Impact of Technology on Hospitality Industry

In the 1950s in the hospitality industry, computer technology was introduced. It has since expanded and revolutionized significantly. Technology is now part of our lives in modern times. Everything is readily accessed 24/7 in the palm of our hands using Internet access from computers and mobiles to other handheld devices. We are fitted with a technical tool or software for all hospitality activities, such as reservation systems, surveillance cameras, sales points, property management systems, mobile communication, energy management systems, key card encoders, etc The use of these tools in the workplace has changed our way of doing business and saves time and money by avoiding certain time-consuming activities.

New technical developments currently in use in some hotels are as follows:

1. The Do-It-All Remote (Room Personalization):

This allows guests to dim or turn on / off lights, room temperature control, open/close shutters, order room service, trigger signage not interrupted, wake-up calls, watch TV channels and movies on the screen by pressing a remote button. However, some guests may be a little awkward in thinking of entering a remote location, in the hands of so many others. Guests who feel that way can still use their iPhone, iPad, or Android devices at home. There is a simple alternative. We can download the Lodge net app simply and connect our smartphone with your TV to access all the features of the remote device.

2. Self Service Concierge:

Throughout the lobbies of hotels, the touch smart screen kiosk is used to allow the guest to find out details (restaurants, events, flights) without having to bring a laptop or wait for anyone to assist.

3. Smartphone Keyless Room Entry:

Guests reserve about the stay on their smartphone. They will receive a text with your room number on the day of arrival. They can then directly go up into the room and over the door handle swipe the smartphone. They can also sign in via smartphone in the same way.

4. In-Room Ipads / Tablet Devices:

This is a user-friendly way to order room service, housekeeping, appointments, and bookings. Instead of the original in-room guide, apart from that hotel managers can also use tablets.

5. Digital Door Viewer:

This is a convenient alternative to "peephole" in the old fashion. A small screen inside the hotel room door allows guests to see the guests while removing any uncertainty before opening the door.

6. LED Touch Screen Panels:

Panels are located in hotel bathrooms to provide an ultimate relaxing experience by guests, setting up lighting, ranges, and controlling music.

Advantages of Technology in The Hospitality Industry:

While technology can be very expensive, it pays off over the years, as daily work is streamlined and condensed, resulting in invaluable time. Computerized systems have had a positive effect on both indoor and indoor workers. While some people may take more time to use modern computerized technologies, they will embrace technology once they learn it, as it has made an immense difference in workload and still generates revenue. There are currently many electronic components in hotels that facilitate the work for staff and ensure a happy and satisfying stay. Some examples are HD-TV, fast Wireless Internet, phones, and mini-bars connected to a network of computers which automatically charges the guest folio, as they use those items; iPads to search for business, restaurants, etc. on the premises of a concierge; iPod port/alarm clock – all in one, Connectivity panels for business travellers, etc.

Energy management systems (EMS) also helped many hotels slash bills for electricity. If the guest leaves, a motion sensor will disable that effectively shuts down the room (lighting, TV, air conditioning), which saves energy and saves cost.

Electronic Delivery Systems (EDS) is yet another technical benefit in hotels. EDS helps hotels attract consumers around the world by promoting their company online and allowing travellers to make reservations in a limited time at their fingertips. Most significantly, they are for the hotel to use at low cost, and research shows that online reservations are increasingly increasing. In general, computers have made everyday activities much more organized and easier to reach. Save files in a folder on a hard drive instead of in a filing cabinet with thousands of other papers where they can easily be lost is a major benefit for hotels. Additionally, with the aid of technology, some jobs can also be completed in the comfort of your own home through smartphones, ipads, computers, etc., which could be a great advantage to some workers (provides flexibility).

It is critical in today's world that hotels keep up with the evolution of evolving technology, as the hospitality industry is, and has always been, a competitive sector. When guests are exposed to modern cutting-edge technology more often, they will gradually begin to have specific needs and perceptions of what an ordinary hotel will consist of.

Disadvantages of Technology in The Hospitality Industry:

From the guest's point of view, getting each hotel guestroom feature handed over to you on a silver electronic platter can be lovely, but it has also made us much lazier people. If the remote bedside located within reach of arms can turn off the lights or order room service, what's the point of getting up and manually doing it? The use of electronic components has also made us far less involved with the natural world. Studies from the University of Gothenburg have shown that depression, sleeping disorders, stress, and mental health issues have been associated with heavy use of technology.

There are also concerns related to the use of technology in industry from the hotel side of things. The hotel workers must be mindful of copyright problems and protection when doing so online. Many hotels use guest credit cards for either payment or authorization, and credit card fraud may theoretically be faced by many vital reality hotels, so the hotel must meet all the Payment Card Industry Enforcement (PCI) criteria to prevent this situation.

Some businesses are also worried that they might not be getting the expected Return on Investment (ROI) from integrating such technology into their company, putting them in a position that can either make or break potential hotels.

Finally, the need for fewer employees is one of the main challenges associated with rising technology in the hospitality industry. They are slowly replacing workers as a result of iPads, tablets, touch smart screens, online bookings, etc., leaving employees urgently searching for work elsewhere. In the future, most hotel roles will be faceless.

Demand for Future Technology Improvements:

Recognizing the role that data and technology play in exceeding guest experience, hotel operators are increasingly turning to data scientists to cater to their clients. Hoteliers need to know their preferences, likes, and dislike to help deliver an exclusive, and very personal experience to meet the high standards of customers. It can create a long-lasting impact and deliver the unforgettable experience that is sought after.

Any of the forms in which the data can help hotels create a more personalized guest experience. Personal data is quickly becoming the organization's number one asset. With all this data comes a wealth of insights that can help hotel operators deliver each guest a personal touch. Only imagine, whether the hotel knew its guest was a fitness enthusiast or had an allergy to the food. Upon arrival, they might give a free gym pass, or have a basket of free treats.