How Technology is Revolutionising Hospitality Businesses

In today's digitally driven world, the hospitality industry heavily relies on information technology (IT) to enhance guest experiences, streamline operations, and ensure optimal efficiency. However, this increasing dependence on technology also exposes hospitality businesses to unique challenges, particularly in terms of providing robust online and offline security. 

In fact, a recent study found that over 70% of hospitality businesses have experienced a security breach in the past year, highlighting the urgent need to address these IT challenges. In this blog post, we will explore the specific hurdles faced by hospitality businesses and delve into innovative technology solutions that can mitigate these risks. As a seasoned managed service provider with over 16 years of experience catering to the hospitality industry, we possess the expertise to help businesses navigate these challenges and safeguard their operations.

What Problems Do Hospitality Businesses Have to Face?

Hospitality businesses face a multitude of challenges that are unique to their industry. From managing a constant influx of guests to ensuring the security of both physical and digital assets, these challenges require proactive and comprehensive solutions. In this section, we will delve into some of the key hurdles that hospitality businesses encounter and explore the significance of addressing them effectively.

1. Managing Guest Influx and Access Passes: Hospitality establishments are characterized by a continuous stream of guests, each requiring access passes that may change frequently. This poses a logistical challenge in terms of efficiently issuing and managing access passes while maintaining security protocols. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious activities among a large number of transient guests becomes imperative. To address these challenges, implementing a robust access control system that integrates with property management software can streamline the issuance and management of access passes. Coupled with diligent monitoring practices, this can help mitigate security risks and ensure the safety of guests and premises.

2. Car Park Management and Security: Car parks in hospitality businesses can quickly become congested or vulnerable to unauthorized access. This can lead to inconvenience for guests and potential security breaches. Deploying an automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system can effectively monitor the car park, controlling access and preventing overfilling. By integrating ANPR with access control systems, only authorized vehicles can enter the premises, enhancing security while optimizing parking management.

3. Network Infrastructure and Guest Satisfaction: Weak or unreliable networking infrastructure can frustrate guests and hinder business operations. In today's connected world, guests expect seamless and high-speed Wi-Fi throughout their stay. It is crucial for hospitality businesses to invest in robust network infrastructure that can handle the ever-increasing demand for connectivity. This includes reliable Wi-Fi access points, adequate bandwidth, and network segmentation to ensure guest and internal network separation. A strong and efficient network not only enhances guest satisfaction but also supports internal operations and communication systems.

4. Cybersecurity and Device Management: With the increasing prevalence of cyber threats, hospitality businesses must prioritize the security of their network and onsite devices. Cybercriminals target the hospitality industry due to the valuable guest information stored in databases. Implementing advanced firewall systems, regular vulnerability assessments, and endpoint protection solutions can help safeguard against cyber threats. Furthermore, comprehensive device management practices, including regular updates and patches, play a vital role in maintaining the security of onsite devices and preventing potential breaches.

5. Alarm Systems and Safety: Ensuring a safe environment for guests and staff is of utmost importance for hospitality businesses. Fire and other safety alarms must be well set up and regularly maintained to promptly detect and alert in case of emergencies. Implementing a notification system that can instantly inform relevant personnel when an alarm is triggered is essential for swift response and effective crisis management. Moreover, leveraging advanced technologies like Internet of Things (IoT) sensors can enhance safety measures by enabling real-time monitoring of temperature and humidity, helping prevent potential hazards.

6. Energy Consumption Tracking and Efficiency: Hospitality businesses often struggle with effectively tracking energy and water consumption, leading to substantial bills without a clear understanding of the underlying issues. Implementing smart metering systems can provide real-time visibility into energy usage, allowing businesses to identify areas of inefficiency and implement energy-saving initiatives. Additionally, leveraging energy management systems can optimize consumption patterns, reduce waste, and ultimately contribute to sustainability goals.

The Solutions Revolutionising Hospitality Businesses

Addressing these challenges requires a proactive approach that integrates advanced technologies, robust processes, and diligent monitoring practices. As a managed service provider with extensive experience in the hospitality industry, we specialize in developing tailored solutions to tackle these hurdles. Our expertise in access control, network infrastructure, cybersecurity, safety systems, and energy management enables us to support hospitality businesses in optimizing their operations, enhancing guest experiences, and ensuring the security and efficiency of their IT infrastructure.

1. Providing Reliable and Secure Wi-Fi: In the digital age, guests expect seamless connectivity, both for personal and professional purposes. Hospitality businesses must provide reliable and high-speed Wi-Fi not only for their guests but also for internal operations. However, maintaining a secure network that protects guest data while ensuring uninterrupted access can be challenging. Implementing advanced network infrastructure, robust firewalls, and encryption protocols can help overcome these challenges, allowing for a secure and reliable Wi-Fi experience for guests and staff alike.

2. CCTV and On-site Security: Maintaining a safe and secure environment is paramount for hospitality businesses. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems play a crucial role in monitoring premises and deterring potential security breaches. However, managing multiple cameras, ensuring their proper functioning, and storing and accessing footage can be complex. Deploying advanced video surveillance solutions with intelligent analytics capabilities can enhance security and streamline operations. These systems can automatically detect suspicious activities, notify security personnel, and provide a centralized management platform for easy monitoring and retrieval of footage.

3. Payment Systems: The hospitality industry relies on efficient and secure payment processing systems to handle various transactions, including room bookings, restaurant charges, and additional services. Setting up payment gateways that are integrated with property management systems (PMS) can simplify the process and ensure seamless transactions. Adopting technologies like near-field communication (NFC) and mobile payment options can further enhance the guest experience and streamline the payment process.

4. Managing Guest Influx and Keycard Systems: Hospitality businesses often experience a constant influx of guests, making it challenging to manage guest information and issue keycards efficiently. Traditional manual logbooks and physical key management can be time-consuming and prone to errors. Implementing property management systems that centralize guest data and automate check-in processes can streamline operations. Additionally, integrating electronic keycard systems with PMS allows for easy keycard issuance and management, enhancing guest convenience and security.

5. Other Relevant Challenges: Apart from the aforementioned challenges, hospitality businesses may face other IT-related hurdles such as data security and privacy compliance, managing guest reviews and feedback, implementing digital marketing strategies, and leveraging emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to personalize guest experiences.

6. New Technology Solutions: To address these challenges, several emerging technologies can be leveraged in the hospitality industry. Cloud computing can provide scalable infrastructure and reduce IT costs. AI-powered chatbots can handle guest queries and improve customer service. Big data analytics can generate valuable insights into guest preferences, enabling personalized experiences. Mobile apps can streamline check-in/check-out processes and facilitate direct communication with guests. Embracing these technologies can enhance operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.

The Future is Here It's Time to Take Action

As a managed service provider with over 16 years of experience working with hospitality businesses, we understand the unique IT challenges faced by this industry. By utilizing innovative technology solutions, we can help hospitality businesses overcome these challenges and optimize their IT infrastructure. From securing Wi-Fi networks and implementing robust CCTV systems to streamlining payment processes and managing guest influx, our expertise ensures that hospitality businesses can focus on providing exceptional guest experiences while leaving their IT concerns to us.

Ready to take your business's premises to the next level? Let's have a chat, get in contact 0330 002 0045, or email enquiries@entrustit.co.uk to be put in contact with one of our friendly UK-based engineers.