With at least 85% of Americans owning a smartphone, catering to their needs is now essential in the competitive world of hospitality. Key to this is the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT), a concept that allows for greater control of the world around its users.
Installing smart building technologies is part of the strategy to draw guests away from less advanced hotels and resorts. If done during the normal 10-year renovation that quality hotels typically perform, the costs are almost negligible.
The Internet of Things Will Eventually Include Virtually Every Electronic Device
Simply put, if it has an on/off switch, it can be controlled by the IoT. It’s impossible to list everything the IoT will control, but a partial list includes
- Thermostats
- Alarm clocks
- Lights
- Coffee makers
Literally every week a new device is being added. With constant improvement in artificial intelligence and complete saturation of smartphones to control them, guests now expect the convenience of an immersive experience in a hotel.
New devices, called smart speakers, are also offering voice control over a growing number of IoT devices. Amazon has already launched their Alexa for Hospitality program to help hotels customize and enrich their patrons’ stay. This helps create a seamless experience in the transition from their smart home to the hotel. With a smart speaker, guests can control the television, play music, find a local restaurant and even open and close the shades in their room.
The Advantages of IoT
Strictly speaking, the most important advantage of IoT for a hotel is to attract more guests. But why are they so interested in integrated smart devices? There are a few notable benefits.
With a more integrated experience, guests feel more control of their environment and their experience. It certainly saves them time, improves the quality of life and can even save the hotel money by allowing the guests to turn off devices more easily, reducing electricity consumption.
Another often unmentioned advantage is that the greater control given to customers provides a hotel with more data about what they want and expect from their stay. Especially in large hospitality organizations, this data is almost priceless. In the past, almost the only method of gathering data was through rewards programs, whereas smart control allows more precise data collection through better understanding customer usage patterns.
Upgrading to IoT Is Inexpensive Compared to Return on Investment if Done Correctly
Generally, the upgrades should be made during normal hotel renovations. The devices themselves rapidly drop in price, becoming very reasonable after around 5 years in the open market. Getting the hottest new technology may make sense for high-end hotels, but for most organizations, waiting for the 5-year point probably makes sense. That point has clearly been reached for basic IoT technologies thanks to smartphone saturation.
It’s also important to know what to do with old devices as they become outdated. Putting old electronics into the trash is not only expensive, it’s terrible for the environment – and may be illegal. That’s where you need a certified recycler, such as TechWaste, to help you manage e-waste. They offer free electronics recycling to hotels, coming directly to the business to pick up all unwanted electronic devices. In some cases, they will even pay for them – a win for saving the Earth and a business’ bottom line.
TechWaste Recycling directly services all of Southern California and provides pickup services to its facilities from nationwide locations. Visit TechWaste Recycling’s website at www.techwasterecycling.com to schedule a pickup that works for your convenience and schedule.
Learn more about TechWaste’s secure recycling process here: Secure Recycling Process
Contact Info:
Richard Steffens
1940 E. Occidental street
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Phone: 866-637-8469
