How are you using AI? It is a simple question, have you gone through the process of evaluating some type of AI platform to implement into your operation? Has the company implemented an AI first strategy yet? Why not?
In my 30 years of working for companies that develop and sell technology solutions especially to the hotel industry – there have been more than a few over the past 10 years – I have had the opportunity to be ring side to Fortune 500 companies and the decision-makers inside these organization on what technology is most important for them to invest in versus what budgets are allocated just to keep the lights on. Not to go down a rabbit hole, but depending on what type of organization you work for just getting a technology budget to bring in solutions that don’t fix something that is causing you pain probably won’t be approved. We, the vendor, assume our solution is the only project the decision-maker has on their plate and that our quote includes the only investment the customer must make to get our solution up and running. In most scenarios, that is not the case, the overall investment includes costs the customer will need to absorb including resources, other small items needed to get things up and running, time and materials and for a project like AI, LLM token fees and license keys.
For the CIO executive who wants to bring in new tech into their organization and needs to free up capital, the best place to start is something I have done recently: locate all the fees that have been accumulating and being paid annually at your property since opening, (some fees you won’t even remember signing or were committed to by a predecessor!). I did this for all my steaming services, Wi-Fi service, donations, YouTube and Patreon subscriptions and Apple apps my kids used 10 years ago. Where is the leakage in your organization? All the items worthy of review ultimately can create a surplus in budgets that now can be applied toward investments in new tech spending. Of course, it is easier said than done and the IT leader’s role is to align technology with the company’s stated objectives which could include lower costs or increase customer satisfaction and service.
New technology projects involve a multifaceted process that blends financial acumen with a deep understanding of technological trends and business objectives. Here’s a breakdown of the key processes.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE BY MICHAEL CARUSO IN THE SUMMER 2025 EDITION OF GAMING & LEISURE MAGAZINE.