HOW CAN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY LEVERAGE TECHNOLOGY?

by NEC India NEC is a leader in the integration of IT and netwo

A wide range of IT, e-commerce and similar technology solutions are required in the hospitality industry. Since the industry is witnessing remarkable growth, these solutions are in demand. They can make life easier for the employees of a hotel and also improve the overall experience for customers. In this blog, we will take a look at some of the technologies that can benefit the hospitality sector.

Reasons why the hospitality sector needs these technologies

The hospitality sector is becoming competitive, making it essential to keep up with the latest hospitality technology trends. It can help businesses streamline their processes, reduce costs, lower staff workloads, increase revenue generation potential and improve customer experience. With the use of the latest technology, the accuracy of work can be better. Technology solutions can also make the work more manageable. While it is helpful for the hospitality sector, tech-based solutions are also connecting 1.3 billion Indians to a world of opportunities.

The different technologies that can help the hospitality sector

Technology is being used to redesign the guest experience and personalize the hotel’s service. The following technologies are being used by the hospitality sector currently.

Hotel Revenue Management System – It provides revenue and profit estimates on the basis of which hotels can work out a dynamic pricing strategy. It helps in tracking revenue in real time and provides reports.

Digital Check-In & Guestbook – It can speed up the arrival and allow guests to get their rooms faster. Digital check-in forms can be pre-filled by the guests before they arrive. As the number of arrivals at hotels is gathering speed, FaceXpress Solution will be able to usher the new normal into the hospitality industry.

Artificial Intelligence -- AI can help hotels function without front desk staff. The booking process can be speeded up with the help of AI-based technology like chatbots.

Big Data Analytics – Hotels can make a data-driven decision on the basis of data analytics that can discover patterns in customer behaviour.
Cloud Hotel Property Management System – It can manage most of the processes that are required in a hotel, including the front desk and billing.
IoT sensors – IoT sensors installed in the hotel rooms can notify the housekeeping staff when the guests leave their hotel rooms. Better connectivity in the devices of a hotel room can be ensured with the help of IoT sensors.

Benefits of these technologies

The expectations of customers who use hotels are increasing. Most of them are tech-savvy and hygiene-conscious. Following the pandemic, they have become highly conscious about their health. By making the processes like check-in and check-out contactless, the latest technologies can help hotel staff in providing customer-friendly service. Incorporating technology in day-to-day operations is essential to minimize human error, maximize service efficiency and improve the guest experience.

NEC’s solution for check-in and check-out

NEC’s FaceExpress is a smart and contactless Check-In and Check-out solution for the hospitality industry. FaceExpress is backed by world-leading Facial Recognition and Optical Character Recognition Technology, using which guests can seamlessly self-check in and check-out at their convenience. FaceExpress is an elegant solution to handle high volumes of arrivals at a hotel.

The process works in several modules. In the Pre-Check-In module, the guest will have to complete the formalities of confirming their stay details, uploading ID documents, placing requests for any special amenities, etc., before reaching the hotel. During the Kiosk Check-In, the guest will have to scan their face at a specially designated kiosk in the reception area, collect their room key and move to their room. The module can reduce the processing of the guest from 25 minutes to 2 minutes. The fast and accurate screening process reduces congestion, thereby ensuring social distancing, which is a vital requirement in these COVID times.

Additional benefits like enhanced guest security and increased revenue growth for hotels resulting from better services & upselling are possible with FaceExpress making it a solution to usher the new normal into the hospitality industry.

Conclusion

Technologies have become a prerequisite in the hospitality industry. After the pandemic is over, hotels have witnessed a high influx of guests, making the use of technology a must. Guest management can be done in a better way if technology is employed. These technologies have been instrumental in connecting 1.3 billion Indians to a world of opportunities.