8 minute read
Do you have what you need to offer superb tech?
By Daryl Brett, Vintech Systems
The hotel industry wants to offer guests the latest and greatest technology on offer; however, with a large demographic of guests, is this technology really offering a better experience, or is it just adding more frustration to both the guest and the hotel operation?
Getting the guest to their room and in the door has always been a step overlooked. It is globally assumed that if you give a guest a metal key, they will know what to do with it. This was then replaced with a card, which suddenly brought a new level of pain as each locking vendor tapped or inserted differently. Where do you touch the card? Which way round does the card go? Do the instructions on the card actually reflect what is expected? All issues facing todays travellers and causing the hotel operation costs and TripAdvisor issues if they get it wrong.
Now that BLE Bluetooth Low Energy is here and actively being used in the hotel industry, has it solved these issues? Yes and no. Most of the major locking vendors have released a version of BLE for their own locks, but that is only half the step, how does that BLE credential get to the guest’s device and how do they actually use it? These are now the considerations that need to form part of the decision-making process, before committing to one vendor or another.
Using a dedicated app for the property is the simplest and neatest solution; however, the guest is then forced to download a different app for each hotel they stay in and who keeps the app updated and paid for? Chain hotels have the luxury of budget allowing a single managed app for all their properties, but should this limit the technology to chains only? The answer is no. The growing concern over plastic in the world and the ever-increasing concern of costs associated with buying new cards or trying to recover used cards from guests is far outweighed by the annual licence fee associated with BLE hosting.
A simple fixed one-off cost per lock, per year, is the only cost to the property as BLE tokens are virtual and so can be issued repeatedly. For example, 365 guest stays per room per year. If one card is not recovered every week, from a staying guest, that is 52 cards lost per year. At an average $1 per card that’s $52 worth of plastic that has made its way into the environment as a pure cost to the hotel. BLE token hosting is typically around $25 per lock per year, with no limit to the number of tokens issued and no plastic findings way into the environment. Labour is also greatly reduced for staff and the frustration at the room door for the guest virtually goes away.
But…
Assuming the guest has managed to get into their room using their phone, now that cards are no longer used, what is the guest expected to use to energise the room. No longer will a wall slot be required as no card is issued. Technology has now moved forward in parallel with the evolution of the lock to allow the room controller to communicate wirelessly directly with the lock. Knowing who has walked in the room, staff or guest, or even now guest type or profile, allows even more operational benefits to the operator. With this level of communication, the room has the logic to react differently to whomever comes in. This is great for the hotel operator, they now have peace of mind that the room is only active when the guest is in the room, that the staff aren’t wasting energy and that the room is automatically set up to how the operator wants the room to be for when a guest enters. But does this make life any easier for the guest? Yes…
©ipopba - stock.adobe.com
With a GRMS (guest room management system) that is in communication with the lock, the room is managed by the guest and if they leave lights on, or the air-conditioning turned on, this is how it will be when they return. What the guest is not aware of is that the room, while they weren’t there, turned itself off and operated in a manner managed by the hotel operation not the guest. Guest services that previously were more luck than judgement is all now managed by the GRMS, actively notifying the housekeeping team if the guest is in the room. If they have requested a room refresh if they have requested privacy, etc. Those tatty-looking, worn outdoor cards are redundant when a guest service is selected in the room the hotel operation is notified electronically so become considerably more efficient in how the rooms are serviced.
Most hotels have the core infrastructure to support these new technologies, both BLE locks and intelligent GRMS, with limited refurbishment works required. With a complete holistic understanding of how the technologies now interact and are interlaced, it is a very simple step to bring the hotel into a considerably more cost-effective and technology-based operation, while helping the environment and making the guest’s life easier and less frustrating.
GOOD HYGIENE IS IN YOUR HANDS
Fitt ed with an intelligent infrared sensor Weatherdon’s sanitiser automatically senses a hand 2 -10 cm from the outlet and dispenses a measured dose of gel. Touchless design reduces the risk of cross-contamination while a large 1000 mL gel reservoir ensures longer use between refi lls. There’s a drip tray and lockable cover as well as a visible window to easily monitor the gel level. Waterless sanitisers require less time than hand washing and act quickly to reduce bacteria on hands. Help ensure your guests and staff practice good hand hygiene by positioning dispensers on each guest fl oor, near reception, concierge desks and lift s as well as back of house.
C Weatherdon P 02 9906 2202 E sales@weatherdon.com.au W www.weatherdon.com.au
SALTO ELECTRONIC LOCKING SOLUTIONS
Streamline hospitality operations and create an excellent guest experience with SALTO electronic locking solutions. SALTO System’s XS4 BLUEnet Electronic Lock Range off ers the ability to upgrade to realtime access control when it suits your property. As well as increasing security, visibility, and convenience for guest rooms, front or backof-house, wireless real-time functionality also allows you to instantly perform requests such as re-rooming and extended stay. Aesthetically designed to elevate your brand, SALTO XS4 BLUEnet locks operate offl ine by default with SALTO’s Data on Card solution, but have built-in components that can be activated for Mobile Key compatibility and wireless connectivity with SALTO gateways. By simply purchasing a soft ware module, and without any additional components, you can unlock real-time access control when you’re ready - a truly future-proof solution.
C SALTO Systems P 03 8683 9782
E info.au@saltosystems.com W hospitality.saltosystems.com
DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?
To the uninitiated this is just another umbrella base but if you another umbrella base but if you are a resort focused outdoor are a resort focused outdoor furniture supplier you see furniture supplier you see the devil in the detail. A 4mm thick aluminium stem, which means no rust means you will not be throwing the base out in 12 months. With a full circumference thread on the stem connecting to the base meaning 55mm of contact point, not just a single bolt so it will not loosen, wobble, and snap off . With 25kgs of concrete it is heavy and won't rust. Roller wheels means ease of movement. Combined with our 37 Years of experience in the resort industry means we know what to look for.
C Daydream Leisure Furniture P 07 5493 4277 E sales@daydreamleisure.com.au W www.daydreamleisure.com.au
INTRODUCING ‘GUEST FRESH NEXT GEN PILLOW RANGE’
We proudly developed & introduced this exclusive range of pillows back in 2001, they have proven their outstanding performance as a market leader ever since. However, as with our entire Bedding range, we remain in continual search for improvement as textile evolution moves into the next generation. Introducing ‘Guest Fresh Next Gen Pillow Range.’ Off ering superior loft life, increased comfort and just wait till you experience this cyber soft next gen outer. Contact us today to put the WOW factor back into guests sleep experience.
C Mainlinen P 07 5437 8544 W www.mainlinen.com
CUSTOMISED IN-ROOM DIGITAL COMPENDIUM
Covid safe and enhancing guest satisfaction levels. The Smart Tablet App is a powerful guest engagement tool. A Guest Services Directory that is always up to date. Direct messaging between the guest and guest services: room service, housekeeping, reception. Up-sell the guest to F&B, internal services & facilities. Direct interaction with external visitor & tourism ecosystems. Generate incremental income from internal and external channels. Fully customisable to your requirements, backed by a sophisticated Content Management System, with In-room and mobile options available. Smart Tablet enhances the guest experience and delivers a cost-effi cient digital channel through which guest engagement is optimised.
C Smart Tablet P 0402 416 266 E randall.harper@smartt ablet.com.au W www.smartt ablet.com.au
CUTTING EDGE VIRUS ELIMINATOR
Using FDA approved technology, OHAir is an exceptionally fast, safe and eff ective air and surface treatment system which removes 99.99% of air and surface pathogens within one hour, including COVID-19. With airborne transmission of COVID-19 now recognised as a signifi cant risk, OHAir is the only system available which provides fast and eff ective treatment against airborne (aerosol) and surface pathogens including COVID-19, eliminating 99% of viruses in 15-30 minutes. The system uses no chemicals and is completely human-safe – meaning it can operate 24/7 in any indoor environment with no operational disruptions.
C Hunter Technologies P 1300 693 357 W www.ohairsystem.com.au
HOMETIME WIRELESS CHARGER WITH BLUETOOTH SPEAKER
Hometime’s state of the art Wireless charger with Bluetooth speaker will enhance your guests’ in-room experience. The sleek and compact charger and speaker system is also equipped with other convenient features for guests including an alarm clock with adjustable brightness, FM radio and USB charger if a port is preferred. Easily paired with iPhones and other Bluetooth-enabled devices, Hometime provides a dual super high bass speaker system with livelike sound quality. The built-in microphone also ensures clear hands-free calls.
