Will Guestroom Locks Ever Get Smart?

Will Guestroom Locks Ever Get Smart?

Summary

     Tammy Mastroberte, Contributing Editor for Hospitality Technology discusses three different options for guestroom locks (Mastroberte, 2010).  Magnetic Stripe is described as the most affordable and common yet demagnetization is a great concern.  While the cards can be used for tracking all activity in the hotel the mechanical parts of the readers require maintenance.  RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is the next solution and Mastroberte described it as the most likely to succeed.  The cards can be reprogrammed for repeat visitors so you receive a text message with your room number and you loyalty card will automatically be reprogrammed, thus eliminating the need to check in upon arrival.  Two cons are that the card needs to be held close to the reader and if the reader’s battery is low it may not be able to pick up the signal.  This system is more expensive to install, but the readers can be equip with override feature so it may be used as a mag stripe also.  The RFID also opens the way for Wireless control which Mastroberte considers the most versatile option.  Wireless will allow both mag stripe and RFID cards to be used for tracking and billing through the entire property.  The wireless will also enable a signal to be sent from the RDIF machines to notify low battery thus solving one of the biggest issues with the RDIF system.

Reflection

     The traditional magnetic stripe entry card for hotel rooms being so widely used still shocked me. I would think the transition to RFID cards would be more common.  The ability to reprogram the cards for repeat customers and to limit access to various different areas in the facility is a very useful. This would enable all areas of the property to be controlled by the same cards and guests that do not have clearance for certain areas will not be able to gain entry. I can envision this technology being used in a large variety of ways in my hospitality future.  RFID along with Wireless Control is the best way to go.  Each guest can customize their room controls prior to arrival and their RFID card will be programmed to work appropriately. I will be able to track all of the guest’s activities within the property. This will be helpful for reporting purposes as well as for comprehensive billings.  While technological advances make things run smoother and more simply, I must give pause to the possible security issue. It seems quite plausible for someone to be able to figure out a way to reprogram the cards to gain access.  This may not be probable, but it will be a security issue that must be addressed in the future.

Mastroberte, Tammy. (2011, February 14). Will Guestroom Locks Ever Get Smart?.  Retrieved  February 27, 2011, from Hospitality Technology http://hospitalitytechnology.edgl.com/top-stories/Will-Guestroom-Locks-Ever-Get-Smart-67078

Next-Gen Kitchen Technology

Next-Gen Kitchen Technology

Summary

     Christina Volpe, Associate Editor for Hospitality Technology discusses some benefits provided by the technological advances in the foodservice industry (Volpe, 2010).  The new wireless capabilities of the POS terminals provide portability while the improved operating software streamlines data and can be useful in all types of restaurants.  This will improve accuracy for inventory, usage, and employee scheduling.  Christina Volpe then goes into the advances made in the kitchen for Quick Serve establishments like 54^th Street Grill.  Using a timing router works by sending each menu item request to the appropriate station in proper timing for all items to be served at the same time.These systems record the time orders are sent to the stations and when they are completed so you can see if there is a staff member that is not efficient enough.Technology is assisting in the flexibility of our work environment in the kitchen by use of the kitchen display systems and management software by not only controlling the timing of items to be sent to the kitchen for prep but also allowing the kitchen to view the data from all locations and not one fixed point.  Some of the software also enables the kitchen to begin preparing as the customer’s order is being entered into the system.

Reflection

     The technological advances being made in the kitchen are astounding.   The wireless POS machines will be a great advantage for me in the hotel industry.  Having the stations be portable helps when working and organizing the restaurant floor for awkward numbered groups or if one of your facilities is having or will be having a very busy seating.  The biggest advancement is in the ability to streamline all of the different data into one data base.  This will provide the best and most accurate reporting and inventory tracking.  These things will help reduce waste, cut costs, keep stock supplied, and most of all give a good base to work off of so the customer has the very best experience. 

     The kitchen automation technology does give me concern.  The timing and organization of the programming is exciting but I do worry that the timing of each individual’s performance could be going too far.  While it is the goal to have all items for each dish at one table ready at the same time, it is also important to have proper taste and presentation.  Good chef’s touch and taste to improve each dish before sending it out but this if under a documented time constraint they may not want to risk the blemish on their record.  Let’s just try not to forget to allow time for the human factor.

Volpe, Christina. (2010, April 08). Next-Gen Kitchen Technology. Retrieved  February 19, 2011, from Hospitality Technology: http://hospitalitytechnology.edgl.com/top-stories/Next-Gen-Kitchen-Technology54910