New software solution will fully manage engineering processes across all TIME properties throughout the GCC region
TIME Hotels, the UAE-headquartered hospitality company and hotel operator, has partnered with SGE UAE to introduce a new corporate initiative aimed at restructuring engineering across its GCC properties.
TIME Hotels announced expansion plans earlier this year, which will increase its portfolio from 11 to 17 properties in the Middle East. The new Aladdin software from SGU UAE will fully control and manage maintenance across all its hotels and residences.
Gaetan Lavoie, TIME Hotels’ Corporate Director of Technical Services, said: “TIME Hotels continues to grow at a remarkable pace and it is absolutely vital that we keep abreast of any maintenance issues that arise across our portfolio. In Aladdin, we have found a software system capable of controlling all the daily basic internal and external requests, tagging and keeping a strong focus on the lifecycle of our properties. We are also now able to determine the most sustainable and cost-effective way to run our properties.”
The engineering solution, which provides a central point for procurement and purchasing, tracks every piece of work done throughout the TIME Hotels portfolio and helps define and dedicate manpower and resources, advising on maintenance deadlines as well as areas that are covered by warranty in order to contact the particular vendor. It also checks electricity and water consumption, raising a warning if readings go beyond predetermined parameters or settings.
Lavoie said it was even more important to ensure all maintenance issues were addressed swiftly, given the current demanding economic climate and with Dubai set to boast 160,000 hotel rooms ahead of Expo 2020.
“In the hotel industry, we need to remain competitive and that includes reducing costs whenever possible. I will be connected to each property from our head office or when I’m traveling, with access to the full operation in real time,” said Lavoie
The cloud-based system will be implemented in all TIME Hotels properties: TIME Grand Plaza, TIME Oak Hotel and Suites, TIME Opal, TIME Crystal, TIME Topaz and Oak Villas & Residence Suites, as well as all new openings.
Mohamed Awadalla, CEO, TIME Hotels, said: “We wanted to reorganise the engineering department and take control of what was happening. When I arrived in Dubai, I realised I was losing valuable time and resources asking questions about different properties. This was not cost effective and I found that many of my questions were going unanswered, simply because engineering departments did not have the data to hand.
“Under the new system I have access to each property and there is a dashboard providing complete analysis and comparison between buildings.”
Previously, TIME Hotels managed its engineering and maintenance processes on a paper-based system or spreadsheet. “Being Green Key certified, we are always looking at ways of improving the environmental aspects of our operations. Conserving electricity and water are the foundations of running a sustainable operation,” added Awadalla.
James Allen Gantt, Managing Director, Aladdin, said: “Although Aladdin has only just recently been introduced into the Middle East market, our team has over 20 years’ experience in the software industry. And we designed Aladdin with one intention – to grant all your maintenance wishes at the click of a button!”
About TIME Hotels:
Established in 2012, TIME Hotels is a home-grown UAE hospitality success story with a current portfolio of 11 hotels, two of which are Green Globe-certified. Recognised as one of the most progressive hospitality group in the Middle East, TIME Hotels is committed to creating a sustainable future within the communities in which it operates through its CSR Label certification and Engage Dubai, both of which fall under the umbrella of the Dubai Chamber Commerce CSR Department. TIME Hotels is also actively involved in the Slow Food Dubai and CSR-focused ‘Tomorrow’s World’ website, which promotes responsible tourism and sustainability.
TIME Hotels currently operates 11 properties including hotels, hotel apartments and residences in the UAE including its flagship property, the 216-room TIME Oak Hotel & Suites located in the popular Barsha Heights of Dubai, and the 232-room TIME Grand Plaza Hotel, which is situated close to Dubai International Airport and central Sharjah.
