The hospitality industry has survived by making itself the center for luxury, escapism, convenience, and exceptional customer service.
Today, modern guests are looking for an immersive experience that goes beyond the traditional. They are seeking out strong customer service, convenience, and safety, which is why technology has become increasingly important for the hospitality industry.
The interesting fact about technology in the hospitality industry, however, is that much like the industry itself, it is evolving practically daily. Even for an industry that has progressed through its fair share of change, managing this technology without proper support has become an even bigger challenge.
Proactive IT Management: A New Way of Life
Because of the ever-changing nature of tech, the concept of proactive IT—anticipating any issue, problem, or upgrade before it occurs—is becoming increasingly important for hospitality businesses to maintain a competitive edge.
In this way, restaurants and bars can proactively watch for potential glitches or system downtimes and take immediate preventative action before they happen. This helps to increase customer satisfaction and loyalty, prevent potential losses due to technical issues, as well as save money on IT labor costs.
The Impact of COVID-19
COVID-19 forced hospitality businesses across the world to adopt new technology and innovative strategies in order to stay afloat. From expanding online ordering, increasing AI capabilities, and digital registration forms, restaurants had to quickly become tech-savvy or risk being left behind.
There is a significant bright spot to this evolution, however. According to RTN, 79% of global restaurant owners say their business is more efficient today than one year ago, after implementing technology in the hospitality industry.
How Technology Enhances the Customer Experience: Trends in the Industry
Technology in the hospitality industry is a major component of the customer experience today, and hospitality businesses should take advantage of this opportunity to provide exceptional service. Let’s take a look at a few of the most popular technology trends in the hospitality industry:
- Contactless menus: With contactless menus, customers can easily browse the menu from their smartphones or tablet devices without coming into physical contact with the restaurant staff—a great way to practice social distancing within an already crowded space.
- Automated sanitation processes: Automated sanitization processes help ensure safety for both customers and employees by eliminating the need for manual cleaning of surfaces. This helps keep everyone safe from harmful bacteria and viruses, including COVID-19.
- Use of QR codes: More and more restaurants are using QR codes to allow customers to access menus without having to download an app. This helps make the ordering process simpler, faster, and more secure.
- Delivery services: The global pandemic has caused many restaurants to pivot and offer delivery services, which has allowed restaurants to expand their customer base while still offering the same quality service as always.
Evolve Your Technology with ITS Group
Technology in the hospitality industry has become an integral part of business operations. It might seem complicated, but the good news is that you don’t have to manage it all alone. With the help of a professional managed IT service provider like ITS Group, you can ensure your business is always up to date with the latest technology and trends.
From upgrading outdated systems to providing routine backups, our experienced team of technicians will help maximize efficiency while ensuring smooth operations every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help take your hospitality business to the next level!