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joshusingdiigo

EVEN™ Hotels Introduce PDC's Smart Band® RFID Wristband System for Keyless Room Entry and Cashless Purchasing - PDC - 0 views

  • PDC’s Smart Band® RFID wristband system has been used by leading amusement parks, water parks, resorts, and music festivals to deliver unique and convenient applications that help redefine the guest experience
  • As each chip contains a unique ID number, the bands are impossible to duplicate.
  • EVEN™ Hotels guests receive an RFID room keycard, and for $8, may purchase a waterproof Smart Band® with a securely sealed RFID chip inside that stores and verifies guest data when scanned by a reader.
  •  
    In 2014 EVEN Hotels began a launch of RFID bands to secure guest information. The trial began giving customers the option to keep these when departing. In the hotel industry, getting rid of old systems like key cards for rooms, eliminates so many problems. One of the many benefits is less complaints about room keys not working properly. However, the guest is free to use this band wherever they are on site. After reading this it was clear that there was not a security issue with these bands, as they are personalized for the guest. The only negative I see with the bands is if the tech behind it is sustainable enough to be consistent during busy seasons.
anonymous

Miami Heat's American Airlines Arena Could Soon Be Renamed FTX Arena - The Next Miami - 0 views

  • A website with the FTX Arena name along with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram profiles have already been registered.
  • FTX is a cryptocurrency exchange with offices in Hong Kong and San Francisco.
  • The company is run by a 28-year-old cryptocurrency trader
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  • The county took over responsibility for the naming rights from the Miami Heat, and agreed to pay the team $2 million per year in exchange for the right to keep any excess income above that amount. Consultants told commissioners that they could expect to earn much more than $2 million for the rights.
  • Miami-Dade turned over the valuable waterfront land for the arena to the Heat at no cost in 1997, and the team also pays no property taxes.
jiayi017

Can we fix our way out of the growing e-waste problem? - BBC News - 0 views

  • Can we fix our way out of the growing e-waste problem?
  • he 50 million tonnes of e-waste generated every year will more than double to 110 million tonnes by 2050, making it the fastest growing waste stream in the world, according to the author of a UN report.
  • But e-waste from discarded electrical and electronic products is only part of the problem. A significant contributor to e-waste is the release of toxins from mining and manufacturing.
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  • "The issue of electronic waste is overlooked, as electronic items that could be fixed easily go to waste instead, contributing to pollution and increasing the demand for components like rare earth elements, which can have a damaging impact on the environment when sourced."
  • The rare earth elements being mined are currently crucial components in high-tech electronics, but they are hazardous to extract.
  • "But the truth is that one in five people - at best - are going to be motivated to do that, so for the remaining four out of five, we need to put systems in place that are convenient, that match their lifestyles and enable us to get the electronic equipment back... into the next item."
  • "There is the high risk that the pollutants are not taken care of properly, or they are taken care of by an informal sector and recycled without properly protecting the workers, while emitting the toxins contained in e-waste," Prof Williams says.
  • By far the biggest contributors to the level of e-waste are household appliances such as irons, vacuum cleaners, washing machines and fridges.
  • There are rules on the management of e-waste. Sellers of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) within the European Union must provide ways for customers to dispose of their old household device when they sell them a new version of the same product.
  • "This project allows you to reduce waste, extend the life of objects, and it helps people who cannot afford to get rid of items that have developed a fault," he says.
  • world-wide collections are stagnating or even decreasing
  • In countries where there is no national e-waste legislation in place, e-waste is likely treated as other or general waste. This is either land-filled or recycled, along with other metal or plastic wastes
  • the rapidly-growing "Internet of things" - internet-connected gadgets - is expected to generate e-waste at a faster rate, as connectivity becomes embedded into everyday items
  •  
    How e-waste is being manage in some countries and what people are doing to reduce their impact on e-waste.
  •  
    This article mainly introduces the problems caused by e-waste and related solutions. E-waste not only affects environmental issues such as rare earth elements when it is landfilled or incinerated, but also the mining of its equipment manufacturing also affects the social environment, because a certain amount of emissions may be released in the process. Toxins are a great harm to the environment and the human body. Therefore, with the continuous emergence of e-waste disposal problems, some companies such as Apple and Sony have begun to extend the life of their equipment in recent years, and encourage customers to trade-in for recycling, making a certain effective contribution to the growing e-waste.
llaff002

Top 10 Event Management Trends for 2019 - Eventina - 0 views

  • Smartphones have more capabilities and connections to our lives, event tech is becoming more reasonably priced and targeted to individual needs, and tech that used virtual and augmented reality was on many people’s gift-giving lists this year.
  • Instead of long-winded speeches, short talks are combined with activities that let the audience learn first-hand how to apply what they learned. Hands-on experiences have the advantage of adding extreme value to learning, while also aiding in the stress reduction of the attendees. To facilitate an even deeper level of immersion, make sure your sessions have definite time frames and tangible incentives.
  • Traverse the communication gap: Use remote translation services. Finding local translators isn’t always easy. With this type of technology, translators could be available remotely or through an app giving your attendees a good communication experience regardless of time and where they are at your event. Save money using remote translation services. Apps don’t have to be paid hourly, for travel, or incidentals. Use subject matter experts regardless of their knowledge of the language that most of your attendees speak. This frees up the selection process to find the person who knows the most without sacrificing attendee experience or understanding.
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  • Harness the power of chat for a better response: Design a system to answer questions with chat. It’s faster for attendees and won’t tie up your staff with the same old “where is the restroom” type question. Use chatbots for exit surveys. They are much more adept at matching questions with answers and using “if, then” pathways for more meaningful information gathering. Plus they’re fun for your audience. Employ chatbots to assist attendees on next steps. Voice assistants have become wildly popular because they’re easy and enjoyable to use and they act as our own personal attendant. They can remind us of engagements as well as tasks. Use chatbots to tell attendees if their silent auction bid was trumped or what their next session is and where it’s located.
  • Use live 360-degree video (what many refer to as VR) to connect remote audiences. Give them the opportunity to attend an event together in order to bolster buying online-only tickets.
  • Host a health fair as part of a larger medical society conference. This leads to raised awareness, gives back to the destination city, builds brand awareness, knowledge and support and, ultimately, affects those members of the public that participate.
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    Great article looking at the trends in events, many of which I have witnessed this past year. What I would like for the class to read is the description of awareness based events. As my husband's an associate dean of a hospitality school, he worked with his event and conference manager and his dietetic program chair to create an interactive health fair looking at diabetes education and attracted 300 participants. I observed the power of community based programming in the event space and how this type of programming may be the future.
avila031

The Top Hotel Technology Trends the Industry's Talking about in 2018 - 1 views

  • The hotel industry may be rooted in old-fashioned hospitality, but it’s also constantly breaking new ground with its technological innovations.
  • And as new technology emerges it gives flight to new guest expectations,
  • That reason is the wow effect it has on the viewer. It’s also the reason why hotels are starting to use drone photography to capture dazzling images of their hotels from dizzying new heights to captivate guests online.
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  • intuitive tools that make hotel marketing as easy and effective as possible while requiring as little time and effort as possible.
  • But the most urgent mobile-related hotel technology trend to adapt to would be a mobile-optimized booking funnel.
  • Hotel room renovations are no longer primarily about design
  • high-speed Internet to mobile keycard accessibility, smart beds, in-room tablets, and more Internet-of-things innovations.
  • With a virtual concierge, guests can do everything from making dinner reservations to requesting more pillows on a phone app or in-room device.
  •  
    This article explains how guests expectations are constantly changing and evolving because of technology and leading to wants for the hospitality industry to implement innovations. It also details some of the main up and coming trends and what each one aids in. For example, it mentions the trend of using drones for photography and explains that the images captivate potential customers and wows them. Interestingly it also discusses the trend of virtual concierges which can be seen as surprising being as this was such a person on person experience and the article reports that it is freeing up staff resources. It concludes with possible future trends.
leahesper

Business Insider - 0 views

  • Although Blockbuster began a rentals-by-mail and streaming service belatedly in order to fight against competitors like Netflix, they didn’t come on strong enough or soon enough.
  • It was a battle between old technology and new technology, and it looks like new technology won out in the end.
  • That being said, Netflix is definitely the most successful of these Blockbuster-replacement services and has been steadily gaining traction over the years
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  • They started out as a DVD rentals-by-mail service and business has been booming ever since they introduced a streaming subscription service as well.
  • “Back in 2000, Blockbuster declined several offers to purchase Netflix for a mere $50 million.”
  • Blockbuster is certainly hitting themselves for not jumping at the offer, which may have seemed irrelevant and unimportant at the time.
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    I chose this article because I believe it is a perfect example of how to make the most out of the technology revolution! Blockbuster did not see the opportunity fast enough and so Netflix put them completely out of business. There are advantages and disadvantages to the "wait and see" approach but I think in this case, Blockbuster missed out on a huge opportunity and they didn't look into the future as they should have. As technology is constantly evolving, the only way to keep up is to stay current.
bhern082

11 new ways technology is transforming cruise ships - 6 views

  • from passport credentials to food preferences, and
  • you will be sent your wearable Ocean Medallion (the size of a coin, this can be worn as a bracelet or necklace) in advance.
  • . But some cruise lines have put millions into developing multi-faceted wearable technology that solves the problem entirely.
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  • Royal Caribbean’s WOWbands ($4.99/£3.70 or free depending on ship and class of travel) look like watch straps, but use radio frequency technology to open your cabin door. You can use Carnival Corporation’s wearable Ocean Medallion (free to all guests) with the Ocean Compass app to order food, drink and retail items on demand. It also unlocks your cabin door as you approach
  • Interactive maps are becoming far easier to use than expected thanks to the digital way-finder on the MSC for Me app. Just indicate where you want to go, and a map will demonstrate how to get there from your current location.
  • A rather futuristic option is available on some AIDA Cruises and Costa Cruises ships in the form of a robot called Pepper, which provides guests with information, including how to ge
  • t from A to B
  • on board.
  • MSC Meraviglia has 114 interactive screens that allow you to book dinner as well as other activities, such as the theatre or spa, with few clicks and a swipe of your wearable bracelet
  • Carnival is launching MedallionNet soon (prices currently unavailable), which it says will be the fastest internet connection at sea and will provide pervasive cabin coverage. 
  • With MSC Cruises’ wearable bracelet, however, you can monitor your children in real-time and know where they are at any moment. T
  • With MSC’s interactive bracelet (or the Cruise Card) you can pay for everything, from your shopping session at the 100-metre high street to your evening meals. The wearable technology means staff quickly know who you are and your first language, which adds a sparkle to the customer service.
  • Personalised recommendations (such as which bottle of wine to try) will be offered on MSC Meraviglia in the not-too-distant future as part of the digital concierge service.
  • A modern take on arts and crafts can be enjoyed with the HP Sprout, scanner and 3D printer. Here children (around 7-12 years old) can design their own creations in the computer and then print 3D versions to take home
  • The days of cruise passengers feeling disconnected from the rest of the world while at sea are gone, which is good news for first-timers who may not have got their sea legs yet. 
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    This article features 11 new tech features that cruise ships have implemented.Technology is transforming these floating hotels into smart cities. From remote check-in, wearable technology, to geo-locating your children aboard. These tech gadgets are helping cruisers enjoy their time aboard as stress free as possible. As stated by the author "Once on board, it didn't take too long to figure out how the MSC for Me app, public interactive screens, cabin TV and wearable bracelet, available for the first time on Meraviglia, all worked together to streamline and enhance life on board."
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    This is great technology and can most certainly be studied while in use to better assist guests in having that "stress free" vacation. The technology is personalized and almost seamless in using since they have made it into something of "jewelry" to help avoid it being an irritating app. I see this being developed in many more places other than just cruise ships and Disney. It is very convenient for the guests.
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    I agree that this technology is very useful for guests. Personally, it would make me feel less like I was in a floating hotel and more like a floating city. I would enjoy the possibility of finding a solution to a problem that I was having without having to wait in line at guest services, which would potentially save me time and give me the ability to return to whatever onboard activity I was engaged in.
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    I agree. I think this technology will be very beneficial for not just guests but also for the cruise lines. This helps collect data and help personalize the guest experience. This will have guests coming back time and time again. This also provides an incredible guest experience since they won't have to wait in long stressful lines. I think this technology is very beneficial for both the guests and employees.
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    Cruise ships have really stepped up their game when it comes to technology. I wrote a paper last semester about Princess Cruise Line's latest technology, the OceanMedallion. This little wearable device allows guests to unlock a whole new level of different features such as room key, tracking system, and a bunch of different amenities. It will be interesting to see what other cruise lines come up with to compete with this.
duyingli

Hardware vs. Software - Difference and Comparison - Diffzi - 0 views

  • Hardware and software are two important components in any computing, electronic or digital device.
  • The main difference between hardware and software is that hardware is always in a tangible form while the software is in intangible form and is a set of instruction without which computer can’t operate.
  • Computer software includes computer programs, applications, operating systems, libraries, and their associated documentation.
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  • Hardware is available in physical and tangible form while the software is available in intangible form as we can’t see the software.
  • Hardware has weight while the software is weightless. The weight is only of the disc or readable media where software is saved.
  • Installing new software called updating while installing new hardware or replacing the old one is called upgrading.
  • The virus always attacks software, not hardware.
  •  
    This article shows the difference between computer software and hardware. Software and hardware are interdependent to ensure the computer's operation. Both are indispensable. The article first compares software and hardware, then explains the software and hardware separately, and finally points out a few key differences.
  •  
    This is a great article that brings out the difference between hardware and software in computer systems. The author points out that both hardware and software are vital components in any electronic, computing, and digital device and that they are interdependent. However, there are distinct differences between the two. While software describes instructions that a computer uses to carry out operations, such as programming software and application software, hardware describes a physical device that carries out tasks based on the instructions provided by the software. Besides, hardware is tangible while software is intangible.
sbarr011

Top 7 Features of an Event Planning Software - event planning software - 3 views

  • You can simply use an all-in-one event planning software.
  • If you are using CRMs and emailing tools, you may ask the software provider to integrate these systems into the event management platform.
  • As soon as attendees will log into the event website, they will be presented with these platforms so that they can interact with co-attendees before, during and after an event.
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  • For conferences, a corporate event planning software may meet very specific needs such as awards management.
  • A delegate event app is a mobile application that attendees can download to their mobile devices before the start of an event. It will include various functions such as seeing event details, setting meetings with other attendees, and even in-app messaging. On the other hand, the check-in app is designed for event organisers.
  • The event planning software simply makes communication between you and your attendees easier and less cumbersome.
  • You can either upload email lists in the software or work on databases from past registrations. This feature is very helpful if you are soliciting feedback from your attendees after an event.
  • If you are still employing old-school methods such as using paper registration forms and accepting offline bank transfers, it is time that you turn to technology to automate these processes. Registration and ticketing can now be easily done through an event website. An event planning software practically allows any interested party to register and pay for your event online.
  • create an event website for your upcoming events; this is one of the best ways for you to generate publicity.
  • One of the most practical uses of a software for event planning is its feature to let you build your own event website
  • Investing in a software that is entirely dedicated to helping you with your tasks just might be your best move yet.
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    This article discusses the top seven features of event planning software. This can be applied to any business in the hospitality and tourism industry. If the hospitality or tourism company has the money to invest in event planning and registration software, it would be a very smart move to do so. The first feature the article mentions is that the software can build, for example, the hotel or restaurant its own event website which can help generate publicity for the event. Secondly, the article mentions that with event management software, registration, ticketing and payment methods can all be done online. Thirdly, the article mentions that this software allows companies to upload email lists from past registration and helps to manage email campaigns. This can be an avenue where the hotel or restaurant can advertise their event and also allow guests provide feedback after the event. The fourth feature of event planning software that this article mentions is that some event planning software can allow for mobile check-in for attendees, easily look up event details, and allow for in-app messaging. This feature can also be available in free event planning software. The fifth feature mentioned was that some software can also incorporate awards management into their platform. The sixth feature mentioned was the ability for guests to network and interact with each other through the app before, during and after the event. Lastly, the seventh feature mentioned is that multiple systems (such as emailing tools or CRM tools) can be integrated into event planning software so all of the event planning needs can be in one place. Event management software will help "automate the event management lifecycle" which can be beneficial for both the hospitality and tourism business and their customers.
khadija2050

Corporate travel distribution is broken - now some blame the GDSs | PhocusWire - 0 views

  • , NDC and retailing in the corporate space is the simplification of the traveler’s experience.
  • the traveler buys their fare here, their bag there. Why can’t that all be wrapped up in one bundle and sold at the point of sale for the corporate traveler
  • “It eliminates expense report nightmares
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  • The consensus among panelists was that the GDSs have been slow to advance the technology needed to help airlines achieve their distribution goals with NDC.
  • h a gun to their head.
  • customers simply want access to content
  • Our role is to use our size and influence to talk to GDSs, get them to the table, to airlines about how do we move forward.
  • The distribution model is broken, and airlines are signing GDS contracts pretty much with a gun to their head, and I don’t think that’s a healthy or sustainable way
  • But the longer we cling to this old model that’s been around forever and doesn’t work
  • The distribution model is broken, and airlines are signing GDS contracts pretty much wit
  • They’ve been very slow to advance their technology. When NDC becomes a commercial issue, that’s not what [NDC] is
  • GDSs are realizing, you better catch up or you’re going to be in trouble.”
  • has been slow to meet the needs of the end traveler, and it’s up to those in the industry to scrutinize whatever is blocking that path.
  • the GDS doesn’t acknowledge products, it’s hard to build.
  • The customer is suffering. There are products created for their benefit they cannot see and cannot buy
  • It’s not just about shopping, not just about selection
  • “We have to do it in a way where the whole process can be effectively managed for the traveler/buyer. Different suppliers are going at different paces. What we don’t want is an inconsistent experience for the end custom
  • With airlines having different capabilities and services and moving at different speeds, and the GDS having to do individual implementation for each, it becomes more complicated.
  • You did shit across the last decade. The GDS playbook for the past 10 years was, ‘What if we sit here and do nothing and see if it goes away?’ Now airlines have some success, and now your hand is forced. You had ample time to do it
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    the article highlights the expectations of the airlines and travel management companies from the GDS system and showcase what kind modifications can be made to better the service.
yvenisem

The New Normal For Hospitality - 0 views

  • Valet may be replaced by self-parking and a guest may not see a bellman rushing to grab their bags as they enter through the automatic doors already wearing compulsory face masks. All staff will be masked up, and many will wear disposable gloves for additional protection. Guests will probably skip the front desk as they have already chosen a room online and prepare to stand on the outline of socially distanced feet or lane markers in front of the elevators.
    • yvenisem
       
      Change in the way we do things, less interaction
  • Guests will also be greeted by the welcome addition of extra towels and toiletries in the bathroom to avoid the need for room cleaning and turndown services during their stay. This is both a cost saving and hygiene effort though there have been several anecdotal reports that, counterintuitively, guests have recently pushed back on this economy. Service has long been the cornerstone of hospitality and old habits (or expectations) are still highly valued by guests.
    • yvenisem
       
      This may change the way the hospitality industry functions long-term.
  • Gone will be the generously appointed buffet, most likely replaced with a boxed preparation or a grab-and-go option.
    • yvenisem
       
      Unfortunate because this can reduce interaction and quality of stay
  •  
    This article goes over the "new normal" of the hospitality industry and shows a somewhat grim future for the hospitality industry. This pandemic has made it so that the industry know for exemplary customer service is somewhat prohibited from what it is known for. No more valets, no more greeting front desk agents, no more waiting in a buffet, etc. It's a sad reality, but there is no reason to believe that this will be how we will be forever.
cjdearmas

What Is Green Lodging and Why Is It Important | By Kacey Bradley - Hospitality Net - 0 views

  • Businesses that fail to adapt may find customers visiting with competitors.
  • In one 2017 survey, 19% of travelers said they would pay more for a vacation with a green electricity resort.
  • Sustainable hotels have lower operating costs, shaving 8% off expenses in the first year.
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  • Hotel Indigo in Dubai runs entirely on solar power.
  • Boutiquehotel Stadthalle in Vienna uses a combination of solar panels, photovoltaic cells and groundwater heat pumps.
  • Plus, guests will stick around longer, with a 36% higher dwell rate compared to hotel lobbies without biophilic features.
  • Future hotels are not only energy efficient but coexist peacefully with natural habitats.
  • The real-time reporting can track inefficiencies and optimize performance to save energy, reduce waste and cut costs.
  • Green lodging refers to any hotel or resort that commits to environmentally-friendly practices.
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    Consumers are significantly more eco-concious in their daily lives which translates significantly to their hotel experience. They want to ensure that they and the hotels they stay at are doing their best efforts to be green. Hotels that create green initiatives see more return from those guests. Cloud computing is also one of those initiatives.
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    19% of travelers said they would pay more to vacation with a green resort. Sustainable hotels are shaving 8% off expenses in their first year. Biomimicry is the future of because they will not only be energy efficient but coexist peacefully with the natural habitat.
  •  
    Hotel Indigo in Dubai runs entirely on solar power. With a digital building management system, the hotel can monitor, control and track energy use to become more efficient. Biophilic Design Biophilic design in hotels can achieve a sense of serenity, mixing natural with artificial. Plus, guests will stick around longer, with a 36% higher dwell rate compared to hotel lobbies without biophilic features. Repurposed Materials At RIMBA Jimbaran Hotel in Bali, Indonesia, the lobby is built from driftwood and the remnants of old fishing boats. Sustainable Architecture The wave coursing, while not eco-friendly, accurately matches the original 1920s architecture. Biomimicry Solutions Biomimicry in hotel design can enhance the guest experience for the modern, eco-conscious traveler. A hotel could generate power using wind, absorb sunlight and collect and recycle rainwater. Cloud Computing Combined with automation, which won't bog down internal operations, a hotel can monitor performance, manage energy use, detect felt and diagnostics and much more.
laurenperdomo

E-waste: The Gobal Cost of Discarded Electronics - The Atlantic - 2 views

  • One possible alternative is to require producers of electronics to offer buy-back or return systems for old equipment.
  • Another option is recommitting to repairing smartphones and computers.
  • Consumers certainly have a role to play in the increase of e-waste—they’re buying the goods, after all. But manufacturers have given people fewer and fewer viable ways to keep older electronics functioning effectively. In the process, profits from device sales are way up, along with the satisfaction of these companies’ shareholders.
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  • Resale is another option.
  • Manufacturers have a role to play here, too: for example, by assisting in the creation of e-waste recycling centers in developing countries rather than using them as dumping sites.
  •  
    Electronic waste is a global ecological issue. It raises concern about air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, information security, and even human exploitation. This article talks about electronics being made to be thrown away. This affects consumers and the environment in a negative way. The shortened lifespans of electronic devices, encouraged or designed by manufacturers, have pushed consumers to interpret working electronics as insufficient or unusable.
jamigovaerts

POS Systems: The Backbone of Restaurant Tech | Modern Restaurant Management | The Business of Eating & Restaurant Management News - 0 views

  • “one-stop-shop”
  • All restaurant technology starts and ends at one central point: it’s POS system.
  • a good point of sale system can be the biggest asset a restaurant has
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  • Technology upgrades, such as those that protect against data theft or provide guest relationship management capabilities, can make a big difference in improving operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.
  • Modern-day point-of-sale software functions on its ability to integrate.
  • It may be impossible to predict the future of POS technology with certainty, but it’s quite transparent that the technology will continue to evolve to meet the changing demands of the market.
  • Improving the quality of food, service, and guest experience has always been and will always be the primary driver of restaurant success. To do that, every restaurant needs a POS system that won’t fail them and will provide assistance in all aspects of operations from now into the future.
  • POS Systems: The Backbone of Restaurant Tech
jessielee214

Travel Data Collective - 0 views

  • What is New Distribution Capability (NDC)?
  • NDC aims to transform the airline industry by addressing the current limitations in distribution
  • What is NDC?
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  • New Distribution Capability (NDC) is a new technology created by IATA to streamline the airline distribution process.
  • It's an XML-based communication standard originally developed by Farelogix in 2010 to create direct connections between airlines and third party distributors.
  • This was standardized in 2012 by IATA to replace the old EDIFACT messaging standard, which global distribution systems (GDSs) rely on.
  • NDC was orginally created as a way to bypass the GDS providers, but slowly these providers have become more involved in the process. The basic idea is that NDC is supposed to give indirect distribution channels, such as GDS and metasearch, the same capabilities as an airline’s website.
  • Who's Involved in NDC?
  • There are several different players involved in the NDC process: travel agents, airlines, aggregators and IT providers.
  • Travel agents and airlines are straightforward. The aggregators are the different intermediaries involved in communicating the travel agent's request to different airlines.
  • IT providers are responsible for integrating NDC into the airline’s IT infrastructure.
  • The integration layer method is less complicated, and companies such as Openjaw, Farelogix, and Paxport have created solutions by sitting above the airline’s PSS.
  • third party distribution process works as follows when a traveler needs to reach their destination at a certain time and price:
  • The traveler goes to their travel agent who then queries the GDS system.The GDS pulls information about schedules and fares from a third party. The GDS builds the offer, then goes to the airline to get information about availability. When the offer is available, the information is relayed back to the travel agent and passenger who can then see the airline, price and schedule.
  • In a complete NDC solution, the process goes like this:
  • A travel agent will create a shopping request which will be sent to an aggregator. The aggregator will then create an offer request to be sent out directly to airlines. The airlines will then determine a product that fits the offer.
  • The product is sent back to the travel agent through the aggregator and the offer will "evaporate" after a certain amount of time.
  • According to IATA, this process will eliminate confusion over what's included in the offer. It will also be able to simplify the airline ticketing process.
  • How Can NDC Be Implemented?
  • wo recommended ways
  • One is by integrating directly to the airline passenger service system (PSS), the other is an integration layer outside of the PSS.
  • Third Party Distribution Today and Under NDC
  • In order to set up a full NDC suite, airlines have to create an offer and order management system, which will interact with the PSS.
  • How is NDC Being Used Today?
  • There are currently 62 airlines who are either NDC Certified or XML-capable.
  • NDC connections mostly use it in limited cases, and not to its full potential. United has partnered with Amadeus to have an NDC connection to their GDS for selling their economy plus product.
  • Many airlines are piloting these simple types of connections through NDC (instead of developing their own direct connection) as it will be easier to increase the scope with other distribution providers.
  • Other carriers such as GOL are using NDC connections for offer and order management, providing ability to purchase seats, bags, upgrades, meals, car rentals, and travel insurance, as well as ability to bundle the products (this is being done with Navitaire as their IT provider).
  • What's the Future Outlook for NDC?
  • In the future, there are hopes that NDC will be able to connect to chatbots, allow purchasing and upsell through things such as Amazon and Alexa.
  • Part of the challenge is getting airlines, travel agencies and GDSs to spend money on the infrastructure needed to implement NDC.
  • Airlines are hoping that by using NDC connections either through GDS or directly to travel agents/metasearch they will be able to pull in additional revenue for each ticket sold
  • Some airlines such as Lufthansa, IAG (British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus), Meridiana, and Ukraine International Airways are introducing fees for tickets booked through GDS, however the fees are waived for tickets booked through NDC connections.
  •  
    The article talks deeply in NDC from the past to now and is very clear about how it works. NDC can help airlines to know the need for customs and without the commission. I think one day, NDC can instead of GDS, but it still needs to take such a long time.
anonymous

Why Oracle Must Hate Oracle Hospitality - 1 views

  • Richard Valtr, Founder of Mews Systems, writes about why he feels that software giant Oracle’s hospitality division contradicts its technology competency, operational excellence and efficient customer support.  
  • Larry Ellison and his team must absolutely despise the relatively new Oracle Hospitality division of the company (formed after Oracle bought Micros back in 2014)!
  • Oracle famously despises all things Microsoft and Opera remains, to its bones, built around the notorious client-server architecture Bill Gates’ company used to champion.
  • ...8 more annotations...
  • Second, the success of Oracle has always stemmed from Larry’s passion for finding great programmers to fix fundamental issues. Oracle Hospitality and its adherence to legacy rules suggests they are interested in none of the above.
  • Oracle has always done one thing amazingly well - maintain a ruthless focus on performance and speed at the expense of the more intangible parts. Once again, Oracle Hospitality goes against company principles: it offers functionality at the expense of speed and performance. To compound things further, and ironically for such a service-oriented industry, customer service is an afterthought at best. It doesn’t even offer performance for the processes that truly matter, such as customer check-in speeds, report creation or those painfully slow night audits. On all the key hospitality benchmarks we’ve been able to track (more on that in a post coming later), Oracle is nowhere near the top.
  • Fourth, he can barely disguise his hatred for system integrators and has always preferred an all-in-one solution to an ecosystem of connected apps and software.
  • With Oracle Hospitality lacking what the current market demands in so many different ways, the company has been forced to work closely with the old hospitality tech guards such as Sabre, TravelClick, Amadeus, Duetto and IDEAS, as well as newer entrants including Expedia’s AliceApp and TinkLabs.
  • The result is a product lacking proper interfaces to standard functionalities, let alone the conveyor belt of new must-have integrations (TripTease and HotelChamp to name a couple), which also suffer on account of Opera’s six month minimum integration lead time.
  • The problem with property management systems, and the hotel tech landscape in general, is that they are innately consultative. For example, there is no definitively correct way to check someone in or out, nor is there a set-in-stone rubric on how best to run a hotel. Why? I believe it’s because hotels are inherently human and complex machines. Unlike a POS, for example, a hotel’s PMS is a de facto processor and analyser of human behaviours rather than just pure robotic tech. The POS, on the other hand, simply serves as a general system of record with an external point of contact for transactional security.
  • So why did Oracle acquire Micros in the first place? I believe the real prize was the POS and not the PMS.
  • Unfortunately for Larry (but fortunately for us), PMS systems are a far cry from their core business. Unlike a POS, a PMS is not simply about the speed of execution. They involve developing deep knowledge around a number of processes connected to unique human behaviours and then managing those processes efficiently.
  •  
    "Richard Valtr, Founder of Mews Systems, writes about why he feels that software giant Oracle's hospitality division contradicts its technology competency, operational excellence and efficient customer support." This article highlights some of the reasons why Oracle have found it difficult to integrate the Micros Fidelio business that they purchased. It is subjective in its view but addresses a common theme amongst major hotel companies which is that Oracle are struggling to meet their needs and that this could give new PMS/POS providers such as Mews, Shiji and Impala.
jwilc019

Setting Course for a Post-COVID Era in Hospitality | By Jason Floyd - 0 views

  • harpening their focus on the kinds of technology that can evolve and align their businesses with where the industry is headed. They've been asking the essential question: How will we be doing business in the future?
  • A key step is uncoupling from legacy systems and their limitations in favor of the cloud and SaaS-based solutions
  • unify everything brand-wide during a time when responding quickly to external forces is essential.
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  • more intelligently invest in new technologies that integrate with each other without putting undue pressure on technology teams.
  • so hospitality organizations are better able to share resources and insights no matter where departments and team members happen to be
  • For hotel property management systems, for instance, developments such as mobile reservations, self-managed upgrades, and the use of mobile devices as room keys supports a "high-tech not high-touch" approach to contactless guest experiences.
  • empowering service staff with greater visibility of timelines, schedules, and activities
  • gain greater precision in that process to avoid double-bookings, manage overstays, account for no-shows and other considera
  • tions
  • If the pandemic ended tomorrow, the value of developing a cloud-based platform with this kind of functionality would remain.
  • Consider our present times as a clarion call to hoteliers to create more visibility, deepen connections between teams, increase intelligence, and empower staff to better anticipate and be ready for that change.
  •  
    This article deals with hospitality businesses asking themselves how business will be done in the future and how will stay current or ahead of the curve. It also speaks directly to how to be better prepared for events like COVID moving forward. It states that hospitality businesses need to quit holding on tightly to their old systems and think to the now and beyond by switching to cloud-based systems. It highlights the concept of "high-tech not high-touch", empowering service staff, greater accuracy, and making use of every nook and cranny of a property in the smartest possible ways.
chunxia gao

Green Initiatives: Cost, Achieving ROI Challenge Hotels · Environmental Management & Energy News · Environmental Leader - 1 views

  • The biggest challenges or barriers hoteliers face in implementing green lodging practices: 1. Having enough capital to invest
  • The biggest motivations for implementing green lodging practices: 1. Environmental benefits and building guest loyalty (tie)
  •  
    This is a three year old survey on Green Intiatives by American Hotel & Lodging Association. It talks about : (a) Challenges or barriers faced by hoteliers. (b) The biggest motivation for implementing green lodging practices. (C) The top ten things hotels are doing well relating to green initiative. (d) Top ten green things hotels can improve on.
  •  
    The American Hotel & Lodging Association's Green Assessment Survey results reveal the top 10 green initiatives hotels are enacting, the top 10 motivations for implementing green lodging practices, the top 10 green things hotels are doing well and top 10 green things hotels can improve on. In the challenges and barriers part, the biggest one facing in implementing green lodging practices is having enough capital to invest; in addition the whole world is in financial crisis now. Money is a big problem. As we know, before implement green practices, hotels need large amount money to buy equipment and need a lot of time to train employees to use it. In high season, they are busy to serve guests, to earn money. In low season, they may have time but no money. In the motivation part, environmental benefits and building guest loyalty rates to first place. But I think most hotels deciding to implement green practices are because financial savings. In addition, implement green practices can preempt government regulations and improve hotel reputation. It is also a good way to advertise. To do and not to do lists, hotels should keep and improve their recycling and reuse program and pay more attention to the power save program.
  •  
    This is a great article that collected all top 10 related to GREEN. It makes me realize what we are doing well and what we need to improve in the future. And also it lists the top 10 challenge that we are facing. I agree with you that implement green practices can preempt government regulations and improve hotel reputation.
cleon087

19 Event Trends You Need to Know for 2020 | Social Tables - 0 views

  • Planners should adjust budgets to a
  • nticipate higher rates, and book event space as early as possible.
  • This year’s mantra is “book now!” The longer you wait, the more you’ll pay. Or even worse, you won’t find a viable space for your event.
  • ...52 more annotations...
  • Planners will try to book events further in advance. This leaves hotels and venues in a pickle: Taking early bookings could mean missing out on higher-value events later.To avoid missing out on revenue, hotels and venues need to segment business intelligently. That way, you can avoid the pitfalls of traditional lead-scoring biases that hurt RFP management.
  • In 2020, brands will invest in events as a marketing channel. In fact, in a recent event marketing survey, 52% of respondents said that event marketing drove more business value than other marketing channels. (Only 8% said it drove less business.)
  • Planners should create ample private meeting spaces and “collision spaces.” Some events do this by providing fewer chairs than attendees. With fewer empty seats, they’re encouraging movement and interaction.
  • Large, minimalist spaces with easily accessible bars are the perfect recipe for a networking event. Venues like this can use the networking angle to promote event space to corporate clients.
  • These attendees blend the worlds of business and leisure. It’s given rise to a new, multi-generational segment that drives destination decisions. (See: our Hotel Market Segmentation Guide for more on this.)
  • Attendees want more control over the event agenda. In fact, 96% of the Social Tables audience believe events are expected to be more personalized than ever.
  • 16. Sustainability will be center stage at events.
  • For proposals, try showcasing multiple event-specific variations. This adds value for the planner by helping them better meet their event objectives, while adding value for the hotel or venue as an upselling technique.
  • According to Billboard, there over 800 annual music festivals in the U.S. alone, and they attract 32 million attendees in total. 14 million of those attendees are (surprise, surprise) millennials.
  • At smaller levels, adding performances to the agenda can go a long way in engaging attendees. However, for larger events, creating a festival-like atmosphere requires access to a variety of spaces that are exclusive to one group.
  • A bigger focus on wellness could revolutionize F&B — replacing beef with the proverbial Brussels sprout.
  • While you don’t need to offer 11 choices for every hour, you can empower attendees to mold the event to meet their individual needs.
  • Sustainability initiatives are your chance to make a positive impact while painting your brand in an equally positive light.
  • Meetings are growing and evolving rapidly, and each is an experiment in applying new methods to find a perfect formula.
  • Industry Performance TrendsAttendee Experience TrendsMeeting Destination TrendsEvent Technology TrendsMeeting Design Trends
  • Demand will continue to outpace supply
  • be dynamic, you have to be flexible, and–above all–you have to be in tune with attendee desires.
    • cleon087
       
      This takes a special person and not everyone can so this.
  • Meetings are growing and evolving rapidly, and each is an experiment in applying new methods to find a perfect formula.
  • predicts 5-10% growth in demand. At the same time, the development pipeline is slowing.
  • It’s also the spontaneous conversations that come with serendipitous networking.
    • cleon087
       
      It's important to be connected because that is what sets you apart.
  • nticipate higher rates, and book event space as early as possible.
    • cleon087
       
      Rates constantly vary and it is important to be up to date and book ahead of time.
  • At the same time, face-to-face time takes a hit — making it a more treasured commodity in our modern world.
  • redict it’ll grow about 2.41% in North America. CWT expects an even higher hike of 3.7%.
  • Planners should create ample private meeting spaces and “collision spaces.” Some events do this by providing fewer chairs than attendees. With fewer empty seats, they’re encouraging movement and interaction.
    • cleon087
       
      I like this idea because it makes people talk to each other and not be seating all the time.
  • Why? Well, take the speed of your current 4G LTE smartphone internet and multiply it by 1,000. (Think: putting the Millenium Falcon into hyperdrive.)
  • For events — especially large-scale events — sustainable initiatives are now the expectation.
  • Fast, reliable WiFi will soon become the norm, opening up new engagement opportunities and nontraditional venues for events.
  • “I think many hoteliers will be unhappy with the significant investments they are making now into cabling that will become obsolete just as soon as 5G launches.”
  • Apps present an opportunity for personalization and engagement at each stage of the event lifecycle.
  • Hotels and venues are developing sophisticated apps that enhance the in-venue experience. Whether it’s Wembley Stadium’s virtual tour guide or Marriott’s sophisticated in-app chatbot functionality, branded apps are adding value in multiple ways:
  • everage lobbies, rooftops, and other communal areas for networking events.
    • cleon087
       
      Depending on the type of the event, is what makes you decide what to highlight about the space or not.
  • Because today, 86% of consumers expect companies to act on social and environmental issues — and they’re more than ready to vote with their dollars.
  • 0% of event planners reported that their jobs require more experience creation than just 2-5 years ago
  • Content:
  • Destination
  • Technology:
  • 90% of respondents stated that event security should still be a top priority for the industry.
  • That could mean avoiding coastal destinations during hurricane season or avoiding certain areas of the city to ensure safety outside of event hours.
  • . Event diagramming software can help in this regard by allowing venues and planners to collaborate on a single source of truth
  • Security is a significant value add and a key selling point in initial communications.
  • you’re providing any personnel, such as security, custodians, and administrators.
    • cleon087
       
      It is also important to put this in your contracts and to initially discuss it as well.
  • ess furniture, fewer seats, smaller portions, less irrelevant decor… you get the picture. A
  • reate a step-by-step safety checklist for execution during on-site setup, and another safety checklist for the day of the event.
  • Less is more when it comes to the material.
  • It’s a movement that stands in direct opposition to the gaudy ballrooms of old
  • Have evacuation plan
  • c, open floor plans that make minimalism a possibility.
  • lassic combinations of whites and greys
  • ewer seats means more mingling.
  • lutter-free to promote a clean, open feel that keeps the focus on content.
  • Hotels, however, may find themselves scrambling to reinvent their event spaces. It could be time to rethink these spaces — along with lobbies and other communal spaces that set the aesthetic tone for the hotel at large
  • Larger chains should look to boutique hotels, which create visual identities that are often more closely aligned with the appeal that nontraditional venues offer.
  •  
    The article talks about major trends in tourism events, ranging from green initiatives through F&B to the 2nd largest reason people go to events is networking opportunities and providing quiet areas where people can network in is a good idea. More events are being planned so it is necessary to book event venues early.
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  •  
    According to the article, in 2020 event planners will have to be more alert and ready. The need for events and meetings is growing rapidly. Due to this, planners need to be more alert and ready to book group event spaces. It would be wise to increase rates to guarantee a profit out of it. Apart from this, planners would need to book months in advance to guarantee a good spot and a decent rate. Planners now need to be open to networking and face-to-face meetings to be able to get good rates, meet more clients, and find good venues to use. A new trend occurring is how people now want their trips or days to be planned out to every detail. Event planners need to be aware to book accordingly and create am agenda for their clients.
  •  
    Like everything nowadays is evolving, also the meetings are evolving in order to stay trendy and appealing for consumers. Meetings are growing exponentially YOY at a rate of between 5-10% according to the prestigious CWT meetings and events company for 2020 (without counting coronavirus). The reality is that the meetings industry also needs to evolve in order to stay in business with the new trends, clientele and times. This list provides 19 trends that every event planner needs to consider to make their event a success, including but not limited to the new demographics in the world (millenials).
  •  
    This article is about 19 event trends that event planners should be informed about. People are expecting different things from events that in the past years where not expected. Trends have changed, for example, it is a trend now to have minimalistic events instead of gaudy ones. Now people also expect creativity out of the event and to have a unique event. People also care about security of the event and fast WI-fi. All these trends are important to know and will continue changing with the years.
jchac014

3 Hotelier Spaces to Dominate, Keeping You Ahead of the Curve and Delighting Your Guests | By Alonso Franco - Hospitality Net - 1 views

  • If the hotel's offering is not competitive and is unable to evolve with customers' expectations, success is unlikely.
  • The hotel industry is worth $199.3 billion in the United States alone and has been around for thousands of years.
  • With the introduction of AI, the reception will soon be optimized, making guests' experiences more efficient and personalized to their individual preferences.
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  • By allowing technology to perform the simple tasks, such as automatically entering a guest's information into the system, the duties of the employee at the front desk will shift to a more involved role.
  • Modern technology will be able to complete tasks in their entirety, end to end, tapping into a digitally omniscient network of the hotel. By unifying these systems, hotels can manage more information, faster and with great clarity over profitability.
  • tailor-made activities in the local area to be digitally presented before or during their stays. In turn, it will give them a greater sense of personalization, and potentially open up a new stream of advertising revenue for the hotel.
  • Beyond loyalty, independent hotels across the globe will integrate into hospitality platforms, helping hotels amplify their overall digital experience.
  •  
    This article highlights 3 ways hotels can dominate with technology. AI can optimize reception experience, making it more efficient. Modern technology is to be used to complete service tasks, managing information better. Hotels should also focus on amplifying digital presence.
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