Mobile Computing

The term "Mobile Computing " is used to describe the use of computing devices which usually interact in some fashion with a central information system while away from the normal fixed workplace. Mobile computing technology enables the mobile worker to: A) Create, B)Access, C) Process, D) Store and, E) Communicate information without being constrained to a single location. Mobile computing is an extremely versatile, capable and exciting technology that offers many otherwise unattainable benefits to an organisation that choose to integrate it into their fixed information system.(Zimmerman,1999). To read more interesting facts on mobile computing you can read the following article , Mobile Computing .Some examples of the uses of mobile computing in the hospitality industry is where several hotels in America are currently using a mobile computing system. They work in the following way, as guests check out and the rooms are vacated, the central property management system wireless signals the cleaning staff that the rooms are ready for cleaning. Any problems that the cleaning staff come across during the cleaning process such as maintenance issues, are immediately communicated to the mobile maintenance team for action. As soon as the rooms are cleaned and any maintenance issues are sorted the accommodation staff member wireless updates the central computer and the room is immediately available for check in of new guests. Another use of mobile computing in the hotel industry is the use of "Waiter Mates". "Waiter Mates" are a hand held computer system that the waiter of a restaurant brings to the table with him. The "Waiter Mate" allows him or her to enter the table order onto the hand held machine and it automatically transfers the order to a computer system in the kitchen. By using such devices it speeds up the process of the actual order getting to the kitchen and it allows the waiter to concentrate on serving the table rather than running in and out of the kitchen to place the order. It also reduces the chances of dockets being mislaid which can often happen on busy nights in a restaurant or kitchen. To look at some samples of a "Waiter Mate" you can access the following website. Waiter Mate