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This article discusses the reasons why properties across the globe have adopted Property Management Software to provide them more efficiency. It highlights the benefits that can be seen in PMS programs. Real-time access to information being a benefit with cloud based systems because you are able to access all the information in one place and from anywhere. These software solutions are also time saving due to the manpower time that is saved from tasks that are automated. Another benefit is the security features that are put into place by the developers of the software. Lastly, mentioned in the article is scalability and money saving. Being able to alter your software to your companies needs will save you money and also allow you to expand or take away things you don't need. You will also save money in the labor that would otherwise be needed without the system. In my opinion, property management softwares are a must in the hospitality industry, and finding the right one that will fit your needs should be carefully picked. Cloud solutions are now and the future of PMS solutions.

This article touches on the technologies incorporated in events today that make every day life experiences better, faster and more efficient. It was mentioned that a large majority of event planners believe that using event related apps increase the guests satisfaction levels. Applications like kyazoonga, an online ticketing provider for event planners and customers, are becoming more and more prominent. A new trend for event technology is using data insights about customers.Using this information they are able to hone in on their target market and use it to help drive whatever they believe will help their next event be a success. Customer loyalty programs are also becoming a trend as well as the use of social media to better access past, present and future guests.

This Article tackles the unknown truths of hospitality and information technology. It shows the trends, and how to view these changes the same way consumers do

The purpose of this article was to review the available literature on the subject of ensuring software integrity for IoT (Internet of Things) devices, focusing on detecting and preventing modification of the original software, so that the device cannot be used for unintended purposes. The literature reviewed; secure boot, trusted boot and runtime security. Concluding that no one single control is going to adequately protect a device the solution based upon 25 years of experience is to create a multi-layered approach to security that starts at the beginning when power is applied, establishes a trusted computing baseline, and anchors that trust in something immutable that cannot be tampered with. Additionally, because a device built today can become a major problem tomorrow, due to them having hardcore keys "set and forget", the internet will then have literally billions of obsolete hosts in the coming years. Therefore it is important for MIS Managers/ Consultants investigate how to change the game in order to mitigate the damage or economic value of new systems being breached and by asking questions such as 'Can we even in the presence of a malicious attacker offer some limited form of security for the most valuable transactions (such as e-banking) or assets?' and 'Can we make the 'business' of the attackers less attractive by applying security technologies that are particularly tailored towards destroying the business model of the attackers?'

Over the few years, travel agents are using booking through Global distribution systems. Hotels however are having to pay a 20% booking fee when people book through GDS. Travel agents are also now using Airbnb, and alternative booking, because they aren't seeing any commissions on them. GDS is a large computer network that represents a single point of entry to travel agents and meta search sites. GDS are heavily used in the business and corporate travel accounts. GDS corporate business typically delivers more revenue for hotels because business travelers usually eat and drink in the hotel, rather than travel outside the hotel and spend money. Travel agents use commissionable and non-commissionable booking that, where commissionable bookings must add typically 8-10% agency commission on top of the GDS fees. GDS can be a good source of incremental bookings and increase margins.

Over the few years, travel agents are using booking through Global distribution systems. Hotels however are having to pay a 20% booking fee when people book through GDS. Travel agents are also now using Airbnb, and alternative booking, because they aren't seeing any commissions on them. GDS is a large computer network that represents a single point of entry to travel agents and meta search sites. GDS are heavily used in the business and corporate travel accounts. GDS corporate business typically delivers more revenue for hotels because business travelers usually eat and drink in the hotel, rather than travel outside the hotel and spend money. Travel agents use commissionable and non-commissionable booking that, where commissionable bookings must add typically 8-10% agency commission on top of the GDS fees. GDS can be a good source of incremental bookings and increase margins.

Artificial intelligence may sound like a topic for the future but this article helps to enlighten just how much we are using AI's and shows how they are the "now". The benefits that come from integrating artificial intelligence are incomparable. Examples of the limitless things an AI can do can include, controlling reward programs, detail occupancy patterns and adjust price accordingly, control chat rooms, create personalized experiences, organize marketing and social media, and so much more. It is so powerful that it can practically control and accomplish any task in any hospitality department.

This article discussed the importance of planning within an event and all of the aspects that have evolved with advancements in technology. Ultimately, making event planning more organized for the planner and the client. These interactive technology pieces can help keep all parties in the loop and prepared for anything.

This article is introduce a successful female --Anna McFarland. She was selected as the 2018 HFTP Paragon Award recipient. She is a global financial services veteran with 30 years of finance and performance management

This article highlights 5 different strategies to strengthen data security. They make very great points such as the data security begins with the employees. Teaching employees how to handle and process sensitive data is the first step. Training employees on how to spot data breaches and report them is just as important. Another great tactic that the author presents is to test your own network. In order to implement strict barriers for cyber security, the limitations have to be known. If a company knows their cyber security limitations on data they can build a stronger foundation to prevent outside cyber data breaches. Additionally since cyber attacks are not 100% preventable, purchasing Cybersecurtiy insurance seems like the most responsible thing any hospitality or customer focused entity can do.

Well said in many aspects. It is not if there will be an attack or breach, it is how the company deals with it and prevents it as best as possible to deter the assailants. Data security in a hotel or operation is also very important. There must be many measures in place to ensure that guests data is safe. It is very serious and can affect business just as bad as food poisoning or fires.

I completely agree. Having a proactive approach to data security should be the standard because the attacks are inevitable.

The importance of personalization for hotel guests is becoming increasingly popular in the travel industry and a simple step to improve direct conversions. You will learn about how to create a unique experience for hotel guests, mapping your target audience and crafting personalized campaigns for your target audience.

As per the article, I agree that personalization & the development of unique experiences will be driving factors within the industry moving forward. The hospitality industry has some catching up to do here as well.

The personalization or customization of the guest experience is extremely high in demand within the hospitality industry. It will be very interesting to see how hotels in particular are able to accommodate this new trend. It is important that the industry finds eco-friendly ways to address these needs. So hotels do not create additional, waste, since the product is 100% personalized for each guest.

This blog post talks about how you can effectively reach your customer base through the use of email marketing, pre and post arrival. One of the benefits is being able to build guest rapport by creating a relationship through this channel. Sending them a few offers prior to arrival or a unique message to follow your twitter page creates this positive relationship and vibe about your brand. This leads to getting a farther reach on your online presence via social media and what not. This is a cost effective marketing channel that leads to more followers, more likes, and more brand awareness. Lastly, you can discover great guest feedback by sending post stay e-mail marketing. It has been reported that the majority prefer to receive a guest feedback e-mail rather than being stopped while they are checking out. This also opens the doors to opportunities, by keeping the relationship, creating customer loyalty, and reaching them through email marketing for special deals. The use of email marketing is one of the most cost effective and leads to the greatest ROI. It creates customer loyalty and leads to repeat business.

The article titled "3 Reasons Why Email Marketing is Essential for your Hotel" provides interesting points in terms of the impact of email marketing. Building guest rapport, specifically a personalized point of contact, is crucial for the guest to feel that there is a connection, and in turn will become loyal. According to the article, "Effective hotel email marketing starts the minute a guest has booked and nurtures your relationship with them long after their stay. It's a chance for you to build rapport with your guests-which translates into positive reviews and repeat customers". Therefore, how can hotels create a positive guest experience and environment? Email marketing, when used efficiently, such as through pre-arrival emails, will allow guests to feel appreciated and taken care of. In addition to this, email marketing is an excellent opportunity to extend the brand's online presence and receive guest feedback. Thus, email marketing should not be seen only as communication from the hotel to the guest, but a great start to a conversation.

This article outlines some of the procedures that are used in the Hospitality Industry accounting departments. Beginning with document retention, GAAP is followed to comply with how long the documents need to be kept. In keeping documents, data security needs to be in place to protect sensitive information. Internal controls are also important and follow GAAP, so that stakeholders and owners are protected. The procedure is so that the proper allocation of assets are maintained. Revenue recognition is also part of accounting procedures, as revenues may be sorted in various ways as appropriate. Lastly, timeshare accounting being one of the most complicated, due to the different agreements. I found this article to be a good guide in knowing the basic procedures that are followed in hospitality accounting.

Not everyone may not familiar with the accounting journal entries that happened in restaurants and hotels since food sales and staying at a hotel are not quite the same as normal goods being sold in a retail sore. In this article, the author has introduced the accounting records and record journal entries which restaurants and hotels set to keep track of business transactions. The whole process includes four main parts: recording revenue, costs of sales, operating expenses, and capital purchases.

McDonald's has consistently been "beaten to the punch" by its competitors regarding the use of technology in its restaurants, and it has shown in an overall 10.4 decrease in foot traffic from its peak. In a cross-promotional attempt to advertise its new menu offerings while connecting with a younger (i.e. Millenial) market to show off their increased technological offerings (e.g. mobile ordering, digital smart menu boards, self-service ordering kiosks, and even delivery), McDonald's set up a Big Mac vending machine in Boston's Kenmore Square that dispensed burgers in exchange for a video posted to the consumer's twitter account. This multi-facted marketing technique allowed them to deliver their tech-driven message to potentially several hundred new consumers for every burger that was dispensed. This is a highly cost-effective marketing strategy that will allow McDonald's to focus its resources on continued development of the tech solutions that the event is aimed at promoting.

This article was very interesting because it talked about the traditional POS system that most business use and the mobile payment system that is the new thing that is happening now. A lot of people are using mobile payment to pay for their service. Businesses are still trying to adapt to the new mobile payment system since it's still something new to them but they are hesitance to adapt to it because of security reasons. With the traditional POS system, guest information is more safe and also it keeps inventory control, reporting capabilities, which is great. A lot of hackers can get into the mobile payment system and steal guest credit card information, which is not good. This is not good for neither companies nor guest because why guest get their information stolen, business also has to pay fees for every credit card stolen. The best thing that businesses can do instead of trying to choose which one to pick is combining both system and seeing how it works. They can use it in a way where guest can use their phones to order stuff to speed up the service process but should pay on the traditional POS system to keep every information secured.

I found this article extremely interesting because in today's world, almost everyone relies on technology for everything. From googling what 25 centimeters is in inches, to emailing your cousin who lives across the world from you. So why not, bring that favorite technology with you when you go away? Like the article mentions, these smart apps, and chat bots, not only helps guests have a more comfortable stay, but also helps things go more smoothly for staff. In addition, these technologies allow hotels to make it a better stay for guests, by recording specific preferences, leading to increased loyalty. All in all, if it helps it make a more convenient experience for both the guest and staff at the hotel, I say it is a winner! 

"With a cloud-based system, merchants are able to run numerous reports from your computer by simply pressing a button. Data that highlights top selling items and customer favorites will help business owners, like Larry, to make smarter decisions. Reliable POS software will decrease the time customers spend at the register and will eliminate human error by employees. Merchants are now able to organize menu items on the iPad based on category and can make colored-coated "hot keys". Retailers that have large amounts of inventory no longer have to worry about slow transactions or inventory errors. Many POS software providers now offer integrated barcode scanning, which will increase speed and efficiency. This foolproof method eliminates the process of manual entry. Speedier transactions will keep customers smiling while generating more business. Quality POS software can help business owners acknowledge loyal customers by allowing for quick pre-programmed discounts at the register. Additionally, customers now have the option to receive an email receipt, which can help merchants to not only recall their customers' name at the time of checkout, but also build targeted email campaigns informing their customers of current promotions and recommending new product based on previous purchases. " https://diigo.com/0befg9

I enjoyed reading this post as it came from the perspective of a customer. Companies, such as the local wine store mentioned in this article, can truly take advantage of POS to improve customer satisfaction. With a reliable POS software, the transaction does not have to be time consuming and consumers can use additional payment methods such as Apple Pay. I also think that POS helps with the replenishment of inventory. Customers can be very loyal, but if they feel that their needs are not taken into consideration, such as the case of the Malbec wine, then they will start to drift to other wine stores that can offer this. I believe POS has numerous benefits and this article has a very straightforward and clear way of presenting this.