Microsoft’s AR headset HoloLens is leading the way in augmented reality hardware for the modern enterprise, including in the construction industry. Recently, there was an announcement for hard hat solutions with Microsoft HoloLens that will finally provide the critical protection on a construction site. This is an important step for AR adoption, as field workers cannot use the headset without safety compliance. Without this roadblock ahead, let us review all available Microsoft HoloLens use cases for the construction industry.
For each use case, we have provided a video to give you a sense of the many ways the device and the technology could work on a construction site.
Smartphones and tablets helped the construction industry make the first step into the Digital Era. Now, it is time to go further with the new augmented reality media.
Below is an example of moving a Revit model into a HoloLens working environment, and how it looks like on a construction site — without the hassle with paper and all the time and energy for printing.
https://youtu.be/iV8hGdGmC7w?t=12s
2. Remote Support (Teleconferencing) in the Field
Here is Microsoft’s visionary presentation about collaboration on a construction site. You can spot an issue and connect with the Architecture & Design team to discuss the solution and proceed further.
https://youtu.be/kXVW4sUsh3A?t=1m28s
Also, see this demo showcasing live remote AR support. A technician wears Microsoft HoloLens in the field and collaborates with a support specialist, who uses a tablet and shares the view with the headset. The specialist leaves annotations that are visible in real world space, and the technician can quickly respond to them. This example does not involve construction, but the principles are all the same for the construction process.
https://youtu.be/GFhpAe10qnk?t=16s
3. 3D Model Superimposed on a Site
Models overlay is the most significant Microsoft HoloLens usage case. Today most of AEC engineers, architects, and designers are dealing with spatial objects and 3D representations on 2D screens. On the other hand, overlaying the model over the real world with AR allows for grasping it easier.
3.1. Architecture Design Review
Before AR, there were 3D renders and the ability to walk and fly through a model in VR. Now, architecture models can appear in the real world — overlayed over an intended construction site and accessed with HoloLens.
Below is an example of building model visualization in a city block with AR, which allows an architecture team to assess the look, feel, and consistency of a new structure.
https://youtu.be/uTXppaGGkpU?t=50s
Holograms eliminate the need for wood and plastic models. In the next video, an architect puts a model into the space between existing buildings and reviews holograms of the entire block on a meeting room table.
https://youtu.be/ey1B0ExtviE?t=16s
3.2. Structural models visualization
AR also allows to access wall and metal constructions — in the office or on the construction site.
The technology makes it easier to view material compositions and beam placement in new structures, as well as those that require additional enforcements.
https://youtu.be/pPdhLfI7LeM?t=15s
The next video shows rebars visualization on-site.
https://youtu.be/e8zSWXAYeIU
Process modeling for equipment movement and relocations are easier with AR, too. Will new machinery fit into the space, or should we move it down the hallway? Do we need to remove the additional wall to accommodate the size of equipment? With AR modeling and visualization, the team can see it in the real world space and make the right decision.
https://youtu.be/fagZfbohBW0?t=35s
3.3. MEP visualizations
Ductworks and pipes could be visualized before assembly to overview the entire scope and check for collisions. Elements can be layered and reviewed by separate layers, each visualized in a different, distinct color.
https://youtu.be/EUNdUajGttc?t=26s
AR is also useful in reviewing BIM models in the office, overlaying them on walls and ceilings:
https://youtu.be/NwqSVpMOAHI
3.4. Interior design review
Designers can work in HoloLens while making the selection of material and place layout. You can design right on the site, precisely matching the real model and the space. This helps to see the interplay of existing materials and the light on designed elements.
https://youtu.be/2MqGrF6JaOM?t=19s
3.5. Guided point layout
Prefabrication MEP engineers can use HoloLens to perform point layout on-site and mark all places for screws, hinges, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEHhTbOjMXA
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See IKEA’s standout demo prototype that uses Hololens and Vuforia SDK to assemble a chair. As simple as it sounds, the execution of the process and user experience are impeccable. The assembly is clear and easy to perform.
https://youtu.be/D_3kQjZe3U4
In the same way, we can assemble bigger structures on-site without having to consult paper plans, which allows to make the process simpler, clearer, and more efficient.
3.7. Guided check-lists with navigation
As HoloLens continuously builds and maintains the 3D map of the environment, it is possible to provide premises orientation and navigation for new employees on a construction facility or site.
AR would guide them with superimposed arrows, markers, and an informational panel that precisely aligns with halls, doorways, and equipment which helps to provide explanations.
4. Measurements and 3D scanning
HoloLens is building a 3D map as a mesh internally, and apps can use it to understand the environment around.
For example, here is our office in Palo Alto.
https://skfb.ly/6wwWN
4.1. Tape measurements
HoloLens organically replaces tape for measuring short-to-medium distances, and it is showing precision of up to 1/4 of an inch. Therefore, you can quickly make the necessary measurements of a site.
https://youtu.be/nHU-VrTs9Ow?t=20s
4.2. 3D Scans and reconstructions
HoloLens’s spatial mapping feature allows you to reconstruct a 3D model and recover the full plan.
See the video:
https://youtu.be/5s7biTm2OFk?t=14s
4.3. Clash detection on-site
Once you have a superimposed 3D model aligned in real space, you can see the clashes right away:
https://youtu.be/toPY0kVfZNc?t=14s
5. Employee Training
In construction, training is simpler when it is safe. AR headsets can be used for such unobtrusive and 100% safe training environment.
See an example of crane operator training.
https://youtu.be/gUkXDkeEOSM
6. Inspection
Augmented reality is also a practical means for marking issues with a gesture right where you see it. Here is how such integration into the real-world space works for Procore.
https://youtu.be/OQLPyozUpfY
Another solid example is an SRI prototype for inspections:
https://youtu.be/8lY4qaVvR8c
7. Post-Maintenance
If as-built models are properly maintained, you can carry out all subsequent repairs and maintenance jobs with AR, as it allows to see through walls and ceilings.
Here is a demo where an as-built model was reconstructed from the scan of an existing building.
https://youtu.be/vGePnLQSFxg
Conclusion
Gaining a broad support from the industry, Microsoft succeeds in moving HoloLens adoption to construction — to help it make the leap into the Digital Era and become more efficient. AR transforms a multitude of important construction processes in a practical way. To make use of potential, the construction industry still needs to build more specialized applications, integrate different ecosystems, and make them interoperable for a quicker approval in the field. Nevertheless, Microsoft HoloLens usage in the construction will rise without a doubt, as it is the primary facilitator of the industry’s digital transformation.
See the summary of all Microsoft HoloLens use cases broken down by the location of use.
Use Case
Main Location of Use
Office
Job Site
1. Hands-Free Access to Blueprints
v
v
2. Remote support (teleconferencing) on the field
v
3. 3D model superimposed on the site
v
3.1 Architecture design review
v
v
3.2 Structural models visualization
v
v
3.3 MEP visualizations
v
3.4 Interior design review
v
3.5 Guided Point Layout
v
3.6 Step-by-step assembly instructions
v
3.7 Guided check-lists with navigation
v
4. Measurements and 3D scanning
v
4.1 Tape measurements
v
4.2 3D Scans and reconstructions
v
4.3 Clash detection on site
v
5. Workers Training
v
v
6. Inspection
v
7. Post-Built Building Maintenance
v
Planning to improve your construction process productivity, but don't know where to start? Consult with our AR expert now.
The hospitality industry depends a lot on keeping customers happy, but it’s getting harder to attract and keep them. The pandemic hit this industry hard, and now market competition is tougher than ever, with competitive offerings swaying customers. Hospitality businesses are willing to spend big to win customers back. The main questions for many are: how can we stay ahead of the competition, keep our customers, and increase revenue? Keep reading—we’ve got some answers.
Customers today have so many options that getting their attention is a real challenge. It’s not easy to make them choose your business over others. What worked 10 years ago doesn’t work the same way now. Back then, people often chose businesses based on reputation. But with new types of businesses (boutique hotels, craft cafes) popping up or big enterprises getting a new strategy, expectations have changed. The good news is these businesses have shown what works: great customer service. They focus on personalizing the experience, making things easy for customers, offering loyalty programs, and using smart technology.
In this article, we’ll explore these tech strategies and show you how they can help your business grow, and double the revenue. Keep reading to learn more!
The Importance of Customer Satisfaction in the Hospitality Industry
Customer satisfaction, which equals exceptional customer experience, is the backbone of the hospitality industry. It plays a central role in driving revenue and loyalty, as satisfied customers are more likely to return and recommend a hotel, restaurant, or other hospitality business to others. In fact, a study by the Harvard Business Review found that a 1% increase in customer satisfaction can lead to a 0.5% increase in revenue. Moreover, loyal customers are more likely to forgive mistakes and continue doing business with a company, even if they experience a negative encounter.
Let's quickly review the challenges the hospitality industry is facing right now so we can move on to the solutions and our case studies.
Challenges in Hospitality
As businesses navigate the changes in the hospitality industry, there are some key areas where a little improvement can go a long way. From improving customer service to embracing digital transformation and tackling labor shortages, we’ll take a closer look at today’s biggest challenges—and, more importantly, how technology can step in to help. Let’s get started!
Poor Customer Service
Even with strong and high-quality business offerings, poor customer service can drive potential customers and existing customers away. Common issues include:
Long wait times in customer service queues (it is worth remembering that our attention spans 8 seconds, and we live in a very busy world, so quick and efficient responses are more important than ever.)
Poorly trained customer service representatives
Lack of follow-up
Services not being done properly or quickly
Recall issues that require multiple service calls
These problems can frustrate customers. But, at Intellectsoft, we believe that the right approach, combined with technology, can address them effectively.
Digital Transformation Gaps
Approximately 50% of hotels are adopting new technologies, with 43% automating repetitive tasks and 39% upgrading existing systems. Source: workstaff.app
While many businesses are adopting digital solutions, some still struggle with outdated systems and fragmented data. Legacy companies often face chaos when trying to manage their data and create new systems or add features.
Some of the recent examples include clients coming to us to create AI solutions for their services while their data simply was not ready for the advanced tasks. We advise stepping back, communicating with a company objective, and working on keeping the data clean (centralized, structured, and segmented).
When we’re asked to create advanced systems using AI, we always emphasize the importance of organized data. To train AI and build such complicated systems that truly work, you need to start from the very beginning—collecting, storing, centralizing, and organizing it. We encourage our clients to align all departments to work internally on the data so we can create a unified digital system that delivers personalized experiences.
If you’re unsure where to start with your data, we can help. Collecting feedback at various touchpoints along the customer journey is crucial for gaining insights into customer satisfaction and loyalty. Book an IT consultation with us, and our experts will guide you in mapping out a path to get more from your data and build a system that works for your business and team.
Reskilling Staff
The pandemic hit hard in early 2020, especially for the hospitality and travel industries. Even five years later, many businesses are still feeling the impact. Recruiting and retaining skilled staff has become a major challenge post-pandemic.
Reskilling to address technology’s impact is of utmost importance, as about 40% of hotel General Managers place it among their top three workforce challenges.
We strongly believe that adopting the right technology can help. For example, creating an app to train your staff not only saves time but also ensures consistency in learning. AI assistants can also work alongside your team, helping with tasks like recruitment (providing industry insights, crafting emails) and staff training. Imagine having an app dedicated to making your team’s work easier and more efficient!
How Technology Tackles These Challenges and Supports a Customer-Centric Hospitality Culture
Automation, AI, and similar technologies may threaten many. However, the debate about replacing humans isn’t about that—it’s about cooperation and working hand in hand with technology to achieve the highest standards and establish brand-new “golden standards.” Technology is here to assist staff in listening to and collecting customer insights from data.
Let’s review some of our cases to see examples of how technology helps improve customer experience and supports customer service.
Examples of Intellectsoft projects
Property management systems (PMS)
We created a web platform and mobile app that makes managing daily tasks easier and offers extra services to improve residents’ experience. It gives a clear overview of daily activities and helps with managing units and users. Residents can easily book amenities, submit service requests, and report incidents. The platform also includes features for equipment management, key instructions, workflows, and custom permissions. This makes it easier for staff to stay on top of equipment and ensure residents have all the information they need. Plus, tools like announcements, quick votes, a forum, and a community calendar help build a connected and engaged community.
Guest Experience Management App
Our next app helped our client improve their guest experience by replacing printed marketing materials and the need for phone calls with a smart solution. Now, guests can easily order in-room dining, make reservations, and interact with staff— through a simple tablet in their room. The solution includes three parts: a custom in-room tablet with a variety of services, an admin panel for hotel staff and service providers, and a backend system that connects everything together. This approach makes things easier for guests and staff, improving both convenience and efficiency.
Existing Customers First: Building Loyalty with Personalized Touchpoints
Keeping existing customers is not just a strategy; it’s well-known that retaining existing customers is more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. In fact, research shows that it costs five times more to acquire a new customer than to retain an existing one. KPMG named customer retention as the number one revenue driver for the company.
Moreover, a 5% increase in customer retention can lead to a 25% to 95% increase in profits, showing the significant impact loyal customers can have on a business’s bottom line. Retention strategies, like personalized experiences and loyalty programs, can foster long-term relationships and generate recurring revenue, ultimately making them an invaluable part of any business model.
Personalization: How Technology Can Help?
Everyone loves to feel special—it’s part of being human. In hospitality, personalization has evolved from being a luxury to an essential standard. With the right technology to manage your data effectively, you can deliver those “wow” moments that guests won’t forget.
More than half of hotel chains are already using personalization features on their websites, booking platforms, and apps, and another 39% are planning to follow suit soon. They’re tailoring experiences to fit guest preferences perfectly.
Source: Deloitte
How does technology make it happen?
CRM Systems: They help you keep track of guest preferences, booking history, and special requests so you can offer services tailored just for them.
Loyalty Programs: Personalized rewards and offers show your guests that you value them, keeping them coming back for more.
AI Personalization: AI analyzes guest data to predict what they’ll love (from room upgrades to local recommendations) before they even ask.
IoT Gadgets: Smart room features like voice-activated assistants, or temperature controls adjust to your guests’ preferences, making their stay more comfortable.
With tech-powered personalization, you’re building loyalty and maximizing the lifetime value of every customer.
Our Case Study: Smart Hotel Management & Loyalty Program
For one of our clients, we created a smart room solution, complete with a custom IoT system. Guests can use a mobile app to control services, explore amenities, and find resort information-- with a special touch to their suite type. For the client’s entertainment business, we improved their legacy software by running a full IT and code check, fixing issues, and making the system better for customers.
Along with that, we developed a mobile app for the loyalty program, allowing businesses to effortlessly reward their customers and keep them engaged with exclusive benefits.
Our solutions not only helped the client with special experiences for guests; it also improved operations, cutting costs by eliminating inefficiencies. Here's what our experts shared:
"We transitioned away from ESB (Enterprise Service Bus) systems, which previously cost millions, and replaced them with more efficient, self-managed solutions. Similarly, we’ve implemented Device Farms that improved operations and saved resources."
Leveraging Software to Increase Upsell Opportunities
Here are some examples of tech tactics that will help your team sell more and introduce new offerings to existing customers, improve overall efficiency leaving your team grateful:
Dynamic Pricing Algorithms
For finance and marketing teams, manually calculating pricing by segment to introduce your clients can be incredibly challenging. AI-powered tools can strongly optimize these strategies by analyzing your database in detail.
Upselling via Apps
Boosting revenue in the hospitality business often comes down to personalized experiences. Imagine this: a guest books a room, and then your app suggests a spa package or a room upgrade at just the right moment. Later, it nudges them to book a dinner reservation or a guided tour designed to their preferences. With apps offering these personalized recommendations during and after bookings, you’re not just increasing your revenue per guest but also skyrocketing their experience. And you do it in a sustainable way, not by speculating, but by offering what your customers desire based on their previous experiences. It’s a win-win: seamless, helpful, and far from pushy.
Inventory and Resource Management Software
Making every resource count in your hospitality business is key. Inventory and resource management software allows you to effortlessly track everything from linens to room availability, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Having real-time insights to reduce overstock, avoid shortages, and optimize operations assists sustainably keep everything under control and know what you need to focus more. It helps maximize room occupancy by aligning bookings with available resources, ensuring every room and item is used effectively. This approach leads to smarter management, better guest experiences, and a noticeable boost to your bottom line.
Adopting these strategies not only optimizes your operations but also drives business growth. Ready to discover how technology can elevate your goals? We’re here to create a tailored solution for you.
Steps For Implementing a Customer Service Technology Solution
Improving customer service in hospitality doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right technology, you can smooth the path of your operations, speed up response times, and elevate the overall guest experience. Here’s where you can make it happen:
1. Understand Your Needs
Start by identifying the challenges your business is facing. Are you struggling to manage high volumes of inquiries, track customer feedback, or personalize the guest experience? Pinpointing your needs will guide you to the best solutions.
2. Pick the Right Tools
Choose technology that aligns with your goals. Look for solutions that are scalable, easy to use, and integrate effortlessly with your current systems. Options like CRM software, live chat tools, or a guest experience app can make a difference.
3. Equip Your Team
Technology is only as effective as the people using it. Train your staff to make the most of the new tools, so they can deliver exceptional service and resolve issues quickly. Confident, well-equipped staff creates happy, loyal customers.
4. Keep Improving
Once implemented, monitor how well the solution works. Are response times improving? Are customers more satisfied? Regular evaluations will help you fine-tune your approach and keep things running harmoniously.
Some Tech Ideas for Hospitality Businesses
CRM Software: Manage customer interactions and preferences.
Guest Experience Apps: Delight guests with personalized experiences right at their fingertips.
Amenity Management Systems: Simplify operations for everything from room service to facility bookings.
Live Chat Tools: Offer instant support and answers.
Social Media Management Tools: Keep customer interactions engaging and organized.
Integrating these strategies will not only improve your customer service but also deliver unforgettable customer satisfaction, loyalty, and, ultimately, your bottom line. Ready to take the next step? Book a consultation with our experts.
Conclusion
To wrap up everything we've discussed, customer satisfaction and experience are at the heart of hospitality. Retaining customers is more than just keeping them around—building strong, long-lasting relationships and consistently meeting their evolving needs. By understanding their pain points and offering personalized solutions, you can inspire loyalty and drive progress. With the right technology and continuous improvement, your business can stay ahead, let go of what no longer serves you, and keep growing.
At Intellectsoft, with over 17 years of experience in software development, our expert team is ready to help. We create everything from mobile apps to full-fledged portals and systems, leveraging the latest technologies like AI, Cloud, and Machine Learning. With deep experience in the hospitality industry, we’re here to craft personalized solutions that bring your business unforgettable customer experience and retain your valuable clients.
Ready to double your revenue and level up your customer retention strategy with personalized technology? Contact our experts, and we look forward to working hand in hand with you to build or revitalize the perfect app or system for you.
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