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Get your share of Christmas sales with your own gift card system - 0 views

www.hospitalitymagazine.com.au/...ristmas-sales-with-your-own-gi technology hospitality software mobile
shared by amcnair1992 on 22 May 16 - No Cached
  • amcnair1992 on 22 May 16
     
    "ROLLER, an Australian-based hospitality and leisure software company, has introduced a new solution that will allow every business to manage their own, fully branded digital gift card system" This new system will allow smaller restaurants and retail stores to get a cut of that 2.5 billion dollars spent each year by Australians. The way the system works is simple, the customer goes on your website and purchases an electronic gift card they have the option to use it for themselves or give it as a gift via email or Facebook. Then when they want to redeem it just show the cashier/ waiter their code and they scan it.
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Norwegian Breakaway to Feature Line's Largest Youth and Teen Areas | ehotelier.com News... - 0 views

ehotelier.com/...item.php
shared by Alejandra Kravets on 09 Apr 12 - No Cached
Wei Ding liked it
  • “We know how extremely important it is for families to offer engaging, interactive programs for children and teens in a comfortable, well-equipped environment. Norwegian Breakaway will incorporate our biggest youth facilities with the best youth programming at sea with our new Splash Academy and Entourage programs.”
  • Entourage is Norwegian Breakaway’s high energy, exclusive teen zone for ages 13 through 17, located on Deck 16.
  • Alejandra Kravets on 09 Apr 12
     
    Norwegian Cruise Lines is launching a new ship next year "Norwegian Breakaway." Their main target market will be young adults and teenagers. It features the Splash Academy and Entourage that is a youth area dedicated specifically for three different age groups; teens, babies and toddlers, and a designated space where parents can play with their kids. Teenagers in the evening can enjoy the Entourage area that becomes a teens-only nightclub with a dance floor, large screen television and music, including a video jukebox. Using the latest technology Norwegian e-Youth tablet-based electronic registration allows parents to swipe their keycard and input a password to sign in their children to many activities and programs.
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Grand Hyatt San Francisco Offers Eco-Friendly Rooms, High-Tech Security From VingCard E... - 2 views

www.hospitalitynet.org/...4054725.html san francisco HYATT PMS
shared by Xinyu Tian on 20 Feb 12 - No Cached
  • With VingCard Elsafe products as the centerpiece, the 38-story, 39-year-old iconic Union Square property is now one of the most tech-forward hotels in all of San Francisco.
  • The Orion system is comprised of wireless digital thermostats, occupancy sensors, door position interfaces, remote server software and a comprehensive dashboard reporting interface.
  • Orion interfaces with the hotel's property management system to pre-condition the room upon guest check-in and automatically engage enhanced energy savings mode upon check- out.
  • Xinyu Tian on 20 Feb 12
     
    As an industry leader in locking system, electronic in-room safety and energy management company, VingCard Elsafe just have their new product come out. And early this month, the Grand Hyatt San Francisco finished their renewal and started to use the complete package of hotel PMS and other related systems from this company. The biggest difference of this system from others is that this property management system not only provides automatic convenient service but also does a good job in energy saving. The whole package also include the in room control dashboard, which can automatically control the temperature and other electrical devices when the room is occupied. I think this is a great idea, it not only helps the hotel to provide service better or save the utility cost, but also bring a good reputation to the hotel as being green.
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The Future of Hotel Security - AOL Travel News - 1 views

news.travel.aol.com/...the-future-of-hotel-security
shared by paige rosenberg on 17 Feb 12 - No Cached
  • Technology is opening new doors to hotel safety
  • Yet more card-free security systems are on the way
  • eventually new security measures will become such a part of our everyday lives that they will become the norm.
  • ...12 more annotations...
  • Systems that track the other qualities that make each human unique are in development as well.
  • here are some systems being explored that can allegedly sniff someone, and also systems that can recognize the pattern of blood veins on a human being which are apparently unique to the individual,
  • new thing is contact-less Smartcards and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) cards that need just be waved to allow room access.
  • Kimpton's 190-room Nine Zero Hotel in Boston was the first hotel to install a biometric iris scanner back in 2004
  • we navigate hotels is set to change in the blink of an eye. Or the swipe of a cellphone. Or the print of a finger. With futuristic systems like scent and iris scanners and digital facial-recognition, hotel security is being taken to the next level. #plain_module { width: 590px; height:170px; border: none; float:left; margin:0px; font-size:12px;} #plain_module img {border:none; width: 13px; height:14; border: 0px; margin:0px; } #plain_module .mini_main { margin: 0px; padding:0px; width:585px; height:220px; repeat scroll 0 0} #plain_module .mini_item_header {padding:10px 0px; margin: 0px 0px; font-size:16px; color: #555555; border-bottom:1px dotted #CCCCCC;} #plain_module .mini_item {padding:5px 0px; margin: 0px 0px;} #plain_module a { color: #49A3CA; text-decoration:none; } #plain_module a:hover { color: #F98419; text-decoration:underline;} span.gray {color:#949494;} .mini_main li{list-style-type: none;background-image: url(http://www.aolcdn.com/travel/bullet);background-repeat: no-repeat;background-position: 0 1px;padding-left: 10px;}
  • Those plastic key cards that once seemed so innovative will soon go the way of the actual key
  • "In addition to Radio Frequency Identification, there are also systems that use a smartphone, such as an iPhone,"
  • When a guest checks into a hotel and provides their phone number, they get an encrypted sound code via text message
  • Many industry watchers are keeping an eye on Houston's largest hotel, the vast 1,200-room Hilton Americas–Houston. The hotel has a facial recognition system that can identify and track guests, employees, and even suitcases
  • 1,200 rooms worth of luggage in transit, the system makes it a lot easier to find lost or misdirected bags.
  • Returning guests will be recognized and greeted by nam
  • "Hospitality all over the world has become more aware of past vulnerabilities that they might have had and have closed these holes by more in-depth training and awareness of guests and staff," he says. "In today's society, all travelers are becoming interdependent on each other for safety and security."
  • Fang Shu on 17 Feb 12
     
    This article talks about the future trend of the hospitality security, which is technology is opening new doors to hotel safety.  The author introduces some different technologies such as Contact-less Smartcards and RFID that hotels like New York's Plaza Hotel are currently using. Finger print or cellphone wipe technology is also used instead of card, which should be more safe. Some hotels even use video-capture systems to make sure the security is perfect. After introducing these technologies, the author also talks about the privacy issues. Because some customers are not willing to be on cameras. However, though some of them are concerning about this issue, an expert predicts that new security measures will eventually become such a part of everyone's everyday lives that he or she will become the norm. All in all, this article gives us the trend that more and more technologies will be used for hotel security in the future.
  • ...7 more comments...
  • Melissa Krajewski on 17 Feb 12
     
    I think PR representatives should address the privacy controversy surrounding radio frequency identification technology with a safety campaign. This may help consumers realize that they are not in the privacy of their own home when they are in the hallways of hotels and cruise ships and the cameras/tracking could help protect them. As long as the data collected is not misused these technologies will continue to be present in these locations.
  • Mary White on 17 Feb 12
     
    It's pretty important for the hospitality industry to present these new technologies as wonderful security measures. People could be put off by knowing they have to swipe their finger to get into a bathroom. The success of these technologies depends on effective marketing and proven security measures that ensure collected information about a traveller will not be used in unethical ways.
  • YONGHE FAN on 18 Feb 12
     
    Interesting article it is. Security is always the big issue for hospitality. I would like to stay in a hotel that is using finger print as the key card of the hotel because i believe that is much safer than cards that anybody can access my room by using the card.
  • Carolina Alfonso on 26 Mar 12
     
    In this article all of the new trends for hotel security are described and examples of where they are being implemented are given. Thanks to technological innovations hotel safety is heading into a whole different level. Now key cards are being change to more sophisticated ones that need just to be waved to open a room door. In the near future it is expected for these cards to be used as a payment method and to check-in and check-out. In the U.S biometrics technology is starting to be used by a small number of properties not only for guests to access their rooms but for employees. Facial recognition systems with the ability of tracking guests and employees are also being implemented. This system helps to improves customer service as it helps to really understand guest's preferences, as enormous amount of information can be extracted as they are constantly being monitored. Other technologies are also being developed. The most amazing ones are the systems that track other unique human characteristics as the way a person walks or it's DNA.
  • Jingjing Zhu on 30 Mar 12
     
    The technology of hotel changes very fast, such as swipe of a cellphone or print of a finger, or the contact cards that need just be waved to allow room access. It is like the cruise world's one card system, these cards may soon make hotel stays easier by allowing guests to pay for services, as well as to check- in and check-out, through a single device. If customers lost their cards on cruise, the radio frequency identification and smartphone will provide customers their code via text message, so they can play back the code to unlock your room door. But more card free security systems are on the way. If you want to get into your room at New York's SoHo Loft , you are going to have to lift a finger. The Nine Zero Hotel in Boston us the technology to make the property safer all round ,that means non-staff members and intruders can not access the property. Systems that track the other qualities that make each human unique in development as well. The Houston's largest hotel has a facial recognition system that can identify and track guests and an annual $16 million payroll ,the system offers benefits such as employee time theft monitoring and prevention for the hotel. But with 1200 rooms worth of luggage in transit the system makes it a lot easier to find lost or misdirected bags The Wolfe feels that in addition to the biometrics and high-tech methods currently being deployed ,one of the greatest security measures of late is actually low tech.
  • Te Gu on 30 Mar 12
     
    The full name of RFID is radio-frequency identification. RFID is the use of a wireless non-contact system that uses radio-frequency electromagnetic fields to transfer data from a tag attached to an object, for the purposes of automatic identification and tracking. Some tags require no battery and are powered by the electromagnetic fields used to read them. Others use a local power source and emit radio waves (electromagnetic radiation at radio frequencies). The tag contains electronically stored information which can be read from up to several metres (yards) away. Now RFID in hospitality industry as a tool is used for improving service quality, customer satisfaction, market share, and profitability. As the new technology apply into hotel security, the hotels change their ways in the blink of an eye, or the swipe of a cell phone, or the print of a finger. With futuristic systems like scent and iris scanners and digital facial-recognition, hotel security is being taken to the high level and some of the luxury hotels begin to use RFID system. Usually customers will worry about lose the card of hotel. Then they can not open the door and even need to pay extra money to buy a new card. But now security systems in some hotels do away with cards altogether. Because of RFID system, customers can use the iPhone connect with the system. When a guest checks into a hotel and provides their phone number, they get an encrypted sound code via text message. Guests can play back the code to unlock your room door.
  • liang qian on 31 Mar 12
     
    i think there are some factors to consider. Customer Service - Many opportunities for "great" customer service are lost if guest and employee interaction is diminished. In many cases, the front desk staff give the first impression that a guest experiences. This first "experience" can be crucial for referring the guest to other property amenities, i.e. spa, restaurants, lounge, pool, attractions, etc. Often, the front desk staff are acting as the concierge and resolvers of guest issues.
  • katya zelinskaya on 01 Apr 12
     
    this article talks about new technology that is being implemented throughout out US and the world. Old key cards are now going to be replaced with even older standard keys or the radio frequency identification card that can be waived in front of the door to gain access. Also, there is a technology that will sent an encrypted sound text to guest;s cell phone, which when played back will open the door.  It talks about technology that tracks all employees, guests and their luggage.  There are several concerned that travelers have about their privacy, but article stated that it all depends on the type of the traveler.  Also, the face recognition technology used in Houston's largest hotel remembers guests names and when they return, guests are greeted by name.  Article concludes that even with all this technology, the best security is provided through interdependence of travelers and employees.  
  • paige rosenberg on 04 Aug 12
     
    Technology in the hotel travel and tourism industry will be changing drastically in the near future, from the swipe of a cell phone, print of a finger, facial recognition, iris scanners, security is going to be taken to the next level. the plastic key cards will soon no longer exist. Radio frequency I'd cards are the new thing, where guest will use this for preferences for everything, from charging things to your room, preference of floor type to pillow choice, chick in and out etc. systems that track the other qualities of a person instead of using a key or card are in development as well. There are research going on how to open the door and. Lose wi just the persons walk and movements. Some people think these new security technologies are awesome, while some think they are not, people dont want to be watched 24/7while on vacation they just want to enjoy there stay. But in today's society all travelers are becoming interdependent on each other for safety and security.
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Stop, look and listen before investing in hotel tech - 1 views

www.hotelnewsnow.com/...before-investing-in-hotel-tech
shared by Cecilia Lucas on 23 Mar 12 - No Cached
Diane Cacho liked it
  • the hotel industry has been hooked on placing more and more technology into guestrooms believing the guest wants it, needs it. It’s become a way to stay competitive.
  • Hotel owners started to question the cost and ROI. As operators, you became increasingly concerned over recurring support expenses
  • Oh, and one must not lose sight of the fact that there is the obsolescence factor with many of the items being superseded by new models at an ever-quickening pace
  • ...15 more annotations...
  • Super-fast, reliable and suitably priced Internet access
  • Why are you adding connectivity panels so the guest can tether their device to the TV, when most are very comfortable at either holding it in their hand (like a book) or prefer to connect it wirelessly?
  • To understand what the guest really wants and needs: STOP, LOOK and LISTEN!
  • What travellers want in hotel technology
  • Less is more
  • A well-lit room with simple controls
  • They just need the tech to work
  • Temperatures that can be easily controlled
  • A place to work
  • And as for the TV, include 24-hour news channels, sports channels and some entertaining TV channels.
  • Actually, you can summarize what guests want from a hotel room with three Cs: 1. Clean2. Comfortable 3. Connected
  • Power sockets
  • What does this mean to YOU, the hotelier?In my opinion, going forward, guests will start to question why they should pay for this tech when they don’t need it, don’t want it and, most importantly, don’t use it.
  • A trendy piece of tech is no longer an enticement to make a guest change allegiance from one hotel to another. A B&O stereo or an iPod dock is not a deal breaker, but free Wi-Fi and a free mini-bar can be.
  • And besides, the lifespan of these toys is very short—12 to 18 months tops—before they become relegated to the old-version league. Can you really afford to swap out gizmos that fast?
  • Fei Qi on 23 Mar 12
     
    "Stop, look and listen before investing in hotel tech"
  • Fei Qi on 23 Mar 12
     
    This article first reviewed the technology revolution in hotels. From the telephone, TVs, to today's mini bars and electronic door locks. Why hotels install more and more technology into guestrooms? Because the hotels believe the guest wants it, needs it, and it's become a way to stay competitive. However, the high technology gives brings them competitive advantages and also provides convenience for the guests, at the same time, it also carries a high cost with it. How to select the best technology and how to make best use of the technology? The author suggested the hotels should Stop, Look and Listen before investing in hotel technology. First, the hotels should justify the reasons to set the expensive devices. How to make sure the devices is useful and worth that much money? The hoteliers need to see whether the guests really want and need the technology. Consider very carefully the kind of tech you are deploying. Is it because you feel threatened by what your competitors are doing? Remember they may be on the wrong track. It is important for hotels to understand what the guests really want and need and before investing the new technology, the hotels need to stop, look and listen.
  • Cecilia Lucas on 23 Mar 12
     
    When it comes to investing in technology in hotels, a better approach might be to simplify. In a day and age when most people carry around all their technology needs in their pockets (Cellphones, Tablets, Laptops, etc.) There may not be a need to invest so heavily in gizmos to attract customers and keep them happy. We may want to consider that all the guest wants is to be connected, so offering a super fast, reliable and suitably priced internet access is all the technology they really need. Investing in every new technology, with short lifespans, can end up making a real dent in your ROI.
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TVs may soon be used to spy on you | SmartPlanet - 0 views

www.smartplanet.com/...10916
shared by Yekaterina Ponomareva on 30 Mar 12 - No Cached
  • TVs may soon be used to spy on you
  • uring most recent Consumer Electronics show, industry giant Samsung showcased thier new line of Smart TVs, which featured technologies they felt were capable of revolutionizing the viewe
  • rience
  • ...3 more annotations...
  • Samsung is doubling down on its core TV leadership and attempting to make the TV the main household Internet device
  • designed to adapt to the preferences of each individual user can also be used to pass that information along to others without the user’s knowledge.
  • The plasma and LED TV sets are built with a camera and microphones located along the top of the screen bezel, both of which are connected to the Internet to allow instant access to readily available apps stored on the Samsung cloud.
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Sceptre Hospitality Resources Names Thing5 LLC Preferred Provider of Call Center Servic... - 0 views

www.marketwatch.com/...all-center-services-2012-05-10
shared by Leann Taylor on 23 May 12 - No Cached
  • Sceptre Hospitality Resources, the hospitality industry's foremost top line revenue enhancement service provider, announced today their "voice services will be powered by Thing5 LLC", the leading provider of telecommunications and reservation services to the hospitality industry
  • They have a long track record of helping hospitality clients achieve consistent sales revenue growth.
  • "Thing5 is a managed telecommunications technology leader built on the strategy of offering comprehensive, Communication-as-a-Service (CaaS) and BPO Solutions for the Hospitality and Travel Industries"
  • ...13 more annotations...
  • Sceptre's Call Center Services' combined offerings will allow clients access to innovative and flexible services. The services cover full Central Reservations Office support, augmentation of In-House staff with overflow and after-hours reservation call support, to PBX operator calls, Click-to-Chat/Call, Email, concierge and loyalty program services.
  • Sceptre Hospitality Resources maximizes revenues for hotels and resorts
  • the company now serves more than 4,000 properties on its reservation platform
  • include MotionNotes, a video messaging platform, SpaLinx, a spa management and appointment booking application, HotelIQ business intelligence, custom internet marketing services and revenue management services.
  • combined offerings will allow clients access to innovative and flexible services.
  • Our technology, combined with our vast agent pool, allows us to offer the type of comprehensive solution that hoteliers need to optimize their voice reservations
  • maximizes revenues for hotels and resorts
  • specializes in electronic distribution, reservations connectivity, channel management, site and search engine optimization, revenue management strategies, reservation call centers and direct booking engines
  • interactive marketing programs, including website design, online advertising campaigns, social media solutions and other guest communication systems.
  • allow hotels to have access to powerful, cost-effective solutions that enable unparalleled control over the voice and online channels.
  • enable access to advanced analytics for all customer voice interactions including central reservations, on-property reservations, front desk and other business lines such as restaurants and spas.
  • offering better security and control
  • sophisticated reporting and intelligent routing tools
  • Ted Rood on 23 May 12
     
    Sceptre Hospitality Resources, one of the hospitality industries leading revenue enhancement service providers recently announced that they will be using voice activated services powered by Thing5 LLC. Their switch over to Thing5 is largely due to the fact that this company has been one of the leading telecommunication providers in the industry. Sceptre is hoping that the quality service Thing5 offers will help them achieve consistant sales revenue growth. Thing5 offers a wide array of services including complete reservation office support, after hours reservation call support, as well as concierge and loyalty program services to guests.  I think that by utilizing the services Thing5 have to offer, Sceptre will continue to be one of the bigger revenue enhancement service providers in the industry. The many features of Thing5 voice activation systems will allow for a better customer service experience. Guests will have full access to reservation services  as well as in-house staff and will also be able to book at any time of day or night with after- hours reservation call support. 
  • Leann Taylor on 24 May 12
     
    Sceptre is a company that provides useful resources to resorts and hotels to optimize performance and service; thus increasing revenues. Thing5 provides users with control over voice and online channels to provide better security and has better reporting tools. The two are among the most reliable and popular in their lines of business and are working together.
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What Are the Different Types of POS System? - 1 views

www.ehow.com/fferent-types-pos-system_.html
shared by sultan alharbi on 24 Jun 12 - No Cached
  • sultan alharbi on 24 Jun 12
     
    This article simply reveals what point of sale is and the reason of its name. It is mentioned that a cash register was the oldest, simplest POS. There are six different types of POS briefly examined. Cash Box POS is the basic one. The option of printing times makes Electronic one be different from the Mechanical register POS. Other type of POS is Soft-Based which requires appropriate software. Similarly, Web-based has an internet connection. Lastly, wireless POS enables Web-Based to get the use of mobility.
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Point of Sale (POS) | What is it? - 0 views

www.posmatic.com/...what-is-point-of-sale.php Viability of POS
shared by Nicole Beveridge on 22 Aug 12 - No Cached
  • POS or PoS is an abbreviation for Point of Sale (or Point-of-Sale, or Point of Service). The term is applicable to a retail shop or store, the checkout/cashier counter in the store, or a location where such transactions can occur in this type of environment. It can also apply to the actual Point of Sale (POS) Hardware & Software including but not limited to : electronic cash register systems, touch-screen display, barcode scanners, receipt printers, scales and pole displays. Point of Sale Systems are utilized in many different industries, ranging from restaurants, hotels & hospitality businesses, nail/beauty salons, casinos, stadiums, and let's not forget - the retail environments. In the most basic sense, if something can be exchanged for monetary value - a Point of Sale System can be used
    • Nicole Beveridge
      Nicole Beveridge on 22 Aug 12
       
      POS systems are very prevalent in the hospitality industry.
  • A Check-out Counter, Cashier Stand - is the aisle (or station) where individuals transport and place the items or products they have chosen to purchase from the location, a good example would be a supermarket (e.g. Wallmart) or department store (e.g. Macys). Although for such environments as supermarkets is usually a long counter, which most often makes use of moving belts, and contains a photocell to stop it once items reach the end - it can also refer to a single register at a smaller store. The cashier scans and rings up each item on the cash register and obtains the total. All items are placed in bags while customer makes payment.
    • Nicole Beveridge
      Nicole Beveridge on 22 Aug 12
       
      There is so much information that can be had at the Check-out counter/ cashier in Macys. Many transactions could be conducted just in one visit. You may pay a bill, make a purchase without having your physical credit card, return a previously purchased item, and increase your credit limit.
  • Nicole Beveridge on 22 Aug 12
     
    Point of sale systems are utilized in many industries, however, it is prevalent in the hospitality industry. Point of Sale Systems is also referred to as Point of Service. A POS system encompasses various hardware and software such as touch screen display, barcode scanners, cash registers, scales, and receipt printers. Improvements in technology such as POS have made cash registers, paper tapes and journal tapes almost obsolete. During the late 80's and 90's credit card processing was implemented making it easier for customers to easily transact business with operations. Today hospitality POS systems are among the most sophisticated, powerful and user friendly networks. Many POS systems are fully integrated so managers can track inventory, sales, rental services, accounting and customer relation management. Depending on the size of the hospitality facility, management may be primarily concerned with implementing POS systems. Some o f the questions pertaining to POS that managers may have include: a) How many POS terminals do I need? b) Should I run credit cards through my POS system? c) Which style of computer is best for my facility? d) Do I need pole displays or customer displays? e) Should I have a back office computer?
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12+ Meetings Technology Trends to Watch for 2012 - Corbin Ball Associates - 1 views

www.corbinball.com/...index.cfm software
shared by Chenchen zheng on 31 Aug 12 - No Cached
  • Chenchen zheng on 31 Aug 12
     
    This article introduce 12+ meeting technology Trends. In 1 of 12, the Near Field Communication (NFC) attracted my attention. NFC is a widely used system for making payments when devices touched together through a short-range wireless connectivity standard. This machine simplified electronic ticketing, data exchange, credit card payment and micropayment options for events. In 2012 and the following 5 years, NCF will provide better and faster service and connectivity for events.
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At Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, 'Little' Steps Add Up to 'One Big Green Initiative' |... - 0 views

www.greenlodgingnews.com/mick-place-little-steps-add-up initiative lodging green
shared by Laura Montoya on 01 Sep 12 - No Cached
  • Perhaps even more impressive than its energy and water savings is the hotel’s recycling and composting accomplishments. In 2008 the hotel recycled 85 tons of materials; in 2009 that number grew to 137 tons. Last year 116 tons was recycled. In late June of last year, a food waste decomposition machine was installed in the loading dock area. The leased machine uses heat, and bacteria treated wood chips to accelerate the decomposition process. Over the remainder of 2010, 110 tons of food waste was composted. “We need to generate at least a few hundred pounds a day to make it [financially] worthwhile,” Martin says of the machine. The Hyatt Regency McCormick Place recycles the following: office paper, newspaper, glass, metal cans, plastic containers, glass, construction waste, cardboard (four to six tons per month), used bulbs, batteries and ballasts, electronics and pallets. Recycling containers are placed throughout the hotel in public areas and guestrooms include a plastic bag for guests to insert recyclables.
  • “Our focus is to do a lot of the little things that add up to one big green initiative.”
  • reduced its electricity consumption by 12.7 percent from 2009 to 2010 and its water consumption by 24.4 percent.
  • Nelson Placa on 01 Sep 12
     
    Travelers prefer to stay at green hotels. Major corporations such as Marriott, Hyatt, and Hilton & Starwood are looking for ways to integrate green into their hotels while conserving water and energy. Not only is the focus on going green going to impact the environment but also will impact the bottom line which is the dollars. This article shows how the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois has been able to go green to benefit both the company and the environment. The amount of items they are able to recycle is amazing; it is great that the company can also focus on the disposal of foods. As we continue to focus on the environment, more and more companies will continue to find ways to help reduce cost while protecting the environment. At the Walt Disney World Resort, guest can tour facilities and are educated on how the company impacts the environment through their recycling programs worldwide.
  • Laura Montoya on 02 Sep 12
     
    This article talks about the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place and the different steps they have taken to Go Green. They have significantly reduced their water and electricity consumption with the "When not in use, turn off the juice" project. Along with saving water and energy, they have also begun recycling. They recycle, paper, plastic, cardboard, light bulbs and the list goes on. They are also taking the time to educate their employees as well. "To encourage participation in programs such as 'When Not in Use, Turn Off the Juice,' employee awareness days are held. Compact fluorescent light bulbs are given to employees to help them save energy at home." The hotel has a green team who meet quarterly to continue growing in their sustainability initiatives. The Hyatt Regency McCormick Place is Green Key certified and has been recognized and awarded for their Green efforts.
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Your Mobile Phone As A Door Key | Fast Company - 3 views

www.fastcompany.com/...your-mobile-phone-door-key
shared by Jingjia Zhang on 01 Sep 12 - No Cached
rebecca Bonet liked it
  • But Samsung's system actually teaches us a whole lot more about the future of smartphone "keys." Once inside the room, the same phone can be used to order room and laundry service, book other hotel facilities, and act as an in-room phone extension. Because of the Olympics tie-in, the special app also gives localized content to the hotel guest, and Olympic Games information including results. It can also control the hotel room TVs, lighting and AC and other in-room electronics. And it can provide "location based offers."
  • Jingjia Zhang on 01 Sep 12
     
    This article describe a new smartphone app based on Android system in Samsung phone. At the first, this article introduce the long history about the room key development. It points out that the physical keys always have a problem that key itself can be stolen, and thus used by someone who doesn't have access privileges. Then the article introduce the  new Samsung's system. What amazing me is the phone is not only can be used as a door key but also a control center in guests' hand. "Once inside the room, the same phone can be used to order room and laundry service, book other hotel facilities, and act as an in-room phone extension. " The app has powerful features and I thought it will become a trend in the future.
  • Nelson Placa on 15 Sep 12
     
    Jingjia...this is a great article. I agree with you, I am impressed with the functionality of the phone application and how it works. It eliminates the middle man and any room for human error. I wonder how much more we can do with our phones. On this article listed below, it talks about how you can start a car directly from your IPhone (http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/10/start-your-car-from-your-iphone/). Soon, we will be able to do many things with simply the touch of a button.
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Salsarita's Generates Attention and Sales with Digital Menu Boards | News | Hospitality... - 1 views

hospitalitytechnology.edgl.com/news/Salsarita’s-Generates-Attention-and-Sales-with-Digital-Menu-Boards81885
shared by wei xie on 31 Aug 12 - No Cached
  • wei xie on 31 Aug 12
     
    In this article, Salsarita's Restaurant installed Digital Menu Board(DMB) techonology in more the third of its locations, on the purpose of generating customer's attention and sales. Being a fan of its reputation for its creative products, Salsarita's Restaurant chosen WAND Corporation as the exclusive supplier of their Digital Menu Boards(DMBS). With this advanced DMB system, Salsarita's Restaurant will be able to add new items to its digital menu by WAND Creative Servise using WAND TRM and synchronise with store, market or chain-wide immediately. The DMB system is also going to help Salsarita's Restaurant generate sales by gaining more customers' attention. it can analysis customers' purchase record and find out the most popular items and lest popular ones, then the restaurant can adjust its menu based on the analysis. Our society is stepping into its electronic age, techonology innovates day by day.One thing stands out to me ‌ this article is that to be a good manager, to generate more salse and profit, you should always keep customers experience"fresh and engaging". To approach that goal, you should always keep your techonology updated.
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Study Reveals Hotel Guests Mobile Device Habits | News | Hospitality Magazine (HT) - 1 views

hospitalitytechnology.edgl.com/...sts-Mobile-Device-Habits-81883 study hotel mobile news habits
shared by Joshua Frost on 30 Aug 12 - No Cached
  • Today’s travelers are armed with three or four mobile devices to help them stay connected to office and home. They are more inclined to carry a tablet than a laptop. And, when these business travelers communicate with the home front from their hotel room, they are most likely do so with a video chat
  • They travel with 3-4 mobile devices.
  • For friends and family, nothing beats face time.
  • Joshua Frost on 30 Aug 12
     
    Very interesting article here regarding the habits of hotels guests who used mobile devices during travel. It opened my mind to how dependent on this technology we are. The project was completed by Four Points by Sheraton, a brand by Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc. Over the duration of the experiment, 6,000 people were polled. What I found to be the most interesting fact in this study was that the majority of us use 3 - 4 mobile devices whenever we travel. If you think to when you were younger, you had your walkman and the hotel phone.
  • Jenna Rashbaum on 30 Aug 12
     
    When we travel we just grab all of our electronics and hit the road not even thinking about how many different items we are taking with us and why. This is exactly why at airports people get so aggravated waiting at security lines; people have to take each item out of their bag to go through the x-ray machine. Now if we would just leave 2 of the 4 items at home the time it takes to get through security would be cut in half!
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What Is a Telecommunications Network? - 1 views

www.wisegeek.com/telecommunications-network.htm
shared by wenzheng guo on 05 Sep 12 - No Cached
  • it is now understood to include Internet, microwave, and wireless equipment as well as the more traditional forms of telephony.
  • The main function of any telecommunications network is to provide efficient transmission of information from a point of origin to a point of termination.
  • Along with the PSTA, or public switched telephone network, that most people are familiar with, there is also the Internet, a medium that is increasingly used for both voice and visual communications. Private computer networks are a common tool in many businesses today, as well as many institutions of higher learning. These basic types are all classified into several categories, which include such options as wide area networks, local area networks, and virtual private networks.
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  • there are several basic types of telecommunications networks in use.
  • The main function of any telecommunications network is to provide efficient transmission of information from a point of origin to a point of termination.
  • With a local area network, or LAN, the focus is on providing the same secure communications as with a WAN, just on a smaller geographical area.
  • As communications in general continue to advance, the definition and scope of a telecommunications network will also continue to change and broaden. However, the core concept will likely remain the same.
  • A telecommunications network that is set up as a wide area network, or WAN
  • now understood to include Internet, microwave, and wireless equipment as well as the more traditional forms of telephony. There are several different classes of telecommunication networks, with each of them having a slightly different focus.
    • wenzheng guo
      wenzheng guo on 06 Sep 12
       
      New defination of Telecommunication Net work.As tme goes by, it becomes wider an more detail.
  • With a local area network, or LAN, the focus is on providing the same secure communications as with a WAN, just on a smaller geographical area.
    • wenzheng guo
      wenzheng guo on 06 Sep 12
       
      It is common in our daily life but we seldom recoganize.
  • As long as the form of communication allows for the real-time electronic exchange of audio, visual, and data transmissions, there is a good chance that method of communicating can be classified as a telecommunications network.
    • wenzheng guo
      wenzheng guo on 06 Sep 12
       
      It is the core of telecommunication and it will remain the same.
  • Yue Li (3011472) on 05 Sep 12
     
    A telecommunication network used to refer to the collection of switches of wirings used by telephone service; it is now include internet, microwave and wireless equipment as well as telephony. The main function of a telecommunication network is to provide efficient and effect transmission of information. A telecommunication network can set up as WAN and LAN. A telecommunication set up as WAN allows reliable communication between nodes that are geographically located across large distance. Hotels chains that located in different area would like to use this network model. With the same level of security, a telecommunication network set up as LAN is used on a smaller geographic area. It provides phone, data, and internet within an enclosed setting. One example is a hotel, where the phones and internet access are all routed through a network located within a hotel. As technologies continue to advance, the definition and the scope of the telecommunication network will also continue to change. But what will remain the same is the core concept. Before I read this paper, my opinion on a telecommunication network is always indicates telephone service, and now I understand it also include internet, microwave and wireless equipment. I have to say that technology have been changed very fast so that we must keep in mind to update our knowledge on these new technology as well.
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Americans Want to Fly Wireless - 2 views

www.hospitality-industry.com/...americans_want_to_fly_wireless
shared by Xu Wang on 08 Sep 12 - Cached
  • Americans don’t want to unplug from their portable communication devices when flying.
  • 80 percent of respondents want the option to connect to the Internet during their flight.  An additional 66 percent would like to be allowed to talk on their cell phone. 
  • This is good news for airlines that already offer wireless services to their passengers.  However,
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  • Americans are reticent to pay for Wi-Fi,
  • In addition, while flyers would also like the option to use mobile phones mid-flight,
  • 55 percent of respondents were concerned that such usage could put the safety of their plane at risk. 
  • “Not only do American travelers want to stay ‘plugged in’ during their flights, but there is also a much higher tolerance for in-flight mobile phone use than we expected,”
  • “It is good to see that the FAA is looking at ways to satisfy this demand through possible new allowances.” 
  • Xu Wang on 08 Sep 12
     
    Wireless networking is a important application of computer networks. And this news is very interesting. Because with my own experiences during traveling, I found out that a lot of passengers do not want to turn-off their phones during their flying time, some may choose to turn to the fight mode. And when I took Qatar airline, I found out that they install the wireless services for people to send message or make phone calls. That was the first time I experience this kind of service, I was very excited but calmed down when I saw the expensive fees I need to pay if I want to use. So I think it is time for FAA to look ways which can satisfy travelers' demand through possible new allowances.
  • Nelson Placa on 09 Sep 12
     
    I am one of those Americans that have a hard time disconnecting from technology when boarding an aircraft. I usually fly American Airlines and a majority of their airplane offer Wi-Fi available for purchase, I don't mind paying $12.95 so that I can stay entertain, I can't wait to hear the chime at 10,000 feet followed with the message from the flight crew telling me that "it is now safe to use electronic devices." On May 16th, 2012, Virgin Atlantic announced that passengers would be able use cell phones onboard the airplane utilizing VoIP. Can you imagine this technology aboard a plane from Los Angeles to New York? http://www.tomshardware.com/news/Virgin-Atlantic-Cell-Phones-Planes-In-Flight-Cost,15642.html
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The Role of Internet in the Hospitality Industry - Yahoo! Voices - voices.yahoo.com - 0 views

voices.yahoo.com/pitality-industry-6499282.html
shared by Sherine Mattison on 08 Sep 12 - No Cached
  • E-Booking The first role of the internet in the hospitality industry is online booking. As aforementioned in the past, travel agents were the most common source for booking hotel rooms and other travel components like flight tickets and travel tours. However, the internet has changed this; manual booking and reservations have been transformed to E-booking or online booking via Central Reservation Systems (CRS). As of March 2008, there are over 1.4 billion internet users (Internet World Stats, 2008) and according to the Computer Industry Almanac, this number is assumed to increase to 1.80 billion in 2010 (Clickz Stats, 2005). The Travel Industry Association in the United States stated that in 2002 about 64 million out of 619 million online users were online travelers and used the Internet to purchase travel-related services and products (Zhang, 2004, p.3). "Online leisure travel sales totaled $20.4 billion in 2002 and hotel booked online reached $3.8 billion" (Ibid). In 2005 the online travel revenue reached $27.7 billion in the U.S. alone and has steadily increased (Webmetro, 2005). Now imagine how big these figures would be on a global basis.
  • Another important role of the internet is the use of it as a marketing tool. Before a hotel can offer e-booking it has to set up its own website. The hotel can apply attractive designs and offer guests a virtual tour of the entire property and show various room types. This strategy is considered a minor but may get a lot of appeal from online users. The internet also allows hotels to reach more customers by using search engine optimization (SEO), which is a tool that helps increasing the traffic and page ranking in search engine results (Hotel Travel Check, n.d.). Another internet marketing strategy for the hospitality industry is electronic customer relationship management (eCRM), which are activities to manage customer relationships by using the internet and web browsers (Hotel Marketing, 2007).
  • Sherine Mattison on 08 Sep 12
     
    "The first role on the internet in the hospitality industry is online booking." With the increase in use of online booking sales of travel related goods and services in the hospitality industry has soared. "In the past, travel agents were the most common source of booking hotel rooms and travel components." The use of the internet has changed this as more and more travellers are booking online. "Another role of the internet is the use of it as a marketing tool." Hotels are able to market themselves; when the internet is used they will be able to set up their own websites where they will be able to showcase the aesthetics of the property and the services offered. This could attract a lot of online users. The customers would be able to see virtually what they are about to purchase. This type of technology also allows the business to reach customers globally. This in turn allows the business to have an idea about the kind of customers they are catering to. Since businesses would be using less of travel agents, there would be some savings and so they would be able to offer customers more competitive rates, there an increase in sales.
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Opera Property Management System - 0 views

www.micros.com/...OPERAPropertyManagementSystem Property Management System (PMS)
shared by Irine Wallace on 10 Sep 12 - No Cached
  • Reservations ― features are integrated with other functionality such as profiles, cashiering and deposits. This property management software module provides a complete set of features for creating and updating individual, group and business block reservations, including deposit handling, cancellations, confirmations, wait listing, room blocking and sharing.
  • Reservations ― features are integrated with other functionality such as profiles, cashiering and deposits. This property management software module provides a complete set of features for creating and updating individual, group and business block reservations, including deposit handling, cancellations, confirmations, wait listing, room blocking and sharing.
  • Reservations ― features are integrated with other functionality such as profiles, cashiering and deposits. This property management software module provides a complete set of features for creating and updating individual, group and business block reservations, including deposit handling, cancellations, confirmations, wait listing, room blocking and sharing.
  • ...11 more annotations...
  • Reservations ― features are integrated with other functionality such as profiles, cashiering and deposits. This property management software module provides a complete set of features for creating and updating individual, group and business block reservations, including deposit handling, cancellations, confirmations, wait listing, room blocking and sharing.
  • Profiles ― complete demographic records for guests, business accounts, contacts, groups, agents and sources. Profiles include addresses, phone numbers, membership enrollments, stay and revenue details, guest preferences and additional data that make reservations handling and many other activities faster and more accurate.
  • Back Office Interface ― revenue transfers, market statistics transfers, daily statistics transfers, and city ledger transfers can be easily made from OPERA Property Management System to a back office system.
  • Rooms Management ― handles all facets of room supervision including availability, housekeeping, maintenance and facility management. The Queue Rooms feature of the property management software coordinates Front Office and Housekeeping efforts when guests are waiting for rooms which are not immediately available for assignment.
  • Cashiering ― posting guest and passer-by charges (including taxes and other generates), making posting adjustments, managing advance deposits, settlements, checkout and folio printing are a few of the many activities handled by OPERA Cashiering. Cashiering accommodates multiple payment methods per reservation including cash, check, credit cards and direct bill. In multi-property environments, guest charges can be cross-posted from any property in the hotel complex
  • Cashiering ― posting guest and passer-by charges (including taxes and other generates), making posting adjustments, managing advance deposits, settlements, checkout and folio printing are a few of the many activities handled by OPERA Cashiering. Cashiering accommodates multiple payment methods per reservation including cash, check, credit cards and direct bill. In multi-property environments, guest charges can be cross-posted from any property in the hotel complex
  • Cashiering ― posting guest and passer-by charges (including taxes and other generates), making posting adjustments, managing advance deposits, settlements, checkout and folio printing are a few of the many activities handled by OPERA Cashiering. Cashiering accommodates multiple payment methods per reservation including cash, check, credit cards and direct bill. In multi-property environments, guest charges can be cross-posted from any property in the hotel complex
  • Cashiering ― posting guest and passer-by charges (including taxes and other generates), making posting adjustments, managing advance deposits, settlements, checkout and folio printing are a few of the many activities handled by OPERA Cashiering. Cashiering accommodates multiple payment methods per reservation including cash, check, credit cards and direct bill. In multi-property environments, guest charges can be cross-posted from any property in the hotel complex
  • Cashiering ― posting guest and passer-by charges (including taxes and other generates), making posting adjustments, managing advance deposits, settlements, checkout and folio printing are a few of the many activities handled by OPERA Cashiering. Cashiering accommodates multiple payment methods per reservation including cash, check, credit cards and direct bill. In multi-property environments, guest charges can be cross-posted from any property in the hotel complex
  • Cashiering ― posting guest and passer-by charges (including taxes and other generates), making posting adjustments, managing advance deposits, settlements, checkout and folio printing are a few of the many activities handled by OPERA Cashiering. Cashiering accommodates multiple payment methods per reservation including cash, check, credit cards and direct bill. In multi-property environments, guest charges can be cross-posted from any property in the hotel complex
  • Your front desk often makes the difference between ‘never agains’ and ‘long-term relationships.’ At the core of the OPERA Enterprise Solution is our premier property management software, the OPERA Property Management System (PMS). Designed to meet the varied requirements of any size hotel or hotel chain, OPERA PMS provides all the tools a hotel staff needs for doing their day-to-day jobs – handling reservations, checking guests in and out, assigning rooms and managing room inventory, accommodating the needs of in-house guests, and handling accounting and billing. The property management software is configurable to each property’s specific requirements and operates in either single-property or multi-property mode, with all properties in an enterprise sharing a single database
  • Irine Wallace on 10 Sep 12
     
    SUMMARY OPERA Property Management System is fully integrated with all the OPERA modules and offers the most extensive list of certified interfaces in the industry. FEATURES: Reservation, rate management, profiles, front desk management, back office interface, room management, cashiering, account receivables, commissions, reporting, fully configurable, global perspective, hospitality system interface, opera express, tailored to fit hotel's operational business needs, scalable to suit the size of the hotel, helps operators to become more productive, profitable and professional, and delivers fast, accurate and online information on property
  • Jenna Rashbaum on 10 Sep 12
     
    A lot of hotels use OPERA as their property management system. I have never personally worked in a hotel so I am not familiar with PMS's but from everything that I have read and heard from people is that OPERA is very efficient with everything. This system seems as though it can do everything for your property just the way that you would like it to. OPERA is customizable to your company's needs which seems great. This is a great website that you posted as it informs all of us exactly what this PMS is capable of.
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Travelport trials GDS airport transfer bookings - Travel Daily Media - 1 views

www.traveldailymedia.com/...-gds-airport-transfer-bookings
shared by Yuri Kim on 13 Sep 12 - No Cached
  • Travelport is trialling a new service which will allow travel agents to book private car transfers via the GDS.
  • a huge demand for chauffeur-driven car transfers in Asia
  • By booking with Travelport via the GDS, agents are able to automate the process and bookings are integrated back into the passenger name record (PNR).
  • Yuri Kim on 13 Sep 12
     
    In today's society, travel distribution environments and electronic reservation services are consistently moving toward global and complicated marketplace. Thus, travel marketplace needs a more and more globalized and comprehensive system for customers. And, I think GDSs well reflect this trend. The article show the example of the utilization GDS in travel industry. Travelport introduces a new travel product called Travelport Drive Me to Galileo-connected travel agents in Asia. The joint creation of Travelport and two major car rental companies, Travelport Drive Me was developed in response to the demand for chauffer-driven car transfers in Asia. This product enables travel agents to book chauffer-driven car transfers through Travelport's GDS for international airports in Asia. This new product would provide advantages not just for travel agents, but also for customers. With this product, travel agents save time and cost through the automated process. Plus, customers experience satisfied traveling by eliminating concerns about language, security, and public transportation issues in Asia.
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Hotels Are Going High-Tech. Is That Good? - TIME - 2 views

www.time.com/...0,9171,128164,00.html hotels technology
shared by Nicole Beveridge on 17 Sep 12 - No Cached
  • Nicole Beveridge on 17 Sep 12
     
    Technology is part of today's culture. It is almost impossible therefore, to imagine a hotel without some level of technology. If nothing else, even the smallest hotel is likely to have a property management system. Technology increases the efficiency of the staff and enhances the experience of the guest. Technology can be overdone. Cost plays a role in technology, as it does with every management decision. The relative price of technology has been in a downward spiral for many years, however, new products come come onto the market at high initial cost.
  • ...1 more comment...
  • Jenna Rashbaum on 18 Sep 12
     
    Hi Nicole, Great article! I think that some technology has definitely eliminated some jobs for humans because we used to not have internet at the click of a button and you had to call the operator or go to a library and find the information but now that we have it in our hands at all times who needs people to help us get answers, we just look it all up online. Technology is a positive thing in our lives but sometimes it may be a little too overdone like you said.
  • Jenan Williams on 20 Sep 12
     
    Great example of too much of a good thing can be bad. Technology can be a wonderful things, making our lives more effecient and accommodating, however as human we yearn for interaction. Specially in the hotels and restaurants, one the the greatest things I remember as kid was being checked it at a hotel. I felt grand; important that someone knew my name and welcomed me. With today's technology, that is a rare exisitance. I check myself in, swipe my phone to acess my room, order room service from my TV and check out withour ever interacting with a human, lets just say I would prefer the brass keys and red tassels.
  • Nelson Placa on 23 Sep 12
     
    Excellent Article...the growth of technological advances in the industry has become very important for the industry. The Food & Wine maganize reports that besides iPod stations, flat TVs and other commonly known electronics; hotels are adding moonpads that allow guest to set-up room privacy settings, book spa treatments, set-up lighting mood and many more...http://travelkit.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/05/07/11411992-high-tech-hotels-add-ease-and-luxury?lite
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