Experience through technology

Intuitive technology as a total package for guests and staff

Technology creates time and space for what really matters. Although this is only possible if that implemented technology also feels intuitive to a hotel's guests and staff. The Wizard of Dreams is committed to smart integration of technology in the healthcare and hotel sectors. "This way, we create a personalised experience for all parties involved," says founder Tony Van der Voort. As in Cobergher Hotel in Kortrijk.

The Wizard of Dreams started in 2004 with extensive knowledge and expertise in home automation. This is how they grew into a full-fledged systems integrator. "Although we are much more than that. We are a real buddy for hotel owners and staff," says managing director Tony Van der Voort. "To make dreams come true, we start from a brainwave. You can think of that as a big brainstorming session of what the hotel experience or a night in a hotel should look like. What do you want as an employee or owner? What does the guest want? That is the basis from which we start. Technology is a tool, not a goal."

After the brainwave, the team at The Wizard of Dreams takes charge of project supervision and supports the builder throughout the process. "How do we tackle this together? In this phase, ideas are transformed into realistic tailor-made solutions. Or to stay in our jargon: this is where the magic begins."

Technology as added value

What really counts is different for everyone in the project. To translate dreams into technology, service is key: listening, thinking along, occasionally daring to go outside the scope and supporting. "For example, we did not initially distribute hardware. We noticed that this often went wrong or that products did not match. That is why we now offer this and we immediately see the added value," says Tony. "A suite is a technical island in itself, which is why we support the installer by pre-programming, labelling and packaging the components per room. This keeps it clear."

In Cobergher Hotel, that story was different. Due to the historical structure of the project and because The Wizard of Dreams was not involved until later in the process, a different solution had to be sought. "That didn't stop us from creating a certain experience with technology per suite and throughout the hotel. The technologies had to be accessible and fully integrated into the experience of the hotel. This was very intensive due to the complexity of the different properties that were unified, but it is an absolute added value to the guest experience. A touchscreen in the room lets you set lights, audio, bluetooth, temperature, the gas fireplace, .... This happens automatically when you open your door to your suite, but you adjust it according to your wishes. The reception can also arrange this for you. After ten minutes of absence, everything goes off and the heating automatically switches 'a few degrees lower', for a lasting effect. The control itself is via the touchscreen or via intuitive panels at your door, bed or bathroom. When you approach with your hand, the screen lights up and you see the functionalities and atmospheres. Moreover, the touchscreen always adapts to the language of the booking, or the language on the badge."

Simple management

The nerve centre of the entire system is the building management software, a central tool that controls everything. You see if someone is present in the room, adjust the temperature, switch off the lights, ... "During a heat wave, for example, you can already set all rooms to cooling, individually or globally," says Tony. "In the CORNR hotel, for example, the heating is linked to window sensors, so the heating does not switch on when the window is open. If the guest still wants this, the employee adjusts the temperature via the system or you switch off the window sensor. It also allows you to anticipate specific requests from returning guests."

The Wizard of Dreams brings together a simple and intuitive system with energy-saving features and experience for the team and guests. "Although it is only complete when all the technology in a building works together. That's how you create smart buildings. We start from a vision and work towards full system integration. We conduct market research, support the electrical installer with prepared and pre-programmed products, do the programming of home automation and integration with the other technologies, attend every work meeting and provide training and support for the staff. During the first days, we are present day and night to provide maximum support to our customers when the system is put into practice. Afterwards, too, we naturally remain at their side. Via the building management software, we have remote access to the systems. This allows us to switch quickly and adjust and log things. That's a win-win on your operational costs. On top of the controls that are automated as much as possible and for which you don't need to employ any staff. In short: with systems integration, you create time and space for what really counts."■