
  • Assurprisingasitmayseemhandheldorderingsystemshavebeenaroundfor over 20 years. The first handheld system that came on the market usednumeric keypads to enter the PLU codes from items and infrared transmit-ter/receivers to relay the information between the handhelds and the POSsystem.
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    Many restaurants are choosing to go to hand-held POS systems for the many advantages they provide. Perhaps the number one reason to chose a hand-held POS system is time saved. A restaurant can save up to four minutes by placing the order via a hand-held POS system. This leads to more selling opportunities, and greater time with the guest. Information on 86'd items is immediately available, and the system can suggest possible "upsell" options. Order accuracy is increased, because the order is placed right at the table as it is given. Drawbacks include the durability of the unit, considerable start up costs, and complexity of the unit. Many of the durability issues have been addressed, but the units are still pricey. Costs have come down as the technology becomes more widespread. The complexity of the unit still remains an issue, as servers tend to focus more on the unit and placing the order, rather than engaging the guest.
aquaholic1371

What is a GDS (Global Distribution System)? - 0 views

  • Global distribution systems (GDSs) are computerized, centralized services that provide travel-related transactions. They cover everything from airline tickets to car rentals to hotel rooms and more.
  • Global distribution systems were originally usually set up for use by the airlines but were later extended to travel agents. Today, global distribution systems allow users to purchase tickets from multiple different providers or airlines. Global distribution systems are also the back end of most Internet-based travel services.
  • There's no doubt that global distribution systems will play an important part in the travel landscape for many years to come, but their traditional role is changing and being challenged by all the changes taking place in the travel industry. Two important considerations impacting the role of global distribution systems are the growth of online travel travel websites that offer price comparisons and the increased push from airline and other travel service providers to push consumers to make bookings directly via their websites.
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    Global Distribution Systems were originally created by airlines to reach more customers, and provide access to fare and flight information to travel agents. They have expanded into the hotel and car rental industry, and are widely used by online travel agencies. As peoples access to the internet increases, airlines have tried to get consumers to move away from the GDS, and book directly on their websites. This has proven to be a difficult challenge, and it is clear that the GDS will continue to play a major role in the way travel is booked, at least for the near future.
aquaholic1371

Cutting Edge Green Trends in the Hospitality Industry | IzzitGreen Business Rewards - 0 views

  • With the New York Hilton Midtown intent on cutting room service, other hoteliers looking for ways to slash waste and promote sustainable practices are expected to follow suit.
  • Other techniques the lodging industry is keen to implement are installing water-saving devices, e.g., flush diverters for toilets or low-flow showerheads. According to the Green Hotel Association, other methods hoteliers can deploy are diverting rainwater to water gardens and reusing old sheets as laundry bags or aprons. Recycled materials could be used in renovations or in day-to-day activities, such as low-waste napkins in hotel restaurants. Those renovations could also be implemented in a way that minimizes adverse environmental impact.
  • A well-implemented long-term sustainability plan for hotels would see energy and resource costs plunge, healthier working conditions for staff and a happier experience for guests—giving the tourists peace of mind that their stay isn’t negatively affecting the area or the globe.
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    With many clients desiring to stay in "green" hotels, the industry is currently looking for ways to slash waste and promote sustainable practices. Hotels are now conscious of the impact they are having on the environment, and they are looking to minimize this impact.
aquaholic1371

Restaurants catching on to biometrics benefits | Fast Casual - 2 views

  • The days of buddy punching time cards may be numbered for sneaky employees trying to work the system. Advances in technology and lower prices have allowed more quick-service and fast casual operators to adopt biometrics as part of their loss prevention plans.
  • Biometrics technology, which uniquely recognizes humans based on intrinsic physical traits such as a fingerprint, handprint or eye iris, has been around since the 1990s.
  • It replaces the keys and codes and provides optimal control in access authorization;It could eliminate or mitigate thefts by someone with unauthorized access to keys or to stock areas/back door and can track operations on the safe if the technology is used there as well;To keep up with personnel changes, controls can be implemented remotely and changes can be made quickly, saving costs of travel and changing hardware, locks, combinations, etc.
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  • "First and foremost, this acts as a deterrent. It gives operators peace of mind and lets their employees know they're serious about holding people accountable when they have access to the cash drawer," he said. "If someone's drawer comes up short and only one person accessed it via fingerprint, there is no deniability there. It changes the entire atmosphere and forces people to do their jobs. It's very powerful."
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    As the world becomes more dependent on technology, the opportunities to exploit or steal one's personal information becomes easier and easier. Passwords and pins can be stolen. Manager cards can be handed out or duplicated. Bio metric information is the one thing that remains a secure way to ensure proper protocols are being followed. Short of cutting off someone's finger, it is impossible to duplicate an individuals bio metric information. This is proving to be a very cost effective means of ensuring compliance to company procedures. The savings in time card fraud, or improper void protocol outweigh the expense of implementing the system. I believe that this is a sign of things to come, as our world transitions to a more electronic state; Bio metric information is the only secure means of insuring the actual "user" is the one performing the specific task.
tabathalesmarie

Right Property Management System is Key to Your Hotel's Success. - 5 views

started by tabathalesmarie on 11 Jan 17 no follow-up yet
  • aquaholic1371
     
    Very interesting; it sounds like it would be worth the initial investment to purchase a comprehensive system up front. By doing this, one could avoid all the challenges of software integration. If choosing to add on to an existing system, it is very important to ensure that the systems are compatible. What is most important, as in most cases, is that you take the time to figure out exactly what it is that you want. Once you have that information, search for the vendor that can best satisfy your needs.
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