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martha villamizar

Hotel Technology Conference - 0 views

  • The Questex Hospitality – Hotel Technology Conference brings together CIO’s, CTO’s, General Managers, Information Officers and Operations Managers of hotel properties to discuss how existing and emerging technologies can support and help grow new revenue sources, improve operational efficiencies and enhance customer service standards
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    Recently, on October 2012, The Singapore Tourism board hosted a hotel technology conference to effectively inform to this growing industry how existing and emerging technology could be used. The highlights of the conference were how to understand, control, manage, and create the best guest experience. At this conference, they learned at firsthand how industry peers are implementing new technology in the hospitality and tourism industry. . By using technology effectively will support and help the aspects of growing revenue, improving operational efficiencies, and better customer services.
Diya ZHAO

Hospitality Technology - Travel Technology - 0 views

  • these modern, budget-friendly hotels have free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, USB ports in every wall socket, and the ability to check-in and check-out via mobile phone.
  • Wireless technology has changed the way many restaurants do business, with table top tablets being used to give customers control of their dining experiences. Customers are connected to the kitchen and bar directly from their tables, simplifying and expediting the ordering process.
  • To improve future visits, restaurants and hotels are also using wireless technology to gather feedback. For example, guest service solutions such as Benbria and Guestware allow companies in the hospitality industry to collect real-time feedback from their customers, enabling businesses to provide a more personalized experience during their guest’s next visit.
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    Restaurants and hotels were among the first businesses to offer mobile-friendly websites as a way to improve the customer experience. Now, the hospitality industry is looking for new ways to reach consumers who have come to see technology as an integral part of the customer experience.
xwang023

Integrating Technology to Improve Event Production - 0 views

  • GPS technology is a huge time- and money-saver.
  • Barcode scanners make credentialing and other tasks much easier.
  • automated external defibrillator (AED), which can restore a normal heart rhythm in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.
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  • Google Earth is the most accurate tool for route planning and site scouting that we've tested.
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    To improve the efficiency of event managing, event managers need several technology. This article introduced GPS techology, which can used to track vehicle and participants. Barcode scanners are also the important tools that can be used in printing the credentials in advance and check it to the event faster. Because most of the staff and volunteers have smartphone, smartphone based technology such as Excel spreadsheets and google Earth can also useful in sharing information and siting address. In addition, supported by cloud technology, staff can access to their event data from anywhere, which bring huge convenience to event managing, and allow managers effectively control the large event.
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    There are countless forms of technology that can help event professionals do their job better. GPS technology is a huge time- and money-saver. In the old days, we had to print out hundreds of pages with directions to rest stops along our events. Barcode scanners make credentialing and other tasks much easier. Participants can print their credentials in advance and check in to the event faster. Checking participants in and out of rest stops and main sites is faster, too.Another potential lifesaver is the automated external defibrillator (AED), which can restore a normal heart rhythm in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.Besides being free, Google Earth is the most accurate tool for route planning and site scouting that we've tested.
Marcos Oliveira

LEED Certification and Other Green Initiatives Can Be Hotel Marketing Coups , by Carl Rizzo - 0 views

  • from becoming airborne. Green Seal is a non-profit
  • prevent particles from becoming airborne. Green Seal is a non-profit, third-party certifier
  • n the United States, hotels represent more than 5 billion square feet of space, nearly 5 million guest rooms, and close to $4 billion in annual energy use
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  • January 2010, only 40 hospitality properties have achieved so-called LEED
  • certification.
  • LEED is a voluntary, third-party green building certification program that awards points to buildings for satisfying certain green building criteria. In order to be LEED-certified, a building has to implement a plan to reduce building operating costs, its environmental footprint, and resource consumption such as water and energy use.
  • developed by the U.S. Green Building Council
  • non-profit organization
  • intended to provide building owners and operators a basic framework for identifying and employing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions
  • LEED for New Construction and Major Renovations and LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance are the programs which have the most applicability to hospitality projects.
  • In addition, each rating system, including LEED for New Construction and Major Renovations and LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance, is organized into six credit categories
  • sustainable sites; water efficiency; energy and atmosphere; materials and resources; indoor environmental quality and innovation in operations.
  • Once the essential prerequisites are satisfied, developers can thereafter chose which optional credits to pursue in order to obtain certification. Certification levels start at Certified and increase to Silver, Gold and Platinum designations.
  • first hotel to receive LEED Platinum Certification was the Proximity Hotel in Greensboro, North Carolina
  • Proximity Hotel uses 39% less energy and 33% less water then a comparable sized hotel. In addition, the Proximity Hotel was able to recycle 87% of its construction debris
  • By using highly reflective concrete and/or open grid pavers, hospitality companies can help reduce the summer cooling loads for their building, which in turn reduces energy use and pollution generation.
  • installation of 100 solar panels on the roof, which heat about 60% of the hotel and the hotel restaurant’s water; use of geothermal energy for the restaurant’s refrigeration equipment; and installation of the Regenerative Drive model of the Otis’ Gen2 elevator which reduces net energy usage by capturing the elevator’s energy and then feeding it back to the hotel’s electrical grid
  • Many hospitality companies have already introduced green initiatives, such as the use of compact fluorescent light bulbs, offering linen and towel reuse programs as well as various recycling programs
  • Not only are these green initiatives environmentally responsible, but should a hospitality company at some future point seek LEED certification, these green initiatives would earn them points in furtherance of the certification process
  • Paving Parking Lots with Highly Reflective Materials or Open Grid Pavers
  • purchased 40% of the building materials and 90% of its furniture locally and even restored 700 feet of an adjacent stream. Proximity’s most impressive features, however, include:
  • Installing High-Efficiency Plumbing Fixtures
  • Landscaping with Native Plant Species
  • native plants reduce more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere than traditional mowed grass due to their extensive root systems and increased ability to retain and store water
  • Green Cleaning – Using Sustainable Cleaning Products, Materials and Equipment
  • A green cleaning program may include the use of Green Seal Certified household cleaners, Green Seal Certified laundry products, micro-fiber cloths, and dual motor vacuum cleaners with HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters that prevent particles from becoming airborne. Green Seal is a non-profit, third-party certifier
  • third-party certifier
  • Using Local Materials and Goods
  • While not every hotel or hospitality company may be in the financial position to seek LEED certification or undertake costly capital expenditures, there are numerous green initiatives that each and every hospitality company should be considering to improve their efficiencies while also attracting green conscious consumers
  • A simple Google search of “hotels” and “green initiatives” returns more than 27,000,000 hits
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    In the United States, hotels represent more than 5 billion square feet of space, nealry 5 million guest rooms and approxiamtely $4 billion in annual energy use. As of January 2010, there were only 40 hotels that were LEED certified. The acronym LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED is a voluntary, third party green building certification program that awards points to buildings depending on their sustainable practice being implemented which includes building improvements, environemntal footprint and water and energy use. LEED was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, a nonprofit organization. Its main purpose is to provide building owners and operators with a basic framework for developing and implementing sustainable practices. The first hotel to ever be certified according to LEED criteria was the Proximity Hotel in Greensboro, NC. This hote received Platnium status for being able to recycle 87% of its construction debris, purchasing 40% of the building materials and 90% of its furniture locally. Installation of 100 solar panels, use of geothermal energy for the restaurant's refrigeration equipment and instllation of a Regenerative Drive model for its elevators made the Proximity Hotel a benchmark hotel. There are several practices that can make a hotel conserve energy and make it sustainable such as using flourescent lightbulbs, offering linen and towel reuse programs, paving parkig lots with highly reflective materials or open grid pavers, installing high-efficiency plumbing fixtures, landscaping with native plants and using local materials and goods. These will not necessarily lead to LEED certification but will definitely earn points towards obtaining that accredidation. The use of sustainable practices not only helps conserve the environment but also saves money in the long run. Through water conservation techniques, recycling and linen and towel reuse programs, the hospitality industry wins two-fold,
marylauren1717

Motel.com Launches The Green Hotel Initiative | Virtual-Strategy Magazine - 0 views

  • Motel.com is an environmentally conscious company, and felt that it was the right thing to do to launch an initiative to make it easy for folks looking for a “Green Hotel”.
  • Motel.com is now maintaining a “green-feature” search, listing all of the Hotels and Motels that are Eco Friendly, and considered friends of the environment. Many such facilities listed in this new Green Hotel Section are actually Certified by the Greenkey Eco-Rating System, administered by Green Key Global. This new site improvement will now identify those Eco Friendly Hotels, as well as show the best rates.
  • The company reports that many Americans are now aware of the benefits of living an environmentally sound life, and want to be a contributor to further this concept. They know that conserving water, electricity, and natural gas can have a huge economic impact. When people are living this sustainable lifestyle at home, they would like to continue it when they travel. Staying at a “Green Hotel” is a natural choice for them.
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    Motel.com has now launched an initiative to allow customers to search for green hotels. Before this plan was put into action, customers who possessed that green thumb were unable to decipher which properties would meet their sustainable criteria. With a new "green feature" search, Motel.com lists all of the Hotels and Motels that are considered Eco Friendly or friends of the environment which efforts such as conserving water, electricity and natural gas. These properties listed as Eco Friendly are certified by the Greenkey Eco-Rating System by Green Key Global. "The Green Key Eco-Rating Program and Green Key Meetings Program are graduated rating systems designed to recognize green hotels, motels and resorts that are committed to improving their environmental and fiscal performance." With Americans becoming increasingly environmentally conscious, stay in an Eco Friendly Motel or Hotel has become a priority. Indeed, when I travel, I like to stay at a hotel that is better than my home. With these new initiatives in the back of my mind, staying at a certified Eco Friendly hotel would definitely meet my criteria. 
Allen Lok

AP IMPACT: Recession, tech kill middle-class jobs - Yahoo! News - 0 views

  • Year after year, the software that runs computers and an array of other machines and devices becomes more sophisticated and powerful and capable of doing more efficiently tasks that humans have always done
  • I have never seen a period where computers demonstrated as many skills and abilities as they have over the past seven years.
  • Whole employment categories, from secretaries to travel agents, are starting to disappear
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  • Overall, though, technology is eliminating far more jobs than it is creating.
  • Now, that same efficiency is being unleashed in the service economy
  • Technology is eliminating jobs in office buildings, retail establishments and other businesses consumers deal with every day
  • The uncomfortable truth is technology is killing jobs with the help of ordinary consumers by enabling them to quickly do tasks that workers used to do full time, for salaries.
  • Technology is used by companies to run leaner and smarter in good times and bad
  • They realize they don't have to re-hire the humans when business improves, or at least not as many.
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    This is a multi-part series by AP News on how the fast pace of technology is wiping out millions of jobs globally. Technology use is in every economical sector and nobody is immune from job losses. It is terrify to think that our world has become so automated and reliant on technological use. While there are many pros on technology use such as being more efficient, accurate, cost savings, speed and others, it has no doubt taking a toll on the economy as a whole. In the hospitality industry, a few quick examples that come to mind include online travel reservations, IPads taking over the jobs of waiters and waitress or our favorite machine the Smart Bar. These advances are unique but we are slowly moving away from human interaction. The point is while we are taking advantage of technology to improve business operations we must keep in mind that in the hospitality field we are about proving as service to others that should be as individual as possible. It will be interesting to see if this series leads to suggestions on possible future applications of technology that would revitalize the job economy or create new possibilities.
Allen Lok

The Value of Energy Efficiency to Your Guests and Your Bottom Line - 0 views

  • half of respondents said they would spend more money to stay at an eco-friendly accommodation. However, 60% of these same travelers said they rarely felt informed about whether hotels are actually eco-friendly.
  • With approximately 80% of hotel utility costs coming from electricity, natural gas, and steam consumption, implementing energy management strategies can directly impact your bottom line.
  • improving energy efficiency doesn’t necessarily require significant capital investments.
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  • As a first step, hoteliers should use Portfolio Manager, a free, web-based tool that allows you to measure and track your hotel’s energy consumption over time—all while controlling for changes in operating parameters and local weather.
  • achieve significant cost savings and recognition
  • ou can also promote your efforts to enhance your image and reputation to an increasingly environmentally conscious consumer base
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    With so much emphasis this week on the negative environmental impact of computers, I found an article that points hoteliers in a direction on how being green can improve your bottom line. The idea is quite simple; you implement energy or resource saving methods, you pay less utilities. Customers recognize that you are being eco-friendly and are more loyal to your brand. Over time your revenue goes up, there are less expenses and thus impacting your net profits in a positive manner. Then you get to repeat the whole process with newer technology again with the increased profits. Sounds easy right...? So what things should you implement? One idea was Portfolio Manager web tool that tracks all of your hotels energy consumption all while taking in consideration of operational and local weather factors. This is one piece of the solution of on going concerns of environmental destruction taking place industry wide. If everyone contributed in some small way, hopefully we can see a large impact.
anonymous

Latest Technology in Restaurants! iPads as restaurants - 0 views

  • Using an iPod as a menu has the potential to take your restaurant to the next level.
  • Your restaurant will be seen as a trendsetter.
  • They know how to use it, and they will be impressed with the sophisticated presentation you will be able to create with an iPad as the menu card.
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  • Today, the average diner is more sophisticated in every way.
  • You will be able to change your menu on a daily basis and even several times a day if you choose to
  • ablets are also environmentally friendly. You will be able to stop printing paper copies that kill trees and to stop adding to the overwhelming state of waste from printer cartridge
  • You might add games for children or offer games that will connect other patrons to compete against each other in a spirited quiz or puzzle.
  • Using iPads as menus will bring in more customers and improve profits in the end
  • you will be ensuring the success of your future.
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    This article give a good perspective of the Ipad as a menu in restaurants, Ipad, will make your restaurant trendy, because nowadays many restaurants are implementing this advise. Also says how the Ipad will make your business save time and money, since you don't have to print menus again this will contribute to the environment is paperless and you will be able to change the menu as many times as you want even during a day depending on your inventory or other reasons. Basically this article agree that having the Ipad as menu will give more positives aspects and in the end will improve profits to the business. 
jingyaoxie

Hospitality Solution - 1 views

  • POS systems have revolutionized the Hospitality industry. The deployment of these systems have decreased service times and increased efficiency of the orders.As a result, the hospitality industry is able to provide better and efficient services to their guests. Further, these systems help the hosts differentiate themselves from their competition; thereby increasing their market share and improving their revenues.
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    POS systems have become a key in the hospitality industry. With these invention the hospitality industry, is able to provide the best and efficient service to their guests. Also, POS systems allows to have the correct information on profit, inventory, etc. In the market, we have hundreds of companies that are competing in providing the best prices and services....
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    There are so many reasons why a business should choose to go with a point of sales. The ability to track and record sales, marketing and promotional sales allows you to gather data from previous promotions and security is also a plus for adding a point of sales. You can monitor sales without being present; instead of focusing on ensuring that employees don't take money, POS would allow you to perform other jobs within your role.
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    This article discusses only the positives of POS systems. I do agree with the fact that there are many advantages of these systems such as monitoring sales. These systems are also cost-effective and convenient. However, I personally would have liked to see some disadvantages in the article, even though I do feel that these systems are very advantageous to the hospitality industry.
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    POS systems have revolutionized the Hospitality industry. The deployment of these systems have decreased service times and increased efficiency of the orders.As a result, the hospitality industry is able to provide better and efficient services to their guests. Further, these systems help the hosts differentiate themselves from their competition; thereby increasing their market share and improving their revenues. Moreover, these systems help the industry in managing compliance & regulations into their business practices. Hospitality is the act or practice of reception and entertainment of guests with kind and generous liberality. It is a relationship between a guest and a host. The hospitality industry includes hotels, restaurants ,casinos,catering, resorts, membership clubs, conventions, attractions, special events,and other service for travelers and tourists.
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    POS systems have revolutionized the Hospitality industry. The deployment of these systems have decreased service times and increased efficiency of the orders.As a result, the hospitality industry is able to provide better and efficient services to their guests. Further, these systems help the hosts differentiate themselves from their competition; thereby increasing their market share and improving their revenues. Moreover, these systems help the industry in managing compliance & regulations into their business practices. Hospitality is the act or practice of reception and entertainment of guests with kind and generous liberality. It is a relationship between a guest and a host. The hospitality industry includes hotels, restaurants ,casinos,catering, resorts, membership clubs, conventions, attractions, special events,and other service for travelers and tourists.
Jenan Williams

http://www.todaysfacilitymanager.com/2012/09/services-maintenance-proactive-energy-mana... - 0 views

This article is quite interesting when analyzing how important your facilities management team is to your business. The article highlight great cost saving by using smart technology such as intelli...

started by Jenan Williams on 06 Oct 12 no follow-up yet
Linfan Cai

Hospitality Accounting, Hospitality Accountant, Hospitality Accountants Melbourne - 0 views

  • Sothertons Chartered Accountants are your hospitality accounting specialists;
  • Unlike traditional accounting practises, Sothertons is not divided along business lines; our industry sector practices means we understand your business operations in every area.
  • Sothertons specialist hospitality accounting services include:
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  • see clearly the relationship between decisions and performance and stay ahead of your competition.
  • Our niche accounting practices combined with our hotel, food and restaurant accounting staff will deliver reliable expertise and long-term cost saving opportunities.
  • Working with Sothertons Chartered Accountants will add value to your existing accounting process and improve your hospitality business profitability.
  • ensuring sales and profits are maximised.
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    This web is about a group named Sothertons  Chartered Accountants. Its major meaning is researching the new hospitality accounting management. They provide experienced accounting services to those in this industry.     It is not like the traditional accounting practices. In this company, everyone in every area, must understand their operation very much. They have some specialist services such as Industry benchmarking and KPI management, working capital management and so on.     They could analyze their competitors when you see clearly relationship between decisions and performance. They could help you to solve the accounting problem and satisfy your business needs. For example, their accounting services could cover many areas like hotel, restaurant, catering and food and wine businesses.     The Sothertons Chartered Accountants have influence for the accounting process and could improve your hospitality business profitability. They have the professional ability to cover clients' profits.
Xu Wang

Hospitality industry invests in IT - IT Business - News & Features - ITP.net - 0 views

  • IT spending in the hospitality industry is set to rise in 2011 with 56% of hospitality organisations
  • 91% of hospitality decision makers are aware of the importance of mobile and wireless technology and 78% recognise the role that mobility plays in ensuring a competitive advantage for their business.
  • Hospitality decision makers are now investing in mobile technologies to support customer-centric applications,
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  • for the future, while improving sales and productivity, streamlining operations and increasing customer satisfaction in the near-term,
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    Nowadays, according to the Motorola Solutions 2011 Hospitality Market Barometer, nearly all hospitality decision makers are aware of the importance of mobile and wireless technology and recognize the role that mobility plays. So the hospitality industry begin to invest more money in IT industry. Actually, technology really helps the hospitality industry a lot, it improves sales and productivity, streamlines operations and increases customer satisfaction in the near-term.
cmogu001

Tools That Keep Online Customers Coming Back | E-Commerce | E-Commerce Times - 0 views

  • More than 44 percent of firms currently use Web analytics to evaluate customer behavior, researchers found.
  • Companies personalizing home pages and delivering targeted content are the ones realizing the most value from their analytical evaluations, the report suggests.
  • 59 percent of industry-leading retailers list keeping pace with competitors as a top driver for their online initiatives.
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  • Businesses will differentiate themselves on the uniqueness of their products, competitive pricing and the quality of their service operations.
  • As customers demand more from their e-commerce Web sites, their preference for consistency while shopping online must be satisfied.
  • What's interesting here is that 53 percent of best-in-class merchants list Web 2.0 technologies on their road maps for development initiatives in the next 24 months.
  • Forty-two percent of all retailers strive to improve data integration processes by centralizing databases and sharing information throughout their enterprises, according to the study.
  • Leverage the use of analytics to determine online customer behavior, buying patterns and habits
  • Adoption of online tools should facilitate interaction by customers -- e.g., interactive product imaging and site search.
  • Effective personalization and use of analytics as a dynamic function can lead to increased customer conversions, higher customer satisfaction and strengthened brand loyalty.
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    This article expounds how customers demand more from their e-commerce web sites and how their preference for consistency while shopping online must be satisfied in order for any business to remain successful. The article points out and elaborates on how e-commerce is really an all encompassing strategy that companies could use to sell their products and services, both online and offline to potential customers. The article also mentions how consumers are more likely to purchase any products or services from companies that leave them feeling more informed and secure in their purchase decisions. Most e-commerce platforms facilitate the integration of multiple applications such as online storefronts, POS systems, real-time inventory tracking and customer analytics into a single management platform. Lastly, because online shoppers are empowered with an abundance of competitive advantages it is important for retailers and other hospitality businesses to strive to improve data integration processes by centralizing databases and sharing information throughout their company.
rpere092

Ingenico Group and Datacap Deliver Seamless and Secure Pay-at-the-Table Solution to the Restaurant Industry | Business Wire - 0 views

  • “In addition to improving our customer experience, the Pay-at-the-Table solution provides a number of benefits for our business and employees, including increased efficiency and table turnover. With the Pay-at-the-Table solution, we’re also able to offer our customers curbside pickup, allowing them to receive their food and pay without needing to leave their car, which many of our customers take advantage of.”
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    This article showcases the benefits Uncle Oogie's Pizzeria chain has seen since the installation of Ingenico's Pay-at-the-Table stations. Along with Datacap Systems technology, the new stations are very effective in the restaurants and have shown positive results in various areas. These terminals have increased profitability as a result of high table turnover, reduced wait times, increased customer service, and improved business efficiency. All of Uncle Oogie's payment transactions are encrypted via a multi-layered security approach.
Sasha Bravo

Industry Outlook | Top Stories | | Hospitality Magazine (HT) - 0 views

  • Steve Barrow, VP of IS, Luby’s Inc
  • have seen some next generation hotel management systems that are truly cloud-based (no thin client installs). They have the ability to integrate with social media outlets, CRM and all the other major management modules, allowing the guest to ultimately have a better interaction with their online hotel profile and booking abilities.
  • I believe a mobile payments standard such as Google Wallet or NFC on smartphones is an emerging technology with profound implications. The service will allow a customer to access all of his account balances and payment methods
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  • I hope to see a single mobile device be your unique and secured identifier for everything from loyalty programs to payment transactions, to hotel room entry. This might be NFC or something else. Such a large percentage of our guests are carrying mobile devices, we should be able to identify them uniquely and have them authorize the sharing of this information for multiple purposes. Personally I hate having to carry 30 cards in m
  • I would expect apps to be available to give the guest a new, unique experience to their guest room, not only from the booking side, but also the experience once they have entered your hotel; much more than just a booking widget.
  • Tech is experiencing an innovation boom, and many in the hospitality industry are ready to replace the “slow to adopt” mentality with strategic IT investments. From cloud computing to mobile devices, hotels and restaurants are monitoring, testing and deploying new solutions that improve the guest experience, streamline operations across vast franchise networks, and bring greater security to their enterprises.
  • y wallet for varied functions. I know there are multiple vendors doing some facets of this chip-based ID, but the entity that standardizes and creates buy-in from consumers will be huge in the future of hospitality and retail markets.
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    This article looked at the views on IT investments of Hospitality Technology's Editorial Advisory Board. The Board represents a variety of hospitality industries. The article focused on areas of improvement, emerging technologies, IT priorities for 2012, "wish list" IT investments, and more. Among the areas for improvement, guest Wi-Fi and mobile apps, loss prevention technologies, and social media targeting older clientele topped the list. Older guests connecting to and understanding social media are a worry among many of the Board members as well as lack of standardized, secure payment methods. Many also mention that their current systems (POS in particular) tend to hold them back from implementing new IT technologies because they would not be compatible.  Most Board members listed having mobile devices that could be used for a variety of purposes on the guest end as well as on the business end would be top on their "wish list" for IT implementations. With almost everyone owning smartphones today, I think this would be the smartest and most effective IT implementation to invest in. Many customers and guests are looking for easy and accessible ways of navigating through the hotel and restaurant environments without extensive help from others. Since many people, especially the generation coming up, are more and more attached to their phones and tablets, mobile apps for nearly everything seems like the smart way to go.  Cloud-based servers were a close second in terms of what they wanted in invest in. Many of the Board members pinpointed technologies that have been around but are still new, especially in their respective areas, when speaking of useful emerging technologies. Mobile apps, tablet and 73456
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    this article gives a great overview of the steps leaders in the Hospitality industry are taking towards new technology. In this article members of the industry were interview regarding weaknesses in the current hospitality market as well as emerging trends that each believe is in rapid increase. Some of the answers give very interesting approach towards technology. Although, overall it seems that the number one emerging technology is the use of cloud-based/mobile-based services.
Xinyu Tian

- USATODAY.com - 1 views

  • To keep robes and towels from checking out, a small but growing number of hotels are starting to use new radio frequency chips to keep track of their inventory.
  • Bendable and washable, the tags can be read by sensors up to 6 feet away. When towels are removed from a closet, for example, a reader station can register how many, so that the closet can be restocked.
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    This article in USATODAY published in 2011 talks about the cost benefit analysis of RFID tags and hotel linens. Hotels are using this technology to keep an accurate count of all their linens: bathrobes, bed sheets, towels, bathmats, pool towels, etc. The benefit of having an accurate count is especially significant today with the rising price of oil which in turn raises everything including cotton. By investing an additional dollar per towel the Hotel can cut down on labor costs and improve housekeeping productivity. The initial investment is high which is why many hotels cannot afford the technology. I would recommend that high-end luxury hotels invest in the RFID tags however because of the higher prices of luxury linens. By preventing asset pilfering the Hotel will retain their initial investment in linens.
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    Data field encryption can be the solution to protect the credit card information of the guests. Nowadays there are still problems with cardholder data in many establishments such as bars, restaurants, shopping stores, and hotels.
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    RFID technology can be applied to various aspects of operations at a hotel. For example, RFID tags can be used to keep track of linens and laundry items to save costs and improve guest satisfaction. About 5% to 20% of linens at hotels typically go missing.
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    Based on other related articles I read, it seems like the utilization of RFID technology will start increasing its use in hospitality industry in 2-3 years and become the mainstream of tracking system in the next 4 years.
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    Since the RFID tags are being added to hotel property there are no privacy concerns as well making this technology more user acceptable.
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    In my cruise ship post, I mention that wrist bands are now RFID enabled to keep tabs on the wherebouts of guests on the ships and on large resort complexes as well. They actually make a great secure way of payments while on vacation. You just tap/scan the wristband and can charge items to your room.
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    I saw that and I enjoyed your cruise ship article very much. However I am glad that cruise ships are still making RFID wrist bands optional because of privacy concerns, the last thing you want to worry about while on vacation.
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    In my opinion it's an ideal solution but a bit impratical. Is it worth spending that one extra dollar on all the linens in a hotel just to prevent 5% to 20% known loss? Intention of cutting losses might end with increasing cost. Don't forget the tracking RFID also requires maintenance, which also costs extra.
YU CHEN

iPad POS use rising among restaurants | Nation's Restaurant News - 1 views

  • Wishart said the most appealing aspect of the iPad is how it speeds up the ordering process in the restaurant. “The orders are in the kitchen or bar while the server is still at the table,” he said.
  • He said food and beverage notes can quickly be called up from the tablets’ built-in applications or third-party software by the wait staff to answer guest inquiries.
  • Wishart said he spent about $3,000 on the hardware — including around $500-plus for each of four iPads and another $900 or so for four wireless printers, two of which are in the kitchen, while the third and fourth are in the bar and dining room. That compares with the $12,000 to $20,000 upfront costs of some conventional POS systems, he said.
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  • Wishart said Trio has yet to suffer any significant snafus with the cloud service. He expressed confidence in the reliability of, and redundancy of systems in, the data centers operated by e-commerce giant Amazon.com, from which Lecere contracts for support.
  • He added that the cloud-based model’s elimination of store-level software maintenance further sweetened the deal for him
  • Lappert is among the iPad POS users or vendors that have adapted magnetic stripe readers for credit and debit cards for use with the iPads. Others, such as Wishart, are processing card payments with one or more free-standing readers, such as the one behind the bar at Trio.
  • “You don’t have to worry about servers coming back into the kitchen 10 or 15 times a night asking questions, and the recipes for all the bar drinks are there, too,” Wishart said.
  • Wishart said he spent about $3,000 on the hardware — including around $500-plus for each of four iPads and another $900 or so for four wireless printers, two of which are in the kitchen, while the third and fourth are in the bar and dining room. That compares with the $12,000 to $20,000 upfront costs of some conventional POS systems, he said.
  • the touch-screen device’s ease of use, among other benefits
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    The article, iPad POS Use Rising Among Restaurants, reflects the evolution and implementation of both hardware and POS software within the restaurant industry. The iPad is revolutionizing POS systems, helping to increase the efficiency for the restaurants. According to Chris Wishart, restaurateur of the Trio Restaurant & Bar, "You don't have to worry about servers coming back into the kitchen 10 or 15 times a night asking questions". This allows for the quicker and more efficient placing of orders that contribute to higher customer satisfaction, which is to an extent difficult to measure. As well, Wishart comments about the hardware cost an estimated $3,000, in comparison to the typical upfront POS system costs of $12,000 to $20,000. Including, the use of the cloud base technology has eliminated the need for store software upkeep. The iPad is a versatile hardware that has allowed POS software companies to benefit mutually along with restaurants.
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    This article introduces using ipad as a POS in restaurants. Customers liking ipad, this is a big advantage of using ipad to take the order. What's more, ipad can improve the efficiency for the restaurant and decrease the workload of servers. "You don't have to worry about servers coming back into the kitchen 10 or 15 times a night asking questions, and the recipes for all the bar drinks are there, too," And ipad POS can bring the benefit for the cost of the restaurants. In addition, it also has the reliability to assure users.
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    It is a revolution that tablet brings to restaurant industry. Taking orders, reservation, planning and inventory, all things are possible with iOS platform devices. Both restaurants and guests like new tablet POS because it improve experience and time efficient. Both servers and restaurant owners like it because it is cheaper to set up comparing with traditional POS.
Stephanie De Paz

Wireless Communication Technology Improves Guest Service in Hotel | NowPublic News Coverage - 0 views

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    In the hospitality industry, the main focus is customer satisfaction and providing great service. Providing quality services to guests more often then not means physically taking items to patrons, escorting them somewhere et cetera. Mobility is key to providing services to guests and it is important to communicate between staff within the hotel in order to keep track of employees and their whereabouts. Dated technology, such as loud and brick sized walkie talkies, were becoming hindrances to the effort in providing exceptional service. New wireless communication technology can make communications between employees more efficient and less intrusive on guests. Minimizing the amount of background nonsense they hear will surely improve their view on service in the hotel industry.
Mengchao Li

China's E-Commerce Market: The Logistics Challenges | Publications - 0 views

  • Build your own networks. Many large e-commerce players are choosing to build their own internal logistics networks, incorporating their own teams into the business model to ensure quality. Some of these companies established the in-house capabilities at their inception, but some only did so after suffering serious logistics bottlenecks from relying on third-party logistics centers and delivery teams. The improved quality and resource control have proved worthwhile, both in increased speed of delivery and improved customer experience. Figure 4: Last mile (intra-city) delivery economics
  • Outsource to third-party providers. Given the lack of scale and capabilities, most e-commerce companies still outsource their delivery services to third-party express companies. Most express delivery providers in China can be grouped into two types
  • Form partnerships or acquire existing firms. A third approach is to invest in existing logistics companies or form partnerships with them. Alibaba, the e-commerce giant that owns Taobao, invested $4.5 million in Star Express. Alibaba's founder, Ma Yun, also invested in Best Logistics, which subsequently acquired a 70 percent stake in HTO; Star Express and HTO are the major Chinese express delivery companies.
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    E-commerce has been going through a faster, sustainable and overwhelming developing era, particularly in China. Within over 450 million of people using internet to communicate, China has been potential to lead the development of E-commerce and E-business. This article talks about 3 proven strategies helping China to well improve the E-commerce industry which are to build our own networks, outsource to third-party providers and form partnerships or acquire existing firms. i do believe these kind of methods will boost a brand new ending for our E-commerce development.
Deborah Fromer

Philippines lags behind ASEAN neighbors in competitiveness as a tourist destination | BusinessWorld Online Edition - 0 views

  • THE PHILIPPINES is lagging behind most of its neighbors in Southeast Asia in terms of its competitiveness as a tourism destination, a recent report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) showed, citing insufficiencies especially when it comes to business environment and infrastructure.
  • Based on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) "Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2012," the Philippines ranks seventh out of the eight ASEAN member countries included in the report.
  • The country
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  • trailed behind Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia and Vietnam.
  • In ranking the countries, WEF used three subindices that include several categories.
  • In the second subindex of business environment and infrastructure, the categories are air and ground transport infrastructures; information and communication technology infrastructure; and price competitiveness.
  • The Philippines lagged behind the most in the second subindex.
  • It was, however, offset by the ratings the Philippines got for the other categories in that subindex, which ranged from 2.5 to 2.8.
  • Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. said "the figures are not consistent with the continuous growth (average of 16%) of foreign tourist arrivals." "Be that as it may, we are determined to improve country competitiveness in all aspects," he said in a text message yesterday. -- A. E. Barrameda
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    The World Economic Forum (WEF) has indicated that the Philippines is lagging behind in tourism travel due the lack of business environment and infrastructure. There were four millions visitors in 2011 to the Philippines; but based on a Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report in 2012, by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) the Philippines is behind in tourism and one of the reasons is the information and communication infrastructure. It is behind countries like Malaysia and Indonesia ranking very low. The Tourism Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. indicated, by text, that the figures don't match the growing tourist arrivals and they will improve their countries' competitiveness in all areas.
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    This is interesting since this country is very familiar with the English language, something Americans prefer when traveling, and the travel by Philippine Americans back to the Philippines is frequent for business purposes, but it seems that helping to build a better communication infrastructure is not on the top of there business agendas.
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