Savvy casino operators know that it takes exemplary customer service to establish and maintain a loyal customer following. They are also aware that such service is best delivered using a player tracking system, ideally one that runs on ruggedized tablet technology. Here are three reasons to select a ruggedized tablet for casino player tracking.
1. A ruggedized tablet works best in the tough casino environment.
It’s impossible for casino operators to maximize their player tracking system investment if a broken tablet device must be shelved for several hours—or maybe several days—until it is fixed, leaving the door wide open for inefficiencies. This frequently occurs when the player tracking solution is utilized in conjunction with a consumer-grade tablet. These consumer grade devices typically cannot withstand the rigors of a commercial environment such as that found in a casino.
Conversely, a ruggedized tablet is designed specifically to remain operational despite the rigors of a busy casino environment. Its protective casing and similar features allow it to successfully endure not only heavy round-the-clock (or near round-the clock) use of the player tracking system, but also to withstand damage from accidental falls to the casino floor and spilled drinks.
Furthermore, casino goers are typically in it for the long haul, with multiple hours of playing the slots, table games and racking up loyalty points. With this in mind, a ruggedized tablet has a typical battery life of up to 8 hours plus while in continuous use and is more than capable of keeping up with zealous patrons on the casino floor. A ruggedized tablet will keep employees away from the charging station for an entire shift, therefore being available for customer service needs and uninterrupted player tracking.
2. A ruggedized tablet is highly versatile.
Different casinos and casino operators have different requirements: what works in one facility may not work well for another facility.
The versatility of a rugged tablet renders it a perfect fit for all casino and gaming operations. For example, a ruggedized tablet and a player tracking solution can be leveraged in a fixed terminal installation, with customers using it to obtain new play cards, load money onto existing play cards, and check their loyalty program balance.
A ruggedized tablet can also be used in a mobile-based configuration. Under this umbrella, customers can enter requests (e.g., more change for the slots needed) or summon casino employees by interacting with the player tracking system. Requests are then sent to roving casino employees armed with tablets; sophisticated algorithms determine which employee should handle the task based on proximity to the customer and other factors.
Similarly, with ruggedized tablet devices and a player tracking system, tasks pertaining to slot management, slot machine accounting, and floor management can be assigned to employees and instructions can be conveyed on their hand-held units. The player tracking system makes specific assignments based on the timeliness and nature of the task, as well as on proximity. And no matter what, the end-result is increased operating efficiencies and customer satisfaction—unimpeded by service delays that may be encountered when a damage-prone consumer-grade tablet, rather than a ruggedized tablet, is the centerpiece of the player tracking system.
3. A ruggedized tablet is cost-effective.
Most, if not all casino and gaming facilities, need to purchase and deploy multiple tablet devices at the same time. While opting for a ruggedized tablet device may cost more upfront than selecting a consumer-grade model, going the ruggedized route for a player tracking system is the more financially advantageous way to go. Why? A ruggedized tablet has a far longer lifecycle than a consumer-grade tablet and, consequently, will need to be replaced far less often.
In deploying and using a player tracking system, the idea of operating that system on a consumer-grade device may be tempting from a short-term financial standpoint. However, the durability and versatility of a ruggedized tablet make it the best choice since it delivers to the most robust long-term return on investment.
