RSS 2.0 FeedJanuary 2009, Mobile Universe
Hitting the Slopes with RFID
Would you try to run a delivery service with a horse and cart? How about a hospital with a tablet of paper? Of course you wouldn’t! The point is that there are a surprising number of companies who are not taking advantage of the opportunities to improve their business through the use of mobile and wireless technology.
Back in the ‘80’s and early ‘90’s, when companies were looking at how to improve their business processes, some forward-thinking organizations recognized that computers inside of “the 4 walls” of the office were not improving things that were happening outside those walls. At that time, there were no wireless networks other than private, radio networks. Coverage was sparse to non-existent so mobility was, by necessity, limited to data collection in the best-case scenario. Today, of course, coverage is ubiquitous, however, we still see companies primarily focused inside the 4 walls (and tied to a desk), even though the opportunity to both reduce costs and improve performance exists by focusing on wireless and outside.
Take Vail Resorts for example. Here is an example of a really forward-thinking organization who clearly asked the question, “How can technology reduce our costs, while at the same time improve our customer experience?” And, they came up with a creative solution that not only reduces labor costs, but vastly improves their customer experience.
Vail Resorts, the premier mountain resort company in the world and a leader in luxury-destination-based travel at iconic locations came up with a great idea to effectively answer this question. In its 2008-2009 ski season, they are implementing premier Mobile Computing devices (Intermec's CN3 devices outfitted with their IP30 Handheld RFID readers) for its customer’s season ski passes at Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone and Heavenly Valley Resorts.
This solution provided an “easy scan” process -- which will make getting through lift lines easier and more conveniently. In addition, through the use of this RFID technology, Vail is able to give its premier customers (those skiers and snowboarders holding 2008-2009 season passes) the option of keeping their passes inside their jacket as they are automatically scanned in the lift line. Fast, easy, and convenient – truly a win-win scenario for Vail’s high-value clientele.
“With Intermec RFID readers, we will be able to significantly enhance our guest experience by making the lift-line process easier and more convenient for our guests who have purchased any of our four season pass products – The Epic Pass™, The Colorado Pass™, The Summit Pass™ or The Heavenly Pass,” stated Robert Urwiler, Chief Information Officer for Vail Resorts.
WOW! It seems so simple doesn’t it . . . but how many organizations have this out-of-the-box thinking that can produce real results and business improvement? Well, in our experience the answer is certainly not as many as we’d like to see. The good news is that the opportunity is out there waiting. And, our mission with this article is to continually bring you examples from both the private and public sector where companies are using this sort of creative thinking to leverage wireless and mobile computing.
So, stay tuned for more Big Ideas that’ll get you thinking about how you can improve your business through the Mobile Universe!
Doreen Wakefield founded Plan b in 2000 after heading up IT divisions in Fortune 100 organizations. She is an experienced professional and thought-leader with deep Transportation, Logistics, Utility and Healthcare industry experience. She has worked primarily in the private sector, but has consulted in the public sector over the last ten years. Doreen makes her home in Southern California and enjoys cooking, reading and traveling with her husband and family all over the world.
Nancy Arter’s background is in the telecommunications and technology sales and marketing arenas. Her core capability is in sales and marketing leadership -- and she is passionate about the customer experience. Since joining Plan b in mid-2008, she has worked to build out the sales and marketing strategies for the company. Nancy is a Native Californian and makes her home in Southern California. She loves fitness, exercising, being outdoors and spending time with her family.