May 26, 2023
Siegel Sez
I’m sure I’m not the only one who gets scared thinking about how AI and ChatGPT are going to change life as we know it. But change is something we know is inevitable. Two weeks ago, Doug Rice in his Definitely Doug column did a great job sharing how robots can impact the hotel business. If you haven’t read it yet, you must. Why? Because today you will read part two of Doug’s look at robots and it is amazing and maybe somewhat scary. Robots in place of security guards at hotels. Mingling with guests to answer their questions. Imagine you are somewhere else, but you can see what the robot sees. Robots that are not just cleaning floors but doing many other cleaning services. There are some serious financial benefits with the use of robots. I strongly suggest you take a few minutes and read through Definitely Doug; it is absolutely fascinating.
Hospitality Upgrade continues to grow and reach more hoteliers all over the world and we are thankful for that. In the upcoming issue we will of course look at AI, but we don’t stop there. Payment technology, women in technology, addressing the labor challenges, how technology affects those that sell transient rooms in our HSMAI section and a lot more. Yes, there is also a look back at our Executive Vendor Summit with some amazing and hilarious pictures included. To all the print and digital readers all over the world, we thank you. If you are not receiving Hospitality Upgrade, please take a moment and subscribe:
www.hospitalityupgrade.com/subscribe.
It’s the Friday of Memorial Day weekend and summer travel is starting. All the experts on travel are saying the same thing, everybody will be traveling this summer! Sometimes I think back to where the industry was three years ago compared to where we are today. What a long, strange trip it has been.
Here now is Definitely Doug along with his look at the latest news and developments in the hotel tech world. Anybody who is going to the Belmont Stakes even without a triple crown on the line, let me know. I will be there. I will see you at the end with this week’s attempt at ‘you-know-what’. Have a great holiday weekend for those of you in the States!
Rich
rich@hospitalityupgrade.com
Definitely Doug
Meet Your Future Staff Members! (Part Two)
In my last column, I reviewed some key trends in autonomous mobile robotics for hotels, and dove into three categories of delivery robots in more detail – room delivery, food delivery, and heavy-lift robots. This week I will round out the topic with several other robot types and applications, as well as general guidance for evaluating, acquiring, and adopting mobile autonomous robotics. If you have not yet read part one, I recommend going back and doing so before continuing below, as some of the introductory material is important background to what follows.
One note: I have limited this topic to autonomous mobile robots. To be sure, there are also many stationary robots, the most common application for which in hospitality is food and beverage preparation – flipping burgers, making fries, or mixing drinks. This is a category unto itself; I will leave it for another day.
Security Robots
More and more hotels are discovering advantages to security robots. While they have multiple uses, the most common one is to patrol parking areas and garages to deter crime. This video clip from KGW-TV in Portland, Oregon shows how the Aloft Portland Airport at Cascade Station is using a security robot from Knightscope in its outside parking lot, and how it works. The unit is large, visible, and intimidating, can watch for specific license plates or human faces, and alerts the front desk whenever it detects something suspicious. The front desk can view what the robot sees and can talk to anyone nearby.
Other security robots, both from Knightscope and from Cobalt Robotics, are designed for indoor use. Smaller hotels may find these to be overkill; their needs can typically be met by less expensive stationary devices, including standard security cameras. But larger facilities, and especially those with significant meeting and conference space that may lie empty for long periods of time and that may require security patrols, may benefit.
Cobalt Robotics’ software can detect visual anomalies seen by robots or standard CCTV cameras, such as someone carrying a rifle, or several adults running in a location where that would not be expected. It can also use facial recognition to identify individuals on watch or banned lists, and alert hotel staff. Cobalt’s software can be used independently of its robots and will work with many existing surveillance systems, and it can trigger human or robotic responses. And because most security staff are not trained in how to work with digital surveillance or robots, Cobalt also provides human security contract staff, who can work cooperatively with the robots.
The robots I saw offer about 50%-60% cost savings vs. human security guards in typical usage, although this can vary significantly depending on various operational factors. In addition to favorable costs, they can work long hours, never complain, and do not get sick. They can navigate ramps (but not stairs or elevators) and hotels can program them to patrol randomly, to traverse specified routes, or to watch specific areas at scheduled times. Branding, entertainment, and messaging functions can be incorporated to make the robot a useful marketing tool. Interactions with people can be friendly or threatening based on the need.
Security robots should have long battery life and short charging times and should be able to detect the need to charge and navigate unassisted to the charging station. They should be able to remain on patrol while charging, which means hotels will want to locate the charging station somewhere where the robot can keep a watchful eye while charging (but that is still protected from weather-related impediments like snow or deep puddles).
CORPORATE NEWS
- Agilysys Announces Fiscal 2023 Fourth Quarter Record Revenue of $52.9M and Full Year Record Revenue of $198.1M
Agilysys, Inc., a leading global provider of hospitality software solutions that deliver High Return Hospitality, today reported operating results for its fiscal 2023 fourth quarter and full year ending March 31, 2023.
www.agilysys.com
PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
- INTELITY CEO Robert Stevenson Named TravelTech CEO of the Year
INTELITY®, provider of hospitality’s leading guest experience and staff management platform, announced today that company CEO Robert Stevenson has been named the TravelTech CEO of the Year by the TravelTech Breakthrough Awards.
intelity.com
- Security Validation adds Jonathan Hale as Chief Technology Officer
To ensure Security Validation remains ranked as a top security provider we are pleased to announce the appointment of Jonathan Hale as Chief Technology Officer. Jonathan’s duties will include fostering the growth of our core security offerings while building a robust AI security platform that will protect clients from AI enabled threats.
securityval.com
GUEST MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
- Surfsand Resort Elevates Guest and Staff Experiences with Agilysys Property Management, Point-of-Sale, and Payment Processing Solutions
- Graduate Hotels Partners with Infor Hospitality
- Oracle Teams With Wyndham to Bring OPERA Cloud to 2,000 Additional Hotels
- Oostwegel Collection Implements Infor’s Suite of Hospitality Solutions
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For more information on Guest Management Systems for 5/26/2023
RESERVATIONS & DISTRIBUTION
- P3 Projects Significant Growth after Rolling Out Customized Booking Engine across Omni Hotels & Resorts
Hotel technology company P3 is projecting significant growth in North America, following the deployment of a new customized booking engine for Omni Hotels & Resorts.
www.P3hotels.com
REVENUE MANAGEMENT AND ANALYTICS
- IDeaS Named “RMS Platform of the Year” in Inaugural 2023 TravelTech Breakthrough Awards Program
IDeaS Revenue Solutions, a world leading provider of automated revenue management software and services, has been selected as “RMS Platform of the Year” in the inaugural TravelTech Breakthrough Awards program conducted by TravelTech Breakthrough. This leading independent market intelligence organization evaluates and recognizes standout travel technology companies, products, and services around the globe.
ideas.com
GUEST FACING TECHNOLOGY
- World Cinema Launches the Next Generation of WorldVue to Introduce Partners and their Guests to More Innovative, Customizable Experiences
World Cinema, a trusted provider of video, advanced connectivity and professional services to guest-centric properties worldwide, announces the launch of the next generation of WorldVue. As the company’s solution to the future of in-room entertainment, the guest experience platform receives key upgrades, including a new mobile remote look and the ability to customize the home page through the PMS or loyalty status.
www.wcitv.com
- GuestCast Named In-Room Entertainment Solution of the Year by 2023 TravelTech Breakthrough Awards
Hotel Internet Services (HIS), a full-service provider of internet services and solutions for the hospitality industry, is today proud to announce its winning of a TravelTech Breakthrough Award for its GuestCast streaming solution. GuestCast’s cutting-edge design and features ensured its place as the winner of the in-room entertainment solution of the year category.
www.hotelwifi.com
- PPDS Global Partner Alliance Confirms Expansion to Deliver Unrivalled Regional Support and International Expertise to Hospitality Industry across Six Continents
PPDS, an exclusive global provider of Philips digital signage, interactive displays, direct view LED and professional TV products and solutions, is delighted to announce the expansion of its ‘Global Partner Alliance’ network, delivering unrivalled regional support and international expertise for hospitality customers across six continents.
www.ppds.com
SALES & CATERING, GROUPS & MEETINGS
- Twenty Four Seven Hotels Names STS Cloud as Preferred Sales and Catering System for Portfolio of 25 Properties
Twenty Four Seven Hotels, one of the country’s leading hotel management companies for premium-branded, select-service, and lifestyle hotel segments, has selected STS Cloud as the preferred sales and catering system for all 25 properties. Any new hotels added to the portfolio will also use STS Cloud as the company continues expanding its management footprint.
salesandcatering.com
- Vitria on the Square Opens with Mills James
When Vitria on the Square opened last month at the crossroads of 15th Avenue and High Street, Mills James was there to provide its award-winning, service-focused, audiovisual expertise. The company was selected by collaborative partner Columbus Hospitality Management to provide onsite AV, video production and broadcast services to this event center and others in its portfolio across the U.S., including hotels.
www.millsjames.com
- Waterville Valley Resort Adds New Innovations to Become an Agile Industry Leader
Waterville Valley Resort has selected Thynk.Cloud to help them elevate their historical brand experience, automate and simplify the work of their employees and deliver continued innovation by embracing true business agility.
www.thynk.cloud
BACK OFFICE
- Luxury San Francisco Hotel Simplifies Budgeting with Updated Accounting and Forecasting Solutions
After switching its legacy accounting and budgeting software to PVNG and Targetvue by Aptech, the Hotel Nikko San Francisco is prioritizing operations above all else.
www.aptech-inc.com
- M3 Achieves Remarkable Q1 Sales Results as the Leading Provider of Back-Office Solutions for the Hospitality Industry
M3 Accounting Services, Inc. (“M3”), the premier provider of advanced back-office solutions for the hospitality industry, is pleased to report strong sales performance for Q1 2023.
www.m3as.com
COMMUNICATIONS & INFRASTRUCTURE
- Buffalo Lodging Associates Selects Think Simplicity as Its Cloud Communication Partner
- CallTek Offers Business Continuity Services for Emergency Situations
- Nomadix Launches Trusted WiFi for Multi-Industry, Visitor-Based Networks
- Hotel Internet Services Earns RUCKUS Elite Partner Status for Expertise in Wired and Wireless Network Solutions
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For more information on Communications and Infrastructure for 5/26/2023
FOOD & BEVERAGE
- Oracle Serves Up New Capabilities and Delivery Service Integrations to Make Restaurants More Efficient
Oracle announced new capabilities in MICROS Simphony Cloud Point-of-Sale (POS) that help restaurants be more productive and expand selling channels. With direct integrations to third-party delivery services, such as DoorDash and Uber Eats, as well as built-in QR Codes for payments, restaurants can eliminate manual work while providing a better experience for staff and customers.
www.oracle.com/food-beverage/
- Nonius Mobile F&B Ordering Solution is a Game Changer
A Nonius solution that streamlines ordering processes, provides personalised service for guests, optimises F&B operations, reduces waiting times and increases sales to boost your hotel’s revenue.
noniussolutions.com
SECURITY
- Introducing SALTO Neoxx G3: The ultimate electronic padlock solution
SALTO’s new Neoxx G3 electronic padlock is the most advanced and versatile locking system suitable for a wide range of applications.
www.saltosystems.com
- ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions Named "Overall TravelTech Company of the Year" in 2023 TravelTech Breakthrough Awards Program
ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions today announced it has been selected as “Overall TravelTech Company of the Year” in the inaugural TravelTech Breakthrough Awards program conducted by TravelTech Breakthrough, a leading independent market intelligence organization that evaluates and recognizes standout travel technology companies, products and services around the globe.
www.assaabloyglobalsolutions.com/hospitality
- VENZA Receives Inc. Best Workplaces Award
VENZA, a leading provider of data protection and regulatory compliance solutions for the hospitality industry, has been named to Inc. Magazine’s prestigious Best Workplaces list for 2023. This recognition is a testament to VENZA's commitment to fostering an exceptional workplace environment that values its staff and promotes a culture of innovation and collaboration.
www.VENZAgroup.com
HOSPITALITY EVENTS AND ASSOCIATION NEWS
- HFTP Announces PROVision Partners as Exclusive Sponsor of Entrepreneur 20X Toronto
- HFTP Announces 2023 Inductees to the Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame: Sherry Marek and Mark Heymann; Honored at HITEC Toronto Next Month
- HSMAI Announces Marketing Award Honorees
- AHLA, IFBTA Announce Technology Partnership
- HFTP Announces Participating Startups for Entrepreneur 20X (E20X) at HITEC Dubai Co-Located with The Hotel Show Dubai
- Exhibit Space for HFTP’s HITEC 2023 Is Sold Out, Wait List Added; 325+ Hospitality Technology Companies Represented
- AHLA Welcomes Steven Nicholas as Board Member
- HSMAI Announces 2023 Revenue Optimization Honorees
- Questex to Assume Management Control of the NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference Following June 2023 Event
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For more information on Hospitality Events and Association News for 5/26/2023
MARKET REPORTS
- Amadeus Hospitality’s Ecosystem Approach to Deliver Personalized Journeys in New Era of Travel
Amadeus released a new report, Catalysts for Change: Building the Hospitality Ecosystem of the Future. It summarized changes in traveler expectations as catalysts for change, personalization, flexible and sustainable journeys, and the support of modern digital tools to remove friction from travel.
www.amadeus-hospitality.com
PIQUED OUR INTEREST
- Welcome to Hotel Netflix?
- Tripadvisor Reveals Top-Rated Hotels in 2023 Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards
- Numerous Countries Have Issued Travel Warnings for the United States
- Charging Four Figures by Rethinking the Guest Journey
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For more information on Piqued Our Interest for 5/26/2023
And now for the You-Know-What...
