Executive Insight Q&A: The Importance of Maximizing Network Infrastructure

Broadly speaking, how is technology helping to reinvent the hotel guest experience?

Over the last decade hoteliers have come to understand the importance of providing good connectivity, now the industry must learn how to maximize their network infrastructure and system platforms to better leverage emerging technologies and solutions such as IoT, AI and cloud.  Along with a stable, reliable, and seamless network, these new technologies will allow hoteliers to not only provide all the conveniences guests seek, but also gain valuable insights into their guests’ behavior and identify new revenue streams.

Can you speak to the benefits of interactive guest services both for customer experience and for revenue?

Interactivity in today’s hotel environment is critical to capitalize on revenue and facilitating a best-in-class guest experience. One of the ways we accomplish this for our customers is through our Digital Compendium Service on our HN IRE platform.  This interactive platform allows a guest to find needed services in the area, discover new restaurants, receive relevant messaging from the property, find safety instructions if this information is needed and much more.  At Hospitality Network we have found that our clients benefit as we develop systems and platforms that allow each guest to feel like their visit is customized to their needs with relevant, timely and actionable information.

Can you speak to the benefits of managed Wi-Fi and network solutions?

The benefits of a Managed WiFi partner that provides network as a service options are increasing each day as technology becomes more and more complex.  Clients appreciate having one partner that can be a one-stop-shop which allows them to use their valuable resources in other parts of the business.  It is common for clients to ask us for all-inclusive solutions that include software and firmware upgrades, with minimum capital outlay.  In addition, the pandemic, and the subsequent supply chain and labor shortages, has created a landscape where many hotel technology leaders are not only looking for partners that can provide operational efficiencies, but also provide end-to-end management of a network.

How should hoteliers prepare for IoT solutions and other emerging technologies?

Preparation begins with investing in a network that can deliver and support future emerging technologies and services.  The promised benefits of the evolving IoT world are exciting and include more insight into guests’ behavior, safety for the property guest, a more personalized experience, improved asset management tracking and of course operational efficiencies and savings.  However, all these benefits disappear without a strong, robust network to handle all the activity, without lag or disruptions.  Many of our clients are actively seeking pilot programs to discover how these new services can work to improve their guest’s experience.