HONEYWELL LAUNCHES INNCOM DIRECT TO HELP MID-MARKET HOTELS REDUCE THEIR CARBON FOOTPRINT

Rhea-AI Summary

Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) has launched INNCOM Direct, an energy management system designed for mid-market hotels. This cloud-based solution uses automation to improve energy efficiency, particularly in managing HVAC systems during periods of room vacancy. The system can autonomously adjust temperatures in empty spaces without affecting guest comfort, potentially addressing the 30% vacancy rate in U.S. hotel rooms.

INNCOM Direct extends Honeywell's previously high-end hotel technology to the mid-market segment, offering quick setup and portfolio analytics accessible via mobile devices or dashboards. The launch aligns with Honeywell's focus on automation and energy transition megatrends, providing an affordable option for hotels to reduce their carbon footprint and operational costs.

Positive

• Launch of INNCOM Direct expands Honeywell's market reach to mid-market hotels
• Potential for significant energy savings in hotel HVAC systems, which can consume up to 25% of power bills
• Cloud-based system offers portfolio-wide analytics and mobile accessibility
• Aligns with growing demand for energy efficiency and carbon footprint reduction in the hospitality industry

Negative

• None.

Insights

Energy Efficiency Expert

Honeywell's launch of INNCOM Direct represents a significant step in democratizing energy management technology for the hospitality sector. By extending this solution to mid-market hotels, Honeywell is addressing a important gap in the market. The system's ability to autonomously adjust HVAC settings based on room occupancy could lead to substantial energy savings, potentially reducing HVAC energy consumption by up to 25%.

The cloud-based nature of INNCOM Direct allows for scalability across hotel portfolios, providing a comprehensive view of energy usage patterns. This data-driven approach enables hoteliers to make informed decisions about energy management strategies. Moreover, the system's compatibility with mobile devices enhances ease of use and real-time control.

While the immediate impact on Honeywell's financials may be modest, this launch aligns with the growing demand for sustainable solutions in the hospitality industry, positioning the company for long-term growth in this sector.

Hotel Industry Analyst

INNCOM Direct's introduction is timely, given the hospitality industry's current challenges and evolving priorities. With over 30% of U.S. hotel rooms potentially vacant at any time, energy management becomes important for operational efficiency. This system addresses a significant pain point for mid-market hotels, which often lack access to sophisticated energy management tools.

The solution's ability to maintain guest comfort while optimizing energy use is particularly noteworthy. It strikes a balance between operational efficiency and guest satisfaction, which is vital for hotels in the competitive mid-market segment. The potential for portfolio-wide implementation could be especially attractive for hotel chains looking to standardize their energy management practices across multiple properties.

While adoption rates remain to be seen, INNCOM Direct could become a differentiator for hotels seeking to appeal to increasingly eco-conscious travelers, potentially influencing booking decisions and brand perception in the long run.

• Intuitive energy management system helps hotels monitor energy consumption across properties and automate energy efficiencies

ATLANTA, Aug. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Honeywell (NASDAQ: HON) today announced the launch of INNCOM Direct, an easy-to-install energy management system that uses automation to help improve energy efficiency in mid-market hotel properties. The launch of INNCOM Direct supports Honeywell's alignment of its business around three compelling megatrends, including automation and the energy transition. 

Throughout 2024 there could be more than 30% of U.S. hotel rooms possibly vacant at any time, INNCOM Direct enables a hotel to manage energy-intensive HVAC systems more efficiently during periods when guest rooms are vacant.

"As hotels become more carbon-conscious, they are taking meaningful steps to show they care about their impact on the environment," said Billal Hammoud, president and chief executive officer of Honeywell Building Automation. "Until now, mid-market hotels faced fewer options when it came to better managing their HVAC systems with automation. Now, INNCOM Direct is leveling the playing field with an affordable, cloud-based energy management system."

The INNCOM technology was previously only accessible to high-end hotel operators. Now, this combination of hardware, software and cloud monitoring provides mid-market, also known as limited-service, hotels with quick setup and portfolio analytics that can be accessed from mobile devices or a dashboard and can be used either on a single property or across an entire portfolio.

Since empty rooms and common areas do not need the same level of heating or cooling, INNCOM Direct uses a proprietary detection system to identify empty spaces and autonomously adjust the temperature without impacting consumer comfort. Similarly, unrented guest rooms can be set to a specific setting that can be heated or cooled to a more comfortable temperature once a guest checks in. If a guest leaves a room for an extended time, INNCOM Direct can change the temperature to an eco-friendlier temperature that is then automatically adjusted when the guest returns.

When it broke ground on its fifth hotel in Spring Hill, Tenn., Halifax Hospitality wanted ways to control its HVAC use, which can consume as much as 25% of the power bill, so it signed on to use INNCOM Direct. At 92,000 square feet and 159 rooms, this hotel is double the size of what the company would have developed a decade ago, leading to higher operational costs.

"Hotel rooms are getting bigger and bigger, and we needed something that will deliver energy savings, especially when guests aren't using the room or a common area is empty," said Hitesh Patel, vice president of Halifax Hospitality. "Utility costs are going up just like anything else. We're always looking to find the next big thing to cut costs where we can."

About Honeywell
Honeywell is an integrated operating company serving a broad range of industries and geographies around the world. Our business is aligned with three powerful megatrends – automation, the future of aviation and energy transition – underpinned by our Honeywell Accelerator operating system and Honeywell Forge IoT platform. As a trusted partner, we help organizations solve the world's toughest, most complex challenges, providing actionable solutions and innovations through our Aerospace Technologies, Industrial Automation, Building Automation and Energy and Sustainability Solutions business segments that help make the world smarter, safer and more sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom. 

Media Contacts:
Honeywell	Edelman
Dawn Wotapka	Media contact
(631) 943-3782
dawn.wotapka@honeywell.com	HoneywellBAPress@edelman.com

 

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SOURCE Honeywell

FAQ

What is INNCOM Direct and how does it benefit mid-market hotels?

INNCOM Direct is an energy management system launched by Honeywell (HON) for mid-market hotels. It uses automation to improve energy efficiency, particularly in HVAC systems, by autonomously adjusting temperatures in vacant rooms and common areas, potentially reducing operational costs and carbon footprint.

How does INNCOM Direct detect and manage empty spaces in hotels?

INNCOM Direct uses a proprietary detection system to identify empty spaces in hotels. It then autonomously adjusts the temperature in these areas without impacting guest comfort, helping to reduce energy consumption in unoccupied rooms and common areas.

Can INNCOM Direct be used across multiple hotel properties?

Yes, INNCOM Direct can be used either on a single property or across an entire portfolio of hotels. It offers portfolio analytics that can be accessed from mobile devices or a dashboard, allowing for centralized management of energy efficiency across multiple locations.

When did Honeywell (HON) launch INNCOM Direct for mid-market hotels?

Honeywell (HON) announced the launch of INNCOM Direct for mid-market hotels on August 14, 2024, as part of its strategy to align with automation and energy transition megatrends.