Hotel & Motel Management - September 18, 2007 - (Page 42)

42 Technology MINIBARS H&MM September 18, 2007 | HotelMotel.com www.HotelMotel.com/digital_edition BY BRIAN ALBRIGHT, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Staying while cutting costs cool because the surrounding area is very warm,” said Roger Abram, president of Innovative Hospitality Concepts. “You want to create a chimney effect for any warm air so that it can be pushed out into the room,” said Peter Kuzyk, national sales manager at Dometic. The software that runs many of the more advanced minibar systems monitors usage and temperature to help keep the units cool more efﬁciently. If guests can manually set the temperature control, it’s a good idea to regularly check the settings to make sure the units maintain the optimum temperature. “One thing that happens is a guest will come in and crank the temperature to the highest setting,” said Linda Rudder, marketing manager at MicroFridge. “Hotels could post information recommending that the guests use the mid-range setting, and hotel staff could make sure to check the units periodically.” DO ME TIC tech TALK The Hecla Oasis Resort implemented the Maestro Enterprise Suite software for reservations and hotel management at its golf resort and spa in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. With energy costs are on the rise, hoteliers are searching for innovative ways to cut their utility bills and improve energy efﬁciency. Minibars and in-room refrigerators present an opportunity to reduce electricity cost through careful management and installation practices. “The technology has gotten to the point, with online monitoring, that we can keep the energy use as low as possible,” said Walt Strasser, senior vice president at Minibar Systems. “The units only run when they need to maintain that constant temperature.” When looking for new minibar units, look at the model’s energy rating. MicroFridge, which makes in-room refrigerators that guests stock themselves, offers several models with the Energy Star rating for energy efﬁciency. The company’s refrigerator/microwave units also have a feature that shuts down the fridge while the microwave is in use, so that guests are never running both appliances at the same time. Ventilation also is important. If a minibar rests inside an armoire cavity that isn’t properly ventilated, the heat created outside of the unit can make it harder for the cooling system to do its job. “Basically, you have a minibar that has to work extra hard Jason Tienor, president and c.e.o. of EthoStream, was promoted to c.e.o., responsible for Telkonet, EthoStream and Smart Systems International. Dorothy (Dottie) Cleal was appointed e.v.p., reporting directly to Tienor. Triton launched production of the RL2000 stand-alone ATM. Its design is based on Microsoft’s Windows operating system and Triton’s X2 mainboard. The mainboard enables future upgrades, such as EMV and remote key transfer. The Hilton Waikaloa now uses ReServe Interactive’s dining reservation and table management software to streamline coordination of reservation and guest seating. The software provides an at-a-glance glimpse of the dining room with interactive table status. High-tech solutions help inventory, energy and temperature Advanced minibars now include software that not only manages inventories and sales tracking, but also helps keep energy costs low by maintaining a constant temperature in each unit. Roger Abram, president of Innovative Hospitality Concepts, said his company’s automated minibars can be programmed to run during off-peak periods. “You don’t lose any of the cooling capability, and you are able to save money,” he said. Minibar Systems’ SmartCube minibars use software to monitor the temperature of each unit and maintain it at the recommended level. The system also has an automatic fault-reporting capability and can generate detailed maintenance reports. All of this communication can be made simpler using new wireless communication capabilities available in some units. Dometic is offering Zigbee, a mesh-networking technology that allows each minibar to operate as a node on the network, in its HiPromatic line of refreshment centers. Data is passed from unit to unit until it reaches the main control system, so there is no need to pull cable or install wireless local area network access points. IHC offers Wi-Fi functionality via its NuvoPro wireless inroom bar solution. INNOVATIVE HOSPITALITY CONCEPTS Secure-Res launched the redesign and upgrade of the Web site for Paciﬁca Hotel Co. The new site incorporates more in-depth information on the company and includes more than 20 California properties, while adding new functionality. The Amadeus Solution Finder new online tool was launched by Amadeus to enable U.S. travel agencies to quickly ﬁnd appropriate Amadeus technology solutions for their business needs. The user-friendly tool targets traditional travel agencies who seek distribution and travel technology solutions. Compiled by Stephanie Ricca, sricca@questex.com For more info Company Good to know Absorption-based cooling: These systems consume slightly more energy, but are much quieter than compressor-based systems. Because they have no moving parts, they tend to last longer than compressor units. Compressor-based cooling: These systems generally consume less energy, but are noisier than absorption cooling systems. Circle No. TOP FOUR Minibar tips Make sure minibars encased in cabinets or armoires are properly ventilated. Heat trapped in the cabinet makes it harder for the minibar to cool. Make sure the minibar is operating at the optimum temperature. Overcooling wastes energy. Look for the Energy Star rating on in-room refrigerators. Make sure the seal on the door is clean and undamaged. Sources: Minibar Systems, Innovative Hospitality Concepts, Dometic, MicroFridge Bar-Maid Minibars . . . . . . . . . . . .370 Bartech Systems International. . . .371 Dometic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .372 Innovative Hospitality Concepts . . .373 MicroFridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .374 MiniBar Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . .375 Royal Manufacturing. . . . . . . . . . .376 http://HotelMotel.com http://www.HotelMotel.com/digital_edition

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Hotel & Motel Management - September 18, 2007

Hotel & Motel Management - September 18, 2007 Contents Vista Inns Redefines Business Model Conley Applies Satisfaction Theory to Boutique Hotels Questex Acquires Oxford Publishing Perspective At Your Risk Consultant’s Corner Sales Clinic Travel Trends On Finance Franchise Law Cornell Insights HotelWorld Update Training Trends Satisfaction Trends Management Trends Speakers Named, Registration Open for IH/M&RS Going Green Saves Green Trends & Stats Vacuums Go the Extra Mile Transactions Offsetting Emissions is Newest Sustainability Initiative Minibar Advancements Supplier News People on The Move ADA Compliance Can Be Easier With Programs Business Travelers Interested in Remote Check-In/Out Awards Markets Dictate Renovations vs. New Builds More Development Opportunities Available Top Hotel Companies Survey The Lodging Conference Previews Ad/Editorial Index Marketplace Classifieds Checking Out

Hotel & Motel Management - September 18, 2007

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