Communications platform Relay is set to deploy its wearable associate alert devices across 101 Kinseth Hospitality Co.-managed properties with more than 2,000 employees throughout the Midwest and Southern U.S. regions.
“Relay was selected for its adaptive technology that will provide safety measures, allow for improved communications between staff members and provide a flexible platform that will allow us to locate and implement more efficiencies,” said Scott Lockwood, director of purchasing/technology for Kinseth. “We are eager to further streamline our back-of-house work to continue to improve our high-touch customer experience.”
Relay will be Kinseth's exclusive alert device partner in Alabama, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, Wisconsin and Wyoming. The pocket-sized device will be available for Kinseth Hospitality employees working in management, guest services, housekeeping, maintenance and restaurants.
Relay devices operate on Wi-Fi and 4G networks that provide uninterrupted communications. The data, analytics and mapping capabilities of the devices and their ability to integrate into operations systems help operators improve employee safety.
Among Relay’s features are:
- A single-button panic button design
- GPS and 3D-mapping capabilities let logistics teams better distribute staff quickly via a cloud-connected dashboard feature
- Accountability and verification programs validate employees responsible for delivery or receiving of goods and services via auto-capture
- Translation capabilities for 15 languages
- Team notifications via prerecorded messages for the start and end of shifts
Hotel unions, state and local governments across the nation are proposing legislation for the safety of hospitality staff by mandating panic buttons for hospitality workers. Bills have been passed in eight states. The state of Pennsylvania (HB1944) and Georgia (SB389) are the latest to introduce panic button legislation. Relay provides ongoing updates on all legislative moves on Twitter and LinkedIn and will be releasing an update to its Legislative Guide on Panic Buttons this spring.
Headquartered in Coralville, Iowa, Kinseth Hospitality manages select and full-service hotels, restaurants, catering and meeting facilities under Hilton, Marriott International, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Radisson Hotels Americas, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts brands across 15 states.