Bartech, a world leader in automatic profit-generating minibar solutions for the hospitality industry, is proud to announce the installation of its ZigBee-connected, energy-efficient automatic minibars in all 181 guestrooms of the luxury Columbus Hotel in Monaco.

In selecting Bartech’s C32C automatic minibar to replace the minibars of another supplier, Columbus Monte-Carlo’s management was aware of Bartech’s industry-wide reputation for helping hotels achieve optimal operational efficiency for what should be a critical profit center and guest amenity. Bartech’s array of customizable automatic minibars is designed to maximize revenue and save hoteliers time and money through increased efficiency, including better stock control and reduced inventory losses.

Likewise, Columbus Monte-Carlo sought to improve overall guest service through quicker checkouts, less disturbance of guests due to minibar checking, and maintaining properly filled minibars at all times.. Thanks to the automatic billing of minibar consumptions through an interface between the Bartech server and the hotel’s property management system, checkout is streamlined as guest folios no longer require manual updating and disputes are reduced.

"Bartech has a tremendous reputation in the hospitality world, both for offering a proven reliable and efficient system and service that is adapted to each property’s needs," says General Manager Alexandre-Pierre Faidherbe. "Bartech was able to meet our short deadlines, and they have been very professional all the way from the purchasing process to the installation, providing high-quality services and flexibility in terms of financing."

Bartech offers hotels a choice of five server communication methods, enabling them to adopt the most cost-effective and efficient technology solution to seamlessly integrate minibars with the existing property management system. Columbus Monte-Carlo opted for the ZigBee protocol, making it the first hotel in Monaco to deploy ZigBee for automatic minibar communications. Columbus Monte-Carlo’s decision to use ZigBee was driven by its simple installation; aside from some minor cabling, no significant renovation work was required. Furthermore, ZigBee has allowed the hotel to move away from antiquated coaxial cable. Bartech’s ZigBee network is fully independent from other wireless networks in the hotel, and it is proven stable and secure even in extraordinarily large properties.

Bartech automatic minibars feature the proprietary Computerized Energy Saving System (CESS), technology that monitors and adjusts cooling production according to guestroom status, hotel occupancy, nonpeak hours and other criteria. All of this helps hotels reduce their energy consumption tremendously.

All Bartech products offer fully bespoke design customization. Bartech is also the only minibar provider to incorporate three different types of sensor technologies into their advanced product design, including infrared, magnetic and micro-switch. This allows Bartech minibars to use the most effective and reliable technology for each type of product dispensed, maximizing reliability and efficiency of the minibar operation.