Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 28 | Page 66

INDUSTRY WATCH ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// volumes and be matched to max numbers allowed in an area. A reaction can be solicited before a problem arises.” Unified communications and integrated systems offer realtime automation and seamless interaction between back-end functions and front-end or customer-facing applications. Centralised smart infrastructure dominates surveillance and security control rooms, and these connect via mobile and wireless networks to allow resources to be deployed quickly and effectively. The combined team from Infor, EOH Infor Services and Aruba Networks security personnel who oversee ‘stop-and-check’ stations – effective for security, but vulnerable because of having multiple points of entry. “These allow for controlled deployment of personnel to various points – security, medical or general personnel,” explained Chari. “Beyond security, hospitality matters can be informed by surveillance issues.” Keeping up with customer demand That is why it has become necessary to integrate technology that offers a holistic wide view in order to effectively scan and monitor the entire environment, according to IT security and access control experts at dormakaba, a leading provider of security and access control technology. “For easy access, many entrance points are needed and employed,” said Paul Chari, Principal Consultant EDC Solutions at dormakaba. “This means the sources and escape route for someone with ill intent becomes difficult to monitor. Chari says that IT security has kept up with market requirements and demands, particularly within the access control. An example is using multi-sensor cameras and facial recognition biometric solutions to monitor large crowds, which enables security personnel to instantly and automatically verify personal identities. “Visitors can be profiled, and any red flags can be set to have security personnel react to double check an area or person,” said Chari. “The automatic enrolment can eliminate need for barriers across entry points.” Data gathered through these access control points and biometric- based systems can be quickly gathered, assimilated and correlated to provide an accurate database that can be referenced immediately to bolster security control and enforcement. Video analytics, big data and robotics are beginning to filter through to security and access control strategies – specifically within the hospitality industry. “The ability to flag repeat offenders relieves operators from having to remember or identify faces without support,” said Chari. “New operators benefit from gathered intel and can immediately be more effective than previously possible. Analytics can also count 66 INTELLIGENTCIO It has been reported that 83% of hotel guests report a bad Wi-Fi experience, with 36% saying they wouldn’t rebook. However, Eric Law, Vice President of EMEA Sales at Ruckus Networks, says the company has a model to keep up with customer demand. “Ruckus has built its model in keeping up with customer demand and that is why we have a cloud offering for customers that want to have a leaner IT organisation,” said Law. “We know that, in order to make that a success, we need to give our customers a seamless experience from when they first engage with a sales representative from a partner all the way to a seamless service experience. We’re not just evolving our products to keep up with the technology, but also the model of consumption as well.” Ruckus Networks has a 70% share of the hospitality market and 86% of the world’s luxury properties rely on Ruckus Smart Wi-Fi. “What we’re seeing right now is a trend in hospitality where people moving from general collectively to operationalising the network,” added Chris Mendoza, Senior Director of EMEA Marketing, Ruckus Networks. “Hospitality has realised that they really need to operationalise the business experience with Wi-Fi.” n IT’S TIME TO MOVE FROM TRADITIONAL HOSPITALITY TO A DIGITAL EXPERIENCE. www.intelligentcio.com