The Hotel Inspector 2011 - (Page 91)

•INfORmaTION TECHNOLOgy• be secure to ensure optimum success. Implementing effective data security in your IT systems includes online backup. There are different ways to go about this, but one area of data storage that has shown recent popularity is the use of cloud computing (where data is stored virtually by a third party). This means you no longer need physical storage devices that can be costly and space consuming; there are a variety of suppliers that can provide this service, so it’s worth exploring your data options. (Keeping your virtual world tidy is, of course, imperative but the same applies for your office environment – electrical cable management is essential to keep your hotel organised, aesthetically pleasing and safe. Of course, IT is a potential security minefield for both staff and customers, and if you’re not an expert in this field, we strongly recommend speaking with someone who is when drawing up your IT security policies and processes. for more information on IT security awareness see our security feature on page 82.) WIRED fOR SUCCESS The hoTel InspecTor dips into the digital world, to explore the latest innovations in technology. information technology the golden touch Touchscreen hotel kiosks are an increasingly popular way to integrate interactivity into your lobby and provide more efficient customer service – particularly during busy periods. Customers have now, to some extent, come to expect a level of digital technology in their hotel experience, and kiosks can meet this demand by providing guests with information related to their stay outside the hotel such as local events, entertainment and transport, but also internal functions: booking a table at the restaurant or checking out. This opportunity for improved customer service is multi-faceted because when your guests aren’t using it, it can promote your brand through digital signage. These kiosks can even be transformed into mini business centres that allow guests to browse the internet, use software such as Skype and print important documents – essential for any hotel that has regular business visitors. The benefits of digital signage over more traditional medi- round and implementing a secure and efficient IT infrastructure in your hotel is critical. Integrating digital technology plays an important role in the hospitality industry – as a customer-based sector - enabling guests to interact with your hotel as seamlessly as possible. The internet has become the central portal for hotel bookings and reaching out to potential guests, and making your computer systems integrate effectively is imperative for a quality guest experience. The smallest IT error in your booking system for example, can cause huge dissatisfaction for guests and portray an unprofessional image: not a desired result of course. So the links between front of house and the initial booking stage must Whether you like it not, IT makes the world go ums are numerous. Similarly to the interactive hotel kiosk, these signs (usually large flat screen displays) are used to deliver useful information to guests, varying from promotion to entertainment-related content. Integrating these signs across your hotel – essentially in your reception area – captures guests’ attention through dynamic graphics and eye-catching content. This information can then be easily altered when necessary. Technology in hotels is all about presenting the customer with a fully integrated service: from the booking stage right up to check out. Tailoring these models of interactive technology, as well as secure and well-integrated IT systems, to your hotel will allow your business to run smoothly, efficiently and ultimately successfully. THE HOTEL INSPECTOR 91 

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Hotel Inspector 2011

NEWS
INSPECTING THE INDUSTRY
COMING CLEAN
RAISING THE BAR
BRIGHT LIGHTS
ARCHITECTURE MATTERS
OLYMPIAN EFFORT
HOTEL INTERIORS
MANAGING MAYFAIR
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
KEEPING IT CLEAN
GO GREEN
LEADING THE WAY
SAFE AS HOTELS
SAFE & SECURE
WIDEN YOUR MARKETING NET
WIRED FOR SUCCESS
NEW RECRUITS
OUT OF THE ASHES

The Hotel Inspector 2011

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