Been doing some highly generic research for the monthly technology feature in Caterer and thought it would be interesting to find out what technology innovations have most helped industry operators - real time reservation systems perhaps? Handheld ordering devices? What about social media as a marketing tool? Or, to get a bit more technical, convergence (delivering all IT services over the same network).
Would be interested in your thoughts.
Hi Dan,
I know I'm a bit late on this one, but are you still searching for info on tech innovations that have shaped the hospitality industry? If so, definitely can't go past the evolution of revenue management software and systems in the hotel sector for fundamentally changing the way hotels make money.
Just let me know and I can hopefully help you out with info?
Cheers,
Bryce
Bryce - looking for opinions from operators and industry watchers as oppose to suppliers.... so if you have any hoteliers who can talk about what they think is most innovative and helpful, then we're talking
cheers
That I can definitely do!
Just shoot me an email at bkeane@mulberrymc.com, and I'll take it from there and see what I can organise for you if you like?
The flushing lavatory must top the list of helpful technological innovations, perhaps closely followed by the telephone. Of today's batch I'd say online booking engines like the Synxis one we use at Pride of Britain are having the most dramatic positive impact.
The hotel bed is the most sold product on the internet - so the internet must rank highly.
Historically, it was a strke of genius to invent the modern mattress to replace the bed of hay.
Some nations would claim the bidet is an essential piece of bathroom furnishing - though I fear many Brits use it for rinsing their socks.
Or keeping beer cool...