At HITEC 2024, Simone Puorto sat down with Tim Hansen, Vice President of Sales Hotels & Resorts at Agilysys. They discussed the latest trends in hospitality technology, the importance of guest choice, and the future direction of property management systems. This interview is part of our HITEC 2024 series, bringing you key insights from industry leaders.

Introduction and Company Overview

Tim Hansen introduces himself as the Vice President of Sales Hotels & Resorts at Agilysys, a company specializing in property management systems (PMS) and point of sale (POS) solutions. Hansen, who has been with the company since 2014, highlights Agilysys’s recent expansions and innovations in the hospitality technology space.

Observations at HITEC 2024

Hansen notes the significant growth and scale of the booths at HITEC 2024 compared to previous years, indicating a positive trend in industry engagement and excitement around new technologies. He shares that Agilysys set up over 90 appointments before the event, showcasing a high level of interest and momentum around their products.

New Product Launches

One of the key highlights for Agilysys at HITEC 2024 is the launch of IG Fly, a mobile point of sale solution designed for the hotel and resort space. Hansen explains how mobile POS systems are becoming essential, particularly for operations at locations like pools and beaches, enabling quicker service and higher average ticket sizes.

Technology vs. Human Touch in Hospitality

Puorto raises the point that hospitality is often seen as a human-centric industry, and some perceive technology as a threat to this high-touch environment. Hansen agrees that this perspective is true for some people but emphasizes the importance of offering choice. He explains that while some guests prefer human interaction, others value the convenience and efficiency that technology provides, such as mobile check-ins and in-room dining via QR codes.

Future Trends in PMS and Guest Experience

Looking ahead, Hansen predicts that the focus will shift towards comprehensive guest folios, allowing guests to book rooms, dining, spa services, and other activities in one streamlined process. This integration will provide a more personalized and efficient experience, aligning with guests' preferences and activities.

Importance of Integrated Technology

Hansen underscores the need for integrated technology platforms that can communicate with each other, breaking down silos to provide a seamless experience for both guests and operators. He believes that achieving this integration is crucial for the future of hospitality technology, enabling better data utilization and enhanced guest experiences.

Conclusion

Tim Hansen’s insights highlight the dynamic nature of hospitality technology and the importance of offering guests choices while integrating various technology platforms. As Agilysys continues to innovate, the focus remains on enhancing guest experiences and operational efficiency. Puorto looks forward to revisiting these topics with Hansen at future events to see how these predictions and trends evolve.

This interview is part of Hospitality Net's HITEC 2024 series, showcasing the latest thought leadership in the hospitality sector.

 

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