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Why is it important to keep my IT systems up to date? - 0 views

  • software upgrades are essential for continued operation. On the technical side of things, these upgrades provide fixes for known issues, provide new enhanced features, and often resolve and fix major security flaws or other types of flaws inside of software that could put your company and your company’s data at risk.
  • very important to keep track of updates and test them whenever possible before deploying them to a production environment. On some complicated infrastructures, applying something as small as a small security fix could bring down multiple integrated Line of Business applications. In an event like this it could cause huge problems!
  • ignoring security updates could leave a huge security hole that could be exploited by a virus, or malicious piece of software and infect many of your systems.
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  • is when it comes time to do larger upgrades, or migrate systems to new servers, the migration/implementation time could be multiplied 2-10 times just because you haven’t kept your systems up to date.
  • In situations where you do have a valid good warranty from a recommended vendor, you can often have hardware replaced under warranty by the next business day, minimizing downtime.
  • Equipment Age – They need to purchase new equipment, since replacement parts aren’t available anymore, and the equipment’s warranty has expired.
  • Consumer Grade Equipment – Some IT Solution providers, and/or IT staff feel they can build their own servers, or purchase off-the-shelf consumer grade equipment for business use.
  • Vendor Warranty – We are called in to resolve an issue on a new server environment, but it turns out the equipment just came off warranty after 3 months.
  • Security and critical updates need to be applied urgently when possible. Upgrades or updates that increase features, functionalities, and correct software flaws are also important, but not as important as security/critical updates.
  • Hardware should be upgraded when either the equipment is coming off warranty, or when you need to upgrade for performance/capacity reasons.
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    the article emphasizes the importance of conducting constant updates and upgrades on software and hardware, as it will help to protect the company data and systems from any possible hacks or viruses or data loses.
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Wendy's and Google Cloud Partner to Enhance the Wendy's Restaurant Experience | Hospita... - 1 views

  • Wendy's® and Google Cloud announced a partnership to enhance the Wendy's restaurant experience and unlock new customer, restaurant, and employee experiences through data-driven insights.
  • Wendy's intends to leverage Google Cloud's data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and hybrid cloud tools to create new ways customers can order food in the drive thru, on their mobile devices and through other touchpoints.
  • Google Cloud's AI/ML and data analytics solutions will enable Wendy's to innovate ways to create fast, frictionless, and fun interactions that redefine the way customers visit and enjoy our restaurants."
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  • By bringing together Wendy's commitment to innovation, with the best of Google technology, we can help build the quick service restaurant of tomorrow that redefines speed, convenience, and quality.
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    Wendy's plans to 1) reimagine the restaurant experience for customers and employees by improving business analytics and reporting 2) create new ways of ordering food through mobile, web, and other touchpoints at the restaurant 3) provide a next-gen restaurant experience.
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8 POS Trends & Technologies Shaping the Future of Retail - 0 views

  • A POS—or point-of-sale—system is an invaluable business tool that has replaced the traditional cash register with constantly evolving, tech-driven solutions.
  • mobile and cloud-based POS transactions enable businesses to make sales from anywhere.
  • Cloud-based POS technology: Today’s POS software is often cloud-based, meaning you can access your POS software and all of its data from any compatible device at any time.
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  • POS technology makes it possible for small businesses to accommodate these complex buying behaviors, letting them compete with larger companies with bigger budgets.
  • POS technologies continue to empower retailers to create a more seamless customer experience across all touchpoints.
  • mPOS systems: Many cloud POS options also have a mobile component, or an mPOS, so associates can meet customers where they are and make sales on the floor.
  • When you accommodate additional payment methods with a flexible, tech-forward POS, you can accommodate more customers—and encourage more sales in turn.
  • While credit and debit cards remain popular, usage is expected to decrease gradually as consumers access ever-expanding payment options
  • Having a POS that provides personalized shopping experiences is important
  • POS software captures valuable information with every transaction, so you can build customer profiles that help you learn more about your clientele. Over time, you can personalize automated campaigns through your POS, enabling your associates to access customer profiles at checkout or on an mPOS.
  • POS data is valuable for more than just getting to know your customers and their communication preferences. The metrics from your POS can also reveal information about your business’ staff, products, store layout, foot traffic, and returns rate—among other metrics.
  • Choosing a POS system that lets your customers subscribe to products or services makes it easy for them to keep their favorite products in stock while effortlessly maintaining brand loyalty.
  • many of the best loyalty program software options integrate with POS systems and make it easy for customers to sign up for rewards.
  • With increased mobility, data analysis, and security, POS technologies are becoming an integral part of every retail business.
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How the hotel industry has changed over the past 20 years | Hotel Management - 1 views

  • Over the past 20 years, many facets of the hotel industry have shifted to adapt to new technology and changing consumer behavior, which have in turn changed how hoteliers conduct business.
  • “The availability of internet marketing has led to increased competition and has created pressure on room rates
  • Marketing and distribution costs are the most significant changes the industry has seen over the past couple decades, Corcoran said.
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  • However, he said that because of their marketing dollars, OTAs had a huge impact that would affect consumer behavior—a belief that guests could get the best and cheapest price if they booked via third parties, helping to fuel OTAs’ market share and bringing the issue top of mind for hoteliers’ wallets.
  • Today’s consumer, thanks to online travel agencies and technology in general, are more sophisticated and educated than they were 20 years ago. That sophistication has touched many areas of the industry.
  • Enhanced consumer awareness has also led to niches within the industry, such as boutique hotels, extended-stay product and a focus on all guest types that has seen an emergence of new amenities, Rogers said.
  • “These demands have led to the prevalence of services such as high speed Wi-Fi, complimentary hot breakfast, expanded in-room technology and entertainment options, and fitness centers.”
  • Rogers said that some older hotels can’t keep up with the shift due to many select-service properties becoming higher end and providing all the amenities guests want.
  • He said select service will continue to be the industry’s preferred model moving forward because it contributes to higher profit margins and return on investment.
  • “As the technology and internet became more and more part of our society, it became more complicated to operate the hotels so there is a need for third-party operators and good franchisees,” Rogers said. “It impacted the smaller operators but delivered what the consumer was expecting.”
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Normal 2.0: how a tech-first response is shaping the travel & hospitality sector | Hote... - 2 views

  • launch of the iPhone in 2007. While that’s not a hospitality-specific development, it changed everything about the way people want to travel.
  • billions of people could make restaurant reservations from their pockets. They could leave their room and have an interactive map through a new city, with the ability to keep in touch with their family and coordinate with friends.
  • it’s incredibly advantageous for hoteliers and travel professionals to keep abreast of the technological advancements that will set higher standards for the new hospitality normal.
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  • , virtual ID verifications can be built into booking platforms, integrated apps can grant access to digital room keys and enhanced biometric technologies have the power to supplement (or eventually replace) the traditionally awful pre-flight screening process.
  • many travel and hospitality professionals are investing in VR-based marketing to spike interest in their offerings.
  • VR tours are being offered all around the world to spike interest in sights and tourist destinations, making people want to see the sights for themselves
  • VR marketing will soon emerge as the smartest strategy for connecting with consumers; high-budget commercial spend and other digital marketing tactics will be rendered obsolete when any prospective traveler could put on a headset and instantly be transported to the shore of a beach.
  • hoteliers and vacation destination economies invested in virtual reality offerings to extend their experiences beyond the travel restrictions, offering travelers a temporary at-home substitute.
  • It will diminish both consumer wait times and consumer-staff interactions, allowing professionals to reserve their time and focus for more complex guest and traveler needs.
  • investments into biotech need to be paired with cybersecurity and infrastructure that protects a guest’s identit
  • Today, guests and travelers understand quality in terms of fast response times, consistency across channels, and intuitive, self-directed use.
  • eople show a preference to manage smaller tasks on their own; a study by Zebra Global Hospitality showed 70% of guests preferred a smartphone check-in for efficiency and speed.
  • Airline safety once meant extensive processes at TSA, but consumers and professionals are quickly coming to trust the powers of biotechnology, changing the way we think about screening.
  • looking for that service in different ways—on their phones, at their fingertips, and behind the scenes.
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Take It From Ritz-Carlton: Data Is Nothing Without the Personal Touches | CustomerThink - 0 views

  • the Ritz-Carlton uses a CRM system. Coined “Mystique,” the Ritz-Carlton database is used to track information such as guest preferences, frequency of visits and issues that have come up for guests during their previous stays.
  • While the data is helpful in understanding an individual guest’s relationship with the brand, the data is only as good as the staff’s willingness to leverage it to create ongoing, memorable and unique experiences for the guest.
  • according to NPD Group, a market research company, almost 50 percent of the consumers who described themselves as highly loyal to a brand were no longer loyal to that brand a year later. So how does a business maintain loyal customers? In a nutshell, by not leaving it solely to technology, such as complex CRM databases, but instead making loyalty and customer engagement an integral part of each employee’s daily focus and communicating about it daily
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  • At line-up, the Ladies and Gentlemen celebrate stories of exceptional service; share new information from the Mystique CRM database; hear presentations on business success factors, such as the importance of driving customer engagement is presented, and research results from customer engagement surveys. And they discuss the information on the Credo card.
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    The article discuss Ritz Carlton experience with their own CRM system called Mystique, it also argues that a CRM system and technology are not enough to gain customer loyalty but also needs a different level of customer engagement.
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    The article discuss how did Ritz Carlton introduced a new CRM system named mystique to develop a more personalized service for the clients focusing mainly on data collected through the hotel employees by observing guests behavior or by asking the guest directly. However, the article also discusses the importance of human interaction regardless to the system it self.
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The Truth About Self-Serve Kiosks At Fast Food Restaurants - 0 views

  • self-serve technology is not only making fast food service more efficient, but also subtly changing customer behavior. Namely, it is encouraging people to spend more
  • elf-serve kiosks increase customer spending, on average, by 20%, and this figure is borne out by data presented in a 2015 Harvard Business Review article. According to the review, major chains, including Taco Bell, McDonald's, and Chilis have all reported self-serve kiosks generating larger sales than in-person ordering, usually by a margin of 20%. In one instance, McDonald's even saw sales increase by as much as 30%.
  • On the one hand, standard industry practices such as "upselling" (promoting premium goods, add-ons, and customization) are programmed right into the machines. Human cashiers may neglect to upsell, but self-serve kiosks can't help but do so (via FoodTec). Given the visual nature of self-serve kiosks, upselling can be cleverly woven into the menu itself, and more easily escape customer notice. 
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  • In a 2017 study published in the Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, researchers demonstrated that touch screens create "experiential and effective feelings" in customers — and, moreover, a greater sense of privacy. In short, customers are happier and more self-assured when using self-serve kiosks, and are therefore more likely to spend more.
  • Using a self-service kiosk can be a joyful experience, but one that comes at a cost if you're not careful.
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    The self-serve kiosks or unattended POS systems are changing the customer behavior and getting consumers to spend more. Many major chain restaurants have incorporated them in their business such as Chilis, McDonalds and Taco Bell. Kiosks tend to upsell the customer while regular cashiers may not. Self serve is bette for business, not so much for the customers wallet.
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What are the hospitality trends for 2022? | By Jordan Lillis - Hospitality Net - 0 views

  • With so many people viewing and booking your hotel via mobile, it’s crucial you invest in the right technology that will allow your guest’s experience to be as seamless as it would be on desktop – even more so if possible!
  • In 2023, it is projected that there will be over 295 million mobile internet users. Currently, approximately 83% of the US population are mobile internet users. Give them a flawless booking experience or lose potential guests at your peril.
  • As well as mobile, using smart technology products to personalise your guest experience will be crucial.
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  • Other smart technology will also be helpful in enhancing the guest experience. Things like offering wifi throughout your property
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    With the expected boom of mobile internet users, investing in the right technology for eMarketing and proximity marketing will be key in personalizing guest booking and experience. Using smart technology products (wearables etc.) will also create competitive advantage.
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What Will Smart Homes Look Like in 10 Years? | Time - 0 views

  • manufacturers are putting their R&D and marketing budgets behind home-monitoring and security gadgets–they will have 22.6% of the smart-home market share by 2023, estimates research firm IDC, with smart speakers and lighting equipment not far behind, at 15.4% and 11.8% respectively
  • cybersecurity will become all the more vital. Any kind of massive breach that turns off consumers, says Daniel Cooley, chief strategy officer at electronics-component manufacturer Silicon Labs, could be catastrophic for the industry. “I call it a mass-extinction event for the Internet of Things,” he says.
    • jblan183
       
      This can hint towards a huge improvement with a huge risk; a house with everything you could ask for being automated for your convenience could be easily hacked and just like that, your personal information is taken and shown to the entire world, or used to the hacker's advantage. My tip: tread carefully if you wish to buy a smart home or invest in a smart home company.
  • Smart vacuum cleaners like iRobot’s Roomba are already picking up after us, while products like the Aibo, a robotic dog for children, show how they might help keep us company like a pet. As for the future? Robotic-furniture company Ori Living is working with Ikea on pieces that change based on your needs, getting the bed out of the way when you need a desk, or hiding your closet when it’s dinnertime.
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  • A bill put forth by Virginia Senator Mark Warner in March would push the government to set up minimum security requirements for smart devices used by federal agencies; such requirements could eventually become standard for the industry at large.
    • jblan183
       
      Hacking could become rare with this bill, with any smart device requiring minimum security requirements that would force all smart device businesses to comply to the eventual standard of the industry.
  • All the automated attentiveness will come with a high price tag: consumers will spend $123 billion on IoT gear by 2021, according to advisory firm ABI Research, a number that’s likely to rise thereafter.
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Keeping Mobile Tech in Hotels Secure with Biometrics | By Court Williams - Hospitality Net - 0 views

  • Biometrics are biological measurements or physical characteristics that can be used to identify individuals.
  • Marriott hotels in China use facial recognition technology for check-in purposes, charging the room fee and deposit automatically to guests' Alipay accounts and providing the room key after identity verification
  • Many hotel chains use large-scale, organization-wide enterprise systems for their IT operations. These require exceptional cybersecurity, controlled user access, and extensive cloud computing capabilities.
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  • Hotels are also embracing the Internet of Things for the benefit of guests, to adjust room temperature settings, lighting, voice-controlled room service, operate adjustable beds and other appliances.
  • Many properties are combining augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) for entertainment, convenience, and administrative purposes. AR-powered signage, for example, can help direct guests to check-in or pick-up locations, based on their mobile fingerprint and biometrically-verified identity.
  • The closer the connection between biometric methods and the user, the greater the security. Since a user's personal mobile device is effectively a "closer" link to the individual than a hotel's facial recognition system, one of the benefits of going mobile is increased security of data, employees, guests, finances, and facilities.
  • Mobile biometrics, like any other technology, opens the door to the risks of cybercrim
  • Research from SmarterHQ shows 72% of consumers will only engage with marketing that is personalized to their interests, while 86% don't want to provide their personal information because of privacy concerns. This creates a major conundrum for the hospitality industry.
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    A question we have all been asking is how can our data that we share be safe with businesses as technology continues to improve and progress into the hospitality industry. Biometrics are biological measurements or physical characteristics that are used to identify individuals like fingerprint mapping or facial recognition. Marriott hotels in China are already using facial recognition technology for checking in and charging the room fee and deposit to the guest's account. Many hotels also use biometrics for their IT operations. The closer connection between biometric methods and the user the security is greater. A person's phone is effectively safer than a hotel's facial recognition system and provides increased security of data.
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OrionStar launches 'Lucki', the robotic waiter - 0 views

    • cingram21
       
      The OrionStar "Lucki" robot is a server that is promised to offer significant increases in profitability for a restaurant. The robot is dynamic in that it can offer fully customizable messaging, upsell, and improve loyalty programs. It is also able to integrate with many existing platforms. The robot can also act as a host by leading guests to the correct table.
  • t can also carry a load of up to 40 kg (10 kg maximum per tray) and serve to up to four tables on a single trip – reducing labor costs and increasing efficiency by 2-3 times that of manual delivery.
  • Equipped proprietary OrionStar technologies, including radar scanning, fisheye camera and RGBD multi- sensors, the robot achieves precise laser-based navigation and segmented speed control.
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  • he company says its robot improves delivery efficiency and increases revenue for businesses through customer attraction, dynamic advertising and personalized interactions, offers a Covid-safe contactless delivery, as well as addresses the restaurant and hospitality industry labor shortage.
  • Lucki can work 15+ hours on a single charge,
  • It is estimated that the smart delivery robot can help bring nearly $8,000 annually in net profit to a restaurant.
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    "Lucki ensures safe, speedy and spill-proof delivery every time. Equipped proprietary OrionStar technologies, including radar scanning, fisheye camera and RGBD multi- sensors, the robot achieves precise laser-based navigation and segmented speed control." "Lucki also comes with OrionStar's AI-driven robot marketing features, enabled by the robot's six microphones, 360° listening technology, a 10.1-inch touch-screen, 1080p definition and ability to detect customers' needs within a 5-meter radius."
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    Lucki reminds me of the Archie robot mentioned in the lecture by delivering things. Lucki however is equipped with tons of input gadgets to collect data from itts customers and use them as marketing tools.
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Cloud Computing Trends & Future Technology 2021 | Datamation - 1 views

  • Enterprise leaders are quickly recognizing that not all clouds work for all of their needs, and some of their legacy systems and applications work better on their existing on-premises infrastructure. These realizations, and a growing need for both flexibility and reliable security, have ushered in a period of growth for hybrid and multicloud setups. 
  • which polled more than 2,600 global IT decision-makers globally – and highlighted that hybrid cloud is now the most common choice, with 46% of respondents now using a hybrid cloud (a 12% increase since their previous survey).
  • Instead of relying on embedded, native security features, tech experts are advocating for the increased use of managed security service providers (MSSPs) and a better organizational policy for user access management. Organizations are recognizing that security incidents can come from both internal accidents and external actors, so it’s important that all users are trained and compliant with an organization’s security policies.
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  • By implementing the ZTNA model for secure network access, IT teams can have full control over who is granted access, enters, and leaves the network at all times. This model has gained much more recognition since being mandated in President Biden’s executive order.”
  • The entire world is starting to shift its attention to Kubernetes and the orchestration of containers,” Cusimano said. “It’s the next iterative shift — we went from physical to virtual to cloud, and now we’re going to microservices and containers. 
  • “Cloud-native technologies will also lead and help companies to build, migrate, and modernize customer-facing and analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) apps more easily and at scale.”
  • cloud is typically more energy efficient than on-premises infrastructure, the growth of AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) is causing cloud technology to work harder than ever.
  • “Sustainability is a massive trend in IT – from enterprises seeking to ensure cloud providers leverage renewable energy in data centers to enterprises increasingly seeking to minimize their own supply carbon footprint via sustainably sourced, circular IT solutions,” Fenn said.
  • Although few cloud vendors have adopted the circular model, most are changing their business models to emphasize more renewable energy use, carbon offsets, and data center efficiency boosts.
    • cingram21
       
      This article discussed the five major trends and developments in cloud computing. The first point explains how there was a big trend towards cloud-only computing and away from on-premise infrastructure. We are realizing this isn't always the the best scenario and that a hybrid model allows for an enterprise to operate data-intensive processes while taking advantage of tech advancements associated with cloud computing. The second trend is utilizing "managed security service providers (MSSPs). This is because security is important to control both internally and externally. It also mentions "Zero-Trust Network Access" as a new executive order issued by President Biden. The third section discusses Kubernetes (Further research explained this is an open-source system for automating deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications.) Kubernetes is also known as "K8s." This is a large shift from physical on-site infrastructure to "containers." This is packaging software for the deployment and the sharing of technology. The reason this is a trend is because it is cost-effective and improves performance. The final major trend is sustainability efforts. Cloud technology is more energy-efficient than on-site infrastructure, but advancements in (IoT) is causing significant growth and use of cloud tech which requires increased energy consumption. Cloud vendors are changing to ensure they are using renewable energy, carbon offsets, and data center efficiency. The most interesting part of this to me is the Kubernetes and Containerization as I have yet to read or hear anything about this. Open source is always interesting. The story behind K8's being developed by Google and now an independent foundation is good for our society and a good trend.
    • cingram21
       
      This article discussed the five major trends and developments in cloud computing. The first point explains how there was a big trend towards cloud-only computing and away from on-premise infrastructure. We are realizing this isn't always the the best scenario and that a hybrid model allows for an enterprise to operate data-intensive processes while taking advantage of tech advancements associated with cloud computing. The second trend is utilizing "managed security service providers (MSSPs). This is because security is important to control both internally and externally. It also mentions "Zero-Trust Network Access" as a new executive order issued by President Biden. The third section discusses Kubernetes (Further research explained this is an open-source system for automating deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications.) Kubernetes is also known as "K8s." This is a large shift from physical on-site infrastructure to "containers." This is packaging software for the deployment and the sharing of technology. The reason this is a trend is because it is cost-effective and improves performance. The final major trend is sustainability efforts. Cloud technology is more energy-efficient than on-site infrastructure, but advancements in (IoT) is causing significant growth and use of cloud tech which requires increased energy consumption. Cloud vendors are changing to ensure they are using renewable energy, carbon offsets, and data center efficiency. The most interesting part of this to me is the Kubernetes and Containerization as I have yet to read or hear anything about this. Open source is always interesting. The story behind K8's being developed by Google and now an independent foundation is good for our society and a good trend.
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Sonder Targets Corporate Travel with GDS, TMC Deals | Business Travel News - 1 views

  • Egencia
    • cingram21
       
      Sonder operates short-term rentals, primarily apartments, similar to how a hotel operates. Sonder's entrance into GDS will help to level the playing field for the company as it compares to traditional hotels. This is a great example of how GDS continues to be a useful tool in the travel industry. Sonder being one of the latest innovations in travel is now utilizing a legacy system to grow revenue.
  • right now we are laser-focused on growing corporate travel."
  • Apartment-style accommodation provider Sonder now offers its inventory on the three major global distribution systems via a third-party provider and has partnered with multiple travel management companies and consortia in order to expand its corporate travel business, the company announced.
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  • Like others in the short-term rental space, Sonder relies on technology to offer guests a contactless experience through its mobile app, which guests can use to book, request early check-in or late check-out, and reach the company's 24/7 concierge service, among other services.
  • We are already networking with partners to get into [corporate] programs and to respond [to RFPs] as they come in."
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How Artificial Intelligence Is Changing the Future of Digital Marketing - Business 2 Co... - 0 views

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) can think, read, and react almost like humans when trained with a large enough data set.
    • cingram21
       
      This provides some insight into artificual intelligence with a primary focus on developments in digital marketing. I especially found this helpful because it discusses analyzing large amounts of data that we as humans cannot make fair and unbiased decisions on. This is similar to the revenue management systems in use today. It also discusses the role fo chatbots in marketing. The article also ends with a few case studies.
  • Menial and redundant tasks like data entry, segregating leads from a marketing campaign, and responding to FAQs by customers can be easily handed over to chatbots and AI.
  • a machine learning model estimating the likelihood that a customer will churn can uncover factors driving churn rates and enable decision-makers to change business strategies and processes.
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  • By analyzing data, AI can easily predict the purchasing behavior and decision-making of target customers, improve user experience, and provide customers with what they really need.
  • AI is unlocking the potential of hyper-personalization through personalized product recommendations, intelligent content recommendations, and customer support suggestions.
  • According to a recent survey, 71% of marketing respondents say that brands do not understand consumer fundamentals. Therefore, 66% of marketers said they want brands to invest more to build customer awareness and relationships.
  • You no longer need to invest your time into menial tasks like responding to repetitive queries or FAQs to market yourself and your business because AI assistants like AmazonEcho can do it for you.
  • From purchase to flight booking, to giving you necessary recommendations and even financial management.
  • Product recommendation utilizes technology to create personalized content recommendations for users, such as people who buy X also buy Y.
  • Machine learning and auto-learning analyze the data of millions of consumers and generate the best time and day of the week to contact users, recommended frequency, and the most intriguing content in the subject and title of the email, which will lead to more clicks of the mail. The A / B test is time-consuming and may have some errors. So, in this sense, AI is your best friend in personalizing each subscriber’s email content.
  • By 2021, 75% of enterprises will use AI for their businesses.
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Virtual reality tourism ready for takeoff as travellers remain grounded | Virtual reali... - 2 views

  • Experts say pandemic could provide watershed moment for technology, potentially leading to more sustainable tourism
  • With globe-trotting banned in the pandemic, increasing numbers of people are turning to virtual reality to relieve pent-up demand for travel.
  • As historic sites are damaged through mass tourism, recreating them in VR could help conserve them.
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    As an example of VR use for sustainable tourism, on October 16, the Boca Raton Museum of Art in Florida debuted the first of its kind, full-motion, 360-degree, interactive VR experience of the Machu Picchu and the Golden Empires of Peru exhibition. In order to preserve this historic site, less than one million visitors are allowed in each year. On-site use of VR tech for a synchronous guest experience is also being explored and has the potential to be disruptive to use of tour guides. Plus, VR technology provides such rich immersive travel experiences that traditional marketing tools like pictures or standard print ads cannot match.
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Disruption Drives the Hospitality Industry to Innovation - Hotel Business - 0 views

  • looks
  • drastic
  • looks
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  • As the industry looks to rebound, hotel owners, in particular, are introducing new solutions and services to entice guests, including embracing automation, a once taboo term in an industry used to thinking of service in a very human-centric way. From robot concierges to new marketing strategies, hotel owners are changing the norm to address social distancing measures and lingering travel concerns.
  • Property automation system companies are catering specifically to the accommodations industry to
  • the industry must completely re-evaluate and adjust operations to reduce potential touchpoints, and automation is a crucial component at this time.
  • The entire check-in process can now be done through a smartphone, minimizing staff interactions and reducing exposure to a crowded lobby. Guests can check-in with a single touch and enter their room in minutes without even requiring a physical key card.
  • centric
  • drastic
  • For an industry that has long since relied on its (human) staff to deliver customer service, this is
  • make the integration of smart locks and devices easily accessible.
  • experience
  • shift to a tech-first experience. However, for hotels struggling to open with a skeleton staff to reduce overhead, an automated management system can improve efficiency and the overall guest experience.
  • experience
  • branded apps are a one-stop portal for everything from reservations to room service. Used c
  • orrectly, a branded app can help streamline operations and establish a direct channel of communication between hotels and guests.
  • Smart technology is a key investment for hotels as they look to reduce high touchpoints in rooms. Voice assistants can control nearly everything in a room, including temperature, lighting, alarm clocks, televisions an
  • d to order room service. It also creates an opportunity for hotels to learn guest patterns and personalize the experience even further.
  • And based on the past few months, the industry is rising to the challenge.
  • the pandemic accelerated the need to embrace smart technology and automation urgently, putting more pressure on an industry with slim profit margins to cover the costs of implementing the infrastructure to accommodate these changes. The industry has its back against the wall, forcing change and innovative new thinking to adapt and entice guests back as travel resume
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    Before the pandemic hotels were using apps to allow guests to view hotels in their area and book hotels from the comfort of their phone. These apps also had incentives to make customers want to book through the app, now that the pandemic has caused individuals to not be able to be in contact as much, the hotels have taken advantage of these apps to allow guest to do more. Guests are now able to check in through these apps, open the door to their room without needing a key, ordering room service and towels and other toiletries through the app as well. The pandemic forced a lot of companies within the hospitality and tourism sector to become more technology friendly in the sense that they wanted less person-to-person contact, for the safety of external guests and internal guests. Like mentioned in the article smart devices have more of an influence on the guests experience overall, the article mentioned how hotels are using robots to clean rooms, deliver room service and toiletries to guest to increase social distancing standards within the properties. Hospitality was once known as an experience only able to be best delivered by humans but now it is an experience through technology that brings comfort to guests.
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    To provide safer environments to guests and avoid going out of business, hotels had to quickly adopt changes and innovations. Although the industry has heavily relied on human interaction for all customer service aspects, smart technology and automation has been crucial for hotels. In many hotels, all guests need is their smartphone to check-in and get in to their rooms. Marketing has changed and many hotels rooms now feature workstations and gym equipment to ease guests travel concerns.
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Innovation in event management - a vision of the future - 0 views

  • With video conferencing tools like Zoom and Google Meet quickly becoming part of our daily working lives, speakers have still been able to reach an audience, and conferences have still been able to take place.  
  • One thing is clear for the events industry: it will not entail jumping right back into pre-Covid norms.
  • “Hybrid events are expected to be the norm in the new Covid-19 environment, with a blend of virtual and physical elements, while retaining the ‘live’ aspect that fulfils the need to connect and network,” says Carrie Kwik, Singapore Tourism Board’s (STB) executive director, Europe.”
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  • Therefore, it is critical for our industry to pivot and adapt to new event formats and business models.” 
  • Singapore is well positioned to pioneer these new models.
  • According to Singapore’s Economic Development Board, the city state plays host to 59% of the Asian regional headquarters of multinational tech companies.
  • ttendees could be given an RFID token that blinks red when a person breaches safe social distancing guidelines, while movement tracking could take place via beacon or Bluetooth technology. 
  • For this reason, STB is developing a suite of initiatives to help tourism businesses in Singapore build the capabilities they need to succeed in the digital age.  
  • As digital/virtual becomes a key feature of many events in future, a successful venue may be one that can adapt its physical spaces and technological bandwidth to embrace this feature.” 
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    This article covers how Singapore is one of the leading countries in innovation when it comes to event management. It goes into discussing the new normal and how the Singapore Tourism Board's reacted to it. In addition, there is statement explaining how Singapore's largest venue is now being used as a hybrid broadcast studio. They have taken this time during the pandemic to pilot innovative schemes and use it to not only adapt to the current crisis but also think ahead to the future of events. With that said, COVID-19 has pushed for for a flow of disruptive innovators in the event management industry. This is shown in the hybrid version of events.
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How Location Based Marketing Impacts Online and Offline Retail - Absolutdata - 1 views

  •  Geo-targeting allows marketers to detect a user’s location and serve them offers based on you guessed it: their location!
  • This high level of relevancy is a huge benefit to brands and consumers.
  • Locally Relevant Ad Campaigns
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  • Strategic Brand Awareness
  • Better Mobile Coupons
  • More Relevant Communication, Including for Events
  • Knowledge of Change in Shopping Patterns
  • More Accurate Market Research
  • How to Enable Geo-Targeting Technology and Activate Personalized Marketing
  • Investing in geolocation, geo-fencing, and geo-targeting is becoming more and more of a necessity for brands that want to deliver a fully personalized customer experience.
  • A retailer can track nearby consumers through geo-tracking and accordingly give them directions to its closest stores.
  • can also use location marketing for creating brand awareness by claiming a place with broad reach and using display units or SMS,
  • can use geolocation technology to send targeted coupons to a specific shopper at a specific location, which is the equivalent to one-to-one personalized marketing.
  • great opportunity for consumer products brands to connect with their consumers wherever their products are sold,
  • Geolocation can help businesses assess when customers stop going to a particular store and start going elsewhere
  • companies can use location to better understand where, how and when their customers shop offline to market more smartly to these audiences
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    Location-based marketing allows organizations to target customers at a personal level with online or offline messaging based on their physical location. LBM use a smartphone's GPS technology to track a person's location. Geo-fencing marketing uses real time geo-location data to target users within a geographic area and deliver content based on where they are or what locations they've previously visited.
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Why Germ-Zapping Robots and AI Technology Could Be the Future For Cruise Ships - 0 views

  • Cruise lines have arguably been well ahead of the game when it comes to new technology in the travel industry
  • -- even before the COVID-19 pandemic took hold in March and led to a global suspension of operations.
  • What COVID-19 has done is to add a more 'urgent' element that will force the industry to speed up that process of adding to the passenger experience and enhancing health protocols."
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  • thermal imaging cameras to test passengers' temperature; the aim of the technology is to give a ship's medical team the information to decide whether a passenger should be allowed to board.
  • Royal Caribbean's fast track check in -- take a selfie and scan your own passport; Celebrity's facial recognition technology; MSC Cruises' artificial intelligence system, Zoe, an Alexa-like onboard assistant; and Princess' Ocean Medallion, a part-app, part token approach to customized cruising.
  • Princess Cruises' Ocean Medallion, for example, unlocks the door as you approach so guests don't need to touch their door handle. It was simply a luxurious feature pre-COVID-19; now, in our new world it, holds far more practical importance."
  • Another possible change passengers might see are disinfection tunnels leading to the terminal and an entirely biometric system operating in the terminal, according to Jennifer Willy, editor at the
    • mmoutsatsos
       
      In our discussion we talked about how to justify spending money on technology and I believe this article does a good job at showing all the different tech the different cruise lines were investing in and how it todays day with COVID it has become money well spent. We also talked about disruptive innovation and how if a company doesn't adapt it will fail. The cruise industry see the move to things become touchless and have already taken steps to meet expectations.
  • Apple and Google both are developing track and trace apps, which can alert crew whether someone has been near an infected person.
  • "Most likely to be rolled out first across most cruise lines and port terminals is temperature scanning, for example, thermal imaging using infrared to detect elevated skin temperatures, not only at embarkation, but for monitoring throughout the cruise."
  • One of the aspects that we might lose, at least in the short term, is the personal touch --
  • "There are systems for air purification and pathogen removal for the whole terminal facility that could be implemented, along with UV lighting, and the obvious thermal imagining for temperature checks,"
  • touchless tech. This is already used widely by the lines in the form of apps, which allow you to do a whole variety of things -- often without the need to log onto onboard Wi-Fi.
  • ct as a keycard to open your cabin, to order and pay for drinks; make bookings at restaurants, shows and the spa; book shore excursions, check your account, track your loved ones or even control the lights and temperature in your cabin.
  • "For instance, a ship could use virtual queueing apps to limit how many people are able to go to a certain area at any given time, which would make certain there is no crowding at a lunch buffet, in the fitness center or at the pool.
  • MSC Cruises' geo-location wristbands mean you can find your friends or family wherever they are on the ship (using your app), rather than meeting them at a central point somewhere.
  • Ocean Now on some of Princess Cruises' ships, passengers can order food, drink and a selection of other products and receive them in a different location, away from other passengers or shopping areas.
  • "Royal Caribbean's Bionic Bar cocktail maker was surely little more than a publicity stunt when it was conceived but it now seems a prophetic move by the cruise line. People will be understandably worried about food and drink preparation -- and shared buffets in particular - when they return to cruising. We may see an increase in automation as a result."
  • Most of the major lines have been running with enhanced technology for a couple of years.
  • could cruise lines introduce some of the changes that are already being pioneered at hotels such as limited housekeeping, no room service and surfaces devoid of many items to help with cleaning?
  • whose LightStrike Germ-Zapping Robots (they've been likened to R2D2) are already being used in hotels, restaurants, food processing facilities, and office buildings -- and it has built protocols for cruise ships.
  • The robots use broad spectrum UV light to quickly decontaminate rooms and public spaces.
  • Xenex, Texas Biomedical Research Institute tested the robot against the virus that causes COVID-19 and it killed it in two minutes.
  • worried about touching surfaces in your cabin, just ask Zoe to look up information or power items on or off for you – MSC Cruises' voice activated Alexa-like speaker is in every cabin onboard MSC Bellissima and MSC Grandiosa, and is likely to be retrofitted onto other ships in the fleet.
  • "Voice tech will become important in the new touchless world too. Rather than having to turn off the lights or lower the blinds by hand, just ask 'Alexa' to do it for you,
  • "It will be an expensive time for cruise lines when they can least afford it. Lifelong cruise lovers will return after the pandemic ends but convincing new people to give a cruise a try may rely on ships becoming as touchless as possible."
  • I think onboard technology will augment the ways guests can communicate and interact with the crew, rather than replace them."
  • "Once again, completely replacing a human being is unlikely, and handing off conversations will be an important step."
  • Royal Caribbean found out to its cost in 2014 when it first introduced tablets for waiters to take orders, and were hit with a deluge of complaints because it meant waiters were buried in their screens
  • Cruising is all about the personal attention and relationships built with crew and other guests. 
  • "Personal contact with the ship board staff is and always has been a very important component of creating memorable experiences. The cruise product cannot eliminate that essence of the cruising experience.
  • He added: "Otherwise it will be just transportation from one place to another."
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    This article talks about the different technology cruise lines have implemented and the future technology they plan to include as they move for a more touchless approach to certain things.
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How (And Why) To Move From A Tech-Enabled Services Business To A True SaaS Platform - 0 views

  • According to Gartner, SaaS, the biggest portion of the cloud market, is expected to grow to $113.1 billion in revenue by 2021.
  • companies are likely wary of undertaking the process of transitioning their organization from a tech-enabled service provider to a true SaaS platform out of concern over the challenges that may arise.
  • it’s unwarranted given the vast resources available to help in the process, including lessons learned from individuals who have experienced (and excelled at) these transitions.
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  • While our team was aware that the potential for things to go wrong existed, they focused on delivering value and service to clients and end users, which was the driving force that motivated the team during and following the process.
  • SaaS benefits users across the board, including compliance, security, scalability, redundancy and cost efficiencies.
  • SaaS solutions offer tremendous savings, from both a cost and human labor perspective.
  • Companies can enjoy flexible pricing models and choose to pay as they go, use a subscription-based model or handpick the features they desire.
  • SaaS subscribers benefit from a more secure, constantly monitored environment and from on-demand rapid development and break-fix protocols.
  • added level of security SaaS models provide around an organization’s proprietary data as well as rapid development and innovation.
  • SaaS solutions create significant efficiencies by enabling self-service and personalization that is driven by the user.
  • Be resolute in the value proposition your customers and end users will experience after transitioning.
  • you must be regimented in communicating the value of making the transition while creating transparency to ensure that clients are informed, heard and happy.
  • • Make customers aware of potential risks. 
  • Be transparent about any drawbacks or material risks customers will experience by sticking with dated infrastructures and approaches.
  • • Don’t be bashful about a sense of urgency.
  • The fear of transition and change was far outweighed by the security and service risks that had previously been invisible to our client base.
  • In today’s complex world, providers must prioritize the needs of their customers as well as mitigate their risks.
  • SaaS solutions are the way of the future, maximizing a client’s benefits as well as their risk mitigation.
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    Why you should move from a Tech-Enabled Service to a SaaS Platform and some things to keep in mind if you do decided to make the transition.
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