Every month our colleague Bridget Donofrio offers us, directly from the VDA Telkonet headquarters in the United States, her personal point of view on the latest innovations in terms of technology, sustainability and energy saving to help hotel and non-hotel establishments remain competitive.
Let’s read together her article for Bridget’s Suite January 2024.
Hotels aim to provide their guests with exceptional experiences while optimizing operational efficiency. Two essential systems used in hotels are Energy Management Systems (EMS) and Guest Room Management Systems (GRMS). While both systems contribute to sustainability and guest comfort, they serve different purposes. In this article, we will explore the key differences between EMS and GRMS and understand their significance in the hotel industry.
Rhapsody – Telkonet’s Latest Energy Management System (EMS)
Energy Management Systems are designed to monitor, control, and optimize energy consumption within a hotel. These systems help hotels reduce energy waste, lower costs, and enhance sustainability efforts.
One key feature of Telkonet’s Rhapsody EMS is its ability to monitor energy usage, which it does in real time. Rhapsody provides insights into consumption patterns and identifies pockets of inefficiency. It monitors electricity, HVAC systems, lighting, and other energy-consuming devices.
Rhapsody enables automated controls. Specifically, Rhapsody enables hotels to automate energy-saving measures such as temperature adjustments, lighting control, and occupancy-based settings. It ensures that energy-consuming equipment is only operational when necessary, reducing unnecessary energy consumption.
Rhapsody integrates with utility providers to participate in demand response programs. During peak energy demand periods, hotels can reduce their energy consumption in exchange for financial incentives or reduced utility rates. EMS helps hotels actively contribute to the stability of the energy grid.
Rhapsody generates comprehensive reports on energy consumption, cost savings, and environmental impact. Hotels can use this data to identify trends, set energy-saving goals, and measure the effectiveness of energy conservation measures.
Etheos – VDA’s Latest Guest Room Management System (GRMS)
I recently spent a head-spinning week at VDA headquarters learning as much as I could about the Etheos GRMS. (Are Italians familiar with the phrase, “drinking from a fire hose?” Remind me to ask them!) Guest Room Management Systems focus on enhancing guest comfort and convenience within individual hotel rooms. These systems provide guests with control over various room features, creating a personalized and enjoyable stay.
One key feature of VDA’s Etheos platform is room automation. Etheos allows guests to control various aspects of their room, including temperature, lighting, curtains, and entertainment systems, through the central control platform.
Guests can customize their room environment according to their preferences, enhancing comfort and convenience.
Etheos promotes energy efficiency by providing guests with the ability to easily manage energy-consuming devices in their room.
Guests can turn off lights, adjust thermostats, and activate energy-saving modes when leaving the room, contributing to overall energy conservation efforts. And wait until you see the elegant, high-end control designs!
Etheos promotes safety and security by integrating with security systems, allowing guests to control door locks and access their rooms using key cards or mobile apps. In Europe, Etheos also includes safety features such as emergency pulls. I’ve seen this in my past travels to Italy and have since learned that they’re standard in Europe. They’re available in the US as well.
Etheos excels at enabling hotels to provide personalized guest services and notifications. Hotels can send automated welcome messages, room service requests, and information about hotel amenities through the GRMS platform, enhancing guest engagement and satisfaction.
Etheos monitors room status continuously. Etheos provides hotel staff with real-time information on room occupancy and guest preferences. In this manner, hotels can clean rooms efficiently.
By implementing an EMS or GRMS systems effectively, hotels can achieve sustainable operations, reduce energy waste, enhance guest comfort, and improve overall guest satisfaction. These systems contribute significantly to the success of hotels by promoting energy efficiency, enhancing guest experiences, and aligning with sustainability goals.
In an industry where guest satisfaction and sustainability are paramount, the integration of either the Rhapsody or Etheos systems allows hotels to strike a balance between operational efficiency, environmental responsibility, and exceptional guest experiences.
