By Nadav Avni, Chief Marketing Officer at Radix Technologies
It’s 2022, yet somewhere out there, a hotel is still fiercely clinging to its fleet of clunky analog TVs. While we usually attribute the reason to owners being too cheap to upgrade to digital, the actual reason might be a bit more complicated.
Regardless, upgrading to smart TVs isn’t just about replacing the dumb ones. The whole system hangs in the balance, and upgrading to something like LED TVs powered by android device management means blowing it all up.
Then again, simply upgrading to Android TV-powered sets without considering the back-end logistics will replace old problems with new ones. How does a 300-room hotel manage and maintain all of the TVs in its fleet? Will the hotel tech support still show up at the guest’s door at 3 am to pull out the device before replacing it with a new one the next day? How will guests react to the TV’s system errors? Worse, do guests—who came to you to get away from it all—deserve to suffer through their shows being interrupted by poorly timed device updates?
It’s Not Just Smart TVs
Hospitality Tech discovered that 72% of guests are more likely to return to a hotel if it’s equipped with the technology they want. The report also listed the top 10 experience-enhancing hotel room technologies to have. Interactive TVs ranked #5.
While TVs are the main draw, other smart, time-saving technologies are also in demand. For example, today’s hotel guests love the convenience of automated features and digital services. Seamless online booking for non-contact reservations sets the stage for a hassle-free check-in—complete with door access and mobile-controlled light switches.
It only makes sense to keep the party going with a smart TV serving as the command centre. Guests can use it to order food, connect with other departments, check the weather and local listings, and access streaming services. What better way to say goodbye than with a frictionless digital checkout?
For Smart TVs and Others, Hotels Need Android Device Management Solutions
If you’re not ready for all of these bells and whistles, migrating to digital TVs with their own internet access is still very much a step in the right direction. Making the TV a central communication hub means it’s easier for customer service and guests to interact.
This entails having TVs displaying interactive menus and directories available. It also means guests can log into their favourite streaming services using their personal accounts. Thanks to the power of the Android TV operating system, your guests can step away from their day-to-day lives without missing a beat.
It is, however, worth noting that managing these TVs and their data may prove difficult without the proper android device management software. Ensuring each TV system and software remains up-to-date can take time, energy, and manpower. This is especially true for larger venues. Even if you could manage the workload, securing these devices from unauthorised systems and data access requires strong device management software.
What’s in It for Hospitality Owners?
Hub Entertainment Research reported that 62% of American homes equipped with TV sets are using smart TVs. That’s right, over half of your guests expect their hotel rooms to have one, too. Otherwise, their stay may feel more like a downgrade than a vacation.
Needless to say, hospitality business owners who have yet to invest in interactive TVs and other smart devices should do so. Failing to do so risks losing out on the digital gravy train.
How Can MDM Software Help?
Mobile Device Management (MDM) software helps manage, maintain, and secure android TV fleet devices within a hotel’s ecosystem. Deploying MDM software remains the most efficient and cost-effective option, especially if you’re dealing with hundreds or thousands of devices.
But what makes MDM software indispensable? Here are some of its key benefits:
Low-Level Device Management
Device management refers to installing, using, and maintaining a computer or network of computers. MDM software assumes these duties with the help of a wireless, cloud-based system. This means that instead of IT support teams needing to go onsite to install or update devices, they can now do so via wireless, always-on connections. In addition, admins can choose to simultaneously perform updates on individual devices, selected groups, or the entire fleet at once.
Assign Access Levels
MDM software can also provide administrative services, such as assigning access levels with corresponding permission levels. For example, IT support teams can access the system files for repair and maintenance tasks, but not ones containing user data. In contrast, sales, marketing, and management types can analyse data to generate insights and inform future strategies. However, they cannot access system settings.
Guest Data Housekeeping
When guests log into their streaming services on hotel smart TVs, they’ll need to enter their username and password. Though, when it comes time to part ways, they’ll often forget to log out. MDM software allows admins to remotely wipe user data from smart devices at the scheduled checkout time. This protects guest privacy while eliminating the awkwardness of new guests being reminded that their room isn’t theirs.
Impose Security Measures
In some cases, the presence of android TV devices can prompt inquisitive or ill-intentioned hackers to try to access the system. Hospitality IT admins can use the MDM software to implement security measures and prevent data loss or device theft. Admins can choose to remotely freeze, wipe, or completely disable devices to prevent unauthorised users from accessing the system or its data. Doing so also gives security teams time to geolocate the device for retrieval.
Android Device Management is Crucial
Replacing dated analog displays with Android TV-powered devices indicates a hospitality centre’s willingness to embrace the future. This, in turn, welcomes guests to experience the wonders of digital automation and enjoy smoother travels.
That being said, investing in smart TVs, kiosks, and online systems won’t be enough to provide a complete digital experience. Hospitality businesses that are serious about upgrading their services—and providing the best possible guest experience—must also invest in android device management software.