There will be an increase in Information Technology (IT) spending within the hospitality industry, with guest experience cited as the top driver for investment. iPad and mobile applications will be the technology priorities moving into 2012, according to a survey by Motorola Solutions.
Around fifty-six percent of hospitality organisations planned to raise mobile investments to better equip their workforces, improve operational efficiencies and ultimately enhance the customer experience.
Around 91 percent of hospitality decision makers realise the increasing importance of mobile and wireless technology, while 78 percent recognise the role mobility plays in ensuring a competitive advantage for their business. Hospitality venues are investing in new technology, as well as powerful wireless networks to handle greater data volumes and increasing demands for high-speed access from the customer and mobile workforce.
One of the critical challenges for hotel technology managers is convincing upper management to approve investing in the latest technology, according to Motorola Solution.
It is a challenge to demonstrate that the proposed technology infrastructure will indirectly reflect into a benefit to our business and will keep us up to date with the technology trends and market competition,” said Radi Karnib, director of Information Technology Projectsat Rotana Hotel Management.
In order to overcome this challenge, Radi has proven methods for successfully presenting the business case for new technology procurement to senior management including: “Presentation of the added value functions and services for any new technology product procurement … Demonstrating a proper case study using the senior management terms … Financial analysis, showing a complete financial study listing the cost versus functions for the IT project”
“It is (the IT) a department that evolves on a daily basis and you owe it to your organisation to consider any “new” development … IT experts must always make a clear differentiation between an investment and an expense,” said Daniel Hajjar, CEO of Lavia Hospitality.
By Telecomlead.com Team
editor@telecomlead.com
