This article speaks about three big advantages on why organizations should consider having a human resource information system (HRIS). As technology grows, so have the number of organizations that have made digital transitions to their daily task systems. Which now should include HRIS. This system allows for individual employee and dependent contributions to be calculated and presented by the system, saving the HR department a lot of time. The system also helps with varies ACA reports, such as proof of health coverage and offer of coverage. As well as, track when they have been opened, or digitally signed. Lastly, the HRIS system contains various amounts of employee and plan data, which can be collected into a numerous amounts of reports. Overall, making it a much simpler process for not only the HR department, but also the organization itself. 

I found this article interesting for this week's topic, as it talks about the advantages to sustainable buildings. The article mentions the practice of sustainability has existed in some way for decades. However, now more than ever, there is a drive for responsible construction, for both homes and commercial buildings. Advantages to such buildings include lower costs, as sustainable designs offer energy efficiency. Which leads to the advantage of lower energy consumption, through the use of systems, such as solar panels, or wind energy generation features. Lastly, sustainable buildings can also require less maintenance, allowing for a longer lifespan, and less costly attention. 

This article spoke about how Marriott had given proximity marketing an initial try in 2014, and how it was so successful, they decided to bring it to an extra 500 of their hotels in 2016. They originally started with this technology to see who they targeted most effectively. Once they saw how successful it became in driving sales, they started to improve their offerings, by adding promotions tailored to locations, from local food to spa services. Overall, Marriott believes its no longer about how loyal a consumer is to a brand, but how loyal a brand is to their consumers. 

I found this article very interesting, as it touched upon certain pros for events to embrace event technologies, such as event registration software. As mentioned in the article, nowadays, nothing is done manually. Therefore, updating registration spreadsheets, or surveys manually just slows down any process. Additionally, if planners do not plan for a good registration tool, or process, they will definitely not have a smooth check-in process. With technology softwares, like event registration, allows for event planners to have a more efficient experience, as well as, for the attendees. Moreover, these softwares even allow for word of mouth, through social network sharing; giving a greater advantage for attendee show up. Overall, with technology softwares events can run much smoother, and also, allow for tracking of attendee satisfaction, in order to find any improvements for future events. Depending on the event, an event software can surely be a win-win for both the planners and the attendees. 

As we begin to discuss cyber security this week, I found this article on increasing number of cyberattacks very eye opening. It was no surprise that due to an increase in technology usage, new risks would present themselves to organizations. However, the number of compromised records has sky rocketed to say the least, increasing by over 164 percent from 2016 to 2017. The article goes on to say, "cyber security is no longer a reactive measure, but a requirement for companies, and consumers." CFOs now even consider cyber attacks to be the number one external risk factor for businesses. Overall, its certain organizations today should budget for effective cyber security, in order to prevent any potentially harmful cyber attacks in the future. 

This article is based on SIM's top 5 largest IT investments of 2017, which I found interesting to share, as we learn about I.T. investments. They ranked business analytics as the number one of IT investments, as companies are always looking to hire the best talent. Next on the list is custom software development, as new technologies now allow access to different applications to work together. Furthermore on the list, are cybersecurity, cloud computing, and CRM, which is no surprise as they are growing tools in today's technology driven industry. Overall, I agree with SIM's list, as these top 5 investments are clearly necessities to success in today's tech-driven industries. 

As this week we are talking about electronic accounting systems, I found this article on the disadvantages of computerized accounting systems to be rather interesting. As mentioned in the article, many companies tend to become too reliant on computerized systems, which leads to them forgetting about the negative outcomes that may arise from using such systems. These disadvantages include high cost, from training staff to repairing/replacing the electronic systems. In addition, like any cloud-based system, a computerized accounting system can also make a company vulnerable to cyber security issues, such as hacking. Overall, while very advantageous, computerized accounting systems still have certain risks companies must address before deciding whether, or not to use them. 

I found this article incredibly interesting, as it is an interview with the co-founder of eMenu, Alexandru. He speaks about how he thought up the idea of eMenu, when he was at a restaurant trying to pay the bill, but after five minutes of trying to call the server and being ignored, he got annoyed; and believed there was a way to fix this. Additionally, he makes great points about why the eMenu is so efficient, such as it being technology based, it is very popular amongst Millennials. He also makes the great point of it being on a tech system, it allows restaurants to have the menu in several language options more conveniently. As well as, it being flexible enough to make changes, such as newly added plates, without needing to reprint several new menus. He then goes on to say, he now looks forward to bringing this technology into the hotel industry, where room service menus can now be available from the TV, rather than in a "small wasted paper menu." All in all, I believe Alexandru makes some very valid points as to why the eMenu should be considered in many aspects of the hospitality industry. 

As we are discussing online PMS services this week, I thought it would be interesting to research the topic a bit more. This article caught my attention, as it is a family owned hotel, running for 112 years, that has recently updated it's systems. If this doesn't prove that hotel systems are going to be extremely high tech and in the "cloud" in the future, I don't know what else will. The article mentions two services, StayNTouch and Rover PMS. StayNTouch, is a platform that allows hotels to essentially "stay in touch" with their guests, by delivering personalized service to create better relationships, and therefore, drive revenues. Additionally, Rover PMS, is a fully cloud service that optimizes all hotel operations, and fits any device, including mobile, for a monthly fee. Overall, the future of hotel systems is among us, and if it goes well, soon all hotels will probably be switching over to the "cloud." 

This article caught my attention because it was not just the Waste Management service offering a new sustainable option for hotels, but an actual electronics provider as well, LG. It appears that since 2009, LG has been partnering with Waste Management, and helping hotels dispose of their old electronics, such as older LG tv models, in a much safer and environment friendly way. This gives hotels no excuse to not dispose, or recycle, electronics in a safer manner. I believe a partnership like this is a perfect demonstration of a social responsible company, who is aware and active of the damages their products can make toward the world. I hope more electronic companies start partnering up like this; as it brings awareness, and convenience to not just hotels, but many industries that use, and frequently update, electronic devices. 

I found this article interesting, as technology is constantly advancing, and this supports just that. Sabre has announced it is introducing a new lodging solution that will allow travel agents to access content from three different companies in one, thanks to a new agreement with Sabre. This solution will allow for an easier shopping experience, with a wider range of the best hotels and rates side by side. Overall, as Christian Gerron says in the article, "it is to provide their customers with the best choice and flexibility." At the end of the day, that is just what any hotel, travel agent, and any other sectors of our industry want, what is best for our customers. 

I was very intrigued with this article, as Braun mentions cyberattacks on hotels in a very straightforward manner. Hotels are in a competition of enhancing their technology everyday, however, with this enhancement comes more of a liability of getting cyber hacked. In addition, our industry deals with a lot of third party companies, making it easier to hack information as well. As Braun mentions, attacks nowadays, are not only for credit card information, but also simple data on guests, such as passwords to loyalty programs, and other credentials. Therefore, as technology grows, the only thing predictable is that hacks will get more dangerous. So, the one true thing our industry must do is prepare ourselves as best as we can. 

I found this article extremely interesting because in today's world, almost everyone relies on technology for everything. From googling what 25 centimeters is in inches, to emailing your cousin who lives across the world from you. So why not, bring that favorite technology with you when you go away? Like the article mentions, these smart apps, and chat bots, not only helps guests have a more comfortable stay, but also helps things go more smoothly for staff. In addition, these technologies allow hotels to make it a better stay for guests, by recording specific preferences, leading to increased loyalty. All in all, if it helps it make a more convenient experience for both the guest and staff at the hotel, I say it is a winner! 

Although short, I found this article incredibly interesting after learning about the MIS manager role. MIS managers are meant to keep track of information systems, making sure the results are correct and being implemented. Well, what if you had an "accountant" who did all that for you, and more? It seems cloud accounting is doing just that for any industry, including the hospitality sector. The cloud software is a system that brings all the company's information systems together under one virtual roof, this can include POS, payroll systems, and more. Not only does the cloud accountant promise more accurate data, but also saves time and money, allowing businesses to better service their guests.