Internet of things (IoT) can be defined as the technology in which many devices are interconnected by utilizing the data extraction ability on the internet. The Internet of things within the Hospitality Industry integrated because technology offers many benefits that are relevant to the hotel industry. The IoT adds smartness required to deliver quality services to the customers and to enhance the performance of business operations. The hospitality industry can make use of the positive impact of IoT in hospitality, once devices are connected and share information.
Hospitality Industry can leverage the benefits of IoT
Many companies in Hospitality Industry have started implementing IoT into their businesses with the help eminent Software Development Companies, as it offers various advantages such as it allows them to optimize the hotel conditions, saves energy and extra expenses, deliver a more personalized experience to their customers and minimizing guest waiting times. In terms of business operations, the real-time data and insights gathered assist to identify issues or problems and also prevent them to occur in the future.
IoT enhance room services through guestrooms automation
With intelligent IoT-based solutions in Hospitality vertical enable a centralized network of automated IoT systems to deploy services to the guests as per their preferences. For instance, a mobile app on the customer’s smartphone could connect to the control systems of the room, so the system can analyze customer activities when they arrive in the room or get the room ready, plays music, etc. Auto-sensors helps in providing a personalized experience to the guests.
On behalf of Stanlee.
Alastair Boyd says “Whether it's hotels or hospitals, robots are going to take over some of the important duties. During the time of Covid, the importance of automation can't be underestimated. With limited budgets and staff, automation and robots are a good option for the hospitality business. Automation offers a hassle-free process while the robots can do any kind of service in the best possible way. Scientists have come a long way in Natural Language Processing to improve the functioning of robots. They are less of robots and more of humans now!”
Smart maintenance and support services
Another essential benefit of IoT in the Hospitality industry involves providing hotel employees with a smart maintenance system which can be used to improve business operations. This system could detect different appliances and devices, and notify the staff any warning signs that might be predictive of deterioration or unusual performance. The primary advantage of IoT based solutions where sensors can detect the problems faced by guests and can be fixed automatically or notify hotel staff.
Efficient handling of building and logistics with smart solutions
IoT assists to enhance and maintain the building and provide smart logistics. This saves costs and reduces manpower. The building can also get advantage from advances of IoT in hospitality with smart solutions for the inventory management system and facility management.
Remi Del Mar, Senior Product Manager at Epson America, Inc says, “There is no denying that the hospitality industry had to completely shift directions this year and business owners have turned to new technologies and tools to help keep consumers engaged, while remaining safe and informed. One form of technology at the forefront of it all is digital signage - particularly with projection. Digital continues to play a critical role in developing engaging and informative displays and projection offers added content flexibility and creative freedom, while limiting the need for physical touch.
Digital signage is changing the way companies communicate and create experiences and as we head into 2021, projection technology will be an essential tool for delivering safe and engaging customer experiences in the hospitality industry.”
Another expert Casey Halloran, Co-Founder & CEO of Costa Rican Vacations says, “A major trend we see is the need for all sides of the industry to increase inter-connectivity of systems and tools across the supply chain. This can be done through APIs, channel management tools and other forms of direct or indirect integration.
Any players still relying on double and triple entry of data across multiple platforms are going to be left behind. It's just too slow, there are too many channels, and today's always-connected customers demand SPEED.”
In-Room Features
IoT transforms the guest experience in the room with in-room features. This allows guests to control the heating temperature, ventilation, and AC systems from a single place, or even just specify a temperature and enable the many devices to automatically regulate the room to that temperature. It will also usually permit them to control the TV, while some devices may even greet them by name. Such as Amazon Alexa.
Dessie Nikolova from Bathroom Butler says, “The heated towel rack is a leading trend in hospitality, it offers elegant towel storage, creates a designer feature in the bathroom, and it is multi-functional. Specifically designed to dry towels, keeping them fresh and up to 90% more hygienic between washes (proven by an independent study we commissioned).
Almost every five-star hotel has a [heated towel rack] installed. They can be found in most new modern -day apartments and homes as a standard fixture. But in the past, many have considered them a luxury. The truth is a heated towel rack is more affordable than you might imagine and has several benefits that are hard to ignore.
The heat keeps [ those damp-loving germs and bacteria] away, but what is even better is that guests can increase or decrease the temperature to his/her personal preference with the built-in switch and reduce running costs by up to 75%.”
Cross-property Integrations
IoT systems gather guest data and other essential information. This information can be uploaded in CRM to maintain transparency across all the properties. This provides customers the same services if he/she checks in any of the properties worldwide. IoT can even allow the sharing of data between smart devices. Hospitality companies can also use location data to optimise staffing levels.
Conserve energy with IoT based devices
It has been found that a smart energy management system can save energy costs upto 20%. There are many devices smart thermostats, sophisticated ML algorithms and sensors. These IoT based devices analyze the usage pattern for energy, weather forecasts and peak season demands to optimize energy consumption.
Todd Ramlin Manager of Cable Compare says, “Who knew that a global pandemic was coming? Not me! IoT may be the thing that saves the hospitality industry, though, if you think about it. The number one thing that people are being told to prevent spreading the virus is to limit contact with other people. IoT more and more allows people to interact in hospitality settings without interacting with other people. Everything from getting money and making payments to ordering services and numerous other things that used to require human to human contact. Just as remote working has become a hot trend in business I think IoT for hospitality is going to get a big push. People are already getting cabin fever and looking for ways to get out of the house safely and if IoT for hospitality can facilitate that it’ll be one of the next big things.”