Innovation

🛒 Bain surveyed 700+ U.S. online shoppers, finding 71% unaware of using generative AI despite its prevalence in online retail. Customers are optimistic about AI, with half recognizing its transformative potential. Key design principles for integrating AI into retail include enhancing traditional shopping experiences, extending interaction types beyond chatbots, rethinking data exchange, ensuring transparency and trust in data handling, and reimagining customer service. Errors and inaccurate info were top concerns for 57% and 56% of customers, respectively. Strategic adoption can improve personalization, efficiency, and customer relationships. – Source: Bain Generative AI Usage Survey, July 2024 (n=714)

☕ LaCimbali won "Europe’s Best Coffee Equipment Manufacturer" in the Fully Automatics category at the European Coffee Symposium in Berlin. Andrea Clerici, Cimbali Group Business Director, stated the award inspires continued innovation in super-automatic machines. Cimbali has 60 years of industry experience and launched the iconic Cimbali Super Bar in 1969. They are recognized for innovative technologies and are a trusted partner to major European and international chains.

💸 Mews, a property management system (PMS), assists hotels in managing high demand during the holiday season, offering customizable options and seamless communication. It provides real-time updates, resource management, and a private booking engine link, addressing issues of lost bookings, operational inefficiencies, and decreased client satisfaction. Mews integrates with other systems, offers robust reporting, a user-friendly interface, and customization to enhance guest satisfaction and drive revenue, helping hotels capitalize on the holidays and plan for success in '25.

🎓 The GenMews Program targets recent graduates (up to two years post-graduation) aiming for a hospitality tech career. It's a two-year program offering rotations across three departments every eight months. Participants get a competitive salary and can choose their rotational path. The program provides hands-on experience and personal growth, with placements available in Prague, London, Amsterdam, or Barcelona. Applications are currently open, and an informational webinar is scheduled for 18th November.

☕ harry's home, founded in 2006, partnered with Gauvendi to implement hyper-personalization and dynamic inventory management. This collaboration has led to a 50% increase in direct bookings, 70% automation of the reservation process, a 24% rise in incremental revenue through upselling room features, a 30% improvement in Net Promoter Scores, and a 20% boost in average revenue. Mews Marketplace offers over 1,000 hospitality solutions to build a tech stack without connection fees.

🏨 Over 90% of hotels still use legacy Client-Server architecture from the '80s and '90s, unable to scale and lacking agility. Google, Amazon, and Netflix have transitioned to microservice architecture for better scalability and innovation. Microservice hotel PMS architecture allows hotels to seamlessly integrate new features, with Shiji Group leading this advancement. Microservices also enhance data protection by allowing separation of personal data, crucial as personally identifiable information value increases 5x with additional details, reaching $125. The hospitality industry is urged to adopt this innovative, sustainable, and scalable microservice architecture for future readiness.

💻 Amadeus reveals a global study on tech professionals' priorities in 2025. 94% foresee career changes, 40% predict pivoting careers thrice due to AI and ML advancements. Only 6% expect no role evolution. 24% find current company training investment lacking, while 48% value new technology training over reduced workload (24%), individual care (30%), and better work/life balance (36%). Innovation ranks above salary for employer selection. Employees at innovative firms are 5 times happier and less likely to leave. DE&I is critical, with 79% of tech workers desiring proven credentials, especially AI engineers (53%). Effective innovation environments prioritize improved technology (56%) and proper facilities over recreational activities. Psychological safety and mental health discussions are comfortable for 63% of tech professionals, but 37% are uncomfortable or undecided.