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Note: my above post is comprised of highlighted excerpts and intended to be in quotes but the editing tab is not working accordingly. No plagiarism is intended and credit goes to the authors of the posted web page. Nelson AS DESCRIBED ; this is the fundamental problem with the proximity marketing process. The fact that this is some sort of "subliminal" type of messaging through push marketing, that not only send out ads but collectively gathers personal data, should be an area of concern for everyone utilizing a smart device. "Our in-app features enable you to reach the right customer and push the right message at the right time and at the right location BLE iBeacons for accurate mobile proximity marketing. Analyze customer patterns, dwell times, measure performance, promotions, track conversions and customer retention & loyalty better understand your customers & increase your foot traffic, sales and revenue."

Customers' comments and reviews on the website have a huge influence on business in hospitality industry. This article outlines five key trends that hotel marketers should be aware of as they approach online reputation management. First, Customers would like to trust other Customers' comments rather than companies' advertisements. Remarkable experiences and consistently extraordinary service can make Customers satisfied, which encourage guests to share experience. Second, overwhelming volume of data and information can make Customers paralyzed and confused. Hotel marketers should create position-specific reporting and make insights simple. Third, consumers may change their decisions in the last-minute because of online reviews. Listening to guest feedback, making changes, and improving service can keep Customers' reviews positive. Forth, companies' revenue can be influenced directly by negative reviews. Firth, real-time web may have a ineffective result du to delayed responses.

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.

This article expounds how technological advances in POS systems are changing the way different organizations in the hospitality industry do business. The article explains how each business can gain a competitive edge with speedy POS payment systems as well. According to the article, there are three new ways for customers to pay that includes contactless methods of payment , prepay, and mobile ordering. All of these new features are having an especially beneficial effect, allowing lines to move faster as transactions are processed more efficiently. The article further explains how future POS trends goes beyond faster payments and quicker queues. Modern POS systems offer the unprecedented access to detailed customer data that focuses on individual customers' patterns and preferences. In conclusion, with all the benefits that the latest technology offers, it stands to reason that he latest POS systems hold the key to the future of hospitality.

This article was really interesting. I liked the different methods it referenced with regards to how customers can pay, as I know those methods are really becoming integral to the industry. I also like how it talked about how businesses can use data mining to find out exactly how fruitful these innovations will be or how they are helping the businesses that have already installed them. I'm interested in seeing what new technological innovations occur in the future, especially with regards to how people pay for their meals.

This article discusses how new demand of customers within the hospitality industry is driving current point of sale systems such as micros to re-term their systems to focus more on customers. It includes several factors that are potentially driving POS systems to be revolutionized. The possibility of POS systems becoming more "from the palm of your hand" is growing each day as more POS systems are converging with wireless devices. As other outside factors influence hoteliers to emerge and update their POS systems, the development and progress of having the most profitable POS systems requires close examination of what works best for each company. One example the article touched on was the change from regular cashier systems to IPad based interactive systems and interactive kiosks. In addition, the enhancements of POS systems overall seem to be increasing F&B profit-a section of the financial statement that was historically less profitable. As with all technology, It is best to refrain from making a large capital investment into emerging systems, starting slow and monitoring how the bottom line is increasing and specific areas such as Room revenue or F&B revenue is the ideal choice.

Excellent Article! POS systems are becoming more user friendly than before. The systems allow companies to track revenue and inventory at the same time. The Walt Disney World Resort tested a POS system that allowed hotel guests to simply flash their room key and the charges would go directly into the POS system then PMS. Hotels have added POS systems to spas, recreation locations and retail stores...(http://www.restaurant.org/nra_news_blog/2012/04/pos-systems-must-accommodate-new-secure-payment-technology.cfm).

Theodore your article proves a great point on the benefits of POS technology. Having a POS system adds more value that will cover its initial cost. Handles greater product volumes. Makes complex business logic possible. Provides more management possibilities of your daily operations such as sales tracking, refunds, time clocks, menus, pricing, revenue maximization, etc.Provides advanced functionalities such as reservation and table management for restaurants, hotels, bars, and any business in the food service industry. Realizes enhanced savings with greater efficiency. Delivers better workflow for staff. Improves customer service and increases customer through-put. Easily manage large numbers of customers and groups. Allows restaurant businesses to combine multiple services into a single invoice (hotel room, meals, events, services). Graphical management of store assets such as table, rooms, bar, etc. Delivers superior reporting and analysis features. Streamlines inventory management. Back Office integration. The purpose of POS system is to accommodate your employees and your customers. If you have happy employees this results in customers having a smile. You have to spend money (POS SYSTEM) in order to make money.

"With a cloud-based system, merchants are able to run numerous reports from your computer by simply pressing a button. Data that highlights top selling items and customer favorites will help business owners, like Larry, to make smarter decisions. Reliable POS software will decrease the time customers spend at the register and will eliminate human error by employees. Merchants are now able to organize menu items on the iPad based on category and can make colored-coated "hot keys". Retailers that have large amounts of inventory no longer have to worry about slow transactions or inventory errors. Many POS software providers now offer integrated barcode scanning, which will increase speed and efficiency. This foolproof method eliminates the process of manual entry. Speedier transactions will keep customers smiling while generating more business. Quality POS software can help business owners acknowledge loyal customers by allowing for quick pre-programmed discounts at the register. Additionally, customers now have the option to receive an email receipt, which can help merchants to not only recall their customers' name at the time of checkout, but also build targeted email campaigns informing their customers of current promotions and recommending new product based on previous purchases. " https://diigo.com/0befg9

I enjoyed reading this post as it came from the perspective of a customer. Companies, such as the local wine store mentioned in this article, can truly take advantage of POS to improve customer satisfaction. With a reliable POS software, the transaction does not have to be time consuming and consumers can use additional payment methods such as Apple Pay. I also think that POS helps with the replenishment of inventory. Customers can be very loyal, but if they feel that their needs are not taken into consideration, such as the case of the Malbec wine, then they will start to drift to other wine stores that can offer this. I believe POS has numerous benefits and this article has a very straightforward and clear way of presenting this.

This article talks about the growing need for customers to have certain in-technology. It also talks about what hotel industry is doing and investing keep it's ahead of the curve and what current are guest expectations when arriving at a Hotel in 21 century.

In this article, it explains that technology is the ruler of today's world. It creates an "easy life" and raises the expectations of customers by the minute, essentially making anything possible. To meet these expectations in the hospitality industry, hotels are incorporating more technological accommodations. This is a must to stay ahead of the competition and attract new customers. A report showed the hospitality industry as the 5th highest investor in sensors to ensure a positive customer experience. From simple technology such as online booking to things such as automated check in/ out are changing the game for the customers overall experience. These things have become normalized for a better guest experience along with keyless hotel room entrance making a shift to app's that act as the bedroom key. Another growing trend is having robots complete simple tasks such as room service as well as more sustainable practices such as adjustable lighting. In order to properly track the success rate of these new technologies, many hospitality related companies are hiring data scientists to assure they are meeting their guest's expectations. All of these advances make life easier for the company and the guests but none of these things can replace the art of human interaction. Although this art is dwindling away, it is something that most still yearn for, regardless of the technology involved in their experience.

This article details the up and coming new trend of restaurants offering customers the ability to be able to pay at their table. The article details the various pros and cons associated with the type of service and how it can benefit the customer as well as the employees of a restaurant establishment. While not perfect, there are many pros associated with a pay-at-the-table service that are hard to ignore, and it is my humble opinion that this kind of service will continue to catch on into the near future. customers are increasingly looking for new ways to utilize technology to their advantage to be able to get in and out of a restaurant and pay-at-the-table technology definitely allows that. The companies that adopt this kind of technology will increasingly see their profits grow as well as their table turn increase.

Introduction Many Fast Food Restaurants are using the Point of Sales Systems in their food and beverage establishments to take orders from their customers. These systems are being distributed rapidly at a fast pace and has become increasingly popular in the food and beverage industry to improve customer service, operational efficiency and food safety. Food and Beverage entrepneuers are also adapting to these emerging technological systems to remain competitive in their industry and to increase growth of the business. There are diverse Restaurant Management Information System components that are used in the fast food industry. They comprise of Inventory Menu Managements control Systems, Labour Scheduling and Time Management Systems, Reservations and Table Management. . This study reviews the constraints of the existing system used in the restaurants and proposes a potential System solution called Restaurant Customer Self Ordering System. Customer Self-Ordering Systems allows prospective customers to order for food electronically while in the restaurant. This system proposes to limit customers' wait time and improve customer service. However, it may have some challenges that include a high cost to implement the system, the intergration into existing systems and staff adoptability of the proposed system. It was further recommended that a solution to the implementation of the proposed Customer Self-Ordering System could be to implement a web-based system that allows customers to access food menu/beverages and order via the internet with the use of their mobile phones at any time and any where they may be. It is anticipated that this new system feature will attract a wider range of audience and potential customers.

This article discusses the use of data mining and analytic techniques to create a competitive edge for companies in the hotel industry. Hotel companies are a customer centered business which accumulate large amounts of data on customers from various databases. Implementing a data mining system will improve profits, loyalty and retention and enhance guest experiences by helping the marketing and management teams create focused policies. The article discusses seven guidelines that create appropriate use of data mining technology. These guidelines include synching your IT infrastructure with the right data experts. Also, creating accurate segmentation and predictive models of the customers information or profile. As well as gathering the correct data for use in the system's models. Also utilizing the proper methods to collect and sort relevant data. Another important guideline is to have a speedy turnaround of the data. Also, continuous improvement is important find better ways to implement the processes. The final guideline mentioned is to find the proper IT employees to manage the data. The article proceeds to discuss five categories to utilize the information. These are classification, clustering, deviation detection, association and forecasting. The article predicts that over the next ten years there will be more attention paid to data mining to improve the guest experience and focus marketing initiatives. Data mining will be a critical tool to understand and utilize customers behaviors and patterns.

This articles refers to the restaurant industry and how technology has helped it enhance the customer experience moving forward. For example, it touches on topics such as mobile and online ordering, in-house experience, and internet connectivity. The most interesting point was the topic of self-service as part of the in-restaurant experience. It refers to data of how a customer would prefer to use a self-ordering kiosk if it were offered. More fast food restaurants like McDonalds and Taco Bell seem to be embracing the unattended POS, which per the article appears to be a growing trend.

A PMS system's purpose is more than just doing the mundane tasks of booking and data mining. It's main purpose is to optimize customer experience with efficiency and accurate data. For employees this allows for quicker and more productive work. In this article, the author points out the major keys that have helped top-performing hotels and resorts, which includes PMS systems. According to the article, "GEM is a long-term, multi-pronged initiative that encompasses virtually all aspects of a property and having the right technology infrastructure is critical". PMS upgrades are one the the top largest investments that hotels and resorts are pouring into. PMSs are providing customers and employees with efficient ways to complete routine tasks such as check-in/out, managing reservations, guest information look up and etc. Hotels that upgrade their PMSs are taking advantage and using this to boost their customer experience. PMSs are capable of capturing guests' preference information and housekeeping assignments and much more. The article also talks about CRM (customer relationship management) and how it is an "essential component of a hotel's guest-centric technology infrastucture". With the PMS data, CRM can help marketing and sales in regards to their target market. In my opinion, this is a fantastic approach that the industry is investing in. PMSs have been helping the industry for a long time and constant upgrades can only boost business efficiency and increase customer satisfaction. customers want an easier way to check in and out. They want to see their preference of room temperature or favorite snacks in the fridge. This can be done by using a great PMS. For managers and employees, the PMS systems makes it easy to capture these details and allows them to understand trends and take actions based on the information collected.

the article gives examples of retail stores and how they use proximity marketing to promote their products

Virtual Reality is enhancing the way travelers can decide if they want to book their hotels, by allowing them to take virtual tours of the hotel or experience local attractions via virtual trials, some of these examples include checking out local beaches, even simulated scuba diving. Some of these 36o videos are truly remarkable and I can see how this can encourage guests into booking their trips because it certainly makes me want to try all of these activities.

Virtual reality is a computer technology, which utilizes images, sounds, and physical sensations to make users feel as though they are physically present in a virtual world. For those in the hospitality industry, virtual reality has particular appeal because it can transport potential customers to a hotel or travel destination. The full potential of virtual reality within the hotel industry is only just being recognized.

This article goes over how VR/AR is currently impacting the hospitality and tourism world. The main reasons for its big impact on the industry and how the technology is being applied. It mentions examples and touches a little bit on the metaverse topic. It also has a separate article that explains further on AR & AI in the hospitality industry.

Proximity marketing is a technologically advanced form of businesses advertising. This type of marketing is used to gather information on customers, such as purchase behaviors to see what they are buying and what they want to push ads to them on their devices. This "helps guarantee that the right ads are sent to the right customer for more accurate results". This can lead to increased sales, repeat business, and customer satisfaction. Proximity marketing will also aid in being able to engage more with your customers, instilling trust and improving conversion rates. This is the latest form of modern technology in marketing and creating personalized ads with business success in return.

Email marketing, is quite old school but efficient way to provide more information to customers.  This kind of email marketing is about "Trigger-based" email, it would send to customers when customers had some specific demand and click at the link, then it would email some more rewarding information back to the customers' email address. From my opinion, this is really good and time saving, not so high-end but quite effective. But the problem is whether the information is complete or correct for customers. I would like to have the email that something I am interested in because it is easy to organize and check about it. Especially when you are not so interested at it first but then you want to figure what it is like but need to google it. 

Here, NCR reviews the how Mobile POS impacts customers, manager/owrners, and the staff beyond the general buzz and excitement of being able to pay for your dining via mobile device. Starting with the benefits to the customer, it is noted that there is added security for the customer because it is no longer required for the server to take the customer's card away from the table to take payment. The customer never loses sight of their card. As a result the guest is not overcharged for their tip, something that can happen often and they can be assured of the amount they are paying. Another added benefit for the guest is faster more attentive service, with expectations immediately set and met. If something is no longer available in the kitchen, it does not show up on the screen. Preventing the customer from setting an expectation for something that is not available. From a manger's perspective, Mobile POS shortens the order-to-service cycle. This shortens the wait time for potential guests and enables the establishment to serve more people more quickly. Also, having the ordering available table side, it will lead to fewer comps. So they are able to generate more money by serving more guests, and keep money because orders are taken and verified tableside. Having Mobile POS available also adds to the reputation of the establshment. It makes them seem more forward thinking and innovative. Finally, the article sites the benefits for the servers. It first helps server-to-customer relations by verifying every detail of the order right in front of the guest. The server is able to get the order right and be more attentive to the guest by having to do less walking. The server is able to have a higher level of productivity. And because they are more productive and able to provide better service, this results in increase tips and stronger attachment to both the customer and the restaurant.

This artical is takling about future trends in hotel e-buinsee. In the artical one of the top strategies for hotel e-buiness is evolving from selling to engaging the customer, the way is hoteliers need to fulfill the experience expected by customers. What's more, they can engage the customer through social computing. Then this artical is talking about how to get succeed in hotel e-business, to truly engage digital travelers,hotel e-business must evovle from channel to gateway, from single purpose to all encompassing, and from functional to fulfilling. What's more, this artical show five important trends affecting hotel e-business. They are more demanding consumers; more comples distribution channels; changing business models; emphasis on technology and richer contemt; change in the structure of hotel e-business. Last this artical is talking about we need to think about both globalization and localization in any business.

Pineapple Hospitality has chosen Zmail from the company ZDirect, as the platform they will use for their email marketing campaign. Because Pineapple Management is a growing company, the want to improve the way they communicate with their customers. Siting that it is important to have a platform that works both ways. Allowing the hotel to contact the customers and allowing the customers to contact the hotel. Zmail operates by using their content engine to capture guest behavior, purchase history and preferences. It then send individual transaction emails, emails that cater to the customer individually as opposed to mass emails to all customer. ZDirect offers this service with Zmail that is directly focused on communicating with the "right customers", those who are most likely to be loyal customers to the hotel and spend more money with the hotel. Because Pineapple Hospitality wishes to expand beyond their current market, Zmail is an ideal tool to use to identify potential customers. Since the company has been using Zmail, they have seen a ten percent increase in click-through rates.

As it happens, the restaurant industry is leading the way in IT innovation. A UK-based online reservation provider called Livebookings will soon be rolling out a software package that will allow restaurants to manage their bookings, promotions and customer feedback in real-time. This allows restaurateurs instant data analysis of customer trends and behaviors, and gives them the ability to develop timely strategies to draw in new customers.  Before cloud computing, the need for a significant investment in IT meant restaurants were hesitant to use computing to interact with their customers. Now all they need is access to the internet. Going hand in hand with this new infrastructure is the development of mobile apps, which ultimately put the power in the customer's hands, or pockets, as it were.