How to cope with extra business without hiring extra staff
Restaurants and hotels gearing up for the Olympics are confronted with the problem of dealing with extra business. One solution is to take on extra staff. But that brings its own problems. Hospitality communications specialist Call Systems Technology (CST) has another solution: use technology to become more efficient. It’s cheaper than hiring extra staff, even on a temporary basis, and it will deliver long-term savings.
With CST’s ‘ServiceCall’ buttons, fewer staff can handle more customers. The Call buttons are strategically placed – in lounges and reception areas, on coffee shop and restaurant tables, and so on – and the customer simply pushes them to call for service. The button sends an alert to the relevant members of staff, telling them the location of the customer.
Just in time for the Olympics, CST has launched a wide range of new finishes for the Call button housings. They include wood, Perspex, aluminium and up to 92 different Corian colours and finishes, in a choice of shapes and sizes. The face can hold the hotel’s logo and colours. CST can also supply bespoke units.
Each ServiceCall unit has up to five call-buttons, which can be used to call for separate services – service, the bill and so on. Because it is wireless, ServiceCall is very easy to install and there are no intrusive cables to worry about. It’s also economic to buy and running costs are virtually zero.
“Call buttons improve the customers’ experience and make staff more effective because they focus attention where it’s needed, without having to monitor out-of-sight areas,” says CST sales director Bruce McNair. “So it’s possible to provide excellent service, even if the site is extra-busy, without the need to hire extra staff. In addition, we estimate installing a ServiceCall system in a restaurant can improve efficiency by 25% or more.”
As a stand-alone unit, ServiceCall provides a valuable customer service. However, when used in conjunction with CST’s packaged communications software, Genesis, it can escalate alerts, monitor response times and log them all. This can deliver useful management data, including individual staff efficiency, and show areas of weakness or strength.
“This is real-time data, which means management can instantly see a new problem area and act to remedy it,” says Bruce McNair. “During peak periods, especially exceptional ones like the Olympic Games, this knowledge can prevent unexpected problems becoming major crises.”
Genesis can also monitor building alerts and fire doors and prevent false evacuations. Genesis is compatible with standard Windows software and makes it easy to communicate with staff anywhere on site using vibration or tone alerts and text messages to pagers, DECT handsets and two-way radios. When interfaced to a PABX system, pre-set messages can also be sent to personnel from any telephone, on or off site.
The ServiceCall and Genesis package can be used for any application where customers need to call for service or help. The variety of potential uses means that ServiceCall is available in several formats, such as TableCall, ButlerCall and ConferenceCall, as well as a single-button variant called EasyCall often used in outdoor areas.
For details freephone Call Systems Technology on 0800 389 5642 or 020 8381 1338, email the company at sales@call-systems.com or visit the CST website www.call-systems.com/perfect-service.