Everything we do seems to have an app that claims it will make our tasks simpler to accomplish. They promise ease of use, the ability to spend more time with customers and less time micromanaging employees, and deeper insight into all aspects of our operations. But which apps actually deliver on these promises? Take a look at these 7 apps that are used by big names in the hospitality and service industries.
Payment Apps
By now, we all know about Android Pay. Clearly, that speaks to the popularity of this mobile payment app. The benefits are simplicity, speed and security. Adding to that list are the ability for the app to apply loyalty points and offers automatically (at select merchants), and the number of locations that accept Android Pay.
Available for use at: Fuddruckers, Panera, Rubio’s
Restaurants and hotels are among the one million (and growing) locations at which customers can use Apple Pay. Arguably the main competitor to Android Pay, Apple’s mobile payment app can be used via iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch. Security, speed and ease of use are three of the biggest benefits to Apple Pay users.
Coming to: Renaissance Hotels, Marriott, Regal Cinemas
Concierge Apps
In LoungeUp’s own words, the app “enables prestigious establishments to offer even more to their guests, with a complete presentation of all the services they offer which can be reserved in just a few clicks,” allowing hotel operators to make themselves “closer and even more available to your guests while adding a modern touch to the experience you offer. The LoungeUp solutions enable you to convey to guests your brand image and service quality at each point of their stay.” Users of the app are able to personalize their stay deeply, from transferring luxury cars to booking hotels to making unique requests.
Available for use at: Heritage Resorts, Best Western, Choice Hotels
Billed as “personal luxury at your fingertips,” this app is exclusive to Hilton’s Conrad Hotels & Resorts. The reason we’ve included it here is to encourage operators to consider building their own concierge app. Conrad Concierge gives users the ability to plan, manage and customize their experience, a growing trend across all segments of the hospitality and service industries. Customers expect personalization, and a user-friendly concierge app can deliver on that demand and elevate their experience (and loyalty).
Available exclusively at: Conrad Hotels & Resorts
Operations Apps
If you’re looking for an effective solution for collecting and acting upon the operations and compliance data you’re collecting, Squadle may be the answer. Says one Sonic franchisee, “Squadle replaced my antiquated paper systems in minutes. It saves me time and my managers love it. It’s a no-brainer.” Squadle features include cloud-based dashboards that give users access anywhere at any time, checklists, zone thermometers, operational tools, and more.
Used by: Hyatt, Sonic
A testimonial for Jolt from a Buffalo Wild Wings franchisee reads, “My employee productivity has skyrocketed. Not only has Jolt saved my managers over two hours of work every day, but I have seen a direct increase in my profitability per store.” Users can create tasks and checklists, generate forms and inspections, build and distribute information libraries, schedule employees, track time and attendance, eliminate fraudulent punches, share information with and quiz employees, centralize important information, and even create date code labels.
Used by: The Melting Pot, Buffalo Wild Wings, Smashburger
This app is designed to help you avoid your “shift” from hitting the fan. ShiftNote improves communication on all levels, save time, minimize labor costs, and maximize sales by tracking all types of stats. Users can access it from anywhere, attach documents, receive reports and alerts (such as overtime detection), schedule from scratch or via template, and do much, much more.
Used by: Golden Nugget, California Pizza Kitchen, Red Robin