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What is RFID Technology? (+Use Cases in the Hotel Industry) - 2 views

hoteltechreport.com/rfid RFID hotel
shared by earagon22 on 15 Nov 21 - No Cached
  • Tags can be either passive (no battery, activated by the receiver) or active RFID tags (battery-power source, emits a signal that the receiver picks up).
  • RFID is a key component for IOT (internet of things) connectivity.
  • The tag contains a microchip with a unique code, and the receiver contains components to process the signal transmitted by the tag.
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  • There are different types of RFID tags writes the RFID journal, "In general, low-frequency and high-frequency range tags are read from within three feet (1 meter) and UHF RFID tags (ultra-high frequency) are read from 10 to 20 feet. Readers with phased array antennas can increase the read range of semi-passive RFID tags to 60 feet or more."  Read range can also vary depending on environmental factors that effect the strength of radio signals.
  • its popularity has skyrocketed in recent years as the technology became cheaper and more applications were developed.
  •  Hotel and travel businesses usually begin by leveraging technologies like RFID for access control systems and asset tracking.  Due to the pandemic, contactless guest journeys have increased uptake of RFID, Bluetooth and NFC (nearfield communication) technology.
  • Paper tickets for Disneyland are a thing of the past thanks to the RFID-powered “MagicBand” system that Disney rolled out in 2013.
  • Besides pure functionality, Disney also turned the MagicBand into a marketing vehicle; Disney fans can purchase MagicBands in their favorite color or emblazoned with their favorite animated character.
  • RFID wristbands at Coachella
  • Festival-goers are issued wristbands embedded with RFID chips that each have a unique identifier, meaning that it’s essentially impossible to copy them. Instead of security staff scrutinizing every paper ticket upon entry, attendees simply scan their wristbands at RFID readers at the festival entrances to gain nearly instantaneous access.
  • Due to its relatively low cost, ease of use, and potential for operational efficiency, RFID technology can be an attractive solution for hoteliers looking to elevate their guest experience.
  • Door locks
  • RFID cards can also be more cost-effective in the long term as they don't get demagnetized.
    • earagon22
      earagon22 on 22 Jul 22
       
      My property uses RFID tech for room keys and it is so convenient as the wristbands don't get demagnetized when placed by phones or credit cards.
  • Controlled amenity access:
  • On-site payments
  • Outlets like restaurants, bars, and spas can use RFID technology to streamline the payment process.
  • Inventory management
  • Theft prevention
  • earagon22 on 22 Jul 22
     
    Radio Frequency Identification or RFID continues to appeal to leaders in the hospitality industry as it allows for so many opportunities. RFID is a cost-effective technology. It utilizes radio waves to send signals from a chip to a receiver somewhere. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, RFID technology usage has increased because of the consumers' desire to have contactless options. This article provides quite a few great examples of RFID technology in the industry. It mentions Disney and Coachella as they have switched to using RFID wristbands. Hotels, as mentioned in this article, can use RFID technology for a multitude of things. Some examples include: for door locks, on-site payments, controlled amenity access, inventory management, and theft prevention.
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7 Applications of Augmented Reality in Hospitality Industry | Analytics Steps - 1 views

www.analyticssteps.com/...d-reality-hospitality-industry
shared by lflor087 on 18 Jul 22 - No Cached
  • Augmented Reality or AR is an interactive experience or enhanced version of the real world to be presented in a more understandable way with the help of computerized tools.
  • digital tools like - animations, graphics, sounds, etc. to be able to create an amalgamation of the real and the virtual worlds to be able to get a detailed view of what is present or the necessary information related to it which is put on. 
  • can be accessed via smartphones and internet-based devices. This can be done via scanning a barcode printed on real-life items to get an artificial view of them or by applications specially crafted for specific purposes.
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  • 1. Interactive Hotel Rooms 
  • Also augmented reality-based interfaces are capable of providing a lot of information to the guests or to the staff that they might need, this makes the process as easy as pointing the camera to a real thing which might then connect to the related server to fetch the required information. 
  • Augmented reality can be used by hotels to enhance the physical surroundings by making them more interactive.
  • The stay rooms can have a 3-dimensional display feature on the portal so that the visitors can have a look at them in a realistic way while they are booking a room or seeking to grab a service. 
  • 360 degrees virtual tour before being physically present. 
  • 2. Map Features 
  • Hotels and resorts around the tourist hub can have this feature where the visitors can point their smartphones to a map to get a view of the other places of interest and their timings with other details nearby
  • 3. Gamification 
  • The hotels can enable augmented reality-based games in their premises to keep the visitors engaged and entertained throughout.
  • Hotels can engage in games like treasure hunts by taking them to a virtual platform, improvising the features as per their discretion which can be played on their premises.
  • 4. Beacon Technology
  • Beacon Technology works by the Bluetooth-based interface somehow connected to the concept of augmented reality which allows the people operating to send related information when the users are in specific locations. 
  • This technology is predominantly being used in the hospitality industry to make the people exploring the premises have various wireless connectivity opportunities using their smartphones only. 
  • 5. Guest Recognition
  • guest recognition can become the catalyst in providing relatively better and convenient services to them.
  • Augmented reality-based applications can help in getting details about the guest and their preferences and choices. IoT based cameras can be used in connectivity with the AR setup working by providing the details about the guest and their previous stays, the services they took, room preferences, food preferences, etc.   
  • 6. Maintenance Information
  • The users can get related information about the machines and areas under maintenance and also about the estimated time taken in resuming the facility so that they can feel transparent enough with the inconvenience.
  • 7. Translation Facilities 
  • In such a case augmented reality can come to the rescue, for instance, the guests can point their smartphones at the various texts and guides or even the hotel menu, for instance, to get the related information with the option to choose from multiple languages.
  • Examples of AR in Hospitality   Starwood Hotels uses beacon technology to send the virtual keys to the guests which helps them in unlocking the room using their phones.   Holiday Inn has this feature where the guests can point their smartphones to see the realistically virtual depictions of famous celebrities in the hotel.   Premier Inn has rooms with maps installed in them enabling guests to point their smartphones at them to have information about the nearest points of attraction.    The Mansion uses AR-based brochures to display its accommodation facilities to its guests. 
  • AR can be put to use combined with other technological dimensions like IoT, big data, and virtual reality to maximize usage. Also, this is not just a tool to provide a better customer experience, this can be used by the management to maintain the guests and give out accurate instructions and details on the AR-based portal. 
  • earagon22 on 18 Jul 22
     
    This article delves into numerous different uses augmented reality (AR) could have in hotel properties. AR is an interactive experience and/or enhanced version of the real world. AR has the abiliy to mobile with internet connection and cell phones. This article suggests interactive hotel rooms, maps, or even guest recognition. They even mentioned how Holiday Inn will allow for cameras on phones to show celebrities in the hotel or even Starwood Hotels utilizing beacon technology to send keys to guests smartphones.
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What Hoteliers Need to Know About Cloud-Based Technology and PMS | By Warren Dehan - 0 views

www.hospitalitynet.org/...4106819.html Maestro Technology hotel Web-based PMS system
shared by earagon22 on 11 Jul 22 - No Cached
  • stro
    • earagon22
      earagon22 on 11 Jul 22
       
      My property uses Maestro!!!
  • Hotels are turning to technology to improve efficiency at a time when they are short staffed, but technology alone can’t improve operations or help boost revenue without a clear plan and measured research into the technology solution that actually meets their needs.
  • increase mobility property wide and better manage operations,
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  • Truth #1: Integration is Complex
  • It is imperative to review on a granular level, the integrations supported within the PMS suite of modules that your property requires or plans to add, even when offered from a single vendor.
  • it may come as a surprise what is and is not available for cloud integration, and for seamless operations across all departments over the Internet. These could range from niche amenities, such as an on-property golf pro shop, to condo management, in-room devices, and guest facing applications.
    • earagon22
      earagon22 on 11 Jul 22
       
      My property moved to Maestro, a web-based PMS system, and learned quickly that not everything we needed was easily transferable if at all.
  • hotel operators should do a full analysis of what is and isn’t available for cloud integration with a given PMS provider in advance of investing in such a system.
  • Truth #2: Training is Necessary
  • Simply being attached to the cloud does not simplify the act of operating a hotel, but operating a hotel is easier in the long run if hotel employees are well trained.
    • earagon22
      earagon22 on 11 Jul 22
       
      I had a week of training for the new system prior to switching over.
  • Hotels adopting a cloud-based PMS will still need to monitor internal operating procedures to ensure the transition to new technology goes smoothly, and new employees are confidently guided through the onboarding process.
  • Truth #3: Data Does Not Take Care of Itself
  • Access to the cloud does not mean hotels can wash their hands when it comes to data security. Not only are hoteliers liable for maintaining the data they store in the cloud, even if it is physically off site, they must also take care to ensure they remain PCI compliant for any data residing locally.
  • While data in the cloud is typically backed up and secured automatically, it is a hotel’s responsibility to manage this within their local systems. The cloud remains separate, and none of these requirements go away if you adopt a cloud-based system for operations.
  • PCI compliance is simply the bar set for security standards regarding payment processing — a starting point for data security, not the solution.
  • Truth #4: Cloud-Based Technology Does NOT Solve Everything
  • Hoteliers understand when to offer the right amount of hospitality and when to step back and let guests enjoy their stay, and likewise it is important to understand when the technology is the right fit to address your needs and when it is not. Hotel operators should not assume they need a specific system without understanding its full feature set and the impact it will have on their guests, their staff, and their operations.
  • earagon22 on 11 Jul 22
     
    This article prvoides four truths that any property considering switching to a web-based cloud PMS system should consider. The first truth, integration is complex, delves into ensuring that one checks if the things supported within the new PMS satisfy the needs the property has. Secondly, training is necessary. Any switch to a new system requires extensive training so that the staff does not flounder. The third truth, data does not take care of itself, is reminding hoteliers that it is still their responsibility to protect their consumers' data and remain PCI compliant. Lastly, cloud-based tech does not solve everything. Hoteliers should be sure they know what they are getting and if it is necessary for their property. The president and co-owner of Maestro PMS, a web-based cloud PMS system wrote this article which is fascinating.
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PCI and PSD2 Compliance: Why Are Hotels on the Hook? - 0 views

hoteltechreport.com/...pci-psd2-hotel-industry PCI Compliance Technology hotel
shared by earagon22 on 04 Jul 22 - No Cached
  • In September 2019 the Payment Services Directive 2 (PSD2) went into effect and applies any businesses who could potentially engage with European customers. Even businesses with little international business should
  • In September 2019 the Payment Services Directive 2 (PSD2) went into effect and applies any businesses who could potentially engage with European customers. Even businesses with little international business should
  • Established in 2006, PCI stands for the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, which contains guidelines for accepting, storing, and processing credit card information
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  • These days, cyber security and regulatory compliance aren’t just necessary skills for the IT team. Every hotel manager - even the “non-tech savvy” ones - must understand these crucial components of data protection in order to protect their businesses.
  • A few rules of thumb include using PCI-compliant POS and PMS providers, storing both digital and paper data securely, and limiting access to sensitive data to only the employees who truly need it.
  • Examples of these guidelines include using an online checkout/payment page controlled by a licensed 3rd-party service provider, storing credit card data via a 3rd-party “vault” provider rather than in your own system, and masking the full credit card number on receipts, showing only the last 4 digits instead.
    • earagon22
      earagon22 on 04 Jul 22
       
      As an example, if guests book through a 3rd-party like Expedia then I at the front desk see an Expedia card not the guest's card. The card I see is pre-loaded with the amount of the stay ONLY. Even then, I cannot see the 3rd party's full cc number. I only see the last 4 digits just like guest credit cards.
  • “The attack on Marriott was hapless and still has many gaps to fill on what actually happened. A popular entry point for adversaries is through email spoofing. This tactic is used in phishing in order to get malware onto a target network to then move laterally across all systems,” Ryan Cornateanu, Application Security Engineer @ CrowdStrike.
    • earagon22
      earagon22 on 04 Jul 22
       
      This attack mentioned compromised cc details, passport numbers, and dates of birth for 300 million guests in their database. This happened in 2014. https://hoteltechreport.com/news/marriott-data-breach#:~:text=And%2C%20the%20financial%20burden%20is,the%20largest%20data%20breaches%20ever.
  • because of increased payment security, the amount of chargebacks will likely become much lower, which is something all hoteliers can celebrate.
  • In September 2019 the Payment Services Directive 2 (PSD2) went into effect and applies any businesses who could potentially engage with European customers. Even businesses with little international business should still comply, since regulations like these are often mirrored in the United States and other countries soon after.
  • PSD2 includes enhanced guidelines for online payments and the handling of sensitive data to reduce the risk of credit theft, fraud, and security breaches. One major change is the requirement of Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) for online transactions. With SCA, rather than simply typing in a credit card number and clicking “pay,” consumers will need to provide a second layer of authentication, which could be a PIN code or an SMS verification code, before the payment can go through.
  • Guests book nearly three-quarters of hotel reservations online, so PSD2 will likely impact every hotelier as Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) becomes a requirement for payment processing.
  • Are any charges processed after the guest has checked out, such as minibar chargers? To prevent any hiccups with payment after check-out, charge an authorization on the guest’s card for the full incidental amount and have the guest provide two-factor authentication in person, such as chip-and-pin, when the guest checks in.
    • earagon22
      earagon22 on 04 Jul 22
       
      A property rule where I work is that each guest must insert or tap their cc at check-in in order to follow this rule and we take an incidental hold each night. Guests that have not traveled for years are surprised by incidental holds which makes sense based on when this was implemented.
  • The key takeaway here is that transactions initiated by the hotel at a time when the guest isn’t present won’t comply with PSD2 requirements.
  • protect consumers’ sensitive data, and, as a result, every merchant that uses credit card information must follow these rules, from small businesses to large corporations.
  • By partnering with a trusted technology solution and investing in PCI and PSD2 compliance now, hoteliers can prevent the potential catastrophe that could come with the theft of sensitive data.
  • earagon22 on 04 Jul 22
     
    PCI compliance is a crucial and necessary set of guidelines that all hotels must follow. The Payment Card Industry Security Standard was created in 2006 and outlines rules regarding accepting, storing, and/or processing card information. These rules were put into place to protect consumers sensitive information. For example, in 2014 Marriott hotels was attacked and 300 million guests information was compromised. This attack led to new regulations being put into place, the Payment Services Directive 2 (PSD2). These regulations take into account international customers and enhanced guidelines for sensitive data.
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Disruptive Innovation? What Disruptive Innovation? - 0 views

hospitalityinsights.ehl.edu/ruptive-innovation-hospitality Disruptive Innovation
shared by earagon22 on 27 Jun 22 - No Cached
  • The hotel room of the future is likely to be a combination of the high-tech and high-touch.
  • Wilhelm Konrad Weber, a partner at Swiss Hospitality Solutions, said technology is definitely driving the hospitality industry but it also poses a threat “because hoteliers are not necessarily early adopters”.
  • The online travel agencies or OTAs moved into the space, leaving hoteliers lagging behind.
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  • innovation in hospitality tends to be evolutionary (“something that everyone expects you to do”) rather than revolutionary and disruptive (“something nobody expected you to do.”)
  • using AI, to pair customers with call center agents to maximize sales.
  • Chishti calls himself a disruption and AI cynic.
  • I is just a set of statistical tools and various incarnations of this have existed for the last 40 or 50 years. It’s just that the machines in which these tools run have become somewhat more advanced and more powerful over the years, but this is not a seismic shift. There’s no dramatic and disruptive event happening here. It’s just the slow and steady emergence of a technology that’s been around for quite a while.”
  • What is more likely to happen is a re-distribution of work. So in many cases AI actually enhances human labor productivity and should increase labor demand.
  • we create a magical experience that borders on art and borders on beauty that enable our customers to come back. That just doesn’t get replicated by machines.
  • Weber of Swiss Hospitality Solutions says he gets somewhat nervous “if somebody is talking down AI”. Citing the MIT online experiment, Moral Machine, he adds that artificial intelligence, built into self-driving cars, may have to make life and death decisions on the roads.
  • there will be a shift from professors reading out research articles in a lecture theatre to a ‘blended’ learning approach which integrates digital teaching elements.
  • earagon22 on 27 Jun 22
     
    EHL Insights is a Swiss based company that dove into what leaders in the Swiss hospitality industry believe in regard to disruptive innovations for the global industry. The article interviewed a few different leaders and got their take, like Wilhelm Konrad Weber, who believes that technology is affecting the hospitality industry but also poses a threat because hotel leaders are not necessarily ready to adapt/adopt to ever-changing technology. OTAs were mentioned as an example of the industry falling behind as these websites help eliminate loyalty. Weber also mentioned that innovation in the industry is evolutionary rather than disruptive due to the demands and expectations from investors and analysts. One person, Zia Chisti, is a skeptic when it comes to artificial intelligence and works for a company that utilizes AI. He argues that AI is not disruptive as it has existed for awhile and is a slow and steady process. The argument made by Chisti is that guests expect a service with real people rather than machines. Overall, there will be technological advancements but it will be slow and steady. It's just up to hoteliers on how quickly they want to implement it.
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