News Briefs
- 10/27/2024
Restaurant Technology Industry Mourns Passing of George Hutto
George Hutto III, a data architect for MOD Super Fast Pizza and staunch supporter of Restaurant Technology Network, died October 1.
Restaurant Technology Network Co-Founder Angela Diffly took to LinkedIn to share a tribute.
"In addition to his 'day job' quietly and unassumingly behind the scenes, George contributed heavily to the industry at large as a key contributor to the Restaurant Technology Network’s (RTN) technology standards, including the Open API Framework, Menu Synchronization Standard, Customer Record Data Standard, Transactional Data Standard and Restaurant Technology KPIs, as well as Labor and Technology Best Practices.
These working groups were voluntary, and George spent countless hours working alongside a strong, steady contingency of fellow data enthusiasts in an altruistic and commendable effort to make the restaurant industry better, and solve collective challenges."
Read Diffly's full post, Remembering Restaurant Technology’s Data Ninja, George Hutto on LinkedIn.
A GoFundMe page has been established to support George’s family. If you’d like to donate, please visit here. - 10/27/2024
Instant Financial Announces New Mobile App for Improved Employee Pay Flexibility
Instant Financial, a pioneer of responsible earned wage access (EWA), electronic tips, and paycard solutions, has announced the release of its new Instant mobile app and enhanced mobile wallet functionality, providing employees with a faster, more secure app experience that gives them a greater degree of flexibility in how they receive their pay.Understanding that over 50% of Americans would likely avoid major financial pitfalls if they could instantly access a portion of their pay after every day’s work, the new Instant mobile app is narrowing this financial gap by placing financial empowerment directly into the hands of employees.The beta version of Instant’s app debuted in October at the 2023 HR Tech Conference & Expo, where event attendees were provided a sneak preview of the app’s new capabilities and functionality.Designed with accessibility and financial freedom in mind, the new Instant mobile app is released with a list of innovative new features and functionality including:
- Faster Access to Earned Wages: Employees have access to their hard-earned wages in fewer steps, with an improved user interface (UI) and key elements surfaced more prominently within the app.
- Modern Security Features: State-of-the-art security protocols, such as facial and fingerprint biometrics, multi-factor authentication, and encryption technologies protect user information and provide peace of mind.
- Flexible Payment Options: Users have the freedom to choose how and when they access their wages. Whether it’s through direct deposit, the Instant card, or a mobile wallet, the new app offers a greater degree of flexibility for all employees, ensuring convenience for all.
- Clear and Informative Design: With improvements to the user interface (UI), the app offers a user-friendly experience, empowering users to make informed choices and navigate the app confidently.
- New Technology Framework: Underpinned by a new technology infrastructure, the new Instant mobile app is faster, more responsive, and built to allow for additional features and functionality to meet the needs of employees and how they are paid.
“Employee demands regarding how they access their wages are constantly shifting, and our new app is meeting that head-on,” said Tal Clark, CEO of Instant Financial. “Whether it’s to cover unexpected expenses, avoid predatory loans, or simply to enjoy more control over their finances, Instant is continually revolutionizing the way people get paid.”
By releasing this enhanced version of its mobile app experience, Instant is furthering its mission of delivering pay to employees, when they want, where they want, and how they want, all free of fees.
- 10/25/2024
Despegar Licenses Its AI Technology to Karisma Hotels & Resorts
Despegar.com, Corp. (“Despegar” or the “Company”), Latin America’s leading travel technology company, announces its first Software as a Service (SaaS) partnership with Karisma Hotels & Resorts. Through this innovative collaboration, Despegar will license its cutting-edge AI Travel Assistant, Sofia, to enhance the existing chatbot functionalities of Karisma Group, setting a new standard for digital engagement in the hospitality industry.
This partnership marks a key milestone in the relationship of both companies as it will allow Karisma’s customers to interact with a digital travel assistant powered by Sofia, benefiting from a range of distinct advantages designed to improve their travel planning and booking experience. By integrating Despegar’s leading AI technology, Karisma Hotels & Resorts aims to offer seamless, personalized assistance to guests, setting itself apart as a forward-thinking hospitality brand.
“Our partnership with Karisma is an exciting step forward for both companies. By integrating our AI Travel Assistant, Sofia, we will not only deepen our collaboration with a valued partner but also position Karisma at the forefront of technological innovation in the hospitality industry. As we move forward, we’re eager to explore new ways to enhance Karisma’s travel assistant, expanding its capabilities to offer even more value to travelers,” commented Damian Scokin, CEO of Despegar.
"We are thrilled to partner with Despegar and integrate their innovative AI Travel Assistant, Sofia, into our services. This collaboration is a true testament to our commitment to leading the hospitality industry in technological advancement. With Sofia, we aim to provide personalized, seamless, and comprehensive assistance, making travel planning as enjoyable as the journey. Together, we are setting a new standard for digital engagement in hospitality," said Miguel Ortiz, Chief Strategic Officer for Karisma Hotels & Resorts.
This collaboration marks the first step in Despegar’s broader strategy to expand its SaaS offerings, setting the company apart from other travel technology firms. Despegar's focus on licensing AI-powered travel solutions like Sofia positions it as a leader in delivering personalized, seamless customer experiences. This differentiation enables Despegar to deepen B2B partnerships and tap into new revenue streams while enhancing customer engagement for its partners. By introducing this innovative service to Karisma’s customers, Despegar strengthens its position in the market and solidifies its reputation for technological leadership in the travel industry globally.
- 10/24/2024
Unique Travel Corp. Chooses iStay Central Reservation System from IBS Software to Modernize its Technology Platform
Unique Travel Corp. (“UTC”), the worldwide representative of Sandals & Beaches Resorts, has chosen IBS Software’s iStay platform to replace its Central Reservation System (CRS).
The iStay CRS from IBS Software will enable UTC to maintain a lead in the industry, enabling guests to book their entire travel experience – from hotel rooms to activities, flights and transportation – all in one place at one time. The iStay CRS includes revenue management, packaging, call center, channel distribution, and analytics solutions along with a built-in data lake and robust APIs. iStay will also enable UTC to expand add-ons services to reservations and offer more personalized agent-assisted and online bookings.
For IBS Software, a leading SaaS solutions provider to the travel industry globally, this deal follows the company’s recent acquisition of Above Property Services (APS®). The partnership with UTC further solidifies IBS Software’s status as a trusted provider technology solutions for the hospitality industry, including Central Reservation System (CRS), Property Management System (PMS), Revenue Management, Booking Engine, Call Center, Analytics and Distribution.
Michael Delgado, Global Chief Information Officer (CIO), Unique Vacations, Inc., (an affiliate of the worldwide representative of Sandals & Beaches Resorts) commented: “When looking toward the future of efficient and effective booking systems, the IBS Software cloud-based reservation platform was an ideal choice. Not only does the platform align with our current data architecture, it also offers a wide range of new integrations. This includes the IDeaS AI-based revenue planning system, which will introduce a new era of revenue management for the brands we represent. The partnership also delivers the latest call center technology, empowering teams with advanced tools for greater guest support."
Aaron Shepherd, Vice President and Head of Innovation, IBS Software, said: “To meet guests where they are and remain competitive in today’s market, hotel and travel businesses must be willing to adopt and integrate modern solutions designed to align with their everyday needs. Our cutting-edge CRS solution is built to do just that. We are excited to partner with UTC as their platform for the future.”
For a deeper dive into Aaron Shepherd’s view of the hospitality industry’s digital transformation journey, please read our blog here.
- 10/24/2024
eviivo and OpenKey Streamline Guest Experience with Automated Mobile Check-in and Keyless Access
eviivo, an all-in-one Property Management System (PMS), has partnered with OpenKey, the industry standard for universal digital key technology in hotels, enhancing the guest experience across hotels worldwide.The integration enables hotels using eviivo to offer guests seamless mobile check-in and keyless room access through OpenKey’s Digital Key technology.This added convenience, combined with eviivo's automated pre-arrival check-in instructions, allows hotels to secure a frictionless journey for their guests.Guests increasingly expect a digital-first experience from check-in to check-out. According to OpenKey’s research, satisfaction rates can drop by up to 50% if there is more than a five minute wait at check-in.The use of digital keys significantly streamlines the guest experience and reduces wait times while enhancing security and increasing labour efficiency.Digital keys and contactless check-in or check-out ultimately benefit hotel operations by streamlining workflows, reducing the need for front desk interactions and increasing productivity.The technology also enables hoteliers to operate with leaner teams by automating a wide range of tasks, freeing up staff to dedicate more time to strategic areas, such as guest engagement.Gwenael Merlin, Head of Strategic Partnerships of eviivo, said: “The combination of eviivo’s all-in-one PMS with OpenKey's innovative Digital Key technology is a game-changer. We're not just automating processes; we’re making life so much easier for guests and hotel staff alike. We are talking about the internet generation – from baby-boomers to GenZ – for whom service expectations have become “now”, instant, and only a click away. In an increasingly digital hospitality industry, a frictionless arrival or departure is what truly sets a hotel apart and ahead of the competition."David Dietz, Chief Technology Officer of OpenKey, said: “At OpenKey, we are constantly looking for ways to simplify hotel operations and elevate the guest experience. Our partnership with eviivo brings a new level of convenience to both hotel staff and guests, offering a fully automated mobile key delivery process that reduces check-in times and enhances operational efficiency.” - 10/24/2024
UrVenue to Preview UrResort at The Hospitality Show
UrVenue will offer an exclusive preview of its new sister platform, UrResort, at The Hospitality Show in San Antonio October 29 to 30 at Booth #444. UrResort is a suite of products designed to power resorts with a comprehensive Property Experience Management System (PXMS), featuring UrVenue’s Venue Management System (VMS) as a key component. The preview will showcase the platform’s capabilities ahead of its official launch in 2025, with a focus on gaining additional pilot partners whose valuable insights will help shape the product and ensure its success when introduced to the broader market.
UrResort delivers centralized management of property experiences, including activity center and guest itinerary management, and distribution of these experiences across direct and third party channels such OTAs. Designed to optimize both on-property and off-property experiences, UrResort enhances operational efficiency, guest satisfaction, and drives revenue growth for hotels and resorts.
Additionally, UrVenue and UrResort are now members of the Oracle PartnerNetwork (OPN) and available on the Oracle Cloud Marketplace. These out-of-the-box integrations with Oracle OPERA Cloud Property Management System (PMS) and Simphony Cloud Point-of-Sale (POS) will enable resorts to streamline guest engagement and operations. The Crane Resort in Barbados will be the first to implement the OPERA Cloud PMS integration with UrResort, creating personalized guest itineraries and centralizing experience management, while Wynn Las Vegas will adopt the Simphony Cloud POS integration with UrVenue, connecting guest bookings, presales, and check data for deeper insights into guest behaviors.
“We’re excited to preview UrResort at The Hospitality Show and demonstrate how our new suite of products, combined with our Oracle integrations, creates the most advanced engine for managing experiences,” said Tracee Nalewak, Chief Growth Officer at UrVenue. “With centralized activity management, group and guest itinerary planning, and seamless distribution of experiences, UrResort will redefine how resorts manage and monetize on- and off-property experiences, driving efficiency, guest satisfaction, and revenue growth.”
Attendees at the show will get an exclusive preview of several key components from UrResort’s experience platform, including standout features and integrations with OpenTable, Book4Time, and Oracle.
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