Inventory management systems allow hotels, spas and healthcare facilities to cut their costs and increase their productivity with the push of a button.

We have fully electric, wind-powered hotels. We have autonomous robots wandering hotel hallways. The next logical step is, of course, inventory management systems—or linen and uniform tracking software. Hotels spend tons of time and resources upgrading and improving the guest experience, the furnishings, the façade, etc. However, incorporating new age technology into the behind-the-scenes operations is just as vital to any hospitality or healthcare facility’s survival.

The 37-story Fairmont Austin luxury hotel opens in early 2018. When it does, this brand new hotel will utilize cutting-edge technology to “manage [their] employee uniforms and track [their] laundry uses and expenses.”

How does it work?

Radio frequency identification (RFID) sounds complex, but it’s quite easy to use. First, each linen, robe, and uniform is outfitted with its own RFID tag with a unique identification number. Then, a handheld RFID reader electronically “reads” the tags on the linens, robes and uniforms. In essence, these items can be identified, counted and tracked without hand-counting or manual record-keeping.

Certain European hotels are now using mobile apps that connect with RFID readers to manage their inventories in real time.

Imagine you’re the Director of Housekeeping at a 5-star resort, monitoring hundreds (or thousands) of linens and hotel bathrobes. Inventory management systems eliminate much of the manual labor and greatly reduce the number of unaccounted robes and linens.

Who does it benefit?

The most obvious beneficiaries of this time-saving and cost-saving technology are businesses in the hospitality and healthcare industries:

• Hotels and Resorts
• Spas and Medi-Spas
• Hospitals, Clinics and Medical Centers
• Nursing Homes
• Senior Living and Assisted Living Facilities

As we continue to achieve leaner, smarter hotel luxury in 2018, it’s important too that we get lean and smart with hotel operations. Inventory management systems are lifesavers behind-the-scenes, but they also have a dramatic impact on the guest experience.