Technology in housekeeping
The conference continued with a short presentation from Sreekumair Nair, senior manager for Technical Services at InfoScape Technologies LLC, who gave a brief introduction to InfoScape’s hospitality technology solutions before participating as a panellist on the next discussion entitled ‘Technology in Housekeeping’.
The panel was led by Marjona Aslitdinova, executive housekeeper Rihab Rotana & Rimal Rotana, and discussed how software has impacted day-to-day operations and increased efficiency and productivity.
A range of solutions that can help housekeeping teams were touched upon, from streamlined checklists and tracking systems to automated feedback and room inspections. However, according to the panel, one of the major challenges remains convincing owners and management to invest in this technology.
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For Ahmed, the key was to explain the importance of the technology. The Grand Hyatt Dubai housekeeping manager commented: “You cannot bypass technology,” she said. “It still takes time to convince people but I think management should think smart.”
Emirates Grand Hotel housekeeping manager Karthik Kumar said the best way to convince management was to highlight the benefits for them. “You should be very clear about the goals you want to deliver with the particular software that you are going to use,” he explained. “If you are going to work on a project, what will you do better for them with the software? That’s how you convince owners.”
The advice from Nair was to team up with IT staff when it comes to pitching the solution to management. “Be good friends with the IT manager,” he said. “Make sure they know the solution very well. Make them sit with you and understand your needs. Maybe there is a high-end solution and maybe there is a low end solution.”
However, even with a commitment to new technology, hotels still face a number of other challenges in implementing it, with Kumar highlighting adequate training as the main one.
“The initial set up of the system is quite a challenge,” added Ahmed. “When we got our system, we asked for a lot of add-ons and extras so it took a long time to implement it. Training might be a challenge, but the new generation is technology savvy. For them it’s so easy to work it out and get the information out. [However] when internet is down, you can’t use it, so you need to make sure you have back up.”
The final panel discussion of the day saw Barbara Arensmeyer, director of housekeeping at the Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel moderate a discussion entitled ‘The Hotel Lifecycle – A Housekeeper’s Calling’.
Joining Arensmeyer on stage were Hari Sudhakar, executive housekeeper at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort – Fujairah; Marjona Aslitdinova, executive housekeeper at Rihab Rotana & Rimal Rotana and Nadine O’Connor, housekeeping manager at Jumeirah Creekside Hotel.
The panel examined the different stages of a hotel’s lifecycle, from pre-opening to launch to maturation and renovation and how the housekeeper role is vital to maintaining a hotel’s image and guest experience throughout each phase.
The forum concluded with delegates being given the choice of two interactive workshops to attend. The first, focusing on recruiting the right talent, was led by Piers Burton, executive director at Eagle Spearing Consulting and the other was led by Pamini Hemaprabha and focused on developmental training and enhancing team efficiency.
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