News Briefs

Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation (the “Company”) announced that Raman Bukkapatnam will join the Company as Chief Information Officer, effective July 10, 2023. As a member of the Company’s Executive Committee, Bukkapatnam will report directly to John Geller, President and Chief Executive Officer. In his role, Bukkapatnam will be responsible for leading the enterprise’s global technology strategy, transformation, and modernization.

Bukkapatnam is a strategic leader with over 25 years of experience in technology consulting, retail, consumer products, manufacturing, media, and supply chain.

He brings to the Company a strong background of foundational enterprise platforms, digital customer experience solutions, vendor partnership strategies, change management, enterprise architecture, cloud migration, data engineering, integrations, automation and more.

Prior to joining the Company, he served as Vice President, Global Technology at Nike, Inc., where he played a critical role in reshaping digital retail, improving enterprise resource planning and supply chain platforms, and making significant contributions to productivity, growth, and margin improvements. Under his leadership, Nike successfully migrated to a cloud global enterprise resource planning application to allow for scale, performance, and operational efficiencies. Bukkapatnam was also responsible for leading the company’s retail store technology footprint, sustainability technology initiatives and digital connectivity with manufacturing factories and suppliers.

Prior to Nike, Bukkapatnam had a more than 20 year-career at Starbucks serving in multiple leadership roles. As a Global Vice President at Starbucks, he was responsible for overseeing and leading critical functions like global supply chain and finance technologies, data engineering and analytics, and store development. He led a number of digital transformation initiatives impacting the company’s technological landscape, including Starbucks’ introduction of customer mobile applications.

“I am thrilled to add Raman to our executive team given his experience with some of the world’s most iconic brands and his knowledge in navigating large scale hybrid technology landscapes to deliver solutions that make the customer experience easier and more intuitive,” said John Geller, president & chief executive officer. “With Raman’s leadership, I am confident that we’ll be able to quickly and effectively deliver technology solutions for the next generation of travelers who seek flexibility and access, personalization, and simplified, seamless digital experiences when vacationing.”

In his new role, Bukkapatnam will lead the Company’s efforts to modernize the technology footprint across global sites and resorts, improve processes to maximize productivity for associates, drive adoption of automation, and deliver new digital tools to improve the vacation experience for Owners, members, and guests.

“This is an incredibly exciting time to join the leadership team at Marriott Vacations Worldwide and be part of the growth strategy for the future,” said Bukkapatnam. “I understand that a priority for the Company is a strong, agile technology infrastructure to power us forward as a leader in the leisure travel space. I’m happy to be part of building how digital will change what the future of vacation looks like for all of our stakeholders.”

Shiji, a global hospitality technology innovator, has partnered with IPORT, an award-winning manufacturer known for enhancing the usability of iPads and iPhones, to introduce an all-in-one software solution for hotel restaurants. This collaboration will provide hoteliers with a seamless combination of a tablet and payment device to maximize their F&B operations.

The integrated iOS and payment device solution simplifies guest service for hotel restaurant servers, providing them with an effortless tool to cater to their guests' needs. As a certified Apple partner, Shiji and IPORT guarantee exceptional performance and reliability. Hoteliers can choose from multiple device options, including iPad Pro, iPad Mini, and iPhone, ensuring flexibility and compatibility with their operations.

“IPORT products are built around modularity and flexibility that empower our hospitality customers to do more with the iOS platform. We are thrilled to partner with a leading iPad and iPhone cloud PMS and POS platform provider like Shiji,” said Chris Lawson, Head of Partnerships, IPORT. “We look forward to innovating with Shiji in disrupting legacy, monolithic providers who have limited the industry from harnessing the power of iOS and mobility. The future is bright, and the possibilities are endless with IPORT, iOS, and Shiji.”

"The partnership with IPORT is a significant milestone for Shiji in our commitment to provide innovative technology solutions for the hospitality industry," said Ryan King, Senior Vice President of Shiji in the Americas. "By combining our expertise with IPORT’s hardware solutions, we empower hoteliers to streamline restaurant operations and deliver exceptional guest experiences. This collaboration represents another step forward in our dedication to driving success in the Americas, and globally."

The tablet and payment device solution seamlessly integrates with multiple payment gateways, allowing hoteliers to choose the system that best suits their needs. By simplifying the payment process, it reduces operational complexities, minimizes errors, and saves valuable time and resources for hoteliers.

Steak n Shake will offer PopID Check In and PopPay on its self-ordering kiosks in select locations in the Orlando market, with plans to expand to more than 300 corporate locations. PopID Check In is an opt-in service that enables consumers to scan their face to automatically sign into their loyalty reward account and see their past orders, making the ordering process as convenient as possible. When a guest checks in with PopID, they also have the option to use PopPay to automatically complete their payment.

• 57% of respondents say enabling new payment options is a  top business driver impacting POS upgrade decisions, according to HT’s2 2023 POS Software Trends Report.

“Our partnership with PopID is a key part of our effort to provide guests with a fast and seamless ordering experience," said Keith Correia, Chief Information Officer. "When using PopID Check In, a guest does not need to use their phone or take out their wallet as part of the ordering process. They will automatically be checked in for loyalty rewards, and they can choose to make an automated payment with PopPay. A guest can even see their past orders and quickly reorder their favorite menu items. Ordering at Steak n Shake has never been easier or more convenient.”

In addition to enhancing the guest experience and improving order throughput, PopPay helps to reduce fraud and offers lower payment processing fees.

The CHSB Index 2023 was released during the eCornell keynote Sustainability in the Hospitality Industry: How Data Is Making an Impact webinar on June 7, 2023. The hotel industry’s largest and longstanding annual data collection of energy, water, and carbon performance, CHSB is the primary reference tool for hoteliers to benchmark their performance, and for various stakeholders including governments and business travelers seeking to calculate the environmental impact of a hotel stay. It incorporates the Hotel Carbon Measurement Initiative (HCMI) and Hotel Water Measurement Initiative (HWMI) methodologies to provide standardized, industry-backed data to end users.

CHSB 2023 is the first post-pandemic performance benchmark. Participants in the latest index include major hotel brands, operators, and owners, covering a total of 646 geographies (64 countries, 84 regions, 410 metro areas, and 88 climate zones).

Linda Canina, the Dr. Michael Dang Director of the Center for Hospitality Research at Cornell University’s Peter and Stephanie Nolan School of Hotel Administration added, “We are pleased to offer the updated CHSB Index free of charge, furthering the Center for Hospitality Research’s mission to increase the volume of high-quality research to support the hospitality industry, with CHSB allowing hoteliers to understand the range of energy, water, and carbon performance globally.”

Of the countries within the latest index, hotels in Norway had the lowest carbon intensity (13.5 kg carbon emissions per square meter) whereas those in Hong Kong, China had the highest (214.5 kg CO2e/m2). Countries with the lowest carbon intensity did not necessarily result in the lowest hotel energy intensity. Hotels in Austria for example had the lowest energy intensity (134.5 kilowatt hours per square meter). Limited-service hotels continue to outperform full-service hotels in intensities, and the latest trends may point toward a faster rate of their decarbonization.

Globally, lower occupancies due to the tail-end of COVID led to a significant increase in water usage intensity – a 20.2 percent increase in water per occupied room in 2021 as compared to 2019. Much water was used for hygiene and sanitary purposes during COVID disregarding of the occupancy.

Eric Ricaurte, CEO of Greenview and the co-author of the CHSB Index said, “In this ninth annual CHSB Index, we are excited to see increasing support from the hospitality industry, from less than 5,000 participants in 2014 to over 25,000 in 2023, enabling widespread use and analysis of the data thanks to over 30 companies that have supported the initiative. This month we celebrate the 10^th year anniversary of CHSB’s start, and I would also like to give special thanks to the participants who have supported the initiative since its inception: Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Marriott International, The Hongkong & Shanghai Hotels, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Going forward we are also excited to evolve CHSB into a broader industry platform for data providers and data recipients to collectively work toward efficiency and decarbonization.”

The CHSB Index is available to download free of charge from the Cornell University eCommons library at https://ecommons.cornell.edu/handle/1813/113258. CHSB data feeds the Greenview Hotel Footprinting Tool at www.hotelfootprints.org where users can estimate the carbon footprint of a hotel stay and meeting anywhere in the world.

Participation is open and welcome for CHSB 2024. Companies can find more details on the initiative at www.greenview.sg/chsb-index.

Checkpoint Systems, a provider of RFID and RF security solutions,  is working with McDonald's France to incorporate RFID technology into the global fast-food giant's new reusable containers.

The move comes following McDonald's commitment to eliminating unnecessary packaging and contributing to the improvement of recycling systems. It also coincides with the introduction of new French legislation – that came into effect in January 2023 – and aims to fight waste to preserve biodiversity and natural resources.

Following a two-year consultation process, Checkpoint was appointed to work with McDonald's France in 2021 to deliver the project which involved the installation of RFID hardware and software in restaurants across the country. The project will help McDonald's reduce waste by providing real-time visibility of its reusable tableware stock, delivering fast and efficient inventory management, optimizing replenishment and ensuring the restaurant's stock lines are protected for long-term security and usability.

Through laboratory test sessions and product consultations, Checkpoint Systems developed a food-safe, heat-and water-resistant, RFID solution. The pioneering design has been applied from cups and bottles to fries' containers, enabling them to be monitored and potentially tracked through an automated database.

In addition, the database will provide McDonald's France with real-time data on stock inventory – including the container type and quantities – and replenishment requirements, delivering up to 99% accuracy. Through its automated track and trace function, restaurants can also pinpoint the location of nearby containers (in case a container is accidentally discarded into a rubbish bin) to minimize the risk of shrink. To date, Checkpoint has supplied RFID solutions to more than 1,200 McDonald's France restaurants.

SUSTAINABILITY FOR THE PLANET

Here in the US, sustainability matters to today's consumers and restaurant operators. Two out of three (66%) consumers surveyed feel it’s important that restaurants are open about their practices to limit food waste. According to the National Restaurant Association’s annual What’s Hot Culinary Forecast, sustainability will continue to influence menus and how restaurants make decisions. 

Restaurants are touting their efforts. Chipotle aims to reduce its carbon emissions 50% by 2030. Also leading the charge is Panera Bread, which has a goal to become climate positive by 2050

Julien Thibult, RFID Sales Director Checkpoint France explained: "Europe is tasked with achieving a circular economy within the next decade, and getting there will pose a number of operational obstacles.

Frederic Boukara, Business Unit Director France at Checkpoint Systems, added: "As the onus is placed on brands and retailers to pave the way for a greener future, it is important for organizations to adjust their business practices accordingly without any adverse effects on their bottom line. As such, we have provided an RFID solution to meet the demands of McDonald's France, not only enabling it to improve its supply chain operations and visibility, but future-proofing the brand's business with the environment in mind."

For more information visit www.checkpointsystems.com 

PPDS, the exclusive global provider of Philips professional displays, is pleased to announce the installation of 286x Chromecast built-in, Netflix-ready, Philips MediaSuite TVs inside the new SkiStar Lodge Hundfjället – one of Sweden’s most popular and picturesque ski resort hotels – providing guests with complete and unrivalled control of their in-room digital entertainment experience.

Located in the village of Salen, and surrounded by stunning snow-capped mountains, the SkiStar Lodge – operated by SkiStar, the biggest ski resort operator in Scandinavia – is a popular destination for families, skiers and snowboarders from around the world, boasting more than 45 kilometers of slopes to suit all levels, from beginners to professionals.

Just 10 minutes from the Scandinavian Mountains Airport, the SkiStar Lodge has been built with comfort and relaxation in mind, featuring two world class restaurants, a large lounge bar with fireplace seating, sauna, gymnasium, and conferencing facilities, all set within a warm, cosy, rustic, yet airy atmosphere.

With meticulous attention to detail across the entire lodge and its facilities, SkiStar Lodge Hundfjället wanted to complete it’s offering of excellence right down to their guest rooms, with the role of the TV playing a crucial role in its ambitions.

Housing 153 rooms and apartments (over 780 beds), the SkiStar Lodge turned to Nonius and PPDS to create and deliver a tailored, all inclusive ‘state-of-the-art’ AV solution to accommodate all current (and future) viewing needs and preferences – such as streaming – for the ultimate home-away-from-home experience.

In total, 286 next generation 4K Philips MediaSuite TVs were selected and installed throughout the Lodge’s full suite of apartments. A key factor in the decision making, Philips MediaSuite TVs remain the only dedicated hospitality TV solution to feature Chromecast built-in™. Providing significant cost savings to the hotel, Chromecast built-in™ allows guests to seamlessly and effortlessly cast their favourite content from their preferred streaming services, directly onto the TV, from their own personal device – whatever their mobile operating system.

Philips MediaSuite TVs also come with Netflix ready, securely linking directly to a guest’s account, and they offer an extensive range of games and apps available via the Google Play store.

A personal touch

Using the Nonius HUB connected to PPDS’ exclusive display management platform and the resort’s Effectsoft property management system, each guest can be welcomed with a personalised message in their native language as soon as they turn on their TV.

With security of paramount importance, a secure WiFi connection is made between each guest’s personal device and the TV via an intuitive QR code. Upon checkout, the guest’s account credentials are automatically cleared from the room to ensure absolute data privacy.

Filip Hector, Managing Director, Nonius Nordics commented: “I’m pleased to start our partnership with SkiStar on this amazing property in Sälen, SkiStar Lodge Hundfjället, providing them with a seamless casting experience and next generation 4K TV sets from the leading brand Philips, adding information and streaming apps to please the guests at the hotel.” 

Nils Brovold, Nordic Sales Manager at PPDS, added: “For hotels, meeting the needs of your guests, from the reception, through the facilities, in the dining areas and in their rooms, is paramount for delivering a memorable experience and achieving positive reviews, recommendations, and return business. A growing part of that is the in-room TV experience and providing the ability for guests to cast content from their own device – whether Apple, Android, or any other – is key. That’s something Philips MediaSuite offers above and beyond, with Chromecast built in.

“SkiStar wanted a solution that truly raises the bar for in-room entertainment and, after seeing and experiencing the benefits for both the guests and for the hotel itself, Philips MediaSuite was the standout choice to meet and fulfil their high ambitions. We’re proud to have supported SkiStar on this exciting project.”

Benefits at a glance:

• Versatile connectivity: PPDS’ in-house management platform enables an effortless connection with the Nonius HUB and the Lodge’s PMS for quick deployment and easy upgrades of new features as they are needed.
• Chromecast built-in: Guests can stream their personal content to the big screen without extra hardware or software configurations, ensuring easy content streaming, device security, and cost-effective maintenance.
• Dynamic information: Guests can be greeted with custom messaging in their native language, and can use the displays to view lodge facility information.
• Netflix: Integrated Netflix enables secure, intuitive, wireless access to guests’ own accounts, allowing them to pick up their favourite movies and programs, exactly where they left them.
• Inherently secure: Guest log-in credentials are automatically cleared upon check out.

 

 

Project at a glance:

• Client: SkiStar
• Location: Sälen, Sweden
• Project: SkiStar Lodge Hundfjället brings off-piste entertainment experiences into guest rooms with Philips MediaSuite
• Products: Philips MediaSuite 50” 50HFL5114U /12 (286 units)
• Partners: Nonius