HRIS can help company to manage one of its valuable resources - employees. Facts to consider when choosing an appropriate system: objectives, functionality, security, and implementation. The main objectives are to improve efficiency while reducing costs. Thus, the system also has to be functional and secure. The implementation must not interrupt the existing operations. Companies 'often plan parallel operation of old and new systems for a limited time'.

HRIS is 'computer software employers use to manage the human resources functions of their organization'. There are benefits in reporting, recruitment, and administration aspects. The reporting piece allows to track all job applicants, job openings, and e-copies of all employees' related paperwork, as well as compensations and incentives. Recruitment piece allows for resume submission, then different parameters of search of HR managers can be incorporated. HRIS 'system allows for a streamline administration'.

The scheduling software is available not only for work schedule or meeting schedules, there is actually a software created specially for colleges and universities. It can assist in scheduling classes, non-academic meetings and events. Academic scheduling allows to copy the existing schedule and to modify it, without the need to create all new schedule. It is also available in mobile. In the article, there is 3 PDF documents, if anybody interested, please click on them and explore more functions and info on how the system works, with some illustrations.

Many hospitality managers choose email for its low cost, rapid spread, and measurability. There is an incline to online purchasing, which means that Internet is the place to establish relationships with your customer, through email for instance. Email can be easily personalized, include only relevant promotions, and be a tool to keep in touch with your regular and new customers. Permission-based email is sent only to customers who have allowed to be emailed, thus, you are targeting people who gave you permission and who most likely are interested in your product/service. Email is also a better tool because it is cheaper and faster than regular mail. Also, it is easier to track the results, using the tools to see who opened the email, clicked on the link, etc. There are key factors to remember in order to be successful: -interactive relationships -frequency -personalize and relevance -permission-based The article provides a rationale for implementing total email marketing strategy.

Hotels have to comply with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards, which are constantly updated since technology is developing. Also, 'the hotel industry has unique vulnerabilities to credit card theft', since the cards should be available over the long period of time, and to different 3rd parties as well. The new technology will encrypt credit card information at the point-of-swipe, and the number never gets to any other place in the hotel or other business. The other issue is payments on mobile devices. Where it is advised to encrypt information prior to using the device, and avoid "bring you own device policy'.

Self-checkouts at the retail establishments may cut labor cost; however, according to some retailers the theft percentage went up. Customers are leaving supermarkets without scanning the items. It is very 'easy to steal' at the check-out. People are scanning only cheapest staff, leaving more expensive items in the cart. Putting less valuable items on the scale, for instance weighting bananas in stead of the steak. People are very creative in their ways of 'stealing' or avoiding payments. There is a necessity in video cameras, video analytics, and different mobile devices to prevent the theft.

There is a 'debate over which revenue management metrics to use in the pricing strategy'. Most professionals use occupancy and Average Daily Rate (ADR). However, PevPar GURU proposing that neither of these metrics truly evaluates the amount of future deposits. According to this article, 'if you are only calculating ADR based on the rooms thta are sold, then you are not getting a real indication of your average daily rate. 'True' ADR divides total revenue by total number of rooms, not the number of occupied rooms. The occupancy is an important element, if two hotels have same ADR, but different occupancy percentage, the revenues are not the same. True ADR also allows to get reports on industry standards.

B4Checkin provides 'customized, revenue-maximizing online booking, communication and feedback software systems'. It was awarded 2012 Editors' Choice Award for Best New Technology for its mobile-friendly online check-in solution. The technology provides experience similar to prior online flight check-in. The technology is directly installed into Property Management System and Center Reservation System. It is user-friendly as well as efficient for hotel operations. It populates information from PMS and sends it to the guest 24 hours prior with an option to check-in online or upon arrival. THis allows for expedited check-in process and cutting labor expenses.

A lot of commercial and Industrial buildings are consuming energy inefficiently. For instance, running in full on the weekends or before and after operational hours. According to the research made a Massachusetts-based company, more than 'half of energy efficiency opportunities could be realized with simple operational improvements'. The savings would be tremendous for each building and for the commercial buildings overall. However, operational changes is only the first step. The second step is to install new ways of control, equipment, and software. The examples of installations are software-controlled LED lighting, upgrades to A/C system, etc. There is also an opportunity to monitor a building and make decisions on the energy issues as they appear. Thus, changes in behavior and operations, combined with new software and equipment can lead to tremendous saving in commercial and industrial buildings.

Global Distribution System is an outdated technology, that cannot be consistent with the ways travel is purchased nowadays, according to International Air Transport Association (IATA). Airlines are constantly adding service or 'bunbundling' their products. The ability to buy priority boarding or seating options, meals and baggages cannot be reflected through the GDS, thus the only way to purchase them is through the airline website. This is harmful to both airlines and customers. Even though, GDS has played an important role, it is time to start developing a new product that will 'present full product or data offerings via a new interface'. IATA is being involved into creating the necessary standards before starting to work on a new platform. GDS-managed technology is slowing the process down. However, there may be some legal issues involved in exchanging the system, which has to be resolved before the launch of a new technology.

According to the article, Cloud computing is cost efficient and instrumental in a fast developing world of business. 'Large multinational retail and hospitality companies continually look to improve service capabilities and cut expenses, but have been slow to jump on the cloud'. The security and reliability are main issues. However, with all the advantages of the cloud, it is hard to ignore the opportunities it may provide.

According to the article, Cloud computing is changing hospitality information technology. Here are three main reasons highlighted in the article: 1. Fast return on investment. Cloud is inexpensive, no additional platforms needed, which also provides savings. 2. No upfront payment, cloud computing is based on subscription prices that vary depending on the scale. 3. Minimal operational costs Thus most of the benefits relate to cost and productivity. Cloud is promised to be safer that on-premises back-up systems, and has multiple layers of security. Cloud computing consists of multiple services and networks, and is not stored on one company's network. Cloud is instrumental for a limited budget, and helps to extend and evolve your company in affordable way.

More hotels install iPads not only in guest rooms, but also in lobbies, restaurants, concierge desks, etc. According to the survey, iPads have been used to order room service, reserve a table, request wake-up call or housekeeping. Ipads installed in common area allow guests to play with them while waiting in line for concierge, for example. It also functions as an information center or a tool for business which replaced a business center with desktop computers. Ipads are mobile, easy to use, light in weight and likeable by guests, who seem to appreciate hotels that provide them with ipads. Modern luxury hotels are also trying to be anticipative of their customers' needs and to be innovative.