Blog #2_Point Of Sale

A "Point of Sale" is generally found at locations where transactions occur. The capabilities of these systems are sufficient resolutions that have decreased service times, increased order accuracy and offer a better customer experience. The flexibility of the new systems fluctuate when amounting to the form of the application. Ranging from NextGen's POS "WAND Corporation" offering conversational order acceptance capabilities to "DineBlast iOrder" by SoftTouch offering remote ordering from PDA's, IPhones, etc.

The "Wand Corporation" allows minor changes to the order, as well as correcting simple cashier mistakes, without a manager's approval. The Dine Blast iOrder enables customers with mobile phones or devices of similar stature to be detected by the restaurant's POS system. Upon connection, placing orders will be done before the sever visits the table. Payments will also be conducted in a similar manner by use of personal communication device. Other applications consist of Booking reservations (recognizing their previous purchases, making their next visit more harmonious), modifying the system to the exact needs of that market, and a labor scheduling tool enforcing breaks and other rules.

This pioneering technology holds some vital influences on issues pertaining to customer gratification, decreased ordering time, and are beneficial to employees that are native to the system. It will be exceedingly beneficial to less technical savvy generations, since the improvements reduce technical errors, and allow for employee guidance through navigational software. The improved POS are unquestionably beneficial for acceleration of waiting time by recognizing the customer's past sales archive and allowing the employees to feel more comfortable with the integrated systems. Quickness of the service will increase, making customers who are pressed for time, wholly satisfied. Though, I believe, customer gratification can fall into contrasting categories.

Unforeseen complications can arise during the implementation of these systems. Visible with the "iOrder", some restaurants' foundations are essentially based on the received experience during one's visit. These values will severely decrease with the implementation of the improved POS software. Companies whose sales derive from the social aspect (building strong relationships) may drastically suffer. Furthermore, having experience in the restaurant industry, I believe that these revolutionary software implementations will have a positive impact on the restaurant market.

Ross, Julie (2008 September 8). POS software upgrades & Updates.

http://www.htmagazine.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=MultiPublishing&mod=PublishingTitles&mid=3E19674330734FF1BBDA3D67B50C82F1&tier=4&id=6E4B91C667144DB782FE0B0FF19D62A0

Blog #1_Golf & Spa IT Trends Reflection

Spa and golf resort owners remain competitive by staying ahead of trends; creating new innovations that help build relationships with customers, and use different integrated systems to develop a relationship with the customer. Technology is incorporated into everyday activities which can be found in spas and golf resorts. They are starting to offer increased Wi-Fi access and a system that maintains one’s previous history at the location, allowing the hospitable firm to anticipate the guest’s next request. If a company has multiple properties, such as Vintage Hotels, they use a centralized booking system that is fully integrated to work in conjunction with its property management system (PMS). There are many advantages that arise when using an integrated system such as checking the system to see if there is availability at the destination, and some allow for customers to make reservations from anywhere on the property. In the near future Vintage Hotels wants to allow guests to see “up to the minute availability” which would allow them to book an appointment that goes directly into the PMS. At the Disney golf resorts, they would like to improve their guest services by incorporating a questionnaire or alarming submissions via GPS that allow Disney to take care of an issue immediately.

I believe that these ideas and innovations generate high level of customer satisfaction, and in return supply an increased rate of return of customers. I agree with all the sophisticated ideas and their futuristic dreams because it will push for further advancement and in return create improved networking systems. It would be accommodating especially on a golf course that if a unmannerly citizen is not showing the proper etiquette, that by a push of a button, a manager or employee would explain to the citizen that his/her behavior is not tolerated on the golf course. A suggestion that I may have with this is instead of an employee primarily approaching the unmannerly citizen(s), instead via intercom that projects a verbal message, warn and make them aware of their actions, unless it continues to proceed. I predict that these advancements will continue to progress in both technology and customer satisfaction.

Mastroberte, Tammy. (2008, September 9). Golf & Spa: Top IT Trends. Hospitality Technology

http://www.hospitalityupgrade.com/_news/showNewsDetail.asp?docID=2430/