Hospitality Information Technology: Learning How to Use It

New Ninth Edition Now Available!

The hospitality industry is quickly becoming automated, leading to greater efficiency, better customer service, and ultimately, increased profits As a result, it is imperative that a person wishing to enter the hospitality business be familiar with the technology propelling it forward This book will help you with this task

Hospitality Information Technology: Learning How to Use It discusses a variety of information technologies (eg, mobile, cloud computing, self-service, wireless, social media, etc) that are transforming hospitality businesses, with a special emphasis on restaurant and lodging operations  It addresses technical concepts underlying current and future developments in hospitality information technology Current hospitality applications are described and explained in detail, as well as new ones being developed to take advantage of emerging technologies

Hospitality Information Technology: Learning How to Use It consists of 12 chapters providing answers to the following important questions:

• How are computer-based information systems used to empower hospitality organizations?
• What measures can be taken in preventing computer and network failures, optimizing hardware performance, and minimizing security threats?
• How are restaurant and lodging applications used for enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness?
• What are the mission-critical systems in hotels and restaurants?
• What are the key steps in constructing and operating an accounting information system and ensuring that data and information are reliable, confidential, secure, and available as needed?
• How are in-room and guest-facing technologies used in hotel environments impacting guest experiences?
• Why is social media important to hospitality businesses?
• How can hospitality businesses use technology to gain a competitive advantage?
• Why it is important that IT projects are managed efficiently and meet the objectives of stakeholders?
• How are data mining and analytics used for improving decision making in the hospitality industry?
• What are the steps and considerations when selecting and implementing hospitality information systems?
• How are emerging technologies influencing and reshaping hospitality business models? 

Key changes to the ninth edition include:

Chapter 1 Information Systems and Technology: Old areas/new areas addressed include  pandemic impact, voice assistant technology, chatbots, virtual agents, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things and Internet of Everything,  QR codes, intelligent crowd management, RFID, beacon technology, biometric and contactless  technologies,  hardware capacities updates (e.g., RAM, storage: HDD/SSD, etc.), monitor technology, 3D printer technology, digital signage,   mobile apps,  wearable technologies,  customer feedback technologies (e.g., HappyOrNot terminals, data visualization, updated figures,  etc.

Chapter 2 Networks and System Security:   Old areas/new areas  addressed include pandemic impact, mesh topology, LiFi, 5G networks, WiFi6, update on network components and capacities (e.g., server types: edge),  business continuity planning, ransomware, network attacks (e.g., DDoS and IoT), data breaches,  personal information privacy and protection, causes of system failure, passwordless authentication, new photographs/updated figures, etc.

Chapter 3 Restaurant Technology Systems: Old areas/new areas addressed include pandemic impact, POS hardware/software, mobile  and contactless payment systems, enhanced customer satisfaction, tabletop and self-service technologies, QR codes, online reservation systems, table management systems, integration of systems with third party delivery systems, home delivery and online ordering systems, gift card programs, digital menus, new photographs/new and updated figures, etc.

Chapter 4 Lodging Technology Systems:  Old areas/new areas addressed include hotel loyalty programs, distribution channels (e.g., booking fees), direct and indirect channels, etc.), GDS and OTAs, Blockchain distribution systems, revenue management, baggage handling system, check-in and self-service technologies, new photographs/, etc..

Chapter 5 Accounting Information Systems:  Blockchain accounting technology

Chapter 6 Guest Centric Technologies: Old areas/new areas addressed include pandemic impact, guestroom technology advancements, guestroom control systems, big data to customize and enhance customer experience., electronic locking technology (e.g., Mobile Key/bluetooth Systems), fire safety and security systems, energy management systems,  contactless devices,  in-room technology (e.g., Internet access, Wi-Fi/5G, IoT devices: smart windows, mirrors, etc.),new photographs/updated figures.  etc.

Chapters 9 and 11: Minor updates: Old areas/new areas addressed include data mining and pandemic, systems evaluation, role of technology, RFP, new photograph, etc.

Chapter 7 The Internet and Social media.    Old areas/new areas addressed included Internet usage and growth, Internet and travel, IoT, search engine optimization and marketing, destination information,  transportation, sharing economy platforms, consumer generated media, social media platforms, social media metrics, Internet statistics 2020, etc.

Chapter 12 Automation and Robotics in the Hospitality Industry:  Old areas/new areas addressed include pandemic impact, self-service technologies, industrial and service robots, deployment of robots in the hospitality industry and other service environments, virtual reality technology, virtual tools, and virtual trips/tourists,  conferences, and experiences (e.g., Amazon Explore).