If you had a dollar for every time you heard artificial intelligence or “AI” mentioned for the past year, you would know the rest of the word. And just as words begin to lose their meaning when they are repeated too many times, the debate surrounding the breakneck adoption of artificial intelligence technology is also beginning to lose some of its impact. Working in hospitality technology, I have a pretty intimate understanding of the transformative power of digital tools that leverage the power of AI and machine learning (ML).
But I am also keenly aware that at a critical turning point in the adoption of new technologies, a certain enthusiasm is beginning to spread throughout the masses. Often, “early adopters” of something new and untested feel unstable and risky, whereas “late adopters” of something that promises to change the way we live and work often feel unstable and risky. ” feels just as (if not more) abhorrent. No one wants to be late to the party of the century. In moments like these, it feels like every business owner is trying to burst through the door at once.
The world of hospitality, and more specifically hospitality technology, is currently experiencing an influx of platforms that promise to harness the power of AI to unlock new levels of efficiency, profitability, and guest engagement. The ensuing platform landscape is both exciting and overwhelming for hospitality brands in the market looking for technology upgrades or overhauls. What is the difference between one AI platform and another? Beyond the buzzwords, what does it mean to be “AI-powered”? What does it mean to be “AI-native,” also known as AI-first? Are all AI-powered platforms created equal?
development process
AI-native platforms are built from the ground up with AI as a key component. This enables all platform features to take full advantage of AI, from its fundamentals to how it interacts with users. This full integration of AI makes the platform more productive and easier to use.
By comparison, traditional systems are first developed without the use of AI. Adding AI later typically requires significant changes, which can lead to compatibility issues and service disruptions. Additionally, the system was not originally designed for AI, so it may not be able to take advantage of AI's full potential.
AI-native platforms are also data-focused. AI relies heavily on data to learn and function, so these platforms are built to efficiently process large amounts of data. This stands out from traditional systems, which often struggle to manage the data loads that AI requires.
Additionally, developing an AI native platform is an ongoing process. AI is constantly learning and improving over time, so the platform never stops evolving. In contrast, traditional systems are typically built all at once and upgrades are released as separate versions.
Finally, building an AI-native platform typically involves a team of different experts, including data scientists, AI specialists, and software engineers. This team effort will fine-tune the platform in every direction to align with AI. In traditional systems, development teams typically lack this breadth of expertise.
What is the difference between an AI-first platform and a traditional system upgrade?
AI-native platforms are designed with artificial intelligence at their core and have inherently higher capabilities than traditional systems that incorporate AI as an afterthought. This increased functionality is achieved by leveraging machine learning algorithms from the beginning, allowing us to continuously learn, adapt, and improve. While AI can be effectively leveraged in a variety of ways, there are undeniable advantages for systems specifically designed to take advantage of AI's full potential. AI is seamlessly integrated into every aspect of these platforms, from architecture to user interface, increasing efficiency and effectiveness.
Simply put, an AI-first platform is like a custom home, with all the exact finishes, features, and add-ons you want from the beginning, rather than retrofitting an existing building. After all, major renovations can be difficult, especially if the original structure was not built with those features in mind. Similarly, traditional systems are typically developed without AI in mind, so adding AI later often requires significant changes to existing systems.
Here are the top five benefits of an AI-first platform:
1. Improved user experience
We know that the foundation of a great app is a great user experience. Fortunately, AI-native platforms have AI capabilities built into their DNA, resulting in a more consistent and intuitive experience that learns from user behavior and preferences to deliver new levels of personalization. A user interface is provided.
In addition, users will benefit from smoother workflows, enhanced predictive analytics, intelligent automation, and adaptive capabilities based on personal needs and preferences, significantly increasing productivity and user satisfaction, and improving deployment efficiency. You can remove barriers.
2. Advanced data insights and decision intelligence
When it comes to extracting meaningful, actionable insights from vast amounts of data, AI-native platforms are in a unique space. By leveraging sophisticated algorithms, we can deliver accurate decision intelligence, not just recommendations, giving hoteliers actionable insights that drive revenue growth and competitive advantage. .
3. Faster integration and ecosystem connectivity
AI-native platforms can also help eliminate concerns about data integration challenges. Unlike traditional platforms that can be burdened by data silos and struggle to process large amounts of data, these systems are designed to seamlessly and efficiently collect, process, and analyze large amounts of data. Masu. And in the world of hospitality, data is a valuable currency.
These platforms are designed to seamlessly integrate with other software systems and third-party applications, creating a connected ecosystem that enhances interoperability and data exchange. Whether integrating with property management systems, channel managers, or guest feedback platforms, interoperability allows hotels to leverage the full potential of their technology stack and unlock new opportunities for innovation and growth. Masu.
4. Continuous improvement with machine learning
To stay ahead of ever-changing guest preferences and industry trends, hospitality brands must invest in technology that makes their properties more agile and adaptable. One of the key benefits of AI-first technology is its ability to continuously learn and adapt to changing conditions, providing flexibility and agility that traditional systems lack. These platforms analyze feedback, performance data, and market trends through machine learning algorithms to refine recommendations and forecasts over time. This iterative improvement process allows AI-native platforms to remain relevant and effective in an ever-changing and increasingly competitive landscape.
5. Cost-effective and future-proof solution
Platforms built from the ground up using AI tend to be more robust, intuitive, scalable, and cost-effective in the long run. Although initial development costs can be high, the efficiency and robust functionality they offer can result in significant cost savings over time. On the other hand, traditional systems often require additional costs for upgrades and maintenance, especially if you try to integrate AI after the system is built.
There's a reason everyone is talking about it. The next frontier of great hospitality services is undoubtedly powered by AI, and now is the time to embrace AI-native technologies. With the right investments in the right technology, hospitality and travel brands can stay on top with the agility and foresight to adapt to market demands.
About FLYR
FLYR is a technology company purpose-built for the travel industry. Powered by deep learning, an advanced form of AI, FLYR helps airlines, cargo, and hospitality industries around the world improve their performance. FLYR enables businesses to improve revenue performance and modernize their e-commerce experience through accurate forecasting, automation, and analytics. For more information, please visit flyr.com. For more information, visit flyr.com/hospitality.
Stephanie Normand
Vice President of Marketing
FLYR (formerly Pace Revenue)
