Agilysys has launched a blog “to provide its customers with the tools they need to get their jobs done.” In the new blog, Agilysys experts will discuss news and information on technology solutions and trends for the hospitality market.
Welcoming users, Agilysys first posting identifies three trends that it expects will drive business performance and influence guest behavior. These are:
“Cloud computing, which in a broad sense is a style of computing whereby services, software and processing capacity are delivered via a private or public network. One of its primary advantages is that customers can realize many of their computing needs with a sizeable decrease to their infrastructure requirements. Other benefits can include a lower cost of ownership as well as the ability to scale up or down as needs change. Cloud computing is especially intriguing in today’s economic environment, because IT staff can focus on core business tasks.
“The second major trend is an increased interest in mobile applications – in both full-service and self-service environments. One of the most intriguing uses of smartphones and other mobile technology in the hospitality environment is as an extension of the point-of-sale system in the food and beverage area. Here, the technology can be used as an order-taking device, offering a practical and cost-effective way to streamline service in restaurants, bars and poolside. Just as with standard POS terminals, smartphone technology enables servers to open guest checks, select menu items, send orders to the kitchen and settle accounts, but with greater speed and efficiency.
“The third trend – self-service solutions – began a few years ago and shows no sign of slowing. Similar to mobile applications, self-service solutions enable guests to take charge of their own hospitality experience, from selecting rooms and making dinner reservations to viewing their folios at any time during their stay. These solutions also can perform more sophisticated functions, such as producing hotel maps, displaying event schedules and generating special messages. Smart hoteliers are using this trend to their advantage, extending their service beyond the front desk, right into guests’ mobile devices.”
Agilysys said it is integrating these trends into its solutions.
