In this article, we will explore why invisible hotel technology matters, how it can work in your enterprise hotel and unpack 5 ways it will transform your guest offerings. At Access Hospitality, we are helping streamline hotel operations with smart software that blends into the background so your hospitality can stand out. Here is how invisible hotel tech can drive guaranteed success for your enterprise hotel business.
What is invisible hotel tech and why does it matter?
Let’s begin by understanding what ‘invisible technology’ really means in a broader context. Donald Norman introduced the concept of invisibility to technology in his book “The Invisible Computer: Why Good Products Can Fail, the Personal Computer Is So Complex, and Information Appliances Are the Solution.” He suggested that computers should be replaced by technology that operates behind the scenes, which we would now refer to as the Internet of Things (IoT) and wearable devices that function without requiring our conscious thought.
But why does invisible tech matter and how can it benefit your hotel business? With the advancement of technology, we often find ourselves overloaded with information which leads to tech burnout. Over the past two decades, we have experienced a rapid growth of technological innovations that have become an integral part of our daily lives including smartphones, tablets, TVs, car dashboards and even washing machines. While these inventions provide many benefits, they do add to a cognitive load that can drain our mental energy. As such, technology needs to be designed in a way that we can use it without having to consciously think about it.
5 ways invisible hotel technology can transform your hotel
Now that we have covered what invisible tech is, let’s explore 5 ways it can help transform your hotel needs and optimise operations.
1. Digital check-in and out experiences
Reports have shown that 84% of guests are more likely to stay in hotels that offer contactless check-in services and digital room keys. Keyless room entries and check-in/out kiosks that are available 24/7 allow you to focus on other areas of your hotel business without the worry of building queues and frustrated guests.
How is it invisible?
Reservation data is stored within the PMS and made available for digital registration prior to guests arriving. Finalised online registration is saved back into PMS and ready for completion either at the reception, or via the digital kiosks.
2. Predictive personalisation
Guests want to feel special when they visit your hotel and have offers that are relevant to their needs. By integrating smart CRM or Wi-Fi software, you can capture customer data to personalise their next stay and keep guests coming back.
How is it invisible?
Guest’s preferences are automatically captured during their stay via several touch points including the reception, restaurant, bar or Spa. It is automatically stored within the guest profile feature that is easily available for future use, whether this is interacting with guests on-site or targeting the next marketing campaign.
3. Streamline payment processes
There is nothing more frustrating than terminal errors and manual payment processes. Automate your payments with in one cloud-based platform to generate real-time reporting, secure payment platforms and quick checkout services to give guests a seamless payment experience.
How is it invisible?
All costs are generated during the guest’s stay and are seamlessly collated into one bill for the guest when they use the self-check-out, without the need of collecting it manually. OTA’s payments are seamlessly completed via VCC and can be automatically processed in the background without any manual intervention.
4. Automate guest communications
Around 77% of UK guests prefer using automated messaging platforms or chatbots to for hotel service requests. By provide personalised instant messaging, self-service requirements and automated room registrations, you can keep guests informed and in control of their stay.
How is it invisible?
Once configured, the PMS can automatically distribute pre-arrival communications, including digital registration prompts for guests to stay in the loop. It will also recognise guests’ requests and automatically route them to the respective hotel department.
5. Integrate your hotel management
Control your operations with seamless management software that oversees all areas and locations of your hotel business to monitor and update operations behind the scenes without you having to do the hard work.
How is it invisible?
With several management systems used by each hotel, it is important to have access the data in real-time whilst having the possibility to make informed decisions. With AI, you will be able to stay in control of all your management systems in one place with the support of AI integrations.
Will AI change the way we “see” invisible tech?
Invisible technology provides a multitude of benefits for enterprise hotel businesses and is becoming an integral part of the hospitality industry. AI has already made its mark in the hospitality industry, with around 76% of UK hotels now adopting smart guest engagement systems with AI integrations. As such, AI will play a big role in using and adapting the way we use hotel technology by learning our processes and finding alternative ways to become even more invisible.
The introduction of AI into hotel software innovations shows that technology is constantly evolving to help streamline operations and transform guest experiences for the future. In essence, AI will change the way we see invisible technology by making it smarter, intuitive and more insightful.
Join the invisible hotel tech revolution to provide the best guest experience
Invisible hotel technology is transforming the hotel and hospitality industry by providing seamless stays and efficient operations. With the rapid advancement of smart software solutions and AI integrations, there are numerous options available to streamline your hotel’s operations, boost profits and enhance your revenue.
At Access Hospitality, we offer a comprehensive suite of hotel solutions, including Guestline and SHR products powered by AI. These solutions integrate seamlessly into your management platforms often without you even knowing.
Our mission is to help you combat the challenges of hotel management by simplifying complex processes and using our smart software solutions to optimise operations and maintain control. Whether it is boosting revenue with our RMS, gathering customer data through our CRM or creating unforgettable guest experiences using our digital check-in/out software, we have the right invisible tech solutions for you.
Explore our hotel software solutions or contact us for more information on how Access Hospitality can help you join the invisible hotel tech revolution.