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Green hotel has become a hot topic recent years since people have more concerns about sustainability of natural resources. This article is talking about sustainable hospitality hardware. It starts right from one kind of hardware material, bronze. Two types of bronze are introduced as the most popular choice for hardware, "silicon bronze" and "white bronze". Considering the long durability, excellent corrosion resistance, better fatigue resistance, lower melting point, easy care and maintenance, bronze, as a material is a dramatically long time and continues to be so today using both time -tested and innovative manufacturing techniques. The article also talks about green characteristics of bronze products. For example, it use life cycle analysis results to show bronze products is better than other materials. Bronze is 100 percent recyclable and make healthier environment. In hospitality industry, the most applications of bronze must be the door hardware, including the lock set. The article gives an example of Pelican Hill Resort which used lot bronze in the resort manufacture. Overall, it's a material choice that can contribute positively to the overall design intent of a given facility and its long-term successful operations.

This article was about this new Samsung technology that is now on the market that is better than the traditional DRM softwear that most hospitality firms still use. The article stated "Samsung invested in a multi-year effort to secure the highly selective Digital Transmission Licensing Administrator (DTLA) approval, running the technology through rigorous forensic testing to pass just the first level of approval". This showed that the softerwear was thoroughly tested before it was put on the market ensuring its security. Also the article talked about how it saves money because of the lack of labor required with this system and how it creates a better guest experience because it fosters a home away from home technology environment.

A recent study conducted by Motorola Solutions Inc. has revealed that 56% of hospitality organizations planned to raise mobile investments to better equip their workforces, improve operational efficiencies and ultimately enhance the customer experience. The sytudy shows that consumers will see an increase in information technology spending within the hospitality industry with guest experience cited as the top driver for investment. The interesting datas revelaed that 91% of hospitlaity decision makers realise the increasing importance of mobile and wireless technology. One of the critical challenges for hotel technology managers is convinving upper management to approve investing in the latest technology. Often times cost is not the only deterrent for a company to upgrade their system but having to go through various layers of red tape and await hierachial approval can often lead to companies not keeping up with the latest technology and always having to play catch up rather than setting an industry standard for others to follow.

The Kana Hotel Group operates over 30 properties from Hilton, IHG, and Marriott. The Kana group is updating security at its 30 properties to ILCO 790 RFID locks. The 790 RFID locks are going to be more reliable for guests to use because the new system eliminates the problem of guests having to return to the front desk to have their keys recoded, due to deactivating the back of the strip. This new system will eliminate the key card from losing its information from other magnetic objects and cell phones. I think upgrading their locks to the ILCO 790 RFID units is a great move. Not only will this bring better security to properties but also this makes a guests experience so much better. More often lately I've had keys deactivate themselves for no reason at all or they were next to something magnetic. It is a hassle sometimes to go all the way back to the front desk after a long day to deal with a key that no longer works. This is a great move since ILCO locks are high quality and this brings additional security to a hotel property.

This article discusses the advancement in software technology for Hotel Technology Next Generation. HTNG is a self funded nonprofit organization that consist of members from hospitality companies and technology vendors. They have created a few programs that will help hotel management be more efficient when it comes to guest issues. The first program, Intelligent Guest Room Version 2.0, alerts the hotel staff when certain devices in guest rooms are malfunctioning. This will allow the device to be fixed prior to the customer noticing its malfunction which will result in better customer satisfaction, since everything will be operational in their room. They also created Customer Profile Specification Version 3.0 that helps generate guests' profiles. These profiles keep track of any issues the guest has experienced so the management team can assist them and follow up with the issues. Point of Sale 2.0 allows payments to be processed even if the PMS system is down. Being able to still process payments even though system is down will make it easier for the user to work. Hotel management should always be researching and aware of what technology is available for their company.  Incorporating systems that can help provide better customer service will always be a plus for management. The software that HTNG created seems to be well advanced and will definitely be an improvement. 

This article was about a smartphone application that allows customers to place orders and purchase their meals on their personal phone. Brink Software is leading the way in cloud-based POS and made this application available for iPhones and Andriods. By having this application and software in restaurants it lets the owners and managers focus on what they love doing, cooking. When a customer comes into the restaurant they order off the menu that is at their table using QR codes and their phone. The order immediately is sent to the kitchen. The customer then waits for the food to be brought out by the kitchen. They guest will pay with their phone and then be on their way. It also works with take-out as well. The customer would log onto the app, order off the menu, and then choose a pick up time. Their food is then fired in the kitchen at the correct time so it will be ready for pick up. This software also tracks order history, and reward points for loyal customers. This gives the restaurant the ability to track and analyze their customer's behavior and provide targeted incentives. This software allows the restaurant to connect their ordering, in-store registers, smartphones, and PC's all together to better manage the data. I personally think this type of innovation is great. By using devices that most people use on a daily basis, it helps cut back on wait times and labor cost. It also provides the restaurant with better customer service, especially during fast-paced lunch or dinner rush.

What is the Human Resource Information System? The Human Resource Information System (HRIS) is a central automated HR information tool that manages the data of employees and applicants such as Recruitment & Selection, Training & Development, Performance Management, Disciplinary Procedures, Grievance Procedures and Leave Administration. What is the purpose of the HRIS and what will be its function? The HRIS supports the Government of Montserrat in improving data accuracy and information as it relates to its workforce and future HR planning. It creates an improved means of aligning the Government's human resources to its policy priorities and assists with our thrust towards modernization. It will provide data for informing and strengthening line management capabilities in people management. Overall, Government would have better knowledge of its HR costs, numbers and skill-set for future manpower planning, succession planning, and decision making in managing the size of its public service and be able to better ensure that the human resources are fit for purpose. The automated HRIS will enable Government of Montserrat to maintain vital organizational data in an organized manner. How will the system benefit you, the Public? There are several benefits to be derived from the HRIS System. For example, whenever you apply for a job in Government, you will be better able to know where we are in the recruitment process in a timely manner. Individuals who have worked for the Government, will take pleasure in knowing that key information during the years of employment, such as training received, promotions and performance, have been captured from their first day of work to retirement. Government of Montserrat would be better able to report to you with accurate and timely information on issues such as the skillset and health of the organization. Reporting and accountability is made easier. So where are we now with the implementation of the Human Resource Inform

This article discusses how self-service POS systems are now under fire from the ADA for not being accessible to people with disabilities. Most of the lawsuits have claimed that the problems with these systems are 1) they are mounted too high or at angles that are inaccessible for people in wheelchairs, 2) they do provide captions for those with hearing disabilities, and 3) they do not provide tactile feedback for those with visual disabilities. The ADA provides guidance for different types of technology, such as ATMs and vending machines, but has not provided such guidelines for these new POS systems. Because of this, the courts are having difficulty determining how to better enable these POS devices to work for those with disabilities, having to determine what to do for each individual device. Furthermore, these lawsuits pose a big risk to these companies. Businesses need to better evaluate their POS devices in order to make them more user-friendly for all individuals.

This article is inviting you into an event planners world and how they network to get the event set up. Its letting you know that you should know what type of event your attending and who is on your guest list. Knowing both of these can help you better to interact a make a party you attend or host a successful. This article gave me tips on how to socialize with anyone better and make the most out of the event you attend.

The article describes the growing importance of a Property Management System. Some PMS companies are continuously integrating modules to their systems to make them more sophisticated for their users. These features can gather specific information about guests so the staff can cater to their preferences. Another element of the article explains how moving the PMS to the cloud can better serve small to mid sized premises, providing them with market insights and pricing trends to better manage the property. The cloud based PMS also proves to be beneficial to serve users who access property information through their mobile devices. Property apps could integrate with these PMS providing an interaction channel so guests can integrate with the property.

This article explains the company, Ruskus Wireless, which has introduced a powerful Wi-Fi Wall switch, called ZoneFlex 7025, with elevated speeds of 802.11n, available for the United States' and European market. This product can offer hotels with the feature of multiple IP service over a single wireless at a minimal cost per room. According to Douglas Rice, Vice President and Chief Executive Officer of Hotel Technology Next Generation: "the hospitality market sees enormous benefits that an IP-based network brings in delivering a better guest experience, new services that will lead to drive customer loyalty". This type of technology will allow for hotels to integrate their Internet enabled devices to connect to a single wireless network. Eliminating the limitations of Ethernet cables will improve the areas of guest services, and conference rooms enhancing the experience for guests. Multiple hotels do not have the infrastructure to provide the feature of wireless access throughout their facility, considering the current technological revolution; it has become more of a necessity for hotels to provide this option for their guests. This type of Wi-Fi wall switch will help reduce the cost and complications associated with implementing network services. Fundamentally, Wi-Fi is a common amenity that multiple guests request in every level of travel purpose, which many hotels should implement if their benefit will outweigh the cost.

This article talks about how a POS system is designed to help a business reduce cost and increase profit. As the article states a POS system would 'Enhance Efficiency and Reduce Overheads and help Optimize Inventory." Instead of relying on employees to keep track of what inventory is in stock and what isnt, the POS system would do this automatically and also show which products sell more than others. "Some will perform better than others and you can see this at any time, allowing you to maintain better control over your inventory to maximize sales."

Restaurants have been turning more to high tech tools to better their services. A restaurant in Chapel Hill, NC has given its wait staff iPods and iPads to take food orders instead of writing with a pen and paper. Guests can look at photos of the dishes to help them make their decision and when the order is complete, the server can send it wirelessly to the kitchen.  This is a great way to increase customer service and overall satisfaction on both ends. It reduces wrong orders and is a green incentive as it eliminates much of the restaurant's paper use. However, it is a pricey investment to make. The restaurant owner in Chapel Hill said he expects to recover the cost in the long run through reduced expenses on paper and pens.  The wait staff reported they liked this new way of taking orders because they don't have to worry about their writing being illegible or their hand cramping up from writing so fast. It is beneficial for the customers in that it is a more interactive way for them to order and get something they have a better chance of liking since they can see photos. It also eliminates problems seeing a printed menu in dark lighting. Additionally, orders are processed right away so guests don't have to worry about their food taking a long time to come out because the server either forgot to put it in or they were running around doing other things before getting to the POS station. 

This is a very comprehensive article that talks about the web-based, Software as a Service systems (SaaS). It is different from the traditional PMS and it has advantages over the traditional one. The author gave us five advantages of SaaS. All of the five advantages are so good that after read this article, I think there will be a trend that it will be the SaaS world in the future and this trend will continue.  However, the author didn't write any disadvantages. Usually for a company to make a decision before the company knows not only the pros and but also the cons.

The advantages offered by SaaS systems are very similar to that of which property managers have to solve. It controls property's operations such as processing reservations, check-ins and check-outs. Saas stands for Software as a Service which drives the attention of new technology for property management which includes moving tenant services online, offering web site creation and integration, eliminating the need for extensive software training and maintenance, enhancing communication between the owners and managers and it helps improve record keeping and security.

With technology evolving the property management  software.  Most  vendors are now offering  web-based, Software as a Service  is being  adopted by most property managers are adopting it because  they the advantages of the SaaS model help them accomplished most of their goals.which are to move tenants services online,  offering website creation and integration, eliminate the need for software training and maintenance ,improve  record keeping and security as well as better record keeping.  Furthermore this service can be accessed on smartphone as well as tablets. And also one of the primary characteristics of SaaS property management vendors is that they've designed their systems specifically to be easy-to-use and to appeal to those who aren't especially tech savvy. This results in a faster learning curve for property managers who are not technically proficient. And also it offers  better record  keeping since it  back up the data.

POS can energize the hotel service cycle. POS system offers an ideal opportunity to move from a manual system to technology that stores customer data, which can be mined for business intelligence and thus facilitates improvement and efficiency at customer touch points. POS system can be fully integrated with room service and front office to ensure accurate and faster billing. It is fairly easy to use, getting staff acquainted with the application and interface will help to ensure faster ROI on installation. Using POS software, hotel staff can spend less time on formalities and more on delivering better customer service. It is integral for both order generation and tracking inventory shrinkage. Proper implementation of POS functions increases business profitability by providing management with details on fast moving products, time of sale and profitability. Now apps with Android market enhanced the use of POS. In the future, POS systems are going to get smarter, faster and better.

Aptech Computer Systems, Inc., the leading provider of hospitality software for business intelligence and enterprise financial accounting, announced about four new hotel companies who have selected their hospitality solutions to improve their business intelligence, budgeting and forecasting, and accounting. M&R Hospitality Management in New York and San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, CA, are among the companies implementing Aptech's financial solutions. Excuvue is a web based hospitality Business Intelligence application which gathers and coordinates data from different hotel systems, including the Smith Travel Research report. This system can convert written online ratings, comments, and the guest satisfaction ratings into metrics. This basically helps in optimizing the revenues as they can match up with the customer's idea and with their current daily performance and also with their competitors. It is very essential to bring about changes in the department where your competitor is excelling at. This sort of information can help them make quick changes for profitability and customer satisfaction. The interesting part is that companies are looking outside to leverage financial solutions in order to better manage their standards and keep up the pace. and many more hotel companies are implementing this to streamline their back office processes.

This article focuses on how hotel companies are implementing a new system that has been introduced to simplify financial accounting. Aptech Computer Systems claims to be a leading provider of such software, allowing companies to improve their budgeting, forecasting, and accounting. Many hotel companies utilize Quickbooks to effectively manage their budgeting and forecasting needs, along with their accounting needs, and as these companies grow, they need a better solution to effectively manage these aspects. Companies with multiple properties need a system that can manage data from all of their different sources, and combine them to strategically analyze their profits, revenues, and their losses, as well as to make budgeting decisions and forecasts. Execuvue, a web based business intelligence application created by Aptech, combines data from a large variety of hotel systems, such as STR data, which is extremely valuable in assessing where each hotel stands in its competitive set, and how much of its market share that it is currently obtaining. The system also provides insight to operators as to recommended actions for the hotel to take with the data that is collected. The system also measures online ratings, comment card details and other guest satisfaction measurements, enabling hotel operators to utilize guest satisfaction ratings along with their profit standpoints and their current financials. This system seems to be a valuable resource in today's economy, and with the evolving technology. It allows users to utilize data from all sorts of sources to make decisions and assessments. Any operator or manager knows that seeing data quickly and efficiently, where the answer is simply laid out in front of you so that you do not have to seek information from multiple sources and then compare it with the other sources, allows you to make informed decisions much more quickly and be much more assured with your choices. It also enables those operators to find ways to opt

The article was talking about the way we write emails, especially business emails. One should be careful of certain words they use, because what may seem funny or humorous to us may be offensive to the recipient. It is better to proofread our emails if we are not sure or ask somebody else to read it to get their understanding of what you are saying. The article also point out that it is better to send emails as BBC, if you are sending it to more than one recipient, instead of putting all email address in the To field as we normally do. When we use the To field it can also result in spyware-infection and this is how email address are often obtained by scammers. So the article was basically dealing with computer netiquette and how we should operate when sending messages to each other.

Instead of dealing with information through internal servers or recording customer visits through booking and in house systems, hotels adapt cloud systems that decreases costs and resources. Cloud Systems are faster and more efficient to run business better by shortening waiting time to get data and providing a customized service. Cloud Systems enables hotels to associated with travel agencies or other organizations and also provide practical applications for data sharing. Booking appointment process can be made simply through cloud systems that costs less and reduces manpower. From the article, cloud computing is a better way to run business. It really decreased costs related with labor(IT teams or person), products(hard ware, soft ware). It seems that hotels have made most of the advantages of cloud systems than any other businesses.

Energy management systems provide a number of benefits to a hotel property: - better tracking and targeting of preventative maintenance programs - extend the life of equipment through better maintenance - auto-off climate controls - direct interface with the PMS system All these factors add up to provide cost savings in energy usage, improvement in engineer efficiency and effectiveness and increased equipment longevity. An energy management system brings value to the property and likely pays for itself over time through these benefits.

As technology comes around it is strange to think of a world before it. Before hotel reservation management systems hotels relied on mostly walk ins, arrival of guests and travel agents to fill their hotels. All systems were done manually and not dependable. The goal for a hotel is to sell all rooms in their hotel as you can never sell that room for that night again. With new systems in place to run reservations, occupancy rates and revenues are much higher. These systems know the status of all rooms and are able to confirm when the room is able to sell to the next guest. These software systems communicate to each other and are able to sell more rooms. These systems also allow pre-planning because of being able to see all future reservations. With every year better and newer software reservations systems come out and giving hotels even better options and more revenue.