Key Focus Areas

Based on our recent Statewide Member Needs Survey, We are Seeking 

Technology-based Solutions in these 5 Key Areas:

LABOR

• Lack of Labor - There is not enough labor to fill the currently open positions required to successfully operate lodging properties.  Novel solutions to directly connect in an innovative/easy way to those willing to work available opportunities across the state’s lodging industry is a priority.

• Turnover - There is a high degree of turnover at the property level, impacting the ability to properly attract and train associates for a positive guest experience.  Innovating onboarding, training, compliance, and benefit solutions for associates would serve to help mitigate this poignant issue.

• Housekeeping/Laundry Positions - Housekeeping and Laundry positions are the hardest to fill positions in the lodging industry. Solutions for room cleaning and operationalizing laundry duties to both improve operational efficiencies while mitigating injury for repetitive tasks would aid this issue.

SUPPLY CHAIN / INVENTORY:

• Supply Chain Issues - How can a lodging property identify a supplier that has available inventory specifically related to a brand standard?  Availability of supply inventory is low at hotels, ordering is not easy, and vendors are not connected.  How can we connect the vendors with the lodging property (ies) intuitively, to solve these inventory shortage issues?

• Tracking Supplies - When supplies are ordered, where are they?  Are there technology solutions to track the supply chain, identify where products are, and provide expectation of delivery?

COMMUNICATION:

• Inter-department communication - Communications between front desk, service, and management teams are lacking. Informing the desk staff when a room is cleaned and available to be sold, in addition to identifying room problems preventing a room from being sold that is automated with the system being used.  Additionally, communication regarding emergency needs.

• Poor Internet -  For many remote locations throughout the state, availability of proper internet prevents proper communication with guests for pre-arrival communication, mobile check in/check out, including guest feedback survey post departure and mobile invoice/ folio ie. payment solutions for autonomous departure. 

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT:

• PMS platforms are utilized by front desk staff to manage inventory, room rates, check in processes, etc.  Is there an automated solution to manage rate and inventory for the lodging property, aiding revenue?

GUEST EXPERIENCE / DELIVERY:

• Guests often request amenities to be delivered to guest rooms (ie forgotten toiletries, food). How can this labor intensive process be automated while improving the guest experience?