2005-10

Bell Canada and the Ambassador Conference Resort recently completed a wireless technology trial that introduced a state of the art cashless vending system to the hospitality industry. 

SMB and Enterprise news from Bell - October 2005

 

 Please also view this article at SMB and Enterprise news from Bell

 

Update: Success for Canada's First Wireless and Cashless Vending Machine Trial

 

Bell Canada and the Ambassador Conference Resort recently completed a wireless technology trial that introduced a state of the art cashless vending system to the hospitality industry. 

The cashless vending machine technology trial began in March 2005 and concluded this past June. This trial was the first in Canada to combine both mobile phone and card key technologies over a wireless network in the same trial period.

A truly guest centric hospitality service, Ambassador guests were able to either swipe their hotel room key card through the vending machine's card reader or use their mobile phone to directly purchase a variety of Coca-Cola beverages from waters and 100 per cent juices to soft drinks, juice drinks and ice teas. Guests that participated in the cashless vending machine technology trial had applicable charges appear on their invoice at final check-out.

A Resounding Success: Overwhelming results included an increase in sales, no instances of attempted vandalism to the machines and most significantly, improved guest experience.

Additionally: 

  • customer experience and feedback extremely positive

  • Proprietor feedback 100% - guest service and experience

  • System reliability 99.9% (environmental factors make up the remaining 0.1%)

"The owners, management and staff of the Ambassador are absolutely delighted with the cashless vending program and we want to keep it forever. The ease of use, the convenience for our guests, the absolute elimination of attempted vandalism to these vending machines, the increase in usage... this is definitely a WIN, WIN, WIN, WIN solution. We are indeed privileged and fortunate to have been considered as the test pilot for this exciting, innovative technology advance."

- Venicio Rebelo, General Manager, Ambassador Conference Resort -

This solution was delivered by Bell Canada and achievable through strategic partnerships, industry expertise and technology collaboration with the following companies:

Coca-Cola Bottling Company - a wholly-owned subsidiary of Coca-Cola Enterprises, Coca-Cola Bottling Company is a recognized leader in innovation for the beverage industry and is committed to finding new a progressive solutions to meet the needs of consumers.

cStar Technologies - A global provider of wireless (LAN/WAN) data communication solutions for M2M (Machine-to-Machine/Men)and mobile commerce applications. Protected by multiple patents, its core solutions include cashless, wireless vending complemented with remote data management tools and RFID Invisible Tags for cross-border security management. URL: www.cstartech.com

Kaba Ilco Inc. - Kaba Lodging Systems, a member of the Kaba Group, provides guest and staff access control at the Ambassador Conference Resort and used its new ATLAS web based system to interface with the RSI property management system, remotely hosted 3,000 miles (5,000KM) away.

RSI International Systems Inc. - RSI web-based software solution handles the vending transaction from credit authorization to transaction billing to hotel guest's room folio. URL www.rsiintl.com

The Cashless Vending System continues in operation at the Ambassador Conference Resort while Bell Canada and partners review potential future applications.