Automatic

💾 Lunchbox appointed James Walker as CEO, with Nabeel Alamgir as Executive Chairman, focusing on AI and automation to advance restaurant technology. Walker brings 30+ years of experience from Subway®, Nathan's Famous®, and Cinnabon®. A record 340% increase in average deal size since 2022 and 300% growth in product adoption with clients using 1 to 4 products. Funding led by Shift4 will enhance Lunchbox's enterprise solutions and SkyTab POS integration.

📢 James Walker appointed CEO of Lunchbox, Nabeel Alamgir becomes Executive Chairman; they aim to scale Lunchbox with AI and automation. Walker brings 30+ years' experience from Subway®, Nathan's Famous®, and Cinnabon®. Lunchbox saw a 340% increase in average deal size and 300% growth in product adoption since 2022. Shift4 leads a new funding round for Lunchbox, planning to integrate with its SkyTab POS system to enhance services for enterprise restaurants.

💸 Digital tipping in hotels, encouraged via QR codes, aligns with guests' preferences for digital payments, which account for one-third of on-premises transactions according to McKinsey data. Hotel managers report that digital tipping boosts employee morale, sparks competition, improves service quality, and may increase cash tips. It also aids in reducing turnover costs by fostering employee engagement with the hotel's mission. Russ Lemmer, founder of Grazzy in 2021, aims to enhance service workers' earnings in various industries, including hotels, by promoting digital tipping, which can add several dollars per hour to employees' wages. Lemmer's background includes co-founding Silvercar, Inc., acquired by Audi in 2017, and creating Dealerware, a fleet management platform.

🏥 The WHO declared the Covid crisis over in May 2023. A May 2024 AHLA survey showed 76% of hotels face staff shortages. In 2024, international travel nearly reached pre-pandemic levels at 99%. More than half of Americans plan to travel more in 2025. Hospitality IT teams are now using advanced tools for demand prediction. Hurricane Ian's impact led to a major hospitality client outsourcing 1,472 service hours within 48 hours. The gig customer service model is being adopted, and Arise Platform helps hospitality brands with flexible staffing. In 2022, training initiatives for a cruise client increased revenue per booking by almost 12%.

📊 PPDS announces its 50" Philips Signage 3650 EcoDesign as the first digital signage display to receive the EPEAT Climate+ Gold designation for sustainability in electronics. The Philips Signage 3000 Series EcoDesign uses eco-friendly manufacturing, materials, packaging, and software, boasting 4K performance with 50% less energy consumption compared to similar models. The series has energy label ratings of E, D, and C for its 50", 55", and 65" models, respectively. The product is designed for easy recycling, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and the elimination of toxic chemicals. Packaging is 90% recycled and 100% recyclable, with the removal of plastic bags and polystyrene, replaced by 100% recycled carton cushioning. PPDS emphasizes continuous enhancement of product sustainability and energy efficiency.

📈 PPDS' 50" Philips Signage 3000 EcoDesign is the first digital signage display to earn the EPEAT Climate+ Gold designation for sustainability. This series, ideal for hospitality venues, uses EcoDesign methodology to cut energy consumption by 50% compared to similar models. It's part of a lineup including 55" and 65" models, aiming for energy efficiency with E, D, and C energy label ratings respectively. The series is managed remotely via software like Philips Wave and features recycled packaging materials, with plans to enhance existing models for further sustainability.

📈 PPDS' Philips Signage 3650 EcoDesign, a 50” ultra low power digital signage display, has earned the first EPEAT Climate+ Gold designation. The display is part of the Philips Signage 3000 Series, which consumes 50% less energy than comparable models. The series received energy label ratings of E, D, and C for the 50", 55", and 65" models respectively. Key sustainability criteria met by the product include reduced greenhouse gas emissions, enhanced circularity, elimination of toxic chemicals, and responsible supply chains. The Philips 3000 Series EcoDesign also features packaging made from 90% recycled and 100% recyclable materials, with the elimination of plastic bags and polystyrene. PPDS continues to innovate with remote device management options like Philips Wave.