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Green technologies can save energy, improve customer service, and enhance working efficiency. First, through tracking customers' activities and purchases, hotel can gather their information and then improve customer service. Second, providing entertainment equipment and resources such as checking out through a "channel" on the TV, can improve guest services. Third, using key card or other ID tags can make transaction cashless, which is also good for security. Forth, exchanging information through computer system can save a large amount of paper. Fifth, self-diagnosing system can monitor and identify problems and resolve them before customer complaint.

this article is very interesting, going over the future of hospitality and social media. It goes over 6 major changes they believe are affecting hospitality directly. The one that i found interesting is the use of twitter as a concierge as well as a method to improve costumer service. I never thought about the ability to use this technology as a concierge with the ability to have access to hotel services!

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. 

The article was talking about how the hospitality firm can learn something from other industry, technology. As we all know the leader of the IT industry are Google and Apple inc. What is the most successful strategic to attract the customers? Through the article we can obviously find out the chrisma of the product is the most significant thing they have, the customer always expect some new things and improve at their new product, next version, this is the most important point of them to catch the customers' attention.  For the hotel industry, their have a lot similar things with technology area. The invariable system can not have any attraction in modem life, the hospitality leaders need to find out what is wrong with current system and operation and then find the solution. They should substitute some fresh thing for the old one, looking forward for the performance of new version, so the customers will have more increase in greenness and exception of the  new product in the future.

This article discuss about the new approach selling digital products. By this approach the seller will rapidly maximize revenue and earn high customers satisfaction. The digital products, such as software and game, are different from the physical goods e-commerce for the intangible trait. Therefore, the seller don't need to use the traditional sales approach, such as item-based. Instead, in order to increase the revenue and build perpetual relationship with customers, the seller can sell the digital products by various ways or steps, for instance, one article of a e-book at a time, the right to make copies of a game, and time-based rentals of a magazine. When visitors are looking for their products, instead of recommend a specific product, seller should provide a set of related products according to options that visitors choose. This sales approach might need a new technology to manage the website and a platform that support flexible operation. Overall, digital goods seller can take advantage of the special traits of digital content and change the sales way develop loyalty and maximize the revenue.

Mc Donalds is now taking another step towards technology use and providing nutritional information via QR codes. Customers can scan a QR code located on their bag and be directed to a web site that list the nutritional content of their food. This is another way McDonalds is "trying" to be more health conscious with its Customers and the meals that they serve. Way to go McD's. I think this technology is beneficial in several ways: 1- the obvious of providing Customers with needed nutritional information 2- it is more convenient as it allows the company to make changes to the menu items and update nutritional information without having to reprint all the associated materials 3- possible marketing opportunity to print QR codes to win prizes As a side tip I think other companies should embrace this technology and instead print the QR code on the customer receipt with data corresponding to only items they ordered.

With smartphones evlving and getting smarter, smaller and speedier it is allowing for advances in mobile point-of-sale technology especially in the restaurant industr. There are now numerous POS platforms that support both iPhone as well as android. Tablets and iPads are also supported so that restaurants can process payments in the field with a credit card reader. Traditionally POS have been very costly and structured; now with mobile technology the flexibility is convenient, fast and user friendly. New applications allow restaurants to store customer spending patterns without retaining their personal credit card information. the use of smartphones also opens up very exciting opportunities when it comes to business-consumer communication. Restaurants can send text messages containg discounted coupons to their establishments. The key is to not over do it as customers may become annoyed with too many text messages. This article delat mainly with the restaurant industry but did mention the evolution of technological advances with the use of smart phones. Form personal experience I have used my iphone and ipad to conduct credit card transactions utilzing squareD which provides free of charge a mobile credit card swiper that is connected to the microphone port of either the iphone or Ipad. there is not monthly contract or fee. The only charge is 2.5% per settled credit card transaction and the amount is automatically deducted from the batched amount and within 1-2 business days the funds are deposited directly into ones checking/savings account. This is convenient, fast, and easy. I have been able to secure payment right on the spot instead of either handling cash which is always a ahzard or the risk of accepting checks. the use of smartphones and tbalets have revolutionozed the way business is being conducted making it fast, easy, and convenient to both cutomer and busoness owner alike.

Because of the global terrorism and political unrest, hospitality as a vulnerable target must take action to prevent terrorism. One big problem is how to keep customers and employees safe without ruin customer's experience. This is said because customers in the United States pay less attention to security while enjoying their vacation. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the hospitality industry to make sure that their customers are safe. There is a couple of ways to protect customers under terrorism. For example, using biometric technology to recognize and monitor suspicious person. Using explosive detection animals to monitor public areas, and installing crash rated fencing and pop up barriers, etc.

Yes, I like this article very much. It would certainly protect guest from not only hurricanes but thrown objects, or any other intruder coming through the window. The problem is statiscally speaking, most break inns occur through the front door or forced entry..

This artical talked about where the customer's data go after he finishes check-in, and over the credit card. The author told that as the reliance of technology, the hotel staff can get the customer personal information. Although the technolgoy is convenience for the customer, it is not safe if the hotel can protect the customer privacy. In author's experience, it has been many cases that some one get the customer's personal information through penetrates the hotel system.  It has been many conferences to discussion the problem while it will be very hard to find a solution. And many guest likely to asking friens or to the customer-driven websites for advice abouth the property, or rely on the reputation of the brands.

This article show cases Subway Digital's recent acquisition of a 20-person team from Avanti Commerce. This team's main focus will be the expansion and customization of an innovative e-commerce and onmi-channel platforms. Apart from that, the team is also developing a new program for in-restaurant kiosks.

This article expounds how Monscierge, a hospitality technology company, continues to exceed expectations for new mobile-based services in the hospitality industry.The article also highlights the fact that this company has achieved this by specializing in mobile and wearables, computer software and lobby devices throughout the world. Monscierge has received the award of its' second patent for mobile services provided to hospitality customers. This allows hotels to receive a request for additional towels from guests using mobile devices, the request reaches a staff member who would then acknowledge the request, provide an estimated time of delivery and complete this delivery. Whereas in the past such requests via mobile devices were only made for services such as food & beverage, maintenance issues, additional room items, valet return and even customized guest requirements. All in all, this company's ultimate goal is to make technology "easy to use, easy to scale, and affordable for hospitality".

It is clear that touches that are guest specific will make a guest feel important and at home. It is important that upcoming technologies keep customer convenience in mind as new features are developed.

The article talks about how to build guest loyalty. There is one thing I like is that "Establish a two-way value proposition". By doing this, both of the business property and the guests feel like they get something valuable which helps with cultivating guest loyalty. It also give tips for hospitality properties to stand out from other competitors.

Completely agree, building special relationship between hotel and customer and having a file of information for each customer can help doing statistic researches and sales increase.

This article comments on the perceived effectiveness of daily "flash" deals distributed through the internet to provoke the usage of services of a hospitality enterprise. It also addresses current industry challenges hotels face with regards to sustainability and corporate social responsibility. The first Cornell study surveyed approximately two hundred international hotels. The results showed half of the hotels have used the e-Marketing "flash" deals technique while the other half abstain siting concerns of brand reputation. However the issue of dissatisfaction from those hotels who use daily deals is also prevalent. The conductors of the study recommend those who use the deals to "start small," clearly define the reason for the deal and examine every aspect of the deal, including limitations, to increase ROI and satisfaction. If the deals are tailored to fit both the hotel and guests' needs they should attract and retain customers. The roundtable discussion then dives into an important branding issue of CSR. It highlights common misconceptions related to sustainability such as going "green" being being costly, guests not appreciating sustainable efforts, and the "wait and see" approach being smart for implementation. With education and communication the hospitality industry can inform their internal and external customers of their sustainable business practices and increase customer acquisition. Rather than being reactive, businesses should be proactive and concentrate on their "long-term brand focus."

The owners of a Culver's franchise decided to install a digital signage to provide more menu information quickly because the menu board couldn't communicate enough with customers for a short time to select menu in the fast food restaurant. The challenge was how the small business owners and franchisee would handle their budget for the investment and added cost.  The problem was solved by selecting EzSign TV from LG Electronics which displays branded messaging and shows broadcast television or input content at the same time. Furthermore, the software offers a choice of more than 50 templates that can be customized with images and text. Therefore, the business can highlight the items with pictures and deliver their daily specials more efficiently.  Installation is easy, and daily specials menus can be replaced by simply clicking. The digital signage looks cleaner than old fashioned menu board, and saves more time to change menus. By implementing a system that requires limited attention from staff, Culver's can focus on customer service and deliver value. That was a good decision adopting a new technology fits in the quick service restaurants.  

This article gave us a five new online travel trends.Because travel is a hyper-competitive industry, the most pertinent emerging themes in onine travel are considered and experts insights and predictions are provided in the Las Vegas TDS North America event. First trend is the travel industry need be ready for a mobile-only world. Researches indicates that the mobile sales will increase extremely. Because it is expensive to develop mobile app, so traditional travel companies and online travel companies do not such into launching a mobile app in a short term. Convergence, commerce, content and how these impact customer behavior will be an ongoing theme. There is a risk of firms focus too much on one channel, Customers are using a range of different devices to plan, research, book and review their travel experiences.  Revenue management became essential for the business. It needs to integrate with sales, marketing, channel optimization, loyalty marketing , and operations. Think new markets and new Customers like China, India, Brazil and Russia. Firms need to be actively targeting this market and make adjustment such as develop local website etc. Last trend is that there are lots of new development in the industry. Facebook start to monetize travel. Google and Apple are also developing their travel related products. This social travel planning tools become successful. Technology develops and standards emerge, mobile bookings may not just be for the last minute.

More and more retail stores are converting to iPad tablets as their POS software. Some stores are using them only for customer internet searches and product display capabilities but many are starting to use them for bigger tasks such as checking inventory and entering product orders. This takes away the need to run back and forth between the stock room and sales floor with pen and paper. As a result, customer service is increased because sales floor presence is greater. Some benefits of order management using the tablets as their POS software are increased employee productivity, reduced out-of-stocks, and more payment flexibility. Now you can use tablets as payment devices with credit cards.  DecisionPoint Systems, a leading provider of mobile and wireless systems for retailers, is now offering an application to help retailers personalize their customers' shopping experience. Aruba Networks has recently presented a new tablet-based software that allows customers to check out from anywhere in the store. Having worked in the retail industry for many years, I think this technology for back-office purposes is very useful. One of my employers had started using tablet technology during my time there and I can attest that it does increase employee productivity. It makes doing inventories, size checks, and ordering management so much easier and faster. Employees are able to stay on the sales floor longer which is especially beneficial in the case of being short-staffed or during shift changes. However, I am a bit skeptical about using these tablets as a form of check out from anywhere in the store. Unless the store has security measures in place for this, it does not seem very theft resistant. Especially in a clothing retailer in which sensors need to be removed. The cashier would have to be carrying around a sensor remover at the time of check-out to make this system really time-saving. 

Whether you are looking for a web-based or software-based POS system, you will want it to be a complete package. It should not only improve customer satisfaction, but also meet your needs as a retail business. The following criteria are what we looked for in these systems to meet both points. This article provides 10 Pos systems, and all of them are above good level in experts' and customers' eyes. It offers a detail analysis from hardware aspect which should include a PC or module, display, keyboard and mouse, high-quality cash drawer, barcode scanner, credit card reader, receipt printer and label printer, from the inventory & Other Features that will help track, organize and supply your inventory, from the customer tracking & labels that is quite beneficial to be able to retain customer information for future transactions, from employees & security that has multiple levels of security access and password protection, from help & support that provide training, technical help and warranty.

This article is an interview with Leigh Tymms from Green Edge Environmental on the marketing benefits of going green. The most beneficial is generating a positive reputation with customers looking to go green. These customers are increasing everyday. According to the article, a report by Travelocity stated that 80% of travelers are willing to pay extra to visit an eco-friendly destination. Basically, more and more guests are taking into consideration the size of a hotels carbon footprint. Although it may be costly originally, in the long run it is also economically beneficial for hotels to go green. Tymms warns that hotels ignoring the green trend in hospitality risk losing customers. And he also suggest that hoteliers make sure they are actually taking steps to go green and not just marketing false claims for revenue gain. 

I have a key chain full of membership cards, tiny ones. I have Wallgreen Balance rewards card, Salon Centric professional store card, PetSmart PetPerks card, Winn Dixie Grocery store card, my vehical elite member card, and my gym membership card to name a few. I think those business (retails) got me. I can't resist their benefits even though I know they try to get my money. It's nice to get a discount here and there, and it really makes shopping fun and keeps me coming back for more with coupons and stuff. I think having a customer loyalty program within POS systems is a great idea especially when enabled via mobile devices.

This article mainly presents an opinion about the importante of webstie in hospitaltiy industiry. It is now becoming the new energy to greatly motivate  hotels.  As the increasing needs of online booking from website, hoteliers have to put more weight on it so that it effectviely meet customers' demands. More video and photos of hotel details are included website to make cutomers vividly learn the hotels they gonna choose. This E marketing tool allows hotels to provide more visual experience to cutomers and capture the target customers in time. Instead of traditional marketing hoteliers use int the early time, Web technology, enable to get more atttentions from customers with fewer employees, reducing labor cost, posters cost and any other advertising cost, which increases revenues of hotels. Also it it provides a more convenient way for hotels to communicate with both clients and customers.