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Contents contributed and discussions participated by wei xie

wei xie

HRIS - 1 views

  • An HRIS system allows a business to streamline the administration of employee benefits
  • In support of a firm’s staffing efforts, many HRIS systems provide a sophisticated interface allowing its use by both internal employees, as well as external job applicants
  • Perhaps the biggest benefit that the use of an HRIS system adds to a business is its ability to create reports and presentations
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  • A human resource information system (HRIS) is computer software employers use to manage the human resources functions of their organization.
  • In support of a firm’s staffing efforts, many HRIS systems provide a sophisticated interface allowing its use by both internal employees, as well as external job applicants.
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    This article talks about the befefits of having a Human Resource Information System in your business. For those never heard of HRIS before, Human Resource Information System is a computer system helps manage your human resource. It collects data of your employees, and manage them in a form of database. The article author talks about davantages HRIS gave in three aspects. Firstly, and the most important function of HRIS is generating reports and presentations. Basically, you can gain any human resource information you need from those reports. Secondly, HRIS makes the process of recruitment more effective. It open port for applicants so they can submit their resumes on-line. Last but not the least, HRIS is also equipted with function of benefits administration It allowes employees update their information by themself, which is big saving of time and money for your business
wei xie

Guest In-Room Comfort Goes Green & Interactive | News | Hospitality Magazine (HT) - 0 views

  • To better blend in-room technology with the hotel's sophisticated welcome scene upon entering the room, INNCOM designed a new, sleek bedside controller for the Grand Hyatt DFW that enables guests to control lighting, temperature, drapes, sheers, privacy, make-up room and other service requests at guests' fingertips. The company also installed INNCOM's MODEVA series backlit glass switches, and added the INNCOM drape controller that gives guests the ability to remotely open and close heavy-duty blackout drapes and sheers.
  • It is a multi-purpose device, configurable with 1 to 9 touch-capacitance sensors or dimmer bars, and is designed for convenient bedside guest control of lighting, temperature, drapes and sheers, privacy, make-up room and other guest service requests such as tray pick-up, shoe shine or butler call.
  • To complement the TBL-70, INNCOM used its MODEVA series guest-interface system wall switches in conjunction with the hotel's existing thermostats to control temperature, lighting, drapes, and guest annunciation.
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    This article talks about the new bedside controller, TBL-70 tabletop controller, designed by INNCOM for Grand Hyatt Dfw hotel rooms. The TBL-70 controller is a multi-purpose device, it enable guests to control the room lighting, temperate, drapes, sheers, privacy, make-up room and other service requests. This controller enhances the room security, all services requires guests' fingerprint. This controller is also eco-freindly, its glass touch surface is availbale in standard designs or as a blank canvas for the designer wishing to customize a look with colors, fonts, images and functionality, it is also equipted with an on-board photo sensor which detectes the light level in the room and automatically adjusts the intensity of the backlighting.
wei xie

Get Social, or Get Left Out | Column | Hospitality Magazine (HT) - 1 views

  • Given the vastness of their connections and networks, this can quickly multiple into thousands or more potential customers with word-of-mouth insight into your products and service.
  • however, many successful examples of hotels using social networking sites to generate awareness and additional revenue opportunities.
  • While the size of the fan-base is important, the true value is in the interaction.
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  • Though social networking tools are powerful, they must be well planned and carefully implemented to avoid pitfalls.
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    This article discusses about the importance and benefit of adopting social media to your business. At the beginning of this article, the author trying to help us understanding the growing trend of social media by throwing some shocking numbers. Then he brings out the idea that more and more businesses included social media in their marketing tools. The he reminds us while the size of fans is important, that the interaction with customers is the true value of social media. At the last part of this article, the author gave out some suggestion on make the best use of social media. He mentioned that besides using social media as a channel to connect with customers, companies can also discover new employers via this medium, and get to know your customers' inside thoughts by responding to them. At last, the author reminds us the importance of social media once again.
wei xie

Case Studies | | Hospitality Magazine (HT) - 0 views

  • Applying this rigor to group housing, Fairmont has leveraged technology to not only streamline its group operations, but to boost revenues and enhance service levels.
  • Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has fully transformed the meeting experience with the adoption of Passkey's GroupMAX as its group solution, enabling its hotels to achieve measurable performance improvements and to deliver an enhanced meeting experience to its group guests and meeting planners brand-wide.  
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    This article introduces a outstanding group solution, GroupMAX, invented by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. This solution has improved hotel's group services and boosted revenues and performance. This article explains its advantages from 4 aspects: Guest Online bookings: with the build-in automate function module, GroupMAX has reduced call center costs of Fairmont, and also create a new way to advertise their promotions to customers. Adding unforeseen revenues: GroupMax is also very skillful in targeting potential extra sales. It helps hotels generate more revenue by selling potential customers room upgrades, extended stays and amenity throughout the booking process Self-managed meeting planners: With GroupMAX's live dashboards and reporting tools, planners can have access and edit to information of the meeting anytime. A synchronized data system: GroupMAX data will be synchronized immediately if there is any modification in Fairmont's CRS system. This feature avoid the information delay, keep GroupMAX system stay productive.
wei xie

Taking Network Security to the Cloud - 1 views

  • They expect ironclad security that protects their entire “online” experience in the hotel, from online booking and iPad-enabled check-in to the wireless connectivity in their rooms.
  • The challenge is that many hotels lack the IT resources to adequately stay on top of security.
  • The biggest threat to network security at the hotel property level isn’t a lack of technology – it is the lack of resources to manage it.
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  • Ideally the firewall or IPS device should be shipped directly to the property where anyone (e.g. GM) can simply plug the device into the network
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    This article talks about the limitation of hotel network security issue, then introduce one solution to it. First of all, it mentions since the usage of Internet is growing big more than ever, customers has more attention and requirement on Network Security. Actually, staff of IT department spend most of their time on updating system and other mid-level support, while they should spend more time on proactively identifying security threats and preventing attacks. This happens due to finance and human source constraints. Lucky for us, there is already one effective solution, keyword, cloud computing. Buy applying cloud computing, IT staff only need set up firewall, configure security system on headquarter. After then configuration is done, they send out these IPS device to branch companies. The security system will automatically update through these devices, no more traveling between properties.
wei xie

Prospera Hospitality Taps Centralized Accounting to Achieve Investors' Business Goals |... - 0 views

  • A key part of the company’s success is its centralized financial hotel accounting software platform that enables Prospera’s team to track each property’s daily performance and deliver flexible reporting. 
  • Our investors have specific individual reporting mandates, and it is essential our accounting system has the strength and flexibility to provide these
  • “Profitvue’s cloud-based platform is a real benefit,” says Breed. “Our smaller properties do not have to install the software or be responsible for upgrading or backing it up." Properties require only a PC and Internet connection to access the accounting package. 
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    This article talks about one successful third-party property manager company Prospera Hospitality and the accounting system it chose Profitvue which is provided by Aptech Computer Systems company. Prospear Hospitality has 18 branded and independent hotels and resorts as customers, each one of them has different requirements, so chose a powerful accounting system which can generate all kinds of financial reports is very important, and obviously Profitvue system is qualified. Besides providing detailed and flexible reports, another success secret of Aptech computer Systems is Side-by-side comparisons. With the information of comparison report, property owners will have a idea that how they are doing compares with other peers and can also identify issues which put them on disadvantage positions of the industry. Another benefit Profitvue provided is its cloud-based feature. Small business owner can also enjoy excellent service of Aptech computer systems company although they may can not afford on-site system installation, by accessing Profitvue's cloud-based platform. Yes, another strong example that cloud computing is a growing trend.
wei xie

POS in the Cloud | Top Stories | | Hospitality Magazine (HT) - 0 views

  • ? Industry experts, as well as operators who have taken the plunge, believe cloud-based POS is not only reliable and safe, but is also on its way to becoming the norm rather than the exception.
  • And since his café offers catering, he can accept payment on location with the iPad or iPhone, something not possible with a hardwired system, he notes.
  • “When you look at the concept itself, it is attractive to the guy that is just starting up,” explains Lee Holman, lead retail analyst at IHL Consulting. “A cloud-based solution allows him to get up and running from an IT standpoint without a lot of servers, hardware and infrastructure needed.”
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  • However, as long as backup measures are taken, a cloud-based POS is no different than a hardwired system in this regard, according to Dolan.
  • Not only does it shift responsibility to the vendor, but more than likely they will have more money and resources to dedicate to it.
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    This article talks about the benefits of POS in cloud, and eliminates some misunderstanding about its downtime and security concerns. The author start selling POS in cloud by pointing out the trend that it is becoming more accepted. CEO and president of the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) says it will be mainstream in the next two to five years. Though POS in cloud would be a easy set up and cost saving solution for a starting up single-unit,"Large chains are more likely to turn to cloud applications for business intelligence solutions first because there is not as much investment or change in infrastructure compared to the POS" says Dave Matthews. But since multi-unit chains have already invested lots of money in the old POS, they are going to wait for those POS pay back before they switch to POS in cloud. Then author switched to what concern people most about cloud computing, downtime and security. A cloud based POS can have as reliable backup plan as a hardwired system. Although POS in cloud does not have backup servers in the location which should be provided by vendor, it can have several connection backups, like wireless, 3G or 4G, phone line. And about the security concern, just ask yourself is you have the security system than a technology vendor.
wei xie

Top Three PMS Features | Top Stories | | Hospitality Magazine (HT) - 0 views

  • It is essential that a PMS have functionality that supports a guest-centric focus.
  • A PMS with a robust, easy-to-use guest history or CRM (customer relationship management) system database at its heart enables operators to deliver personalized attention that results in revenue and guest loyalty. 
  •  To intelligently optimize rates and maximize revenue, a property must have a PMS with an effective, integrated revenue management (RM) system.
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  • In today’s online marketplace it is also crucial that a PMS drive sales through two-way communication with a wide variety of Internet channels.
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    This article discusses about 3 main features you should consider when you chose a PMS. First and most important feature is that whether it is guest centric or not. The hospitality business is all about guest, they are the source of your profits. So it is very important that your PMS has easy access to customer database or CRM system database. The second thing you should consider is Integrated Revenue Management. Hospitality market changes rapidly due to all not sure factors: holidays, events, festivals. So if you can forecast the changes of market rate and you update your rate in time, you are ahead of the game. Last, a excellent PMS should also has the ability to connect to Online Sales Channels. As the Internet is developed, lots of people make on-line reservations. Because the most accurate and updated information, your PMS should connect to on-line sales channels.
wei xie

Green: Do Guests Get It? | Old Magazine | Hospitality Magazine (HT) - 0 views

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    This article talks about a research on customers' attitude to green products in hotel.. The research brought out questions like do customers want green products in hotel, are they willing to pay for them, and is so, who are these consumers and what are their characteristics? After some study, the research harvest some interesting results. According to the study, more than half customers hold positive attitude with green promotions and hotel should have its individual green department. But there are limits with their support. First of all,guests appear to be in favor of greening activities that do not limit or affect their comfort level in the guest room. They would like the hotel provide efficient lighting, recycling, environment friendly products and so on. But they would not prefer options like towel reuse, adjusting room temperature when nobody is in and some other options which might affect customers' comfortable stay. And the other limitation is money, most customers put the price over green efforts of hotels, they seldom picked the green hotels if they are out of their price range. So through this article, we can see green concept is getting accepted by customers gradually, but it still has a long way to go.
wei xie

Want to Increase Loyalty? Reward Customers for Spreading the Word on Social Sites | Top... - 0 views

  • Marketing departments are branching out from the traditional means of advertising to include such social media websites as Twitter, Foursquare, and of course Facebook, which alone reaches 900 million monthly users.
  • Some businesses are now integrating social media activity with a formal loyalty program, for example rewarding customers for socially sharing information about their activity with a brand, or converting a friend from a fan to a customer. While some believe this is a passing trend, others are optimistic about the future possibilities this combination can offer the hospitality market.
  • For those brands that do embrace it, social media-based loyalty programs can boost traffic and profits tremendously due to the word-of-mouth recommendations it facilitates.
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  • it is important for an operator to understand the customer base and know if these incentives will resonate with them.
  • The technology aspect of offering any loyalty program can make a big difference for business owners.
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    This article talks about how to increase customers' loyalty by rewarding them for spreading the word on social sites. Since social media grows stronger those days, it is becoming a trend that businesses use them as a marketing approach. Some businesses build loyalty programs with help of social media. With the high traffic and huge net of connection, word-of-mouth can be easily spreaded via social media. Although it brings lots of benefits, social media also brings negative effects to business, such as adding processing time to transactions. But fortunately, we have a solution already. It is called SNAP(social network appreciation platform). Anytime you swipe your loyalty card, the opt-in program of SNAP will automatically post a message on your social media web site, and every purchase you made gives you points, you can trade them for free staff when you accumulate enough points. As a future manager, you can not ignore the growth of social media, and the way it is going to affect marketing strategy. You should take good advantage of it, and i think loyalty program is a really good idea.
wei xie

Web Browsers Can Bring Unwanted Threats to Hospitality Operations | Top Stories | Hospi... - 0 views

  • Because Web browsers have become essential to most enterprises, nefarious computer attackers are busy infecting a growing number of Web sites with malware that produce a seemingly endless range of browser-related vulnerability exploits. This trend has created a major new issue for IT security professionals: the need to secure the browser.
  • From a security perspective, however, these very qualities make browsers a virtual breeding ground for vulnerabilities
  • websites. One of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce the risk of incidents caused by compromised browsers is to implement a Web content filtering solution.
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    As the title states, this article talks about web browers secrity problems which concerns hospitality industry more and more today. First of all, the article brings out a fact that web brower is palying a big role in all kinds of enterprises, almost involved in every operations processed everyday. And it is also becoming the major target of nefarious computer attackers.That is why"This trend has created a major new issue for IT security professionals: teh need to secure the brower" as the article stated. Then the article explains that browser can be used as a hacker's tool in many ways. Hacker can simply use security flaw of these very popular technologies which is integrated with browser to steal senstive information, such as Flash, java and so on. And the security hole of browser itself is also a attack vectors for the malicious. Being attacked can cause devastating damage to website, espically for those with huge amount of visitors, but the war against computer hackers will not end shoirtly. At the end of the article, article brought out one powerful solution to web security problems, filtering solution. Simply apply content filter to web browser can reduce risk of getting attacked effectively. Filtering solution includes URL filter, anti-malware, automated code filtering and botnet detection. As the web browser has become a indispensable tool, and the malicious computer hackers will never stop, i think it is really important for companies to improve their web browser security, such as applying filtering solution.
wei xie

Salsarita's Generates Attention and Sales with Digital Menu Boards | News | Hospitality... - 1 views

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    In this article, Salsarita's Restaurant installed Digital Menu Board(DMB) techonology in more the third of its locations, on the purpose of generating customer's attention and sales. Being a fan of its reputation for its creative products, Salsarita's Restaurant chosen WAND Corporation as the exclusive supplier of their Digital Menu Boards(DMBS). With this advanced DMB system, Salsarita's Restaurant will be able to add new items to its digital menu by WAND Creative Servise using WAND TRM and synchronise with store, market or chain-wide immediately. The DMB system is also going to help Salsarita's Restaurant generate sales by gaining more customers' attention. it can analysis customers' purchase record and find out the most popular items and lest popular ones, then the restaurant can adjust its menu based on the analysis. Our society is stepping into its electronic age, techonology innovates day by day.One thing stands out to me ‌ this article is that to be a good manager, to generate more salse and profit, you should always keep customers experience"fresh and engaging". To approach that goal, you should always keep your techonology updated.
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