Hospitality Technology

This article talks about the future trend of the hospitality security, which is technology is opening new doors to hotel safety.  The author introduces some different technologies such as Contact-less Smartcards and RFID that hotels like New York's Plaza Hotel are currently using. Finger print or cellphone wipe technology is also used instead of card, which should be more safe. Some hotels even use video-capture systems to make sure the security is perfect. After introducing these technologies, the author also talks about the privacy issues. Because some customers are not willing to be on cameras. However, though some of them are concerning about this issue, an expert predicts that new security measures will eventually become such a part of everyone's everyday lives that he or she will become the norm. All in all, this article gives us the trend that more and more technologies will be used for hotel security in the future.

this article talks about new technology that is being implemented throughout out US and the world. Old key cards are now going to be replaced with even older standard keys or the radio frequency identification card that can be waived in front of the door to gain access. Also, there is a technology that will sent an encrypted sound text to guest;s cell phone, which when played back will open the door.  It talks about technology that tracks all employees, guests and their luggage.  There are several concerned that travelers have about their privacy, but article stated that it all depends on the type of the traveler.  Also, the face recognition technology used in Houston's largest hotel remembers guests names and when they return, guests are greeted by name.  Article concludes that even with all this technology, the best security is provided through interdependence of travelers and employees.  

Technology in the hotel travel and tourism industry will be changing drastically in the near future, from the swipe of a cell phone, print of a finger, facial recognition, iris scanners, security is going to be taken to the next level. the plastic key cards will soon no longer exist. Radio frequency I'd cards are the new thing, where guest will use this for preferences for everything, from charging things to your room, preference of floor type to pillow choice, chick in and out etc. systems that track the other qualities of a person instead of using a key or card are in development as well. There are research going on how to open the door and. Lose wi just the persons walk and movements. Some people think these new security technologies are awesome, while some think they are not, people dont want to be watched 24/7while on vacation they just want to enjoy there stay. But in today's society all travelers are becoming interdependent on each other for safety and security.

According to the article, independent operators are taking advantage of vendor-mandated property management system upgrades to review alternative systems that offer more value for their investment. Rather than defaulting to a system upgrade, many independents are evaluating solutions that provide greater mobile versatility, loyalty functionality, and social media marketing capability. Maestro Enterprise Property Management hotel software is developed to provide a suite of business tools and services to meet the needs of independent hotels, resorts and multi-property groups. Maestro's Diamond Plus Service reduces operating costs, keeps staff productive and generates revenue. Diamond Plus Service also includes on-demand training, live webinars, PCI assistance, lifetime version upgrades, management strategies, property productivity audits and online marketing services to increase profitability.  Moreover, Maestro offers mobile-capable ResWave Booking Engine that enables guests to book reservations from virtually any directly from social media sites like Facebook to increase revenue and lower reservation costs. 

This article talks about the advantages that the implementation of MICRO'S OPERA ENTERPRISE to all of the MGM properties, will give to the company. By making this, MGM will be able to integrate all the information of their guests as well as the global distribution system. According to Aldo Manzini, EVP and chief administrative officer of MGM Resorts International this integration is an extremely important step in order to become more efficient, it will decrease the training time for employees and it will improve their reward program. This will also create a single image inventory from the main property management system to the different channels. This made it easier for the implementation at the two City Center properties were 1,500 employees were trained on the system. MICRO'S system is used by seven of the ten largest hotels in the U.S. This shows how they are solidifying their PMS market share not only in the U.S but all around the world.

Its really amazing to see how these systems such as Micros and Maestro have evolved. I remember when Micros was simply used as a POS system in the hotel I worked at. But according to your summary it is now fully integrated and used an overall PMS as well. I'm glad to see they are remaining competitive in the market. In the past I had predicted they would become outdated and not relevant in the future market. I was obviously wrong.

In hotels, international eMarketing is very significant because this service industry ensures sales by connecting and interacting with consumers across the globe. So the writer of this article introduse his/her opinion about that Facebook could be a international eMarketing tool, in order to attract international leisure travelers and increases potential sales. Also, the author mentioned that the internet exposure is a determinant of eMarketing adoption, the eMarketing is a kind of varying use of viral marketing, and the social networking websites which mapping social connections to widen relationships and spread information. There are seveal benefits and several ways of using the social networking website to promote the hotels.

I pretty believe that social medias are playing an important role in marketing of hotels, such as facebook. But something I have to say that facebook can not been accessed all over the world. The simple example is that we can not use it in China. The thing I mean that social media also have some negatives and we need to improve.

This article discusses how to select the right Property Management System (PMS) for hotels and specifies procedures that the hotels need to follow. The first step in selecting a PMS is that hotels need to foam an evaluation team that includes managers, staff from different departments, such as front desk, accounting, housekeeping, and IT, in order to make sure the PMS works for everyone. Then, the hotel should determine its budget, making sure they don't waste time for a PMS out of their price range. Once the budget is set, the evaluation team should conduct a needs assessment to ensure that they only buy features they need. Next, researching the PMSs that meet the hotels' requirements and fit the budget is necessary. This article emphasizes some key features, such as user-friendly design, guest-oriented functionality, integration with other system, etc., to consider when evaluating the PMSs. After the hotel has completed its research, they need to narrow the options down to top two or three, and to have the selected vendors demonstrate their products in front of the evaluation team. After all, the hotels can choose the right one which works the best for them. Competition in the hospitality business has been intense, so it is essential to invest in technology, such as Property Management System (PMS), to streamline operations, enhance guest service, and ultimately win competition over others. However, there are so many PMS options to choose on the market, so it is also critical to know what procedures to follow, and to choose the most suitable PMS for each business.

It is clear that touches that are guest specific will make a guest feel important and at home. It is important that upcoming technologies keep customer convenience in mind as new features are developed.

The article talks about how to build guest loyalty. There is one thing I like is that "Establish a two-way value proposition". By doing this, both of the business property and the guests feel like they get something valuable which helps with cultivating guest loyalty. It also give tips for hospitality properties to stand out from other competitors.

Completely agree, building special relationship between hotel and customer and having a file of information for each customer can help doing statistic researches and sales increase.

For the customers, pay-at-table technology is very convinence and prevent customers from thieves. For the owners, it builds the raputation of the restaurant and effective the working process. The only thing I concern is about the cost to implement this technology. Whether the pay-at-table technology can be widely used or not may depend on the cost to apply.

Focusing on new trends, POS systems are being brought out and introduced in the new addition of IPAD. This new system called Revel hopes to be the go-to Ipad powered comprehensive POS system for restaurants. Revel systems can be used for payroll, inventory tracking, web ordering and email receipts. Lisa Falzone is the co founder and CEO of Revel System expressed how this new system is going after chains and restaurants that obtain at least $500,000 in yearly revenue. Launched in August 2011 Revel is seeing around $80 million in business processing with major brands and franchises ex: Freshberry frozen yogurt café, Rexs chicker, Dixie cream etc. This new trend with IPAD POS system is a great idea and a fantastic way to be more efficient. Usually POS systems are these screens that are not movable it mainly resides on one specific location while these ipads could be more convenient and mobile. This may help to bring out a better and faster customer satisfaction.

Revel Systems hopes to be the new POS platform for restaurants. This iPad works like a cash register, it can be customized for payroll, inventory tracking, web ordering, email receipts and more.The Revel system is going after chains and restaurants that have at least $500,000 in yearly revenue.

I had a doctor visit this past week and the office could barely function because their servers were down. If down systems can cause this much turmoil in a doctor's office where people expect to wait, imagine the trouble in a busy restaurant. The system sounds great, but there would need to be a back-up system or procedure in place. There are risks of a system crash, so why not have a more traditional processing system available if it is needed? The benefits of cyber storage can be considerable and likely down the road more safeguards will be in place to hedge against the negative effects of a system crash. This is definetely a technology worth researching (if your business is big enough to sustain it).

Through this article we can understand how the trends in event management industry taking shape. By having the knowledge of such trends in the event industry ,hotels can modify their strategies accordingly. Increasingly tech-savvy and eco-conscious clients will drive continued change in meetings and events management in the year ahead, according to meetings management, logistics and event company, Publicis Meetings USA (PMUSA). Technological advances are expected to be at the core of several trends in the meeting industry in 2011. Customizable mobile apps One trend is the use of mobile devices and customized applications to promote audience engagement, interactivity and networking. Mobile apps are now being developed for individual events and programs, allowing organizers to communicate with attendees before and during the meeting, especially regarding time-sensitive subjects like changes of itinerary, maps and other announcements. Hybrid meetings In today's cost-conscious business environment, PMUSA forecasts that new technologies will also drive continued growth in hybrid meetings. By incorporating hybrid components into their meetings, clients are saving money, achieving higher attendance rates and promoting sustainability. Incorporating technology, such as live broadcasts and video streaming, allows clients to conduct and attend meetings from a remote location. PMUSA believes that the cost savings is a major factor in this trend, along with the importance of a meeting's environmental responsibility." Comprehensive "green" meetings Meeting clients have increasingly been requesting "green" events, but it's the comprehensive nature of these requests that PMUSA sees as the most important trend for the coming year. Increasingly, clients are expecting every aspect of a meeting to include an environmental component, from biodiesel vehicles and biodegradable materials to the use of locally sourced food and reusable plants for centre pieces in lieu of cut flo

Yes, what you mention is the trend of technology using in event planning. I used to search information about the green concept of meeting. Now more and more planners consider this trend when plan meeting. It's a comprehensive one when implement.

This article tells us some important factors in meeting planning. One of the most important ones is technology. Event and meeting planners regard meeting technology resources as one of the top five vendors they are going to seek. They author gives some data, which are very good and useful. 57.5% event and meeting planners are incorporating technology into the meetings with using "online registration", "video conferencing" is 20.4%, "social networks" is 17.7% and "blogs" has a proportion of 14.2%. Besides technology, there are other factors in the meeting planning. They are economy and sustainability. They economy results in the increasing costs that have cut into budgets for other meeting items. Sustainability lets event and meeting planners to focus on recycling such as reducing waste and decreasing on-site materials. This relies on technology as well. If the technology is good, the event and meeting planners will accomplish their goals of going green.

This article basically talks about four different types of POSs for restaurants, a brief overview of the main contenders and considerations.  The one of the interesting POS systems in the article is The Rail which is introduced last month, a digital bill folder that enables restaurant customers to self-swipe credit or debit cards at the table without the cards ever leaving their possession, thereby protecting against credit card and identity theft.  The basic Rail system includes POS integration, the BaseStation, a secure wireless system, a set of Rail devices (generally 1 device per every 3 tables), and monthly maintenance. Basic Rail devices incorporate a credit card swiper with encryption, billing touch screen display, bill splitting, tip calculator, signature field, NFC payment capabilities, LED stage lights, and receipt email program. The other POSs in the article are Card Case, Tabbedout which are a mobile payment system with smart phone, Square which is mobile card reader, and Chain-Specific Apps which permit the patron to call up menus, locations and nutritional data, as well as to order and pay on-line. Nowadays, many mobile payment systems tailored for restaurants and other food vendors are being introduced. Since they are new and challenges to restaurateur, considering what the pros and cons are and what kinds of POSs best fit to their establishments will be necessary and critical to remain competitive with others.

As the world develops, more and more restaurants use e-menu to order food. Ipad, the fashion of technology also attract restaurants eyes. Some owners invest into Ipad menu in order to attract more customers and make more gross profit. Also, many owners are worry about security risks, maintenance, education, and so on. Here are some advantages of ipad menu such as paperless, electronic receipts, tips, categorized menu, suggestions, reports, inventory, speedy orders and picking a plate. Because of eliminating print, there are no more receipts or written signatures. It is the reason of paperless. And customers can quickly calculate their waitress tips on the ipad. Also, the guests can use the ipad to design their own meal. If guests have some questions about the wine according to the food preference, Ipad menu will answer it. Another reason is the ipad menu should increase the speedy orders. The orders will transfer to kitchen in seconds and save the time for waiting the waitress to order the food. At the same time, if the restaurant is busy, guests will play some games on Ipad to wait for their food, which instead of complains. At last, because of saving time and labor cost, the restaurant should be save cost and easy to collect data of the restaurant. There are still some disadvantages. For example, every customer wants an individual iPad as their own menu, so restaurants must purchase numerous iPads with one per seat. Because of this reason, the restaurant should be care for the thefts. And the managers need to train every waitress to use the ipad menu. The expense should increase in training.Also, some guests do not know how to use ipad menu and the technology is not suit for them. At last, you need to pay more in maintenance.

This article explains how POS have improved efficiency and reduced the cost of operations. It explains how some locations have seen improvements since the implementation of MICROS called Simphony. The Simphony system allows the central management of the menus, payroll, scheduling and many other things from anywhere on the web. It has many functions and help with many other areas such has staffing and creation of a loyalty and gift card program. It also allows web reporting on mobile devices. The system has even helped with the drive thru ordering at the locations.

I think that this software is definitely beneficial after reading this article. Simphony will help these locations out in many ways, especially as it relates to efficiency.

This is a POS system named AccuPOS which has come to Android, you can download it in your phone. And it is a full featured solution that is ideal for whatever type of restaurant you manage. such as buffet, fast food restaurant. Also, AccuPOS includes features like guest tracking, detail order histories, contact management and automated delivery addresses on to-go-receipts and it is easy to learn and use. And this software system is designed to perform with the best quality hardware and proviede wireless device support, the it is good for kitchen area operation and receive the order from FOH. The last, this sysem can analyze the sales data that can be approached from a variety of time periods to ensure you have a bird's eye view of your business.

This appears to be a good solution I like the integration with accounting package and that the system can work with phones and other hand held device. The fact that this system can manage time and attendance means that a stand alone restaurant would not need to get another system for this function.

The Atlanta Airport Marriott just completed event space renovations that will enable event planners to host any size party/ meeting with the most updated technology. The Georgia hotel features 28,300 square feet of event space, including two ballrooms and 27 breakout rooms. The hotels lobby features a complex monitoring system for flight tracking information and departures by Delta Airlines. Touch screen kiosks have also been installed at concierge stands that will allow planners and people attending events to search for nearby restaurants and attractions. Additionally, the most recent renovation included in the installation of multi-use TV screens in the rooms. The screens allow guests to hook up iPods and other music devices. Guests may also use the new TV's as computer monitors. This connectivity is becoming more common in event spaces and visitor centers. I personally know that similar technology was recently installed in New York City's Central Park. Touch monitors enable park visitors to navigate their way around more efficiently. Additionally, tour guides have been equipped with handheld devices to track visitor usage and access information quickly.

This is great, This hotel is certainly utilizing technology that will be most convenient for meetings and events. Multi -use TV screen are very nice. More and more hotels now are investing in Ipod docking stations. Love the idea of the touch screen kiosk at the concierge stand.

Maritz Travel, the global leader in meeting, event and incentive travel management service, has chosen the registration and sourcing platform of Cvent which is the world's largest meetings and event management technology company for use with its clients. Maritz associates are using Cvent's meeting and event management software to streamline the entire event lifecycle while helping their clients increase attendance and decrease costs. Cvent's software automates time-consuming tasks because of its online registration, event marketing and secure online payment processing to housing and travel management and reporting. This feature helps planners focus on meeting strategic goals and achieve more engaging and effective events.

The involvement of technology enable event planners to focus on the planning of the content of the event rather than the schedule, marketing and payment stuffs. Therefore, it saves time for the event planners as well as the costs that are generated without the use of technology. It will require more time for the event planners if everything has to be accomplished manually.

Maritz Travel Company have recently chosen to use Cvent Cloud Event Management System. Due to Maritz Travel Company Maritz Travel books an annual of 1.2 million hotel room nights for meeting and travel program where they use Cvent which will increase attendee and decrease cost for their clients. The Cvent software helps control time consuming task which helps event planners focus on meeting strategies goal.

The article is about the idea of scanning people's emotions (emotion harvesting) at events to measure the return on investment of the attendees. The article talks about how already existing technology could be adopted for event planners and businesses to gather real times response and feedback on events.

This article introduces a new system by Squirrel Professionals, which is basically a POS system that can be used and accessed through an I Pad or tablet. The system was released on February 27th and is available through various APP Stores. The company explains that the user interface is very user friendly and therefore no training is necessary for implementation. Squirrel has been a leader in POS systems and was one of the first companies to introduce multi-touch screen POS systems. The company hopes to have another big hit in their new tablet program.

This is a great app for restaurant as it should improve communication and speed. The only challenge is how quickly servers will manage this. This will be great with a workforce that is younger and is not shy with technology. One again apple is on the cutting edge with partnering with this app for mobile access.

Microsoft's search engine Bing is to launch a new event-planning feature that will make it easier to organise nights out.This is a battle with google for the dominance of searching engine. And this is the first time in the history that a major searching engine launches a fully comprehensive events listing with all the details needed to ensure a fun night out.

To create a global resource for the hospitality finance industry, Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals has begun development on a global hospitality accounting system users guide. HFTP is the only global association dedicated to hospitality finance and technology and our Global Board is investing heavily to create a benchmark that stakeholders can use to compile accounts, compare regional differences and define the value of a hospitality operation.

This article was pretty brief, but it stated that Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals has begun development on a global hospitality accounting system users guide. This would create a global resource for the finance industry. Frank Wolfe, HFTP's CEO, says that the company is the only global association dedicated to hospitality finance and technology. They are hoping to create a benchmark that stakeholders can use to compile accounts, compare regional differences and define the value of a hospitality operation. What I found interesting about this article was that it greatly involved final year bachelor students at Ecole Hôtelière De Lausanne in Switzerland performing research for this project. I also think that a global hospitality accounting system users guide would be beneficial, especially since many managers/employees do not have the strongest training or skills in a financial or technical area.

HFTP (Hospitality financial & technology professionals) begins developing a global hospitality accounting system users guide. This kind of users guide is totally new to the hospitality industry and currently there is no global resource like this. The global guide will provide the hospitality industry with a glossary of inventory terminology, accounting charts and other accounting-related information. This project is developed using technology that can provide users with a benchmark that stakeholders can use to compare regional differences and define the value of hospitality operation. This project is a three-step process. First, bachelor degree students from all over the world who are interested in this project will work as data collector. Second, the assembled and analyzed data will be processed into professionals in different regions all over the world to create new sample charts. Finally, the initial guide will be published in multiple languages and distributed globally. This new accounting system technology is predicted to help the hospitality industry increase the ability in financial management, accounting, cost control and the sharing of global accounting data sources.