Residential communities are undergoing a significant transformation driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). From senior living to multifamily and mixed-use properties, AI is revolutionizing how we manage and interact with our living spaces. Staying abreast of these AI-driven trends is crucial for properties that want to remain competitive. Here, we explore ways AI can improve the resident experience while improving profitability and sustainability.
As smart home devices become an integral part of modern living, AI offers opportunities to improve the daily living experience in MDUs. For example, AI-driven apps can help residents control lights, thermostats, and locks. They can even learn to adjust controls for individual spaces based on residents’ habits. This can help residents save money while improving convenience. It can also improve accessibility for seniors and people with disabilities by enabling them to adjust their environment without physically accessing on-wall devices.
AI-powered virtual assistants can help residents manage daily tasks, provide entertainment, and offer reminders. They can help coordinate the use of common spaces for resident events or act as a virtual concierge. In senior living communities, these assistants can remind residents to take medication or help them schedule appointments.
AI-driven chatbots can also help property managers with routine inquiries and maintenance requests. They can also keep residents informed on the status of repairs and other events. Chatbots ensure 24/7 availability for non-urgent requests, reducing the workload on staff and improving response times and resident satisfaction. This also enables staff to focus on personal interactions that need the “human touch.”
For enhanced security and safety, AI can improve features such as biometric access and smart surveillance. This can help ensure that only authorized individuals can access residences. With real-time monitoring and alerts, AI-based security solutions can alert staff quickly to unusual activity or potential emergencies, enabling faster responses.
For senior housing communities in particular, AI technology can help monitor residents’ health through wearable devices and smart home sensors. This can ease residents’ minds and lessen the burden on staff by providing ongoing information on residents’ health and safety without constant personal check-ins. It can also provide more detailed information to support personalized care plans.
AI not only enhances the resident experience but can also boost the profitability of multifamily properties by optimizing operations. For example, AI solutions can use sensors and machine learning for predictive maintenance. By monitoring the performance and condition of appliances, plumbing, and utilities, these tools can schedule maintenance before a breakdown occurs, reducing downtime and repair costs. For example, an AI solution can alert maintenance staff if a toilet has begun leaking. A single leaky toilet can cost over $1000 per year, not including the cost of water damage – so this can save money as well as prevent headaches!
AI-driven optimization of energy use can also save money. For example, AI solutions can adjust thermostats and lighting systems in common areas. They can even take into account factors such as occupancy and weather conditions.
AI can also help improve profitability by analyzing market trends and demand to adjust rent prices dynamically. For example, factors such as local market conditions, historical pricing data, and current demand can help properties remain competitive while maximizing revenue. While managers can undoubtedly perform these types of calculations, AI-based solutions can potentially take into account more factors and update them more frequently to optimize pricing.
Similarly, AI-assisted analytics and machine learning can help spot opportunities in everything from marketing to operations. For example, by analyzing audience data, AI can suggest better ways to target and personalize messaging to prospects. Digital agents can jumpstart the leasing process by guiding prospects through their first inquiries. They can also screen prospective tenants and schedule property tours, ensuring leads aren’t missed. Some properties have also used AI to analyze operations and determine where hangups occur to streamline processes. There are even AI-based solutions for review management!
Sustainability is becoming a selling point for modern residential communities. Many residents, especially in younger generations, say they prefer properties that support sustainable living. Green properties not only have lower operating costs but also command rent premiums. AI can help multifamily properties become more eco-friendly. For example, smart irrigation systems can adjust water usage based on weather forecasts and soil moisture levels. This enables properties to reduce water waste while maintaining beautiful landscapes.
As noted previously, AI solutions can also optimize heating, cooling, and lighting to minimize energy waste while decreasing operating costs. AI can even help with waste management by sorting out recycling. This assistance reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills while lessening the burden on residents.
AI solutions are only part of what’s needed in modern housing communities. To support these solutions, it’s crucial to establish the right digital infrastructure.
Properties must invest in fast, reliable connectivity, including Wi-Fi and wired connections that can support the increasing number of connected devices. A property’s connectivity infrastructure needs to be able to accommodate not only devices pre-installed by the property, but also resident devices such as phones, TVs, gaming systems, and wearables. It also needs to perform well even when many residents are using it. Fiber provides a good foundation for AI-powered solutions and other connected devices. Properties will also need to ensure that their Wi-Fi architecture can handle the resulting traffic without degraded performance.
Because AI-enabled solutions can potentially collect personal and sensitive data, it’s essential that properties take action to preserve data security and privacy. Ideally, properties should implement cybersecurity at every stage, from designing and building products and systems to their implementation, use, and management, and even how staff respond when an attack is detected. It’s also important to ensure that managers make residents aware of what data these solutions collect and how systems will use that data.
It’s vital that everyone, from management and owners to staff, understand where AI excels and where it does not. AI will never be able to replace all facets of human interaction; there is a need to maintain a human connection with residents. To improve resident satisfaction, consider how best to achieve a balance between AI automation and human interaction. Also, be sure to review processes on an ongoing basis to ensure fairness and transparency, as AI can be as subject to biases as humans are.
AI is transforming multifamily and senior housing: Modern housing is smart housing. Residents are increasingly coming to expect the integration of smart solutions in their daily living environment. By investing in connectivity and security, you can set your property at the forefront of this digital revolution.
Property owners need to invest in a robust and secure connectivity infrastructure to support the continuing demand for connected technology in multifamily and senior housing. WorldVue is your trusted provider that can help you meet these growing needs. Give us a call to find out how our solutions can help you meet housing community technology trends for connectivity, infotainment, and more!
Hospitality focused brand WorldVue continues international expansion bringing innovative opportunities to provide service and support to properties around the world.
HOUSTON, TX (July 1, 2024) – WorldVue, a trusted provider of in-room entertainment, TV content, guest internet access, associate safety and professional services to guest-centric properties worldwide, announces progress in the company’s recent international expansion to serve Europe and the UK.
WorldVue, which began operations in the United States in 1975, now serves over 8,000 properties and 980,000 rooms. The announcement of WorldVue’s international expansion comes with signed agreements with 7 properties and over 1600 rooms in Ireland, Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom.
WorldVue offers design, installation, service and support for in-room entertainment, known as WorldVue HUB™, WiFi & Networking Systems, Network Design & Installation, End-User Technical Support, and Managed WiFI & LAN, through WorldVue’s Power of One philosophy to become the properties trusted consultant and advisor on their technology requirements.
“Expanding WorldVue services into new markets allows us to serve our current hospitality brand customers throughout their hotel footprint globally,” said Chris Coles, Chief Business Development Officer, WorldVue. “We are following our objective to cover the world with property technology and local teams to better service our customers.”
Continuing to progress and focus on growth in several areas to complement the accomplishments of WorldVue’s core hospitality business started in North America. WorldVue’s international team led by Coles, has added several new team members.
Dean Wood, Senior Director of Sales & Channel Partners is the most recent addition joining the team, based in London. Dean is a seasoned hospitality veteran, who most recently worked for Peloton leading their international sales expansion into the hospitality and corporate sectors, as well as previously holding senior positions with Acentic & Hoist Group.
Wood joins Julian Daniel, VP of EMEA Operations, and his team:
WorldVue believes the best way to serve its customers is to champion its employees and trusted contractors. We are customer-centric, through employee engagement. Our team is our differentiator. To stay updated on future announcements and learn more about WorldVue, visit https://www.worldvue.com/international/
ABOUT WORLDVUE
WorldVue® is a trusted provider of video, advanced connectivity and professional services to properties and enterprises across the world. With a dedication to customer service, WorldVue is leading the way in delivering innovative technology solutions that enhance the resident, guest, and staff experience. From managed services to digital transformation, WorldVue is a single point of contact for all property technology needs.
Founded in 1975, WorldVue is a privately held company headquartered in the United States with offices in Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Dubai, Singapore and Australia. The company serves over 8,000 properties and over 980,000 rooms.
Media Contacts:
Sydney Holsclaw
678.654.4683
Ella Steele
713.425.8343
WorldVue, the trusted platform for guest-centric technology such as video entertainment and wireless connectivity, and OpenWiFi, a community-developed open-source platform designed to lower the cost of developing and operating Wi-Fi networks, are excited to spotlight their first joint installation. This install brings a better Wi-Fi experience to The Emory apartment community in Historic Downtown Plano, Texas.
The alliance between WorldVue and OpenWiFi began in January 2024, with a focus on offering properties greater flexibility and the ability to streamline network operations. This first installation at The Emory incorporates TIP OpenWiFi-certified software and hardware, including Edgecore’s OpenWiFi-Ready Access Points (APs) and switches and NetExperience’s vendor-agnostic OpenWiFi Cloud Controller that support OpenRoaming™ for greater flexibility, seamless connectivity, and easier setup.
“We are proud to partner with WorldVue and NetExperience on this OpenWiFi deployment,” said TengTai Hsu, VP of Edgecore Networks. “Secure, fast, and reliable Wi-Fi is an essential amenity, and this OpenWiFi network provides a first-class connected experience for residents of The Emory.”
This installation supports WorldVue’s goal of advancing global connectivity and innovation through open collaboration.
“WorldVue is committed to delivering high-quality services and seamless connectivity. We believe wireless connectivity is a major catalyst for economic growth and industry development,” said Robert Grosz, President and COO of WorldVue. “Embracing OpenWiFi in the MDU space allows us to break free from vendor lock, rapidly innovate in the wireless space to develop deep integrations with mission-critical applications, and offer our clients at The Emory the most flexibility and lowest total cost of ownership.”
Houston-based company continues to enhance global connectivity solutions through transformative partnership
HOUSTON (January 16, 2024) – WorldVue, the trusted platform which empowers guest-centric properties around the globe to leverage technologies such as video entertainment, digital infrastructure, wireless connectivity, and smartphone applications , announced its partnership with OpenWiFi to enable global deployment of Telecom Infra Project (TIP) OpenWiFi solutions.
Through this partnership, WorldVue will integrate OpenWiFi’s open-source technology into its Wi‑Fi solutions, allowing for more flexibility and the ability to streamline network operations. This is accomplished using TIP OpenWiFi certified software and hardware and state of the art hardware from a wide array of manufacturers.
“WorldVue is committed to delivering high-quality services and seamless connectivity., We believe wireless connectivity is a major catalyst for economic growth and industry development,” said Robert Grosz, President and COO of WorldVue. “Embracing OpenWiFi allows us to break free from vendor lock, rapidly innovate in the wireless space developing deep integrations with mission critical applications and offer our clients the most flexible and lowest total cost of ownership.”
Launched in 2021, OpenWiFi is a community-developed open-source platform designed to lower the cost of developing and operating Wi-Fi networks. The platform’s unique approach to Wi-Fi creates an open-source disaggregated technology stack without vendor lock-in, ensuring a cost-effective and seamless way to deploy connectivity in a variety of use cases. OpenWiFi was created through the Telecom Infra Project (TIP), a global community of companies and organizations driving open and disaggregated infrastructure solutions to advance global connectivity. The OpenWiFi community currently includes more than 300 participants, including service providers, OEMs, ODMs, software ISVs, system integrators, silicon vendors, and industry organizations.
“We’re proud to partner with an industry leader like WorldVue to amplify our impact further and achieve our mission of closing the digital divide,” adds Jack Raynor, Chairman, OpenWiFi Program Group. The Wi-Fi industry benefits from disruptors like WorldVue who go above and beyond to enhance their offerings with an open-source solution.”
By building networks with TIP OpenWiFi solutions, customers will benefit from WorldVue’s industry-leading technology solutions combined with OpenWiFi’s innovative and cost-effective approach. This collaboration further solidifies the vision of revolutionizing how companies and individuals access and manage wireless networks.
ABOUT WORLDVUE
WorldVue®, is a trusted provider of video, advanced connectivity, and professional services to properties and enterprises on a global basis. With a dedication to customer service, WorldVue leads the way in delivering innovative technology solutions that enhance the resident, guest, and staff experience. From managed services to digital transformation, WorldVue is a single point of contact for all a property’s technology needs.
Founded in 1974, WorldVue is a privately held company headquartered in Houston, Texas. The company serves over 7,000 properties with over 900,000 rooms under management. For more information, visit www.worldvue.com.
ABOUT OPENWiFi:
Launched in 2021, OpenWiFi is a community-developed open-source platform designed to lower the cost of developing and operating Wi-Fi networks. Designed to include a cloud controller SDK and switches and enterprise-grade access point firmware validated to work seamlessly together, the platform’s unique approach to Wi-Fi creates an open-source disaggregated technology stack without vendor lock-in, ensuring a cost-effective and seamless way to Wi-Fi deploy connectivity in a variety of use cases. The OpenWiFi technology was created through Meta and the Telecom Infra Project (TIP), a global community of companies and organizations that are driving open and disaggregated infrastructure solutions to advance global connectivity. The OpenWiFi community currently includes more than 330 participants, including managed service providers, OEMs, ODMs, software ISVs, system integrators, silicon vendors and industry organizations. To learn more or deploy OpenWiFi, visit the OpenWiFi Alliance at www.openwifialliance.global.
Houston-based company announces new brand identity to align with what is most important to its employees and customers – technology’s relationship to outcomes.
HOUSTON– SEPTEMBER 1, 2023 (BUSINESS WIRE)–World Cinema, the trusted provider of video, digital infrastructure, wireless connectivity, and professional services to guest-centric properties worldwide, announces a new brand identity as WorldVue®. Rooted in the company’s core values and vision, this rebranding is a pivotal step toward realizing its long-term strategic goals and enabling WorldVue to position itself as the most relevant, trusted advisor. The name WorldVue represents a broader perspective, offering a clear vision of the future and emphasizing its dedication to innovation and growth to service every property across the globe.
“In August of 2022, we acquired Hospitality WiFi. Over the past year, we have focused on bringing together our mission to unify both companies as one. We are excited to announce our rebranding from World Cinema to WorldVue!” says Tommy Fatjo, Chief Executive Officer of WorldVue. “This decision was made to better reflect the evolution of the company, our industry and the needs of our clients and partners – all while ensuring a focus on an excellent customer experience.”
Founded in 1974, WorldVue is leading the way in delivering innovative technology solutions that enhance the resident, guest and staff experience. This next chapter aims to position the company as the go-to platform for designing, building and supporting property technologies. As WorldVue, the company’s core values and vision are now even more elevated and support a journey of innovation, collaboration and service excellence. Those values, encapsulated by the acronym CHIRP™ (Coachable, Humble, Intelligent, Responsive, Persistent), define how WorldVue operates internally and externally.
“Our rebrand signifies our commitment to not only staying relevant and adaptable to the ever-changing market dynamics, but also to providing the best solutions for our customers,” adds Robert Grosz, President and Chief Operating Officer of WorldVue. “Since day one, we have rallied around the idea that the world benefits from technologies that allow us to connect with each other to deliver entertainment and information.”
Headquartered in Houston, Texas, WorldVue believes the best way to serve its customers is to champion its employees and trusted contractors. The company is customer-centric, but employee-focused. WorldVue’s team is its differentiator. To stay updated on future announcements and learn more about WorldVue, visit www.worldvue.com.
ABOUT WORLDVUE
WorldVue®, formerly known as World Cinema, Inc., is a trusted provider of video, advanced connectivity and professional services to properties and enterprises on a global basis. With a dedication to customer service, WorldVue leads the way in delivering innovative technology solutions that enhance the resident, guest, and staff experience. From managed services to digital transformation, WorldVue is a single point of contact for all of a property’s technology needs.
Founded in 1974, WorldVue is a privately held company headquartered in Houston, Texas. The company serves over 7,000 properties with nearly 900,000 rooms under management. For more information, visit www.worldvue.com.
Contacts
Media Contacts:
Emily Adams
worldcinema@phase3mc.com
336.870.5560
Ella Steele
Esteele@onewci.com
713.425.8343
What is digital infrastructure and why should it be a primary focus?
Digital infrastructure is the foundation for connected operations, offering the means for the continuous transfer of large amounts of data to support solutions that use that data. It’s the backbone of the technology ecosystem, playing a vital role in almost every part of a property’s operations.
Several types of digital infrastructure are commonly used in hospitality and residential properties:
Some technologies that can be used for wireless backhaul include:
In recent years, we’ve seen exciting developments in technology for hospitality and residential properties: updated standards that support better WiFi, a wider variety of in-room entertainment options, and solutions for greater automation and personalization. These technologies all require robust connectivity that can support large amounts of data. But even as these connected applications shift from options to necessities, affecting whether people choose your property and how much they’re willing to spend, many properties may not have the needed digital infrastructure to support them.
What are the risks of not having the right digital infrastructure?
There are several risks in not upgrading your digital infrastructure:
What kinds of solutions can the right digital infrastructure enable?
Digital infrastructure supports solutions that can provide a better experience, improve efficiency, and offer cost savings. Below are some examples of how this might look in practice.
Common amenities and basic operations
Items such as phones, TVs, and your front desk might seem basic, but how well they work can make the difference between a pleasing experience that’s easy to manage and a difficult experience that offers more pain than enjoyment. The right digital infrastructure can help:
Smart solutions and the Internet of Things
The Internet of Things (IoT) is an environment of connected objects such as sensors and controls that are often incorporated into smart solutions. This kind of technology ecosystem can result in better service and improved operations at lower cost and offers the smart, contactless, personalized functionality that guests and residents are coming to expect.
Smart solutions enabled by a robust digital infrastructure include:
Going beyond the basics
A properly planned and implemented digital infrastructure will be ready to support technologies that are only now being envisioned and developed, as well as some that are just starting to be used at higher-end properties, such as:
As connected solutions are increasingly adopted by hotels and MDUs, the need for fast, reliable, high-bandwidth data transmission is always growing. Without a modern digital infrastructure, properties can add all the services in the world, but they won’t be fully functional. The right digital infrastructure can tie everything together, making solutions easier & less expensive to operate & manage, as well as improving the guest/resident experience, making operations more efficient, and saving money.
With technology constantly evolving there are many upgrades that can be added to your property to improve the resident experience. Here are the top 10 technologies to upgrade your MDU.
Smart Home Technology/Mobile Apps
Smart home technology is expected to become more common in multifamily buildings as residents feel convenience is key. It allows residents to control lighting, temperature, security, and even appliances all from their smartphones or voice-activated devices. Smart home technology has revolutionized the way residents interact with their living spaces. This level of automation enhances the resident’s experience, providing a seamless and connected living environment. For property owners, smart home technology also offers significant benefits. By automating appliances like energy management, property owners can reduce operational costs and increase energy efficiency. Additionally, smart home technology is a major selling point for potential tenants, as it promotes modern and sustainable living options.
Internet of Things (IoT)
IoT refers to the interconnection of devices through the internet, allowing them to communicate and share data. IoT will continue to drive innovation in the multifamily industry. It can be used to create a network of interconnected devices, such as thermostats, security systems, lighting, and appliances, which can be controlled and monitored remotely. This type of connectivity enables property managers to optimize resource usage, monitor equipment performance, and automate maintenance tasks. For instance, IoT sensors can detect equipment failures anywhere on the property and send real-time alerts to management to take action. This proactive approach to maintenance not only reduces downtime and repair costs but also enhances tenant satisfaction by minimizing disruptions.
Predictive Maintenance
Predictive maintenance expands on what IoT can do for property owners. By using data analytics and machine learning algorithms to predict when maintenance issues are likely to occur, allowing for proactive repairs and replacements. This will become more common in multifamily properties, so it is essential to invest now. Predictive maintenance analyzes data from various sources, such as equipment sensors, maintenance logs, and weather patterns. It identifies patterns and anomalies that indicate potential failures. This enables property owners and managers to schedule maintenance activities based on actual need rather than relying on fixed schedules, reducing costs and maximizing equipment lifespan. Additionally, predictive maintenance can also help prevent emergency breakdowns, which can be disruptive and costly for both property owners and tenants.
Virtual Tours and 3D Modeling
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of virtual tours and 3D modeling in the real estate industry. These technological upgrades allow property owners to showcase their properties to potential tenants remotely. This eliminates the need for physical visits and increasing convenience. Virtual tours and 3D modeling create immersive and interactive experiences, allowing potential tenants to virtually walk through units, view floor plans, and visualize living spaces as if they were physically present. This not only saves time and effort but also expands the reach of property marketing efforts. This benefits potential tenants who can explore properties from anywhere, at any time. Additionally, virtual tours and 3D modeling can be easily updated and customized, making them a cost-effective and flexible marketing tool for property owners.
Digital Signage
Digital signage allows property owners to display informative and interactive content on screens throughout their properties. It can be used to enhance the residents’ experience in a number of ways, such as building directories, displaying local events and announcements, and showcasing property amenities. By strategically placing screens in common areas, such as lobbies, elevators, and fitness centers, property owners can improve communication and engagement with tenants, creating a more connected and informed community. Digital signage is a way for properties to differentiate themselves from competitors.
In Conclusion
As the demand for modern and connected living environments continues to grow, it is becoming increasingly important for MDU’s to keep up. Find a trusted technology partner to grow your property. World Cinema can provide all the essential technology property owners need. This includes digital signage, surveillance equipment, cell-boosting capabilities and so much more.
To learn more about our infrastructure solutions and the updating process, please visit https://www.wcitv.com
The guest experience goes beyond kind staff and clean rooms. While those aspects, among many others, are key to a top-tier hotel stay, accessibility and customer service are equally as important. In today’s strong digital age, guests greatly value enhanced WiFi service that they can depend on. That is, WiFi that very rarely experiences issues, such as lack of consistent connection or security. The same goes for the hotel team members whose job performance and satisfaction partially depend on the quality of tools with which they are provided, including their WiFi network and its capabilities. As a decision maker in the hospitality world, it’s imperative to do the homework that is required when establishing a partnership with a company whose service holds this level of importance and responsibility.
Meet Hospitality WiFi, a WCI Company
High-quality WiFi isn’t just a product. It’s a service. And, that’s what sets Hospitality WiFi apart. Here’s how it works: For a flat monthly fee depending on the size of the network, Hospitality WiFi will provide a hotel the latest equipment, monitor and manage its network, and deliver 24/7/365 technical support. This allows for business owners and general managers to eliminate usage, security and network issues from their plate, leaving it up to a team of experts.
Notable features include:
#1 HSIA Choice Of Multiple Major Hotel Flags
As the #1 choice for HSIA (High Speed Internet Access) for multiple major hotel flags such as Best Western, Choice Hotels, and IHG, Hospitality WiFi has an established reputation that reflects the level of service each customer receives, expects and deserves. To best manage each exceptional feature at all times, guests are provided with a Property Management Dashboard. This tool allows team members to maintain a real-time view of the guest network while managing and monitoring guest internet access across the board with full visibility.
Benefits of the Property Management Dashboard include:
Feature highlights and supported features include:
Invest in Reliability and Improve Your Guest Experience
Ultimately, selecting a premier WiFi management service is one of the greatest investments when mapping out the key components that promote success points from seamless operations and staff productivity to return customers and industry credibility. Best-in-class WiFi is not just providing a great product, it’s also providing a reliable service that offers scalable management tools, ensures security and connectivity for guests, guarantees prompt customer support, and maintains up-to-date technology.
Learn more about Hospitality WiFi at www.wcitv.com/hospitality-wifi and contact us today to see how we can serve you.
World Cinema will leverage the transformative power of the Now Platform to deliver frictionless customer service experiences to hotels and properties worldwide
HOUSTON, Texas (March 22, 2023) – World Cinema, a trusted provider of video, advanced connectivity and professional services to guest-centric properties worldwide, announced a collaboration with ServiceNow to deliver seamless customer experiences through automation, digital workflows, and unprecedented transparency. World Cinema will use ServiceNow to consolidate customer service inquiries onto a single platform for clear and consistent communication and fast time to resolution, while reducing costs.
“We are excited to work with ServiceNow to transform the customer experience,” said Robert Grosz, President at World Cinema. “Today more than ever, experiences are going to be remembered, and we are building a new category to create a unique platform for deploying and supporting all technology for guest-centric property owners. We are focused on staging experiences and delivering that experience every time, no exceptions.”
World Cinema will use ServiceNow Customer Service Management (CSM) and Field Service Management (FSM) to quickly respond to customer inquiries, such as WiFi connectivity issues at a hotel. ServiceNow will help streamline operations for customer service agents, field technicians, and customers, enable self-service across channels and empower agents with real-time information and intelligence. FSM will help ensure that when a technician is required on-site, the right person with the right certifications, tools, and resources required for installations, repairs, and maintenance, is sent to complete the job.
“World Cinema’s mission to deliver exceptional technology and service experiences to hotels worldwide aligns with ServiceNow’s commitment to simplify complex processes and connect people and systems on a single platform,” said John Ball, senior vice president and general manager, customer and industry workflows at ServiceNow. “Together, we will enable hotels to streamline their customer service operations, resolve issues quickly, and ultimately provide the connected and frictionless experiences that guests expect and deserve.”
World Cinema’s investment in transforming service reflects the company’s bold mission to be “of service” to empower technology solutions at every guest-centric property in the world. Through this journey, systems will be aligned to automate requests, proactively address issues, and deliver effortless experiences.
Technology and connectivity is a pervasive foundational component for today’s guest-centric environments. The complexities of the ever-changing, but commoditized, universe of property technologies must be simplified through well executed collaboration. Establishing omni-channel communications to provide transformational customer service and improved customer self-help tools will re-define what it means to be a critical solutions provider to these properties, allowing the delivery of a premium experience that property operators and owners covet. To learn more about World Cinema, visit www.wcitv.com.
###
ABOUT WORLD CINEMA
World Cinema, Inc. (WCI) is a trusted provider of video, advanced connectivity and professional services to properties and enterprises on a global basis. With a dedication to customer service, WCI leads the way in delivering innovative technology solutions that enhance the resident, guest, and staff experience. From managed services to digital transformation, WCI is a single point of contact for all of a property’s technology needs.
Founded in 1974, WCI is a privately held company headquartered in Houston, Texas. The company serves over 7,000 properties with nearly 900,000 rooms under management. For more information, visit www.wcitv.com
Curious to know the upcoming 2023 technology trends? At World Cinema, we researched the industry and developed the following top two technology upgrades you can expect to see in the upcoming year:
Robots?
While we don’t expect robots to ever replace authentic, human-centered interaction, we do expect they’ll continue to grow in influence, making them the number one 2023 technology trend. Automated technology helps hotels with operations, the behind-the-scenes. The hotels that have used this technology exceptionally well are those that use automation to power the guest experience, using robotics to perform mundane tasks in order to provide time for employees to provide better, more personalized hands-on customer service. For instance, Dream Hollywood has implemented two robots that they use to deliver extra toiletries, etc. to guests. This frees up team members to provide those really exceptional experiences luxury guests are looking for.
However, it’s important to maintain the balance between using robots to automate operations without interfering negatively with the guest experience. People still want to interact with people, and what Dream Hollywood is doing differently is integrating their robots into the guest experience, and having them accompany staff and perform otherwise mundane duties is where they’re differentiating themselves positively.
Guest Demands
Guests are absolutely delighted when they see guest-facing robotics. They are quite savvy, however, to automation, especially when it takes away, rather than enhances, their experience. For instance, guests are not particularly thrilled when they check in at a kiosk, especially if they aren’t given the option of speaking with an agent at the desk. At boutique hotels, in particular, guests are in no particular hurry, they aren’t looking to minimize content and speed up their time in the hotel. They prefer to be greeted by a guest agent and then, say, handed a personalized cocktail by a robot in the lobby. Keeping that human connection is essential as we mix robotics and automation into the guest experience.
Enhanced Connectivity
Wireless networking technology is constantly evolving both from a features and value standpoint. Exceptionality occurs when connectivity solutions are not only scalable but transcend flawless functionality across all industries and their respective applications, both current and future, without impacting the customer. We’ve gone from providing a commoditized product to designing and executing digital business strategies, which focus on developing unique customer-centric solutions that are in alignment with end-user device and application modernization.
The average consumer is reliant on robust internet connectivity in their daily lives, to not only entertain themselves but to work, socialize and interact with the outside world. In addition to supporting residents’ personal devices, apartment Wi-Fi needs to support the property’s common areas and associated devices like cameras, lock systems, etc. Multifamily communities typically feature some sort of business area which advertises free Wi-Fi for residents to use at their leisure.
Process Automation
Automation is a growing sector of all enterprise, hospitality, and multifamily operations. Smart thermostats and lighting devices can significantly improve energy efficiency and financial performance for multifamily communities by monitoring usage and remotely controlling operations, with some companies reporting savings of 10-15% (Think Energy, 2022). Smart thermostats can adapt to a property’s unique needs through artificial learning, motion detectors, and pattern recognition, creating a seamless experience for residents and staff. Updating property technology with updated technologies like temperature controls and smart lighting allows management to monitor energy usage in real-time, providing insight into how the property is consuming energy.
Access Control
Access control is an increasingly important component of smart building technology as it enhances safety and security for communities. This value-added service offering is beneficial for residents, guests, and staff in addition to building owners and managers as it simplifies remote monitoring and security management. When combined with an AI-based common area camera system, properties can use facial recognition to allow or refuse access to specific areas. Additionally, managers can utilize video-based intercom systems and remote boundary alerts to enhance security and monitor suspicious activity.
