As future leaders and consumers of the industry, EHL students generate fresh ideas and offer insights into potential uses for the latest technology that is transforming the hospitality industry

The Internet of Things (IoT) has great potential in the hospitality industry. It can help hotels improve guest experiences and reduce operating costs, but it can also be difficult to implement. A group of students from EHL Hospitality Business School tackled this topic for the Intel Corporation when the company sponsored a Student Business Project (SBP) seeking new ideas for uses of the IoT in hospitality.

How does the Internet of Things (IoT) apply to Hotels?
The term IoT describes physical objects that are embedded with sensors, software, processing ability, and other technologies that connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the Internet or communications networks. The sensors provide vital information for smoother, more efficient, and more intelligent operations.

In hospitality, the IoT has many uses and implications. Hotel companies can use connected sensors to save electricity by dimming lighting or reducing the heating and cooling in unoccupied rooms. They can detect, or even predict when a refrigerator or AC unit needs replacing or servicing. Hotel guests can use their smartphone to check-in and unlock their room, order room service, or set a wake-up call. Then, companies can use this information about their preferences (with permission) to customize their next stay. And that’s just the start. As the devices and systems advance in the IoT, so do the opportunities for IoT uses in restaurants, events, transportation, entertainment, leisure, and healthcare businesses.

The INTEL Challenge: IoT Solutions for Hospitality
The potential savings and positive impacts of IoT in hospitality are astounding, but the implementation is not always easy. To help Intel’s leadership team understand the challenges that are preventing hospitality companies from implementing IoT solutions and identify new opportunities for clients, EHL students put their minds, and their studies, to the test to research and present possible solutions. This is what they found:

“The students helped Intel understand that IoT is of most interest to certain types of hotels and hospitality properties, and above all, to asset managers - since it helps to increase the value of assets and reduce overheads and spending. IoT leads to clarity on the make-up and structure of a hospitality building, especially where managers, operators, and owners are concerned,” said Mr. Ian Millar, who is the manager of EHL’s Institute of Business Creativity, a Student Business Project (SBP) coach, and senior lecturer with 20 years of experience.

“However, it’s hard to impose IoT technology on a franchised hotel structure due to potential current contracts. IoT is more suited to luxury and upper-upscale than to 3-star or below, simply due to the costs involved and the complexity of the technology stack,” he explained.

“Serviced apartments and residence-style accommodation are the fastest growing market in Europe. This expanding niche market suits IoT facilities with sensors embedded in curtains, heating, lighting, fridge, etc. to facilitate a busy person’s stay – and yet still feel like a home,” Mr. Millar concluded. Another important takeaway was how IoT can optimize behind-the-scenes operations. Back-of-house and engineering departments can benefit enormously from the technology that IoT offers because it is mainly sensor-based and therefore linked heavily to the physical asset (i.e., the building).

“Intel is committed to empowering the next generation of hospitality leaders and working with our partners to provide the technology and solutions to enhance guest experiences. Sponsoring an EHL Student Business Project as part of this commitment was something we really value at Intel. The students were knowledgeable, professional, and passionate. Their findings will influence the industry and have helped drive Intel’s hospitality strategy for 2021 and beyond.”

Joe Jensen, VP, Internet of Things Group - General Manager, Retail, Banking, Hospitality & Education, Intel.

Future-Ready Hospitality Education
This project is just one example of how EHL prepares students to lead the industry with forward-looking courses and cross-industry business exposure. Industry challenges, consulting projects, and specialized courses taught by experts from the field are a regular part of EHL’s Bachelor’s Degree in International Hospitality Management, offered on EHL campuses in Switzerland and Singapore. This exposure to the industry gives EHL students unique insights into the realities of hospitality while developing their real-world experience and career network for future success.

As the global reference in hospitality education and business consulting, EHL Hospitality Business School (founded in 1893 as the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne) has been conducting Student Business Projects (SBP) for over 20 years. Since 2000, EHL students have completed SBP mandates for over 600 companies under the guidance of experienced faculty coaches. The results of these projects are not just theoretical. Approximately one out of every two SBP solutions are adopted by the company, and 20% of students go on to be hired by the company for which they did their SBP.

Up-to-Date Hospitality Courses for Every Profile
Hospitality is undergoing huge changes at high speed in the wake of the global pandemic. To prepare professionals and organizations for the future of the industry, EHL offers a wide range of continually updated courses. For young students, EHL offers undergraduate degrees, pre-university courses, and vocational training. EHL’s bachelor’s degree in hospitality is delivered in Switzerland and Singapore. For recent graduates to executives, the school offers graduate programs, such as the Master in Hospitality Management, MBA, and EMBA. Plus, EHL offers a multitude of online courses and certificates that cover the latest technology and trends, a great option for upskilling managers and teams in any hospitality or service organization.

Discover the complete academic portfolio at www.ehl.edu