Key Takeaways:
- IRIS Software Systems is a leading provider of digital F&B and guest experience solutions for the hospitality industry.
- The company’s platform processes over $250 million in annual transactions and has delivered impressive ROI metrics for hotels, including a 20-40% increase in F&B revenue.
- IRIS’s success is driven by its focus on interoperability, open APIs, and data-driven decision making.
- The company is committed to innovation, with a strong emphasis on AI, personalization, and predictive analytics.
- IRIS’s platform is designed to be flexible and scalable, with a range of features and functionalities that can be tailored to meet the needs of different hotel segments, from luxury to midscale.
Introduction to IRIS Software Systems
As hotels continue to evolve and adapt to changing guest expectations, technology providers like IRIS Software Systems are playing a crucial role in shaping the modern guest journey. With a decade of experience in the industry, IRIS has grown from a specialist in mobile ordering to a global platform that processes hundreds of millions of dollars in hotel transactions annually. At the heart of this evolution is Johan Ohlin, IRIS’s Chief Technology Officer, who has been instrumental in shaping the company’s technical foundation and product philosophy.
The Evolution of IRIS
Ohlin’s journey to becoming CTO at IRIS began over 10 years ago, when he joined the company as a senior engineer. With a strong technical understanding of the platform, Ohlin has been able to develop a practical and holistic approach to solution development, taking into account the broader ecosystem and the need for seamless integrations with multiple platforms. This approach has enabled IRIS to deliver a genuinely digital end-to-end experience for hoteliers, with a focus on operational efficiency and revenue impact.
IRIS’s Product Philosophy
IRIS’s product philosophy is centered around the idea of connecting hotels with their guests in ways that are not easily achievable on their own. The company’s mission is to reimagine hospitality and move the sector forward, with a focus on innovation, interoperability, and data-driven decision making. By providing a user interface that allows guests to access multiple hotel products and services seamlessly, IRIS is able to deliver a genuine win-win for both guests and hoteliers.
Solving the Problem of Guest Engagement
At its core, IRIS is solving the problem of guest engagement and operational efficiency for hoteliers. By providing a platform that enables hotels to build a stronger connection with their guests, drive operational efficiency, and reduce friction, IRIS is able to help hotels increase orders and revenue, and ultimately enhance the overall guest experience. With a range of features and functionalities, including mobile ordering, guest directory features, and concierge requests, IRIS is able to support the full breadth of a hotel’s operations.
Differentiators and Innovations
IRIS’s digital F&B and guest experience platform is differentiated from competing systems in the market by its longevity, operational capabilities, and impact on client operations and revenues. With a focus on innovation and a commitment to delivering new solutions, IRIS is able to stay ahead of the curve and provide hoteliers with the tools they need to succeed. Recent enhancements, such as Charge to Room, Related Items, and Advance Ordering, have been instrumental in driving revenue increases of over 20% for many clients.
Technology Partnerships and Integrations
IRIS’s approach to technology partnerships is centered around the idea of collaboration and interoperability. By working with a range of technology partners, including POS and PMS systems, IRIS is able to provide hoteliers with a seamless and integrated experience. With a focus on open APIs and data visibility, IRIS is able to unlock new efficiencies and revenue streams for hoteliers, and provide them with the insights they need to make data-driven decisions.
Security and Data Privacy
Security and data privacy are critical in today’s environment, and IRIS takes a robust approach to protecting sensitive guest and payment information. With a focus on data minimization and secure storage, IRIS is able to ensure that guest data is handled in line with globally recognized standards. The company’s ISO 27001:2022 certification is a testament to its commitment to security and data privacy.
Balancing Innovation and Reliability
As CTO, Ohlin is responsible for balancing the need for innovation with the need for reliability and security. By structuring the development team into two dedicated streams, one focused on strengthening and evolving the core platform, and the other dedicated to advancing new features and capabilities, IRIS is able to innovate responsibly while preserving the stability that clients depend on.
Future Developments and Trends
Looking to the future, IRIS is focused on applying AI and predictive analytics to enhance the guest experience and drive revenue. With a range of new features and functionalities in development, including a more module-based model and a greater emphasis on personalization, IRIS is well-positioned to continue pushing the boundaries of digital hospitality. As the industry continues to evolve, IRIS is committed to staying at the forefront of innovation, with a focus on delivering practical, solutions-based applications that meet the needs of hoteliers and their guests.
