Oracle has introduced significant enhancements to its consumer payment solution, aiming to empower hospitality brands in engaging guests and streamlining operations. These latest features focus on in-terminal charitable donations, new payment device offerings, and expanded regional support. This initiative promises a seamless checkout experience for customers while allowing businesses to effectively manage payment processes, whether in hotels, restaurants, or event venues.
Matthew Gilmour, director of information technology for Big Boy Restaurant Group, LLC, emphasizes the community impact of these changes. He stated, “Big Boy is committed to making a positive difference in our communities. With the new capabilities in Oracle Payment terminals, we’re making it easier than ever for our guests to contribute to charitable causes right at checkout. This is a win-win for us and our customers to give back, while Oracle’s secure and innovative payment solutions continue to simplify and enhance our daily operations.”
Among the key features set to benefit small business owners are the availability of the Oracle Payments solution in Canada, which is now fully compliant with local regulations and consumer preferences. This is a strategic move for businesses looking to expand their footprint and cater to a broader audience across North America.
Small businesses should also take note of the introduction of new payment devices, such as the VeriFone M450, which features an impressive 8-inch color touchscreen. The device supports various payment methods, including EMV, NFC, and mobile payments. Additionally, the AMS1 mobile terminal allows for expedited service, making on-the-go checkout seamless with Android 10 and 4G/Wi-Fi capabilities.
One practical application of these advancements lies in the ability to simplify remote transactions. Hotels can now send secure, mobile-optimized payment links to guests, streamlining pre-arrival and last-minute payment processes without requiring extensive integration efforts. This flexibility can significantly enhance guest experience, a crucial factor for retaining customers in today’s competitive landscape.
Another notable integration comes from Oracle’s OPERA Cloud, which aims to expedite the check-in process. Guests can now check in and pay online, reviewing and signing terms and conditions digitally. This could significantly enhance operational efficiency for small businesses, reducing wait times and ensuring a smoother customer experience.
Furthermore, the enhancement of payment systems extends beyond just traditional venues. Spas, gift shops, and parking services affiliated with hotels can now also utilize Oracle Payments through unified terminals, which allows for consistent and efficient payment processing across various service areas. This could enable small businesses to maximize their operational capabilities and offer guests a more cohesive experience.
Chris Adams, senior vice president of Industry Embedded Finance at Oracle, articulates the larger vision of these updates. “Enabling charitable donations at checkout and expanding our payment capabilities globally empowers brands to foster meaningful guest connections and support causes they care about,” he notes. His statement underscores not only the operational benefits but also the deeper customer engagement potential that comes from integrating charitable contributions into the payment process.
While the enhancements present numerous opportunities, small business owners should consider potential challenges as well. The integration of new technology may require staff training and adaptation, alongside ongoing maintenance assessments to ensure system efficiency. Accepting charitable donations could also necessitate clear communication with customers regarding how their contributions assist various causes, which could involve marketing efforts to educate the consumer base.
Overall, the introduction of these new features serves as a reminder of the ongoing evolution within the payment landscape. As the demand for personalized and efficient service continues to rise, Oracle’s payment solutions could offer the edge that small businesses need to thrive.
To explore these new offerings firsthand, attendees can visit the Oracle Hospitality Summit in London from January 17-21 or the Oracle Restaurants Summit in Chicago from March 17-19. Further details and insights are also available at Oracle’s official site.
For more information about these updates, refer to the original announcement here.
Image Via BizSugar
