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Digital technology has revolutionized our way of life, our very existence. With the prevalence of smart phones, the lines between physical and virtual market places are getting blurred due to e-commerce, show-rooming and brick and click. Typically to find a local business, customers use a smart phone, social recommendations, opt-in push notifications and retargeted ads from websites previously visited. Enter Proximity Marketing: It describes location technologies for attracting customers by direct communication on their smart-phones or Bluetooth or GPS enabled devices. It provides the right promotions at the right place and time for the right price. This not only reaches customers, it converts them. Statistics show, ads served in the vicinity of the store tends to get 5X more conversions. With omnichannel browsing, personalized buying patterns of consumers are used along with techniques such as NFC, geofencing, beacons, social checking and retargeting to capture business. Using this 4R principle, Centaream, the new Proximity Marketing mobile marketing platform will start facilitating business for merchants by October 2018 in the U.S.A, Singapore and India. In my opinion, proximity marketing makes sense and should be a big success.

With the success of having mobile locks for our homes and even our cars, it's no wonder hotels are adopting the technology as well. Technology advances quickly, and like any business hotels must do the same, they're constantly refurbishing rooms and implementing new things to better serve their guests and a mobile lock would be no different. Having keys on a guest's phone would improve efficiency for hotel management because they wouldn't need to replace a lost key, and guests would no longer need to wait in a line to check in, just head up to their room as soon as they get there. This allows hotel staff to use that extra time to ensure guests get even better customer service. Mobile keys do possess a few problems in that, unless a guest is loyal to a particular hotel chain or unless they travel a lot, they might be unwilling to download an app just to be able to get into their room. This can be circumvented by designing an app that can do more than just open their room door such as making/changing reservations, making spa appointments, allowing gym/pool access, and being able to call for a bellboy, and getting help from the concierge. While not quite there yet, mobile door locks will let hotels know more about their guests and how to "better manage assets and the workforce with predictive analytics" that could be used to make guests experiences better and more likely to turn them into repeat guests.

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

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

In the article, "Travel Agents Increase Use of GDS to Book Hotel Rooms," it talked about how the leading global provider of revenue is generating solutions for hotels, it shows how important GDS platforms are to travel agents. "84 percent of respondents indicated that they were using their GDS platform the same amount or more often than in the past, with 35 percent stating that they are using GDS more." Back in 2009, when the last study was conducted, about 26 percents of travel agents said that they used their GDS platform more often than in the past. This study also states that the annual GDS shopping displays will be over $50 million in 2011, which will increase more than a million bookings compared to 2010. There was another survey that was done and they surveyed different travel agents from across the world that were subscribed to a major GDS system. In the survey the travel agents indicated that promotional messages are effective and often prompt bookings. Out of the travel agents they surveyed, 66% said that they were aware of the "promotional messages requested addition information by looking at the screen attached to he promotional message." From this survey it showed that promotional messages are an excellent way to reach travel agents and from reaching the agent, they also reaching the customer, it's a win-win reaction.

I enjoyed the part about brand and promotional messaging, that is always a lure for me. When I see an attractive offer, evern If I'm not interested in booking or going to the destination, I often click on it anyway just to see the offer. It is a very effective marketing tool.

This article makes me proud to work in the hotel industry. Of course, there's financial motivation for being energy efficient, but hey, we can pretend we also do it because it's the right thing to do. As long as owners and operators see opportunities to continue to reduce energy costs, they won't stop. I have to believe that hotels will continue to look for ways to become even more efficient to the point of eliminating their carbon footprint. The hotel business is one of the few industries that have a strong incentive to dramatically reduce energy costs. The fact that the EPA's ENERGY STAR program is working on a new, hospitality-specific scoring system in response to the industry's specific needs and growing demand is pretty cool. I can see such a system becoming measurements for bonus payouts like market share is with Smith Travel Research and further accelerating the work around sustainability in hotels. A great point is also made regarding the retention of employees. The article argues that employees will feel that management cares about their health and well-being. But I would also say that employees want to work for hotels that do what's good and right for our world. You want to work for the good guys. Individual travelers, companies and meeting planners are more and more looking to stay or do business with hotels that are eco-friendly. Thirty six percent more travelers are expected to choose more eco-friendly travel options than they did in 2016. That statistic should definitely get the attention of owners currently in the process of planning a new hotel. If you want a competitive advantage from the day you open your doors, fill up that building with green initiates and let the green slide right down to the bottom line.

This article introduces the role of PMS(property management system) to increase ancillary revenue. PMS encourages hotels to be competitive with high-end technology, and to provide the service beyond guests' expectations, which in turn, increases the top line revenue. The first role of PMS can be related to room upselling. With cloud-based hotel technology, hotel staff can know the guests' preferences, so before check-in, they can figure out the guest preference, and based on that, they can offer upselling. This tactic will be helpful for both guests and hotel because hotel can make ancillary revenue by upselling, and guest can get personalized service. Second, PMS system can track the guest journey through the previous visiting record. PMS has personalized record depending on the guest. It means hotel is able to offer the most attractive journey to guests. Third, PMS helps to solve the problem instantly, which increases guest satisfaction. The Internet and lots of applications at hotel deliver the instant responsiveness, and improve guest gratification. It will be related to better reviews and loyalty toward the hotel. As can be seen here, adopting the developed technology helps the hotel to build a good relationship with guests, and increase the number of loyal guests. Lastly, by having employees use mobile devices to check-in guests and solve special requests smoothly with other departments, it enables to build the strong personal relationship with guests, and enhance trust. Depending on the personality of guests, they might or might not like personalized services. However, it is obvious that hotel should offer the right service based on their need or want, at the right time, without giving any pressure to them. It can be the way to drive ancillary revenue by using property management system properly.

Delta Air Lines and Sabre will be working together on a multiyear deal to improve indirect distribution channels. As Jeff Lobl said, the intention is to unlock innovation and reward investment as well as enhance the customer experience. Traditionally airLines pay a flat fee to GDSs but this model will be based more on what is being sold.

This article goes over the most important aspects to consider when using registration software for an event. One of these include making sure to use apt branding. The second is to make the questions being asked of attendees more customized. The third is to personalize the entire process The fourth is to make sure that there is a way for people to pay on the software.

This article offers a telling account of how Disney developed and implemented the MyMagic+ initiative, providing important insights into how major corporations approach massive tech-related capital investments. Among the most salient takeaways: 1) how Disney recognized that the parks' pain points could be addressed through the public's growing predilection for personal, always-connected; 2) how these massive internal projects can pit different departments against each other, and how sometimes that antagonism can lead to beneficial results; and 3) how a project like MyMagic+ can have a profound positive impact on the company and still be considered by many to have not fulfilled its potential.

This article talks about the 5 technologies hotels should be investing into for 2020 in order to stay competitive. The technologies are website simplicity, upselling tech to boost profitability, secure payment systems to increase consumer confidence & credibility, self service and automated check-in, and an omni platform which centralises operations.

Hotels are taking new major steps into tech integration as more and more developments are constantly being requested by guest and made by property owners. These I.T investments can help these properties majorly and help increase guest satisfaction. One advantage that many companies can use is it up selling aspect to help push sales. Investing in secure payment options helps with data security and gives the hotel credibility.

-Website simplicity -Upselling technology to boost profitability -Secure payment systems to increase consumer confidence and credibility -Self service and automated check in -An omni platform which centralizes operations -In a 2,000 people study, a quarter of people take into high consideration the quality and detail of a hotel's website before making a direct booking online. -Website simplicity acquires traffic, increases conversion rates and drives more people to book direct. -Upselling can happen subsequently through nudge marketing via emails, push notifications of even on arrival at the hotel. -Investment in secure payment gateways protects the data of hotel guests and the hotels credibility. -Also checks in advance whether the credit card exists and is covered which could reduce chargebacks. -In a survey of 2,654 consumers, 78% of respondents said they would like to see self-service kiosks more widely available for check in. -Self check in is faster service, more privacy, and waiting time/lines are much shorter. -Omni channel platforms enable you to centralize operational systems, take back control of your revenue flow and transparency of guest data, so hotel management can focus on creating the best experience for customers.

The article by Shiji Group (2020) focuses on how companies can utilize technology in responding to post-crisis operations, increasing their competitiveness in their respective industries. In itself, the Shiji group is a software solutions company that provides its services in the Food, hospitality, entertainment, and retail industry. The company was founded in 1998 and currently employs approximately 5,000 individuals in its over 80 subsidiaries. As of 2020, Shiji Group serves approximately 200,000 restaurants, 74,000 hotels, and 600,00 retail businesses (Shiji Group, 2020. To this effect, the Shiji Group (2020) provides that the utilization of point-of-sale software and technologies is the best suit technological alternative for foods and beverages companies in the post-crisis period. In this line, the article indicates that the best alternative in implementing such technology is ensuring that the company's systems can communicate effectively. In this line, Shiji Group (2020) notes that approximately 65% of all purchasing decisions are affected by the availability of point-of-sale features, modules, and functionalities. Shiji Group (2020) further provides one of the transitioning alternatives: the utilization of cloud-based technologies that provide secure, convenient, flexible, and open application programming interfaces (APIs). Some of the accrued benefits include better customer experiences due to software ease of use, multi-function applications and reports building, and capacity to alter the software and hardware accessibility. Having noted these advantages, Shiji Group (2020) provides an example of its software business partnership with Barstock Exchange. They focused on helping Food and beverage businesses extend their capacity through the upgrading of its technological base. This was achieved through the upgrading and integration of the point-of-sale software and their cloud-based software functionality, hence increasing their operational capacity and effi

Despite women leading the way in scholarship and culinary education, they are suspiciously vacant at the top of the leadership ladder. According to Bloomberg, only about 7% of executive chefs are woman, and "67% of executive women are in support roles...as opposed to running their own line of business." This doesn't appear to be because of a lack of entrepreneurial spirt, as "405 of restaurants are women-owned businesses or WOB, and startups by women are growing much faster than the industry overall." This made me reflect on my own city, as I do see women in executive positions, such as Stephanie Izard, Sarah Grunenberg, and Mindy Segal, they all got to their positions in very different ways. Probably the most successful, with currently 7-8 restaurants, is Izard, she got her start by winning a reality tv show and then joining forces with two male business owners (BOKA). Grunenberg also started visa vi the reality TV route, and now eventually owns and runs a very successful restaurant downtown. Mindy Segal is the only woman executive in this group that has built her business, her cookbooks, her brand, and now her cannibis retail, mostly by herself. It is interesting to relate these women to this article because while they are all three incredibly successful, only one was able to pull herself there through the three points mentioned in this article. In order for women to break the glass ceiling in restaurants and culinary, they will need to accomplish three main goals: 1. Gain confidence, 2. Increase their aspirations, and 3. Learn and Maintain Financial literacy. The "grim reality (is) that 96% of WOB do not cross the $1 million in revenue...(and) fewer than 8% seek external financing. Women "receive less than 4% of Small Business Administration loan dollars and less than 2% of venture capital dollars. For confidence, this article recommends to women to learn how to advocate for yourself. Use coaches, practices public speaking, and learn how to pitch your business

The Hospitality industry have been greatly impacted over the years by the advancements made in technology. Customers have everything assessable by the click of a button or utilization of an app. Various software is being created to provide for quick and easy service but in turn takes away from the personal experiences.

This article is about the new advances in technology and investing whether it has been taken too far. It analyzes the new advancements such as apps where reservations are made. These new technologies have been made to enhance experience but not replace the warm feeling that hospitality gives you. The article concludes that we haven't taken it too far, instead it has made guest experience better. Especially when it comes to checking in, and not having to wait a huge line when you just want to get to your room.

As we learned this week, technology is impacting the hospitality industry. As the article states- "improving a guest's experience depends on the ability to identify the individual guest's preferences." This reminded me of the Smart Bar video we watched this week. Technology can enhance the quality of experience. However, depending on the businness/ company- most people would be unwilling to put a an investment into tech unless they see a significant uptake from the technology. Even though technology plays a major role in the industry, it has not completely took over human interaction.

This article was provided by Protel - a developer of hotel check-in software. The focus of the article is to convince hotels of the benefits of the check-in software. The article acknowledges that the technology allows guests to complete the check-in/out process without having to endure log lines and also by customizing the guests' stay. The software also allows the hotel integrate with their PMS. This allows for the teams on property to communicate more effectively about the guest experience, provide much needed marketing data and helping to eliminate many human-related errors.

Network redundancy is the process of adding network devices and other instances of communication lines to help ensure network availability and reduce the risk of failures on critical data paths. One of the first steps in the network redundancy plan is to create a network strategy that reviews the existing infrastructure. A high-quality hosted data center should have an extensive backup system to ensure that it is always available. All valuable data should be backed up regularly, preferably in another location. By using multiple data centers, companies can ensure that even if certain disasters occur, they will be able to proceed with minimal losses. In addition, a well-maintained UPS system ensures that the server can be switched from power to backup generator power without losing any data or applications.

A network outage whether it is due to a cyber attack or simple human error can be devastating to a company. It makes them look very bad, damaging their reputation, and can cost the business millions of dollars. Network Redundancy can help ensure network availability and decrease the risk of failure. There are 2 forms of redundancy. Fault Tolerance where there is a mirrored backup system that takes over with no loss of service, and High Availability where the backup servers take over and restart applications that were running on the failed server.