Blog #4_Hotels Lock it Up

            Hospitality’s latest security trend is contactless locking systems by integrating radio frequency identification (RFID) technology and near field communication (NFC) cell phone compatibility. A couple contactless specific lock models mentioned in the article consist of Kaba Ilco’s 790 and Vingcard, possessing accessible features as: low cost guest cards, long lasting staff cards, wristbands, keyfobs, and NFC cell phone compatible. NFC exchanges data between devices over a small distance through a high frequency wireless communication technology.

            Upon arrival, hotels equipped with RFID and NFC will allow guests to skip the check-in line and proceed to their destined room via SMS. Guests will receive information from a “short messaging system” (text messaging) that will consist of booking confirmation, room number, and an encrypted room key access code that unlocks their door. Upon Checkout, guests will be able to use their cell phones to checkout through an NFC-enabled in-room television or NFC-enabled hotel kiosk. Putting this cell phone compatible structure into effect, it enables marketing opportunities such as advertising promotions and special offers taking place at the property.

            Supporting this trend, contactless locking system will continually be improved and modernized, benefitting both the consumer and hotel. Being able to trace information (location of guest) from a significantly distant time is an incredible aspect of this product, especially when associated with theft. These improved features compared to mechanical locks, the price of key replacement are relatively inexpensive. Contactless locking systems not only appealing but provide a more advantageous experience for the customer.

Glenn Withiam’s article “Tech-savvy Guests Spend More” explains that from his generated report “it seems likely that by implementing new technology, hotels are probably discouraging certain groups of travelers from staying at your property.” However, in this industry, it is an impractical idea to have lack of investment in such technological advances. Relating to Withiam’s article, I believe that even less technical savvy guests will find this development extremely appealing.

Furthermore, the persistently changing improvements and integrated devices, RFID and NFC, investment will generate customer gratification and these adaptations will reshape information generated in the hotel industry. Different technological implications are viewed by the less-tech savvy as an unproductive means of contribution, but these contactless locking systems will not be.

 

Volpe, Christina (2008 October 9). Hotels Lock it Up.

http://www.htmagazine.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=MultiPublishing&mod=PublishingTitles&mid=3E19674330734FF1BBDA3D67B50C82F1&tier=4&id=4380EF5629CD45FB9C4D382CA9B09534

Withiam, Glenn (2008 October 9). Tech-savvy Guests Spend More.

http://www.htmagazine.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=MultiPublishing&mod=PublishingTitles&mid=3E19674330734FF1BBDA3D67B50C82F1&tier=4&id=277F5CD9C9B1434C8CEBFE06229B6EC5

Blog #3_Drive-thru Convenience

During the past 15 years, Drive-thru spending has rapidly infiltrated the quick service restaurant industry on account of numerous innovations and updated trends. Communication through digital headsets, drive-thru timers, order confirmation boards, and sticky label receipts for order accuracy are the most recent drive-thru technology updates. The featured order confirmation board generated by Delphi Display System explains these displays are much more comprehensible, listing each item ordered, any special orders, and a large dollar total, which in turn makes your ordering process more simplistic. The improved Drive-thru timers constructed by Hyperactive Technologies (QTimer) use cameras that display the time at different points in the onward process at Drive-thrus. Information displayed consists of time at the menu board, total time between order menu and window, time at window, and total time in the drive thru. This allows for operators to monitor the received informative and critically beneficial variables. The variables can consist of placement of a worker during busy times and updates management on drive-thru statistics (whether their employees are maintaining their times for a more sufficient process).  Current headsets used at some Drive-thru's (3M's C1060 Digital Headset) are lightweight, wireless, provides additional clarity, and eliminates surrounding noise within the restaurant or allowing for employees to hear voices and not the outside noise. Lastly, Epson will offer sticky label receipts that have capabilities of being repositioned multiple times in the kitchen to the final step of substantiating the order.

Visible in the quick service industry, the number of dining room customers are diminishing, while Drive-thru customers are escalating. Americans are sometimes mindfully preoccupied with numerous obligations creating the Drive-thru opening in which the quick service industry's fulfilling. The visionary headsets that deaden insignificant noises I think will be crucially beneficial to such an industry where orders are mistakenly intercepted because of interference from other digital technology. Having a strong preference on how the companies are taking considerable amounts of interest in this process it's gratifying to see their investments in innovative technology that allows for a more convenient and frustration free experience. The Hyperative Technologies' QTimer is also an advancement that is going to be substantially beneficial to this industry, especially knowing if your employees are meeting their times (during the process), and will not be able to argue that it's a mistake, because the tracking software will not lie. The advancements in technology to accelerate the Drive-thru process is impressive but in return be associated with obesity. Furthermore, hopefully with all the advancements that are being implemented into the technological portion of the quick service restaurants, I hope there will also be ample amounts of time making the consumers aware of the health precautions (if there are any). 

Powers, Vicki (2008 October 9). How Fast is Your Drive-Thru?

http://www.htmagazine.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=&nm=&type=MultiPublishing&mod=PublishingTitles&mid=3E19674330734FF1BBDA3D67B50C82F1&tier=4&id=36B04D40BBDB4D04A14AEF02C29E2B9E