Brantas: New Guest Room Technology Brings Substantial Benefits
- Details
- Published Date
Introducing new technology might sometimes seem expensive but the advantages over time can be very considerable in improving operational efficiency and reducing costs.
Just one example is Inncom, the very latest in energy management systems where experience has shown that savings of 25% to 50% are possible on guest room energy consumption.
Inncom is automated through a number of sensors, including door, motion and an intelligent
thermostat and an optional central server.
"In combination, these maintain room temperature and lighting at the optimum level as opposed to keycard technology," according to Jan Strijker, the director of Brantas International Technology Ltd. "It works without the guest noticing. Inncom's automated system tends to be about 40% more efficient because people often try to cheat the keycard system.
"Inncom optimises energy savings by not allowing room temperatures to fluctuate much. When a guest leaves the room, Inncom automatically reduces the temperature and switches the lights off after a preset time period," says Mr Strijker. "When the guest returns, the lights and HVAC system switch on to the same settings when the guest left." Inncom software also means hotel engineers and staff can monitor and adjust a room's electronic systems, such as air conditioning, through their IT networks without having to physically visit the room. Brantas has so much confidence in the benefits of Inncom that Mr Strijker suggests interested hotel managers carry out a trial in one or two guest rooms. "Measure Inncom's consumption against your existing system and examine the evidence," he said. Other Brantas products can also pay off in energy savings and reduced staffing. One example is Bartech, an automatic mini bar solution that painlessly handles the often time consuming minibar operations.
"Instead of staff having to check if guests have taken items out of the fridge and manually processing the information, an automated minibar can be a very good return on investment," said Mr Strijker. "When the room is not occupied, the minbar is locked and the inventory is protected against theft. When the guest arrives, the minibar unlocks.
If an item is taken out, there is a time delay before the occupant is charged. At checkout time, the charge is already on the bill. "The minibar's temperature is controlled by computer.
Management decides the ideal temperatures. As soon as the guest checks out, it stops cooling until the temperature gradually rises to for example 10°C, using no energy. When the next guest checks in, the temperature drops again to 4-5°C.
"Bartech also checks the inventory automatically so there is no wastage with expired products. We've found energy savings of up to 50% are possible and 75% on staff. Overall, return on investment for a well sized four or fi ve star city or airport hotel could be about two and a half years to three years," he said.
But energy savings are of little account unless accommodation levels are high and these days more and more guests want a guest room to be friendly to the growing array of digital products they will bring with them. That's where Mediahub plug-ins are proving to be invaluable.
"Guests can use these Mediahub connectors to play their own music, movies and display their own PC content over the hotel TV," Mr Strijker said. "It keeps everything very tidy. Nearly every device can be plugged in and run over the guest room television – a one-stop solution. It means guests won't need to try plugging their devices into the back of the television that can lead to problems for staff. Mediahubs have a soft ROI – guests love it and it leads to them returning."
To help hotels take advantage of the new technologies in its inventory, Brantas International Technology is offering them for lease or rent, as well as sale.
Phone: 64 (0) 9 966 7662
Email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.brantasinternational.com
