Background

The Scandic Hotels Group AB, comprising 280 hotels across six countries, resumed its technological upgrade project in 2022 after a pandemic-induced hiatus. The flagship hotel, Hotel Continental in Stockholm, was selected as the pilot site for the Clevertouch solution. Known for its central location and bustling conference centre, Hotel Continental provided the ideal environment to test and showcase the new technology.

The Transformation

The project was led by Scandic Sweden's AV Gatekeeper, Peter Novara, who was impressed with the interactivity and ease of use of the Clevertouch displays. The tech upgrade was fully supported by forward-thinking Hotel Manager, Jennifer Janmark, who could see the benefits of installing the Clevertouch displays into every meeting room. 

The decision to equip all rooms with Clevertouch screens was driven by the goal of improving communication and creating a demand for advanced in-room technology. The Clevertouch screens, including models with 98”, 86”, 75”, and 65” displays, were integrated into meeting rooms. The screens were complemented by CleverLive functionality, enabling seamless and instant communication from a central point.

Training was identified as a crucial aspect to ensure staff proficiency with the new technology. Comprehensive training sessions were conducted to familiarise the staff with the Clevertouch system. To prepare guests, tutorial videos were sent during the pre-arrival phase, providing instructions on using the in-room technology and enhancing the overall guest experience.

The implementation of Clevertouch aimed to replace traditional paper folders with digital communication, streamlining the dissemination of information such as agendas and safety protocols. Clevertouch screens featured user-friendly launchers designed to simplify guest interactions. Key functionalities included internet access, whiteboard usage, and hotel information, all accessible via a few intuitive buttons.

Mr Novara played a pivotal role in evaluating and approving AV products. His focus was on ensuring the new technology would positively impact guest experiences. Meeting rooms were equipped with CleverCast, allowing multiple users to share content seamlessly. This feature addressed one of the key customer requirements; the need for quick and easy content sharing.

Robust security measures were implemented, including Mobile Device Management (MDM) for remote troubleshooting and support. This ensured that any issues could be promptly addressed, providing a secure and reliable experience for guests and team members.

Future Steps

• Further training on MDM and advanced features of Clevertouch is planned to continually improve staff proficiency and guest experience. 
   
• Expanding the use of Clevertouch technology to additional hotels within the group, replicating the successful implementation at Hotel Continental.