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The term known as a Point of Sale (POS) has evolved greatly in the past couple decades. From an actual human being in a ticket window, to instant mobile ticket sales, we've come quite a long way. Technology has given us the ability to purchase things on both a leisure and business level instantly. From a business standpoint, POS helps optimize inventory, cash flow, expenses, and revenue. And from a leisure standpoint, it just gets consumers what they want faster. This article focuses on the importance of today's POS in small businesses. Stripe, Venmo, and Square are just a few POS applications that help small businesses. This allows the company user-friendly access to invoices, billing, taxes, inventory, payroll, purchase history, etc, etc. Venmo, for example, allows instant payments to either individuals or companies with a few touches of a mobile device, without the presence of the actual card. This third-party POS system verifies and then stores your account information. Prior to these tools, many companies had to resort to only taking cash, or incurring overwhelming credit-card transaction fees. Although evolving POS systems are an asset to small business, there is still a risk of compromising confidential information. For example, WingStop had four locations' POS systems compromised. This results in a lot of bad press and a lot of upset customers.

I found this article to be really interesting as it explains the use of technology in spas. There are many benefits to using such systems in the spa industry. The link between PMS and the spa booking system improves relations with clients, and increases the likelihood of clients returning to a spa where they have previously felt welcomed and valued. I must admit that I am not a big fan of the 360 view of guests' profile that this technology promotes, I feel like it is an invasion of privacy of some sort. However, I understand that some guests appreciate when their preferences are met each time they visit a spa. At the end of the day, the use of spa management systems is a great way for spas to drive up the revenue and maximize their profits.

"On the one hand, the rise of e-tourism, the democratisation of travel and the tendency to book and to make up one's trip online rather than to buy a standard tourist package proposed by a tour operator, stood out with regard to the new traveller's preferences." "Businesses currently refer to social media as consumer-generated media since they are relatively inexpensive and accessible to anyone compared to industrial or traditional media. In the US, for example, social networking now accounts for 22 per cent of all time spent online (3)."

Social media has really impacted tourism as a whole. Social media has made travel accessible to all ages and generations. Sites such as Facebook and Trip Advisor has given businesses in the hospitality industry coverage and free marketing on the positive side. These sites are free and can provide wonderful free advertising for businesses. In the flip side, these sites can also be a negative to hospitality companies that receive bad coverage. These programs and many more will continue to effect the industry and both negative and positive ways and as IT continues to grow, the hospitality industry will have to continue to change with it.

This article reviews the newest technological investments that are being made within the lodging industry. The article outlines the industries greatest opportunities and accomplishments  concerning IT development. 

This article is about how guests prefer the use of technology when they stay at a hotel. According to the article, 64% of guests say that investing in hotel technology is important. Everyone uses mobile devices each and every day and they expect to continue using them while on vacation. "A third of guests are interested in using a complimentary hotel tablet provided in guest rooms. Forty-one percent of guests want a message to their smartphone when their guest room is ready. About 21 percent of guests want the ability to stream content onto the in-room TV." Although excessively using technology has decreased human interactions, while on vacation travelers rather have the information given to them on a device rather than having to go to the front desk for everything. Smart phones have made trips more convenient from start to finish.

Organizing an event can be challenging and time consuming especially when there's no system that provides a lot of resources. In this article, there's an emphasis on the significance of event management system. Having this type of system can lessen the pressure and minimize human error. There are multiple various of event management system that a company can choose from. This topic briefly pointed out the necessary and basic things to consider when it comes to online event management system for an effective and efficient outcome.

As an event professional I know very well how significant is to have a great event management software to back you up. The daily tasks become easily accomplished so that the main focus can be the event and not the tools on how to make it easier. This article stressed the importance to update from traditional way of working to allowing the use of technology to facilitate the event planner job. Thanks for sharing.

This particular article on hospitality and tourism accounting states that the global travel industry is expanding at an accelerated rate. Although there are high demands in corporate travel and high level of satisfaction in the economy, the ever growing industry is vulnerable to many risks given by its consumers. Just as much as the guests utilizing these hospitality services are becoming more pressing towards great prices and expressing concern in the quality of service they receive, hotel businesses are adamant about increasing awareness in cost and profit. To balance all these exclusive challenges, hotels are insisting on being educated and equipped with the most up-to-date technological advances to keep up with the ever demanding industry. With this in mind, the article states three methods to conquer the challenges faced today. The first method is to utilize a cloud based system to keep track of all the innumerous activities present to keep the business running. Due to the fact that a hotel is run by an overflowing amount of employees, all with different jobs and tasks, all using different systems respective to their departments, and require several types of pay (part-time, full-time, tipped employees) methods, it is a challenge to keep things efficient without a proper system. This is the reason why the article recommends using a cloud based system to keep track of the daily labor costs, overtime management, daily payroll transactions, and incorporate easy accessibility to reporting functions. The cloud based system will be beneficial in keeping everything in record beginning from the moment an employees clocks in to the end where they receive their paycheck, as well as, the ability to manage transactions. The second method is to centralize all the various sources of data. Hotels have a countless amount of data being stored. That can range from guest satisfaction satisfaction survey and comment reports, PMS data, to financial reports. With all these busy ac

The article discusses how hotels can overcome accounting obstacles. Firstly managing payroll is cumbersome, so a cloud-based reporting system can provide an easy way to monitor labour and manage overtime, and daily payroll transactions. Secondly, hotels have a difficult time to read data as data can come from a huge variety of sources: STR reports, PMS data, satisfaction surveys, comments. Hotels need a centralized dashboard which combines all critical accounting and performance data to assist hotels in making better decisions. Lastly, the article talks about hotels needing a back-up accounting team in case of disasters. In-house accounting teams may not be able to tackle on one-time event disasters and there must be a back-up team in place in times of urgency. The author, Scott Watson, executive vice president of sales and marketing at a cloud-based financial platform, sees that hotels are becoming more "cost and profit conscious" and I agree with him. Technology solutions are what hotels are craving right now to increase revenue, minimize costs, and maximize profits without sacrificing service quality.

This article helps guides hotels in how to overcome challenges when it comes to the accounting department in any situation that deals with staff tracking, how to decipher intricate data, and what to do in emergencies. The article details the usefulness of the Cloud and keeping track of staff members that are FOH and BOH that are both hourly and salary. That the accounting department could simply look them up in the cloud rather than searching through paperwork to understand exactly what their role is in the hotel and pay them accordingly. The article also goes over how having multiple centralized data sources can help accountants understand information from reports, guest satisfaction questionnaires, and other forms of reporting to pinpoint exactly what needs to be changed to become more efficient in the company. Lastly, the article covers how having back up accounting teams could be a definite positive just in case of emergencies (i.e. weather) so accounting can still be in progress no matter what situation occurs and the hotel can run smoothly.

In this article titled "What Makes a Good Point-of-Sale System?", the author focuses on the advantages of an efficient POS system along with the key features that a POS system should have. According to Viknesh, "The appeal of POS technology lies in its interoperability - POS technology can function on desktops, laptops and tablets, as well as mobile devices such as Android phones, iPhones and iPads that function on different platforms, making it the optimal choice for small businesses, non-profits organizations and charities". For instance, on a retail level, a POS system not only manages customer transactions but it allows connectivity with cash registers, barcode scanners, receipts and credit card terminals. A POS ultimately offers a competitive advantage to larger players, and thus, it is important to identify key features that the best POS software should have, and which are effective for one's business. These include the whole hardware package, robust inventory management features, sales tracking capabilities, accurate and timely data, security features and reliable POS support. Having a complete POS system ensures quick turnaround times. For instance, if a customer is able to pay seamlessly by being given a choice on the mode of payment, such as credit card, cash, etc.., then they will feel it is effective and quick. Additionally, having a built in inventory system allows businesses to keep track of inventory levels in real time. Identifying which items are running low in order to replenish is crucial to ensuring customer satisfaction. Tracking sales and having the ability to generate reports helps further understand inventory and areas of room for improvement. A POS system should also offer accurate and timely data, especially if it has cloud computing for efficiency. In addition, considering that there is the risk of security and confidential data compromise, it is crucial to have a POS system with data encryption technology. Lastly, a business s

This is a great short article which highlights the benefits of POS systems for hotels. It points out that these systems relieve employees of manual entry labor that used to be done for these types of transactions. It also allows for more accurate reporting, along with the benefit of keeping track of a guests transactions. Information that can be compiled on a guest can in turn be used to provide more personalized services. By being able to have faster and more efficient turnaround through the use of POS, hotel management can better assist guests and provide greater service, which should be of top priority for the guests satisfaction. This was a wonderful short read.

The article reports that the great majority of hotel guests desire to have state of the art innovation for their convenience, such as casting and voice interface technology. The type of innovation stems largely from guests being able to use their laptops or phones on the TV, while also access hotel services such as restaurant hours and possibly food services from the same interface. They assert. however that it is important for hoteliers to know how guests may be able to keep their identity hidden from potential practices such as "integration with the platform that may use this data for remarketing", integrate a system that can understand an manage foreign accents. It also brings up concerns of how to measure return on investment, showing a increase in revenue and that it is possible to update the interactions with guests once the technology is deployed.

Face of consumerism through e-commerce has radically changed in the last few years. Buying or selling through Internet and online shops depending on websites, has become an ordinary part of consumer life today. Higher expectations, less tolerance, more demanding and choosy customers are becoming more common. 

With the development of society, economy as well as technology, customers are becoming more powerful, they have higher expectations, less tolerance, more demanding. In this situation, high quality and professional E-Commerce is needed in more fields. E-commerce solutions are varied, which provide the buyers, sellers, providers more opportunities to run business activities efficient. Revolutionary changes have occurred in tourism and hospitality industry by E-Commerce. In recently years, more agents and organization make the applying of E-Commerce as one important choice to be outstanding. It owns many valuable advantages. It facilitates agent access to market and minimizes the financial information leakage. It provides any agents chances to connect market all over the world. When travelers arrival the destinations, they need huge information, service, facilities, market cash and so on, which all can be obtained by internet. And also, for Hospitality industry, it develops economies, improves trade competitiveness, expands scope and arena, and facilitates people to have direct access to the marketing destinations. What is more, it monitors, evaluates, creates faster transactions by the flexible web services. Thus all the process can be created, facilitated, and monitored by E-Commerce. Absolutely, there are also many disadvantages in E-Commerce. Some information in it may be incorrect or unnecessary. People give important information via internet, so the security problems can't be avoided at any time. If over population come to the destinations, customers may not satisfy the service or the local nature may be damaged. Hospitality industry has to be thoroughly aware of its problems.

This article tackles what E-commerce is in relation to businesses all of the world in the modern day but especially what is occurring in the hospitality industry. How now a days many people are looking to book travels online and the specificity's they are looking for can be featured through the internet. Through these websites provided by companies bookings could be made directly without a third party making the plans or making payments from customers. What's most interesting about this article is about is how it is self realizing and it also highlights the negatives e-commerce can have with the consumer (i.e. too much information given about a destination). But, it does tie in the end how it is a very positive step forward for all business alike and can create more revenue than before e-commerce existence.

A security researcher, Mr. Noam Rotem has found a security vulnerability in the widely used Amadeus airline software. Mr. Rotem booked a flight with El Al and the company sent him a link to retrieve his Passenger Name Record (PNR). Rotem inputted a random booking reference number into this link, which is sent to all customers upon booking, and he was able to access other passenger's information. This raises concerns among attackers changing seat flights, meal specifications, or claiming flyer miles. The security researcher also viewed email addresses, phone numbers, and was even able to cancel flights. Additionally, this data can easily be accessed because reference numbers and last names are printed on baggage tags, making this available for many to see in an airport. The Global Distribution System does not have any form of authentication factor or password to keep this information safe. The GDS has not been updated to ensure security in many years. The company claims that the PNR process must be in accordance with the whole industry, and it needs to collaborate with everyone in order to form a new procedure.

This article is about the top technology trends for meetings and events. One of these trends is to have a dedicated high speed WIFI network available to guests, allowing them to download and share media in real time. This is very appropriate for weddings, birthday parties, and baby showers. When it comes to business meetings, having high-performance mobile computing is a must. With top Hi-Tech manufacturers concentrating on mobile solutions, presentation materials can now be shared via portable screens in 3D formats, whether it is on site or through video streaming. Another trend in modern event planing is online photo and video publishing. Given the growing disposable nature of media content, especially on mobile devices, publishing efforts should be a part of every event. Encourage guests to share stories, and incorporate quotes and commentaries. Finally, something I found very interesting in modern event planning is content marketing. In a world where businesses are defined by online footprint, content marketing efforts should be an integral part of promotional efforts. Whether it is business or private, events provide the perfect venue to promote or market anything.

This blog post talks about how you can effectively reach your customer base through the use of email marketing, pre and post arrival. One of the benefits is being able to build guest rapport by creating a relationship through this channel. Sending them a few offers prior to arrival or a unique message to follow your twitter page creates this positive relationship and vibe about your brand. This leads to getting a farther reach on your online presence via social media and what not. This is a cost effective marketing channel that leads to more followers, more likes, and more brand awareness. Lastly, you can discover great guest feedback by sending post stay e-mail marketing. It has been reported that the majority prefer to receive a guest feedback e-mail rather than being stopped while they are checking out. This also opens the doors to opportunities, by keeping the relationship, creating customer loyalty, and reaching them through email marketing for special deals. The use of email marketing is one of the most cost effective and leads to the greatest ROI. It creates customer loyalty and leads to repeat business.

The article titled "3 Reasons Why Email Marketing is Essential for your Hotel" provides interesting points in terms of the impact of email marketing. Building guest rapport, specifically a personalized point of contact, is crucial for the guest to feel that there is a connection, and in turn will become loyal. According to the article, "Effective hotel email marketing starts the minute a guest has booked and nurtures your relationship with them long after their stay. It's a chance for you to build rapport with your guests-which translates into positive reviews and repeat customers". Therefore, how can hotels create a positive guest experience and environment? Email marketing, when used efficiently, such as through pre-arrival emails, will allow guests to feel appreciated and taken care of. In addition to this, email marketing is an excellent opportunity to extend the brand's online presence and receive guest feedback. Thus, email marketing should not be seen only as communication from the hotel to the guest, but a great start to a conversation.

In this article, the author has introduced how a hotel maintenance management software does good to a business in the hospitality industry. The physical plant software enables hotels to be more efficient to manage bookings, monitor utilities and sort finances, which helps ensure daily operations run smoothly. There are several benefits of the physical plant software mentioned in the article. Firstly, the software allows hotels to implement a scheduled maintenance plan. By regular maintenance, hotels can spot problems and fix the issues. In addition, the software enables hotels to track the amount of energy and water, which will help save money and decrease the costs. Moreover, the software allows hotels to track the levels of all of the supplies and allow the suppliers to have access to the amount of inventory the hotels have on hand. Next point, such software has the ability track and prioritize work orders. Not mention the software allows hotels to track all employees' information, which makes it easy to manage multiple employees. Lastly, the physical plant software helps hotels plan an annual budget by tracking all of the hotel's expenses.

This article brings us into a deep insight of whether pricing technology offered by OTA is reliable or not. Firstly, two views should be considered before answering this question: one, there is a conflict of interest between an OTA and a hotel property; two, what data goes into their formulas, where it comes from and is it sufficient to make reasonable pricing recommendations. The author provided deep analyses for these two main point and came to the conclusion that: being sure that you know the game rules before utilizing those free pricing intelligent tools.

This article discussed how the 1 Hotel in Central Park uses technology to remain eco-friendly while also providing luxury service to guest. The technology is a computer system that controls the amount of light in a room, this changes automatically or can be controlled by the staff. This hotel has mastered a way to be eco-friendly while providing luxury service.

Carnival has introduced a bluetooth band similar to what Disney offers. Ocean Medallion has the ability to track guest preferences so that Carnival Corp can better serve its guests. It can do everything from ordering your drink to paying your tab. Ocean Medallion will mostly affect guests shopping, gambling, and shore excursion experiences. Its big debut is set for November 12, 2017 in Fort Lauderdale aboard the Princess Cruises.

This is a great idea to incorporate into a cruise ships to enhance the experience for it's guest. The drawback to this however is that it could be dangerous for the customers financially as they are not seeing the money being taken from their account. It is not Carnivals issue necessarily, but one that needs to be given as a precaution before a guest receives the band.

Many restaurants are choosing to go to hand-held POS systems for the many advantages they provide. Perhaps the number one reason to chose a hand-held POS system is time saved. A restaurant can save up to four minutes by placing the order via a hand-held POS system. This leads to more selling opportunities, and greater time with the guest. Information on 86'd items is immediately available, and the system can suggest possible "upsell" options. Order accuracy is increased, because the order is placed right at the table as it is given. Drawbacks include the durability of the unit, considerable start up costs, and complexity of the unit. Many of the durability issues have been addressed, but the units are still pricey. Costs have come down as the technology becomes more widespread. The complexity of the unit still remains an issue, as servers tend to focus more on the unit and placing the order, rather than engaging the guest.

I have seen these work very well at Chick-fil-a recently. They utilize these systems during high traffic times by having two associates out in the drive through line taking orders along with the intercom. By doing this, they are able to take three orders at a time and the line is very minimal. If used correctly, this is a great system to have.