Self-Service Technology Solutions
These days, a trip to the bank, supermarket, or airport shows a growing presence of self-service technology. While these systems will never replace personalized customer service, they are extremely flexible and offer an increasing number of consumers fast and reliable service.
High-end and trendy hotels have begun to see a role for self-service in their businesses. A growing number of chain hotels are using the technology as a way to maintain service excellence during peaks in guest traffic.
Interactive kiosks are being used for concierge functions, reservations, registrations, and check-out because the always-available, always-on technology lets the guest control their experience. Self-service technology is giving experienced business travelers the efficiency they demand while freeing up hotel employees to help the casual traveler.
The latest generation of self-service technology can help hotels:
| • | Provide guests with fast service. |
| • | Deliver real-time information on a guest’s schedule. |
| • | Open revenue opportunities through suggestive selling, upgrades, and add-on sales. |
| • | Help generate sales, reduce labor costs, and offer service consistency throughout the organization. |
The Following Partners Offer Self-Service Technology Solutions Built on the Microsoft Platform:
Agilysys
Agilysys Self-Service is a Web-based solution that uses emerging technology to give your guests more control over their experience and you more control over your operations. Desktop ordering, kiosks, and cashless payment technology converge in the Agilysys Self-Service solution to power more convenient services that strengthen guest loyalty, plus allow you to reallocate labor and increase outlet revenue.
Ameranth
Ameranth’s 21st Century Restaurant is a wireless point-of-service (POS) interface that transmits food and drink orders directly from the table to the POS system. No time is wasted writing down orders and re-entering them at a fixed computer terminal. For easy payment, credit cards can be swiped and processed at the table, increasing customer security and saving even more time. Ameranth’s software interface is activated by a finger touch or stylus. The solution operates on Microsoft Windows Mobile-based Pocket PCs and is based on familiar POS touch screen terminals.
Inncom
INNCOM pioneered wireless infrared control technology for hotels, as well as the integration of multiple functions on a single, centrally monitored and controlled system. Their unique "building block" architecture allows hoteliers to select and implement features most appropriate to their needs. INNCOM recently introduced its new WindowsCE-based Guestroom Digital Assistant that allows a guest to control all guestroom amenities via a color touch-screen.
MICROS
MICROS provides a full range of enterprise applications to table service and quick service restaurants, hotels, motels, casinos, and other leisure and entertainment businesses. No matter how large or small your operation, MICROS applications are designed to give you the information you need to make your business more successful. All of their applications take advantage of Microsoft technology and are designed to run on Microsoft platforms.
For More Information
To discuss the best option for your organization, contact the Microsoft sales office nearest to you:
