Hospitality Technology

As mentioned in this article, the amount of data creation on a daily basis is rapidly increasing personally and professionally. This data is more high quality now than ever and the space required to save the data has to be large enough to hold all the information. This is shy most people are switching to the cloud, because it is affordable, easy to use, and typically has large amounts of space.

One of the main topics addressed during the week was related to internet redundancy and its importance not only in the business spectrum but also in the daily routine of individuals. This discussion revolves around security and the recklessness of cyber threats to confidential information stored on systems. This article offers a more technical view, somewhat far-fetched, but the relevant factor that encompasses everyone's primary concern with security deserves to be highlighted. The sophistication developed in the methodological design of algorithms to control the entire network provides a sense of relief, as the refined development demonstrates an evolution that reduces the issue of cybernetic vulnerability that so worries those who adhere to the technological advances of the internet network. Therefore, even for those not specialists in the area, the article presents relevant information regarding the uncertainty related to the security factor that afflicts network users around the globe.

The article presented above was published in 2020, making it a perfect example of the speed of technological advancement. Focusing mainly on implementing kiosks in a fast food chain two years ago caused strangeness and resistance among the age group above forty, the pre-computer generation. Nowadays, just two years later, we can see that this technology is a reality mostly in the fast-food market, mainly the big chains, and the theory that the intercommunication between generations would provide a greater acceptance of the older age group has been positive. However, despite the quantitative content of the research being competent, presenting data relevant to the content, we must emphasize two reticences: the research was directed only to the fast-food market, centralizing the study only to a segment of the restaurant market; second, all analysis is based on the South Korean reality, which does not necessarily show a global vision of the theme. Despite the reluctance, the article works as a reflection of how technological evolution has influenced the hospitality market, also serving as an eye-opening for future investments in this tool.

Technology is shifting rapidly and the hospitality and tourism industry is adjusting accordingly. As customers begin to change their way of interacting with business, so must the business. As an example, more customers are becoming familiar with self check out options therefore many companies are adding this service to their stores. Customers are also changing the way they pay for things, like apple pay or google wallet, cash is a rare payment option. So in the restaurant industry tips are now becoming a quicker thoughtless transaction, so digital tips are the norm now. This article will open our eyes to 20 trends that will shape the industry through technology, and this only touches the surface.

The article "Ransomware attack on chip supplier causes delays for semiconductor groups," discusses the affects on a company due to a cyberattack that occurred February 3rd. The company is believed to have setbacks into March and that it would cost hundreds of millions of dollars in lost or delayed sales. The company also believes they will be unable to file its annual report on time and possibly have to resolve the issue by paying a ransom. This also cost a 15% decrease of shares for the Company.

The article "the pernicious side of electronics: the growing problem of e-waste," discusses e-waste and what we can do as a community to eliminate the issue. E-waste produces tonnes of toxic waste each year and it was predicted that within the last year around 2.13 billion PCS, tables, and cellphones were shipped worldwide. To eliminate this issue moving forward we must increase education on the harmful impacts of e-waste, improve designs for more sustainable electronic devices, and upgrade infrastructure where the consumer is able to recycle electronic goods safely.

The article "Why we care about location marketing" discusses the pros and cons of location based marketing. Location based marketing delivers ads and offers to audiences based on their location by using 3 primary methods: geofencing, geotargeting, and geoconquesting. This in turn increases foot traffic, helps boost customer loyalty, and gives insight into what a customer wants; however there are certain concerns such as privacy concerns. All in all, in 2022 advertising via mobile devices captured the largest share of digital advertising at $34 billion.

The article "Japan's Henn na Hotel fires half its robot workforce" discusses the lessons learned from a hotel who opened its doors using a staff of robots believing it would lessen the workload and move things quickly and efficiently. However, they soon learned the robots did the exact opposite of what they were hoping it would. The hotel has had to cut its robotic workforce in half becuase of multiple guest complaints, robots malfunctioning, and robots creating work for their human counterparts rather than reducing. Not to mention the amount of money spent as well.

The article "10 Industry Experts' Picks For The Hottest Tech Trends of 2023" discusses the technologies which are predicted to trend for both businesses and consumers over the course of 2023. The trends include a shift in technology that drives efficiency; reliance on no-code tools such as Wordpress and Shopify; next generation AI that can perform task such as natural language processing; image recognition and decision making; technology that is able to create value to business and consumer through transparency; advanced car technology such as contactless payment version for cars; personalized content; advancements in digital healthcare; ai-generative tools; analyst who bring both science and business skills; and lastly advancements in the Metaverse.

At this moment the majority of hotels and resorts are using disconnected technology to manage check-in/checkout, billing and on site food and beverage charges. Toast POS provides an integrated platform which allows guests to pay bills more efficiently all with one payment. "Toast for Hotel Restaurants will deliver a more efficient way to let guests pay bills by charging them to their room, making the payment process faster and more efficient for both hotel and restaurant staff across full service restaurants, in-room dining, grab & go, bar & cocktail, event venues and poolside dining."

This article includes 5 security risks (including technology related and not) common in the hospitality industry, as well as some specific examples and ways to avoid those issues. It was written in July of 2022 and as a result is likely relevant today. Although not all of the security issues are technology related, I posted this article because I believe that all of them can at least be addressed by incorporating technology. For example, unauthorized visitors can be addressed through increased camera and scanning technology to identify visitors that may have poor intentions entering the premises.

5 Common Security Issues in the Hospitality Industry

There have been many cyber-attacks in many different nations and that is for many different reasons, such as outdated, human error, and all software being in one vulnerable spot. It is important to always update your programs, use cloud computing, and to educate your personal on all cyber-attacks. It is also important for your teams to understand the "why" behind updating and cloud computing and this is to always keep an upper edge on cyber-attacks. Cyber criminals are always changing their ideas and new ways to take over networks and workday and night to find someone to slip up and it can cause the complete down fall of a company or nation.

Chief of Information Security officers (CISO) report summarizes that hospitality and retail industries will be spending more accounting for 70% more providers. The report looks at a variety of benchmarks to assess like budgets and personnel. Fraud is not as prioritized as one might think and this time the focus is on business disruption. One core of responsibility seen by at least 70% of CISOs is of continuity and disaster recovery. They are also examining a new benchmark which is staff function priorities. The evolving of the industries is why cybersecurity threats are so complex. The report provides vital information to benefit CISOs on trends. The report in question is very interesting in how it examines what people are spending on their IT security budgets and breaks down where that money is being utilized and staffing. This would be a useful tool for hospitality providers looking to increase their budget because they can analyze other providers and what is currently trending in terms of threats and how to allocate assets whether money or personnel. If the biggest threat to providers is disruption then having an emergency action plan in place would highly benefit providers under underbudgeting. This would be a great tool for any organization to plan their IT strategy with security in mind.

This article provides a detailed approach on the negative and positive impacts of electronic waste from a global standpoint. This article also provides statistical data to show the various types of technological gadgets that contribute to e-waste, the materials they are made from, and new initiatives put in place to recycle these items.

This article discusses the most active cyber threats that exist today. I chose this article because it highlights a topic many industry leaders aren't aware of. Many view cyber attacks as crimes of opportunity, which they often are. However, we have to remember that there are also dedicated groups who are committed to acquiring data they shouldn't have. Knowing these groups, their signs, and what industries they target can help create a stronger team and plan to protect against them. These are especially common in hospitality and retail.

This was about the risks in the hospitality and tourism industry when it comes to big data and analytics. Big data is so important in the hospitality industry because it's how companies know who to cater to and with what and how. In addition to the importance of big data, there are risks that come with it. A few risks are data leaks, hackers, etc. Companies invest money in their systems so these things are avoided.

This is exactly what I have been discussing pertaining to the importance of having an update and recovery strategy. Update and Upgrade Software Immediately Apply all available software updates, automate the process to the extent possible, and use an update service provided directly from the vendor.. . Exercise a System Recovery Plan Create, review, and exercise a system recovery plan to ensure the restoration of data as part of a comprehensive disaster recovery strategy. The plan must protect critical data, configurations, and logs to ensure continuity of operations due to unexpected events.

Facial recognition and the use of biometrics are going to be essential in the future. This article outlines several ways it can impact the hospitality industry in a positive way. The most interesting has to do with F&B capabilities. This system linked with AI will be able to streamline restaurant ordering and payment.

With privacy being a concern in the hospitality industry, hotels are incentivizing a customer sharing information with a heightened personalized experience. Customers are willing to share personal data to earn loyalty program benefits, receive special discounts and offers, and will shop more often with those brands that personalize their communications.

Even though we are aware that generally, individuals are more inclined to do things when there are benefits to them, this new exchange of data for access to certain benefits has now placed that transaction at the forefront of my mind. This is because schemes are not being applied to secretly obtain customers' personal data, but rather the customers are willing to share them. This exchange is beneficial to guests since they earn travelers' consent, unlock richer experiences, better service, and high long-term loyalty. In my opinion, this is a fair trade. Thanks for sharing this article on "How Hotels Can Drive Increased Revenue and Loyalty By Offering a Reciprocal Value Exchange with Guests."