CCR Technology Group

Case Study: Selkirk Inn – Meeting/Event Room

bkendall — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 03:40:09 +0000

Venue
The Selkirk Inn and Conference Centre is a Selkirk, Manitoba Hotel Centre featuring newly renovated hotel rooms, 160 person banquet and conference room, a Smitty’s restaurant and Kelly’s Bar and Grill.

Challenge

Design and Install a multi-purpose audio visual system that can handle special events like UFC fights, boxing matches and bar overflow as well as host meetings, corporate events, and weddings. The client needed an easy way for customers to hook up laptops to the facilities projectors and LCD displays. The room can also be divided into two parts, so all audio visual functions need to be dynamic.

Solution

Simple A/V matrix control was the main design consideration on this project. CCR chose Digihedron’s “Epicenter” A/V matrix controller as the heart of the system.

Through the Epicenter IPad interface and optional IR control box, the Selkirk Inn staff can send input video from 4 independent cable receivers to any or all of 4 high definition televisions and projectors.

The Epicenter system also allows the staff to change channels on the cable receivers and route audio to any of the 6 audio zones on the property.

CCR selected Just Add Power’s HD over IP system which converts high definition video for distribution over CAT5 networks. A Dell Power Connect 3524 switch controlled by the Epicenter software was utilized for all video switching. The video network automatically up converts all signals to Hi-Def resolution and the system is fully scalable for future growth.

Audio distribution was handled by a Symetrix ZoneMix 760 also controlled by the Epicenter software. The audio system allows for 12 inputs and 6 output zones. Additional Symetrix audio switches can be added for additional scalability.

Conclusion

The Selkirk Inn management is very pleased with the installed system. Even inexperienced staff can easily select up to 9 separate sporting events and control audio programming and volume levels in the separate patio, VLT area, restaurant and hallways using the wireless iPad interface.

Hardware Used:

Symetrix Audio Controller
HDMI over IP Transeivers
LG LCD TV’s
Acer Hi-Def Projectors
Dell PowerEdge Switch

Case Study: Smitty’s Westwood Lounge – Digital Signage

bkendall — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 03:30:58 +0000

Venue
Smitty’s Westwood Lounge is a part of the Westwood Village Inn, a Winnipeg, Manitoba Hotel Centre featuring newly renovated rooms, conference room and a 10,000 square foot Smitty’s Restaurant and Lounge. Smitty’s Lounge is a popular sports bar in Winnipeg.

Challenge

Eliminate excess tent cards on tables while still promoting daily and weekly lounge specials.

Solution

CCR installed two 50″ Panasonic Professional Plasma TV’s and two 27″ LG TV’s and two Enlite SmartCast Digital media players. The digital advertising displays are installed in the main lounge and pool table area as well as the men’s restroom. Enlite’s Smartcast content management system was used to give the owner complete control over the advertising displays. To reduce IT infrastructure and management complexity, the digital advertising displays in the washroom are mirrored with the digital advertising display in the lounge.

Conclusion

Digital advertising displays are continuously playing updated promotions and advertising upcoming events. Clients enjoy the updated specials and being in the know.

Hardware Used:

Enlite Digital Advertising Server
Enlite SmartCast Player
Panasonic Plasma TV’s
LG LCD TV’s

Case Study: Smitty’s Westwood Lounge – Audio / Visual

bkendall — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 00:33:57 +0000

Challenge

Install a fully integrated A/V matrix utilizing existing infrastructure wiring and audio components. Provide a simple and intuitive user interface to control all audio and video functions. Bar staff must be able to control A/V system simply to satisfy customers requests for sporting events and music.

Solution

Simple A/V matrix control was the main design consideration on this project. CCR chose Digihedron’s “Epicenter” A/V matrix controller as the heart of the system.

Through the Epicenter IPad interface and optional IR control box, the Westwood Village Inn staff can send input video from 9 independent cable receivers to any or all of 14 high definition televisions and projectors.

The Epicenter system also allows the staff to change channels on the cable receivers and route audio to any of the 6 audio zones on the property.

Conclusion

The Westwood Village Inn management is very pleased with the installed system. Even inexperienced staff can easily select up to 9 separate sporting events and control audio programming and volume levels in the separate patio, VLT area, restaurant and hallways using the wireless IPad interface.

Hardware Used:

Symetrix Audio Controller
HDMI over IP Transeivers
Panasonic Plasma TV’s
Dell PowerEdge Switch

Megafone – Social Media Management for Hospitality

bkendall — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 07:15:25 +0000

Megafone is a social media management application for the hospitality industry. Megafone allows you to schedule and post messages to facebook and twitter all from one simple interface. We also support facebook events for all of your specials and events.

No Sending Limits
Unlimited Social Networks
Unlimited Contacts
Unlimited Target Groups
Reporting

Megafonenow.com

Check it out: http://www.megafonenow.com

Westwood Village Inn

bkendall — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 20:30:06 +0000

The Westwood Village Inn is a Winnipeg, Manitoba Hotel Centre featuring newly renevated rooms, conference room and a 10,000 square foot Smitty’s Restaurant and Lounge. It is also a very busy restaurant and hotel.

The Westwood Village Inn is one of the most technologically advanced properties in Winnipeg featuring the following:

16 High Defiinition plasma televisions
Bar capacity around 300 people
Seasonal Patio

Wireless Internet:

CCR Technology Group installed wireless access points through out the property. The entire property is blanketed with publicly accessible internet access. Wireless security and privacy are managed through a captive portal that also helps enhance the hotel brand.

Our wireless infrastructure solutions allows us to easily add access points to increase wireless coverage as the property expands. Access points can be secured and configured by a console allowing flexibility to match your dynamic business.

POS:

We assisted Micros in installing their POS solution.

This fully-integrated restaurant point-of-sale system is both powerful and flexible and helps operations within your property flow more cohesively, efficiently, and profitably. The MICROS RES point-of-sale system offers restaurants multiple solutions that are designed specifically for table and quick service operations, as well as fast casual concepts.

In addition to installing this solution CCR Technology Group also offers tier 1 support on the POS solution.

PMS:

We assisted Innquest Software in installing their PMS solution, roomMaster 200.

Inquest’s fully-integrated solution adapts to the needs of all types of properties, allowing you to work the way you want. roomMaster 2000 provides you with the tools to manage your business efficiently, make it more profitable, and have more time to attend to your guests’ needs.

In addition to installing this solution CCR Technology Group also offers tier 1 support on the PMS solution.

Infrastructure:

We installed a scalable, robust network infrastructure into the building. Originally installed in the summer of 2009, with business booming, expansions were started in 2010. Our thoughtful planning made getting vital data and voice access to critical areas in the property easy.

Due to this infrastructure, we were able to easily expand the network when needed.

Phone system:

Due to 50 year old cable limitations installing a new IP phone system in the hotel rooms was out of the question. We opted to install a hybrid solution integrating the old telephony system into a brand new state of the art IP phone system. This prevents running expensive infrastructure into the hotel rooms, yet realizing all of the potential of an IP phone system.

Web Design + Marketing:

With a unique partnership with Digihedron, we developed a website and social media marketing plan that made their business boom. Just weeks after we launched our marketing plan, the bar was busier than ever.

Digihedron provides content production and Megafone, a social media marketing tool created specifically for the hospitality industry. Megafone allows hotel owners to create and schedule messages to Twitter, Facebook, Text Message, YouTube, etc. This allows you to spend a few hours a month managing your social media marketing instead of hiring a social media marketing manager.

Digital Signage:

One of the key advantages of digital signage in the hospitality industry is that guests receive valuable, up-to-the-minute information on entertainment, special events, products, and services right at the moment they are making buying decisions.

We make the process simple for clients. We create a very user-friendly, customized system that our clients can either purchase and maintain themselves; buy and let us handle the network operation and content; or lease and we maintain the entire system and content.

Audio / Visual:

Simple A/V matrix control was the main design consideration on this project. CCR chose Digihedron’s “Epicenter” A/V matrix controller as the heart of the system.

The Epicenter system also allows the staff to change channels on the cable receivers and route audio to any of the 6 audio zones on the property.

Liquor Monitoring:

We track every ounce of liquor poured to prevent over pouring or employee theft.

24/7 round the clock Draught Monitoring:

View an electronic journal of your bartenders pouring habits from the back office or from anywhere around the world!

View all variance reports with our Web Reporting Tool, “Silent Monitor”.

Over serving can cost you thousands of dollars & under pouring will cost your 100′s of customers.

Back Office Systems:

We installed Windows Small Business server and desktop systems to keep the business end of things going.

Microsoft Exchange Server 2010 is the cornerstone of CCR’s unified communications solutions for hospitality—delivering new levels of reliability and performance.

Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 is an integrated suite of server capabilities that can help improve organizational effectiveness by providing comprehensive content management and enterprise search, accelerating shared business processes, and facilitating information-sharing across boundaries for better business insight.

Backup Solutions:

The Symform Cooperative Storage Cloud is a solution that combines the best practices of disaster recovery, data security, and distributed networking using the power of the Internet. The best news is that it is 10X cheaper and 10X faster than any other online storage services. Really

The big idea is simple: contribute inexpensive local storage, receive valuable online storage. Customers in the network contribute unused server space equal to the amount they consume in the storage cloud. Symform handles the day-to-day management of network security and administration of the storage cloud.

Surveillance:

Scalable IP camera solution build into the IP infrastructure. Easily scalable and can be viewed from any where, from any device. Office computer, home computer, iphone, blackberry etc. We create an advanced security solution, providing recording of the latest, state-of-the-art IP video surveillance cameras. The powerful, yet easy-to-operate client user interface installs on any standard computer running Windows, Linux or Mac OS X and can connect to multiple exacqVision Hybrid (analog and IP cameras) and IP Camera Servers creating a virtually unlimited amount of cameras and protection. Video from all exacqVision systems can also be accessed with web browsers and mobile devices with access to the internet.

Ongoing network monitoring and management:

CCR delivers proactive maintenance services through our flat fee TotalCare Service Plans. Designed for the hospitality industry to reduce your costs, increase your profits and mitigate your business risks, we partner with you as your Virtual CIO and IT Department, allowing you to focus on running your business, not your technology.

We become an extension of your business, and true Partner. Because our Service Plans are based on a flat monthly fee allowing you the ability to budget your IT costs annually, we assume both the financial and technical risks in our relationship, fueling our commitment to continuously identify and deliver solutions that improve your efficiencies and reduce downtime – as a true Partner should.