opinion
2019:
A productive year for
hospitality technology
Peter Moore from Lolly makes his payments and
point of sale predictions for the year ahead…
By Peter Moore, CEO, Lolly – www.itslolly.com
businesses. However, there’s a lack of
communication for both consumers
and smaller businesses about how
this may benefit them, but also what
any associated risks may be. I would
advise hospitality businesses to do
their research before jumping into any
scheme. In addition, loyalty or rewards
schemes are currently not as developed
as those of major card or payments
providers, but this is something we
are expecting to change as the market
grows stronger and more established
over the coming years.
Pin on Glass (PoG)
A subsequent application will be the
introduction of Pin on Glass (PoG). The
term describes traditional payment
terminals that have evolved from larger
models that operate using buttons to
a touchscreen interface. PoG
is the touchscreen or glass-
based capture mechanism.
PoG will become more
commonplace during 2019.
PoG-type products will
be attractively priced, and
we’ll see increasing numbers of
mobile apps being created. Overall
this will enable entry-level merchants
in the sector to start taking payments,
which will result in more mobile type
transactions direct from a phone,
as opposed to needing a third-party
intervention – creating the coveted
‘frictionless’ payment environment.
Behavioural biometrics
Nearer than many would think
is behavioural biometrics – iris,
fingerprints, facial movement and voice
– all big news in payment technology
right now. We are at an early stage
but are beginning to see ‘pay by selfie’
or ‘smile to pay’ services promoting
cashless environments and embracing
payments at lightning speed.
Biometric payments will
revolutionise the payment landscape,
and there is a whole new generation
ready for this, which will certainly
change the buying process. Hospitality
businesses need to start planning
for this change and to address their
changing customer needs.
Self-service
Following Brexit, there’s potential for
staff shortages in many industries,
and self-service technology has the
ability to support many hospitality
providers in delivering a high-quality
service with reduced staff numbers
at front of house. In certain areas of
hospitality, we’re looking at a revolution
of the traditional role of service staff.
Higher footfall and faster payments
will generate the need for more staff in
operational and back office roles to give
better service and more product and
scope.
As in recent years, 2019
will be all about technology
integration and creating best-
in-class solutions. Those who
choose not to evolve will find
themselves being left behind. The
sector is now playing catch up. n
KIOSK solutions 13