How It Works
BARTECH SYSTEMS’ AUTOMATIC MINIBAR TECHNOLOGY IS THE BEST IN THE INDUSTRY.
Fully designed with our client’s ROI, design aesthetic, and operational efficiency in mind, Bartech Systems delivers the very best in automatic minibar solutions. No matter your technological or design needs, we have the perfect product for your operation.
PRODUCT DETECTION
Bartech Systems utilizes three types of product-detection technology:
infrared, microswitches, and magnetic.
MICROSWITCHES
Microswitches are exactly what they sound like -switches. Very similar to the small buttons that click in your computer mouse, these small devices are found in our minibar balconies and shelves. When a product is placed in the slot, the microswitch responds to pressure from the item’s presence, which the minibar “senses”. If the product is removed, the pressure releases, and the bar registers the object as consumed after a user-specified period of time. These smart and highly durable switches maintain reliable accuracy through many years of regular use, especially in cold and humid environments.
MAGNETIC
Magnetic detection technology is used for products that are laid-down, such as tall or large bottles that are placed underneath the minibar’s bottom shelf. The magnetic detector is located on a small, flexible hinge mounted above the product. Once a product is slid into the bar, the hinge-magnet is pushed up against the above shelf where the receptor is located. When the magnet makes contact with the shelf and receptor, the product is “sensed” by the minibar. Once removed, the magnet hinge falls away from the receptor, and after a user-set time, the product is indicated as consumed.
INFRARED
This type of sensor is found on our dry, unrefrigerated minibars such as the eTray, as well as our refrigerated eDrawers. An infrared beam is continuously projected in the product slot. When an item is placed in the slot, the beam is interrupted, and the product is “sensed” by the minibar. If the product is removed, the beam once again continues across the product slot, and after a user-set time, the minibar registers the product as consumed. Having been used in our technology since 1994, infrared is a highly reliable technological detector.
DATA COMMUNICATION
Bartech Systems has the most flexible and compatible communication technology in the industry. We use three modern communication methods including wired and wireless options. Also supported are two legacy communication methods for properties that need to use preexisting infrastructure because they cannot support current technologies.
Ethernet is our plug-and-play, room-to-server solution for hotels looking for a wired, contemporary option over flat or routed networks.
Our wireless option that skips the cables and wires for a more streamlined experience where minibars communicate directly to Wi-Fi access points.
The Bartech Mesh Network is a unique wireless solution which has the benefits of Wi-Fi and the capability to integrate with third party platforms to operate on the same network. With the Bartech Mesh Network technology, each minibar acts as an access point to quickly route data to the Bartech server.
MATV Coax
Coax is a television/cable-based communication method used in some older properties. Coax uses that familiar, thick cable with a screw-end that attaches to the back of a television. This allows minibars to communicate over any existing coaxial network via a modem.
Twisted Pair
This communication is based on the current phone line infrastructure in a hotel. Minibars communicate over the phone lines to a proprietary Bartech master modem.
SMART ROOM TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION
Bartech Systems can join with other smart room technology to form a single, unified network that streamlines IT infrastructure, reduces setup costs, and decreases the amount of WiFi signals.
Although we are able to integrate with nearly any third party, Bartech has already integrated with Inncom, Crestron, Control 4, and Telkonet in different hotels and projects around the world.
MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE
Bartech’s management software for automatic minibars is designed to address the many needs of a hotel minibar operation. With built-in functionality for inventory, employee productivity and expiration tracking, along with in-depth revenue analysis, the software will make your operation a profit center.
Web-Based software
One of the greatest benefits of having a web-based software is easy access. With no need to install client software on individual computers, Bartech’s web-based system allows users to log into the software on any network-connected device. This includes laptop, tablets and smart phones. Only a compatible web browser is needed.
Operating Bartech’s management software on a smart device allows minibar attendants to generate refill lists in real-time, so they know exactly which products need to be restocked at that moment. Attendants can also make adjustments to the guests’ folios directly on the smart device during the refill process.
PMS Connectivity
Any of Bartech’s minibar solutions can connect to the hotel’s property management system (PMS) to post guest consumption charges in real-time to the guest folio. We interface with nearly any PMS system, to enable automatic posting and track check-in/check-out data from hotel guests.
This interfacing also allows front desk employees access to minibar activity information in the guest’s folio, to minimize disputes at guest checkout. The data populates as line item consumption charges rather than a lump of information.
BARTECH SUPPORT
Our support is one of Bartech’s strongest distinctions in the industry. Bartech offers preferred care support for clients in the form of training, consultation, parts exchange, and 24/7 phone support.
TRAINING
With flexible web-based training or in-person classroom training, we will educate your staff in all aspects of Bartech’s automatic system. Whether it’s front office, F&B, finance, engineering or any other department that works with minibars, they will become experts at using Bartech software and equipment.
CONSULTATION
Streamline minibar decisions with Bartech’s support. An account manager guides product selection and pricing for guest satisfaction and revenue. Benefit from a data-driven minibar analysis to enhance profit, operational efficiency, and reduce overhead. Acquire the knowledge needed for a sustained, revenue-generating operation.
PARTS EXCHANGE
Bartech’s preferred care support also includes a parts exchange program, in which damaged parts will be repaired or replaced and shipped back to the property free of charge.
24/7 PHONE SUPPORT
Bartech’s preferred care also includes technical phone support from Bartech engineers 24 hours a day 7 days a week (currently U.S. only).
