IoT, which stands for the Internet of Things, is the ability to link any gadget to the internet (or to another device) with just a simple on/off switch.
It is not a brand-new idea for the hospitality sector. IoT is already being used by many actors in business to bring benefits ranging from improving energy efficiency to providing a more seamless customer experience. PwC (PriceWaterhouseCooper) reports that 70% of hospitality executives already have ongoing Internet of Things (IoT) initiatives, and they are utilising IoT to increase efficiency in both the front and back of the house.
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and modern cloud computing technologies make use of real-time connectivity and communication between dissimilar systems to establish ecosystems of interconnected gadgets that power homes, businesses, and even smart cities. That is the most fundamental idea, yet the more you consider it, the more interesting – and convoluted – it becomes.
The automation system for a hotel room is called the GRMS (Guest Room Management System). It controls the information sent by the instructions, enabling a variety of operations:
- Control of the lighting (dimmer or ON/OFF)
- Places for (curtains, rolling shutters and so on)
- HVAC system
- Introduce ambience and comfort scenes
- Manage services using “Make Up Room” or “Do Not Disturb” (MUR)
- Guest’s presence or absence in the room
- Using third-party systems to communicate with supervisors, access restrictions, PMS, smartphones, tablets, and other devices
Smooth Check-in
IoT eliminates the requirement for lengthy check-in procedures and the need to wait at the front desk to acquire your room key. With the use of IoT, hotels may automatically transmit a digital key to a visitor’s phone just before check-in. This key can connect with the door and eliminate the need for the visitor to check in at the front desk the first time they use it to unlock their room.
Energy Savings
IoT has some relatively apparent uses for energy savings, such as monitoring occupancy to optimise heating, cooling, and lighting in a space, which results in less energy being used and, thus, lower energy costs. This is crucial since rising utility bills and rising electricity prices account for a significant amount of operational expenses. Saving energy also allows you to achieve your sustainability objectives.
Safety & Security
One excellent security feature made possible by IoT is the automated smart door locks, in which visitors receive a digital key on their smartphone. But guest rooms aren’t the only aspect of hotel safety. By utilising IoT, a hotel may secure the entire property with specialised software and protocol settings that, in the event of a security breach, can immediately activate door locks, emergency lights, and automatic alerts transmitted to authorities. Facial recognition biometric-based technology can be used to speed up check-in, but they can also be used to spot troublemakers and detect suspect conduct. Staff also have a means to ask for help thanks to discrete connected buttons that can only be used by them.
Managing Assets
IoT technology may assist in managing assets and inventory in real time, alerting staff on servicing needs and enabling long-term planning requirements for everything from machinery to food trays. The process of locating necessary machinery and equipment is sped up by connected asset trackers installed on both interior and outdoor equipment, reducing or eliminating wait periods for things like luggage racks. Staff can be informed when room service trays have been left outside a room for pickup thanks to sensors on the trays. Staff members may operate more successfully and efficiently thanks to smart technology that automatically keeps track of goods such as towels, dinnerware, or anything else.
Predictive Maintenance
Predictive maintenance with IoT enables you to deal with equipment failures before they occur. The functioning state of equipment and appliances is identified and managed in real time, and alarms are delivered whenever there are any warning indicators of degradation or aberrant performance. For instance, networked thermostats and air conditioners can detect equipment problems before they result in a complete failure. While sensors on pipes across the building can also discover leaks or other problems, sensors indicating water usage increasing in a specific room while no one is inside may suggest a leaking faucet or toilet.
The biggest advantage is that replacements or quick repairs may be made before the equipment completely stops functioning, which is essential when we’re talking about machinery or appliances that the hotel cannot function without. Moreover, it saves money because a quick fix requires fewer labour and resources.
Hyper-Personalization
Today, through the use of a hotel-provided tablet or their mobile phones, customers with connected hotel rooms can manage the room’s many amenities, including the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. The television, lights, and other equipment in the room may all be controlled by visitors using their devices, and hotel staff can utilise the information gathered from this to anticipate visitors’ wants and offer a customised experience.
Atkaal provides Guest Room Management System and is one of the Lighting control & Guest Room Management system suppliers in Saudi Arabia. It is a modular system appropriate for hotels of all sizes, from little inns to magnificent hotels. Thanks to the guest space management system, each space should have a controller and numerous additional space units. The system’s scalability allows for the addition of new components as needed to satisfy demand.