In this episode of Hotel Tech Insider, we have the pleasure of speaking with Adrian Schmidt, a digital innovation leader at HR Group, a prominent Berlin-based hotel company with a diverse portfolio of 150 branded and independent hotels. Adrian shares insights from his extensive experience in telecom, media, and hospitality, focusing on enhancing guest experiences through digitization.
Adrian discusses the software buying process at HR Group, emphasizing the importance of open APIs in selecting technology partners. He highlights the critical role of property management systems in the hotel industry and shares his positive experiences with Apaleo and Opera Cloud for different types of hotels within the group.
The conversation delves into the implementation of automation tools, such as a breakfast script for optimizing food orders based on hotel occupancy. Adrian also discusses the digital check-in experience at HR Group properties, detailing the seamless process for guests from booking to check-out.
Adrian emphasizes the group's focus on automation as a key priority, using a data orchestration layer called NotMation to streamline operational tasks and boost efficiency. He stresses the importance of balancing digital innovation with maintaining the human touch in hospitality.
Adrian shares insights on the future of technology in the hotel space, including the integration of AI for tasks like review responses and chatbots. He highlights the importance of continuous learning and adaptability in the rapidly evolving digital landscape of the hospitality industry.
The episode concludes with a discussion on data collection and decision-making, with Adrian advocating for a focused approach to tracking and utilizing data effectively. He encourages hoteliers to prioritize practical experimentation and implementation over excessive data collection.
Adrian Schmidt's expertise and forward-thinking approach to technology in the hotel industry provide valuable insights for hoteliers looking to leverage digital tools and strategies for success in today's competitive market. Tune in to Hotel Tech Insider for more episodes featuring industry leaders driving innovation in the hospitality sector.