The hospitality industry is no exception; it changes as new technology comes into play. IoT (Internet of Things) devices have become a staple in most independent hotels. These devices help in improving guest experiences and operational reliability. However, as convenient and efficient as this may be, it also introduces security concerns, especially in connected hotels.
This article review aims to help IT and GM professionals understand the way forward. While it might seem daunting, it is easier to address security concerns with hotel solutions like mycloud PMS, a hotel management system. Let's explore IoT, its role in the hospitality sector, and how to manage IoT security risks.
Understanding IoT and How It Impacts the Hospitality Sector
Hospitality is one of the many sectors that IoT has affected. So far, the influence on the sector has been a mix of good and bad. IoT has introduced many hotel benefits, including a more personalized stay and seamless operation.
The possibilities are apparent when it comes to IoT in hotels. Tech-conscious hoteliers can harness the technology to improve their services. Here is a look at the different devices that make sense in hotels that are possible thanks to the Internet of Things:
- Smart Thermostats: Tailor the room temperature based on the occupancy and enhanced energy saving.
- Smart Lighting: Smart lighting automates light control based on the outdoor lighting and the guest's preferences.
- Voice Assistants: Voice technology allows guests to access hotel services from their rooms through simple voice commands. For example, guests can say, “Jarvis, order room service.” This technology can also be optimized to provide better service, such as personalized treatment and setting up an itinerary for their stay.
- Enhanced Security: Features like a keyless entry system, motion sensors, and covering camera ensure each guest has improved security and convenience.
- Smart TV and Entertainment: Internet of things has introduced the world to smart TVs and better entertainment. Guests can go through tons of streaming services. They can connect their phones to the TV and even use voice controls.
- Window Shade and Curtains: The tapestries aren't spared from innovations. There are now curtains that can offer premium comfort by being receptive to the environment.
“Technological innovations are reshaping the hotel industry. Those who embrace these changes will benefit from streamlined operations and better guest engagement. Those that don’t will find themselves left behind,” said Bert Greenstein, VP of IBM Watson, Internet of Things.
What Kind of Investment is Needed for IoT?
Undoubtedly, IoT provides hoteliers with many benefits, but it requires certain investments to ensure successful implementation in hotels.
Initial costs include the purchase and installation of devices like smart locks, thermostats, and other IoT-enabled tools, as well as ongoing maintenance, consistent software updates, and potential hardware repairs over time.
Training is also essential, involving the education of staff on how to navigate the IoT system, troubleshoot issues, and assist guests with its use. Moreover, integrating IoT with scalable hotel systems such as mycloud PMS and setting up data transfer and analysis processes are crucial steps.
Challenges Hoteliers Face Regarding IoT Security
Security is one of the biggest challenges that must be addressed when hotels incorporate IoT. The difficulty of connecting many devices simultaneously, currently with less than ideal visibility (and often suboptimal network design), can readily create openings for attackers.
According to a report published by Verizon, many hoteliers have unencrypted data, and their operating systems are easy targets for cyber threats due to inadequate resources in the face of rapidly evolving threat landscapes. Biggest Concerns:
- Complexity and lack of visibility: Managing a network of many different devices is only possible with the right tools, which puts parts of the network at risk.
- Not Protecting Data: If the information is not encrypted correctly, even guest additional info can be at risk. Hence, hoteliers must integrate security measures to ensure that guests’ data is safe.
- Financial Restrictions: Independent hotels often need more money to provide complex security. While they can set up IoT devices, they might not have enough money to implement the necessary security measures. Independent hotels can opt for an energy management system, occupancy sensors, and a hotel management system to cut costs and control revenue.
Metrics That Matter: How to Measure IoT Security
The following represents a snapshot of what can be tracked by hotels when determining just where they are in terms of IoT network security:
- Devices with Two-Factor Authentication Enabled: This percentage represents a vital statistic that shows how well security is being implemented. The more devices with two-factor authentication, the better.
- Number of Security Incidents Reported: Monitor the number of security incidents recorded. This will help your hotel detect vulnerabilities and improve security.
- Lessons Learned from Cost: Knowing the costs of breaches leads to important spending decisions on how much we invest in security. It is not uncommon for hotels to neglect security. Hence, it is crucial to understand the potential loss from ignoring security.
Regularly tracking these metrics is essential for maintaining a secure IoT environment in hotels. Hoteliers can employ Hotel PMS like Mycloud PMS to monitor how guests respond to IoT and ways to improve the system's security.
Benefits of IoT: Beyond Security Concerns
The advantages of IoT implementation at hotels are indisputable, even in the presence of security threats. Appropriate management of IoT can result in cost efficiency, improved service delivery, and overall guest satisfaction. Further, IoT predictive analysis technology helps the hotel industry personalize services according to guests' preferences, ensuring better satisfaction and customer loyalty.
Key Benefits:
- Cost Optimization: One advantage of automating is cutting energy consumption and operational costs. Most routine tasks become automated, which eliminates the need for extra labor. As a result, hotels can invest in securing the IoT system and expanding their services.
- Enhanced Guest Experience: Smart rooms and services, especially individualized ones, make a stay more pleasant. For example, with voice technology, guests can easily order room services through simple voice commands.IoT is behind some of the must-have modern devices that enhance guest experiences. First, there is the smart TV, which enables more entertainment options and a more personalized experience. There is also the room tablet, which offers streamlined control of the room features.
- Predictive Analytics: The insights thus make it easier for hotels to predict guests' desires. This technology sheds light on what guests prefer and what they can stop.
mycloud PMS: The Ideal Partner for IoT Integration
Regarding IoT device security in hotel environments, mycloud PMS is well covered. Mycloud PMS has more than 200+ interfaces, such as door locks, EPABX, high-speed internet access, etc., to ensure that all the interfaced devices are secure.
Due to its many functions, the system has received the HotelTechReport Certificate of Excellence for three years in a row, and about 33.75% of the reviews were from luxury hotels.
Why mycloud PMS Stands Out:
- Comprehensive Security: Supports multiple connected devices with stringent security measures.
- Proven Excellence: Endorsed by key hospitality industry stakeholders and embraced by many fine hotels and resorts worldwide
- Easy Integration: Provides a list of interfaces to ease the use of IoT to the developer. Using these interfaces can significantly enhance the hotel's services.
Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to IoT in Hotels No doubt, IoT offers improved guest satisfaction and several other perks in the hospitality sector; however, hoteliers should not ignore the security threats that come with the application of IoT devices. Select proper devices and keep track of necessary security markers.
Also, with the help of mycloud PMS, hotels can incorporate IoT into their services without experiencing negative consequences. IoT can add value to services delivered to guests and protect their information when done well and with the right tools. All it takes is being more conscious and employing the assistance of hotel software like mycloud PMS.
