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This article highlights three hardware trends that is shaping the modern hospitality industry globally by focusing on the advances experienced in POS technology. The writer emphasizes that since the hospitality industry has been more focused on services than on retail, restaurant, bars, hotel and pub owners should pay keen interest on the technological developments. This technology is beneficial to the hospitality industry, as it will help the operators improve on customer experience. Hardware plays a critical role in improving the services offered in the hospitality industry. The three emerging trends in hospitality mentioned in the article relate to the trends in EPOS hardware in the industry. The first trend mentioned in the article is mobile EPOS (M-POS), which helps in taking orders, inputting them into the EPOS system, have the order forwarded to the kitchen and processing for the order payment by using wireless broadband. The second trend is kiosks that are self-service points in the hospitality industry. Kiosks have several uses like checking availability, making reservations when the patrons arrive in restaurants and allowing guests to order room service in hotel rooms. The last trend is the use of scanners, which is modern EPOS software for setting up a loyalty scheme for businesses. Scanners have not been a necessary part of the hospitality EPOS but their demand has grown due to the increase in popularity for loyalty schemes among businesses.

This article talks about the three hardware systems that are trending now in the hospitality industry. The Mobile EPOS, Kioks, and Scanners are all meant to make the job of the company run smoother and more efficiently. The EPOS makes it easier to get everything done in one place, for example placing an order, paying and receiving a receipt. Kiosks allow customers to place their own order and have the food delivered to them. Lastly, scanners are a great help when it come tp updating records.

Retail operators are now understanding that point of sale systems can also be used to not only assist in processing the final phase of the checkout but also throughout the entire process to increase the service aspect. The advancement in POS technology is the driving force behind this initiative. Operators of restaurants, bars, pubs, hotels, etc., are using POS technology to improve the customer service experience. The main focus of this is placed on modern specialised EPOS software and hardware systems and how they can help to integrate operations across an entire business. There are three emerging trends in hospitality EPOS hardware that are used to run the software. They are mobile EPOS (M-Pos), Kiosks and Scanners. Mobile EPOS (M-POS) use single devices at the table to take orders, input into the EPOS system, forwarded to the kitchen and process the order for payment. Kiosks, on the other hand are self-service points that allow users to process orders and payments separate from collection they can also allow users to check availability and making reservations, allowing them to perform tasks like choosing tables and dining times themselves. Kiosks could play a similar role in hotel rooms, allowing guests to order room service or offering a smart concierge option. The final hardware option mentioned was the use of scanners. Scanners are used in conjunction with the loyalty schemes which are growing in popularity as a way to incentivise repeat business and for updating records.

Aloha has been widely used in the hotel industry worldwide. Aloha Point of Sale software is much more than a replacement for a till or cash register. This powerful restaurant EPOS software optimises restaurant and bar management, whilst increasing revenues. It supports handheld devices and that mean serving staff can take orders and payments at tableside. With Aloha restaurant management technology, serving staff can speedier service, it can helps streamline restaurant operations. Further, with the help of the Aloha EPOS system, restaurant can create the perfect dining experience that brings customer back again. Service and payment are swift and accurate , and the Aloha EPOS system helps restaurant managers to create targeted offers that hit the mark and promote loyalty. Also, Aloha EPOS system provides a better cash management. Aloha restaurant POS tracks all transactions in real time and that means total accountability for every bill. In a nutshell, Aloha EPOS system can helps restaurant maximize revenue, reduce costs and enhance customer exp erience with cutting-edge technology developed and manufactured.

This article is about the one of the latest forms of POS system. The latest POS technology that is cloud-based ePOS system offers many new features and thus provides benifits to the hospitality business. Several features are as follows. It connected with PMS, complete the two way interfact between PMS and ePOS. That features save time and minimize lost revenue. It is optimised for use on touch screen devices such as tablet or mobile phones thus it enhance the mobility, flexibility, and efficiency. Additionally, the ePOS minimize lost revenue by making full reporting, and data analysis to track stock, wastage. Enhanced security also increases peace of mind for operators in properties.

Vendor offering regarding integration of Electronic Point of Sale System (EpoS) installation allowing supplier reach efficiency through optimization of PMS function through an electronic format. Includes "Cloud" methodologies and technologies such as SaaS, PaaS, and IaaS.

The hospitality industry is experiencing a technological transformation. Current technology is improving and being put to better or new uses. According to this article in Hospitality Magazine, there are seven technologies that are taking the industry by storm. 1. Online Booking Systems I agree with the many industry insiders that now consider an online booking system essential. Penetrating the online marketplace is an absolutely mandatory part of the formula for success. However, opinions differ when it comes to how to accomplish this aspiration. As expressed in the article "Taking back control of the direct channel for hotels" posted on the class ScoopIt!, using online travel agents as a properties online booking system has easy setup and maintenance but lacks true customization and can put a sizable dent in profit margins, but building and utilizing a 100 percent customized system does not necessarily grant instant access to hundreds of travels sites on the web. Over all, I am of the opinion that online travel agents are still the best option-for now-because the pros out way the cons. 2. Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) Primarily used for mobile or self-ordering, EPOS systems can replace waitresses' use of paper orders and remote/hidden POS systems. In my opinion, this streamlines the look of the restaurant floor and provides better and more instantaneous service. Panera Bread uses self-order tablets as some of their locations that allow customers who know what they want to order traditional menu items quickly and independently. Having used this system, I find it more of a novelty than a convenience because the system isn't exactly self-explanatory. Currently, the technology is much more enjoyable as an aid to waitresses where the restaurant can experience increased efficiency and a higher standard of service while guests can experience the "that's cool" factor without the frustration of having to navigate the service themselves.

3. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) CRM technology provides efficient electronic storage and management of contracts and customer information and many versions also feature cloud-based applications that provide easy access to frontline employees. Electronic storage and online back-up are not totally new ideas (i.e. the floppy disc) and despite the long way these technologies have come is, in my opinion, not enough to do away completely with paper back ups. Even with electronic files, my previous property kept basic papers for 1 year and more sensitive files for much longer. Basically, CRM technology is something we should utilize more, but I doubt many will do away with a paperback up system anytime soon. 4. Marketing Automation Automatic email and text communications have been made possible by the development and improvement of marketing automation technology. Having worked with this type of technology, there is not an overabundance of companies/technologies from which to chose; however, the technology available various greatly in effectiveness and quality. In my opinion, Constant Contact is the best marriage of quality and ease of use for marketing automation technology available. This type of marketing can really step us a properties game, but beware of poor performing products. 5. Social Media According to the article, photos are the most popular posts by social media users, but the arena has become a bonafide space for reviews. While sites such as TripAdvisor and Expedia provide a niche arena for travel/tourism/hospitality related communication, general social media sites also invite open, unfiltered discussion. Whole social media is BIG, it is important for companies to assess and utilize only the social media outlets that their demographic are actively using.

6. Smartphones Smartphones are already super convenient. They are constantly being integrated and synced with our daily lives. Applications such as Apple Pay, in combination with CapitalOne, have provided another level of integration. Currently, there is talk and work on guests being able to use their cell phones as hotel room keys but I wouldn't be surprised if in the future we will have QR Code or RFID storage for our driver licenses, insurance policies and other important information. 7. Smart Appliances A part of American households for sometime, smart appliances are beginning to make their way into the hospitality industry. Luxuries such as electronically controlled blinds, thermostats, lights and more are something we can expect to see in hotels sometime in the future. My biggest concern is the time between now and implementation because while these products are available for purchase by consumers directly, they have not taken off nor seemed to gain any ground in the typical household. Could the hospitality industry be just as slow to adopt these technologies? I believe that it is likely so-mainly due to the high cost of implementation. In conclusion, technology is still advancing and most industries are feeling the pressure to update existing technology and adopt new technology. In the hospitality industry this is especially true.

It will be an interesting experience that you can place a drink or food order with your special requirements and to pay the bill if using a card by your own iphone, iPad, or Android smart phone? The product, dubbed 'the waiter in your pocket, made this become true. The app uses a cloud-based system, hosted by QikServe, to receive orders, connecting with the restaurant's own EPOS system, so the front and back of the house can view the order as soon as possible. It is time efficient and cost saving. Since it is cloud-based, there are no hardware or software requirements for the operators. Besides the staff costs can be reduced to a large degree because a lot of work can be done by the system. We can also expect improvements in service quality for most of the causal restaurants or chain restaurants. Staff spend more time taking care of  each table with less time spent on ordering and cash handling. The system can help to capture consumer behavior and send target offers to them. QikServe is linked to social networking sites, so we can view feedbacks posted by customers directly. It is a good choice for casual restaurants and chain restaurants to apply this system.

Nowadays, most hotels are using PMS as their key technology in property management, which referred as the single most important IT application for hotels. PMS works as the central data infrastructure of the hotel, handling the administration of all the guests, their profiles and bookings, as well as the revenues generated. Besides PMS, hotels also use CRS and EPOS to fully maximise the benefits of the system. To obtain the maximum function of PMS, we came up with some ways to solve the problem. Firstly, there are already many PMS providers available on the market that provide various solutions with a large number of functions based on the changing needs of hotels. Many hotels today do not use all the functions of PMS, which will lead to low return on investment of the PMS software. Secondly, hotels are lack of awareness and exploitation of the full range of PMS functionality. This under-utilisation inevitably costs hotel operators in financial terms, as they are paying for functions that they do not use. 

Exemplifies trend towards cloud-based Point-of-Sale / Point-of-Sevice systems (ePOS) and the software management being used in fine-dining restaurant beverage programs across global/ partners. Partnership players include: Fine-dining establishments such as Thomas Keller Group (PerSe, The French Laundry, Bouchon); 5-star Hoteliers like  Rosewood Hotels & Resorts; Also includes covergence by providers as Mozza Group (Clebrity Chef leads are Mario Batali and Joseph Bastianic). Facets include maximizing customer experiences and revenue through operational efficiency.

I found this article very interesting because it gives us a walk through of the evolution of POS in the hospitality industry. Since the very beginning hotels and restaurants have relied on keeping record and storing data. Throughout the years there have been great breakthroughs that have made the life of the employees easier as well as lead to greater productivity. It makes me happy and feel very fortunate to live in times where work has been facilitated and has made work for efficient and reliable. I am sure that there is still much work to be done and many adjustments to be made but we are on a good path.

I like your reflection about the article very much because as you mentioned "it walk you through" the different stages of technology through time. Our industry had evolute from the paper record keeper all the way to a very efficient data storage and operating systems. I cannot even imagine what the future will withhold for the lodging industry.

From the fore going, the computers are valuable in the management of a business when applied with information communication technology. Correctly and controlled systems are indispensable to a well-run business that wishes to maximize effectiveness and keep one step ahead of the competitions.  Therefore the impact of information and communication technology to the hospitality establishment can not be over emphasized if effectively applied will out perform others in the face of competitions.

I have found this creative system which is "innovation software" hotel PMS. Like the cloud-based PMS system, it is low cost and saves money. And it is also flexiable and simple to use. Which is more special it's that it has online training via its elearning portal which save time and money that all staff are fully competent in using the system. The most important reason for this system is that the SaaS is not like the others that the data is hosted locally at the hotel so if the internet is disconnected, the PMS system doesn't. This advantage is more pirior than the others because most of the cons for the other system will face this internet problem. And also, this system doesn't lock the company into a long-term contract which means it is possible to change or stop the contract if the hotels not satisfied with it. I think it is a good choice for the small hotels to choose. What's more, this system releases software to all clients every quarter, at the meanwhile, it would deeply value the clients feedback and use it. In its website, the client has the right to calculate the savings for detailed requirements. For instance you can enter the no. of the bedrooms and the average room rate, then the % commission charged on web bookings and so on. After you follow the fomula that it presented, it will calculate for you. It also has a online demo for free as long as you quickly sign up. And the clients are available to see clearly about all the services listed on the website. One of the service I want to mention is the ePOS integration which this software completely re-developed the way POS & PMS communicate with each other and eradicated the dreaded "Micro interface" standard. It's just like a wonderful package to deal with all the complex situations.

Unlike traditional collaborative software ventures which emphasize open communication across an entire organization, innovation management software is more selective in how different members of the company interact. It is ranked by reputation which reflect more accurate information.

This article indicated the importance of PMS and then pointed out two aspects for hotel management to get more benefits from PMS. According to the first paragraph, PMS plays a role of key technology for most hotels, even though hotels use other software like EPOS or CRS, PMS is still the central infrastructure of hotels. But the result of one recently research shows that the functionalities and data used by PMS are not always 'visible' or available for cross-functional activities and require a higher level of investment with in-house websites and third party distribution websites. So the author pointed how to get more from PMS by analyzing two aspects. The first one is functionality solutions, which means to change the traditional structure to differentiate product offerings structure. Many hotels in US changed the structure and more customers are willing to pay for the exceptional experience. Another research showed that not all functionalities of the PMS are used by the properties. The reason was summarized as the lack of training or lack of access to other data. The second one is to raise PSM awareness, which means to provide more explicit training in the functionalities when the PMS is installed and thereafter, or just purchase the modules and applications that are core to the functions of the specific hotel operations.

This article is based off of a research done by a hotel school where they found that the PMS system is being underused and has more possibilities than it is used for. The author of the article is saying that hotel companies only use PMS for the basic functions but few hotels use it to its full potential, such as for HR management. Consequently, the only obstacle to fully using all that PMS has to offer is the cost; this, due the fact that each additional interface has to be purchased separately.

Tomorrow's World surveyed 250 restaurant operators and their customers on the their thoughts on emerging technology in the industry such as facial recognition, artificial intelligence, voice activation, among others. 50% of guests said this technology could improve the guest experience. Today's restaurant operators are finding ways to increase guest satisfaction, which involves having the ability to purchase products in the simplest of ways. EPoS has a huge role in this, and should be used to stay a step ahead . Technologies should be implemented and work together, operators should work on a collective, open platform with a POS partner willing to adapt, change, and adopt new technologies, which essentially can grow the business.

This article explains how music festivals are innovating their use of the RFID bracelets to create a more immersive guest experience. These bands, on top of being used as a cashless payment system, entry pass, and VIP entrance, festivals are now looking to use these bands to in creative ways including linking them to apps and augmented realty technologies to "gameify" the experience. Possibilities include having check- in sites to collect points for real- life prizes, allowing entrance to specialized areas, and creating mission logs so guests can remember their experience.