Avaya GlobalConnect, an enterprise business communications solutions provider, has launched an Emergency Response Solution (ERS) for the hospitality industry. This solution has the capability to detect and assess risks viz. fire, theft, terrorist strike, natural calamity etc. The solution, developed post the learning from the Mumbai terror attacks, helps in effectively managing risks keeping in mind guest safety, staff safety and business continuity.
Post the lethal terror strike in Mumbai hotels, the role of communications technology during times of crisis has become important for every hotel. Avaya GlobalConnect’s ERS is based on open standards. It thereby allows seamless integration with fire alarm systems, IP surveillance systems, anti-theft systems, security alarm systems, telephony systems including non-Avaya systems etc.
A trigger from any of these systems can be detected by ERS and it has the capability to automatically alert the concerned people through SMS, voice call etc. Based on the severity of the crisis, ERS can even do a blast dial to key decision makers and take them all into conference so that necessary actions to respond to the crisis are taken fast. This eliminates the delays related to human intervention and sequential processing, which could otherwise cost human lives.
Avaya’s IP telephones in the guest rooms further enhance the ability of the hotel to effectively communicate with guests during crisis. It allows staff to simultaneously send SMS or voice messages to multiple guests (of a certain floor or the entire hotel) instructing them about the next course of action. Even if the guest rooms do not have IP phones, the same communication can be achieved through blast dial capability of the ERS. The IP telephony solution can also be integrated with the PA system based on the authorisation defined enabling PA announcements to be made from any telephone in the hotel premise. This ensures proper communication to staff and guests during times of crisis.