Beekman - Leveraging Innovation for Business Growth
- Ange Alderton
- Apr 2
- 3 min read
At The Beekman Group, we understand that in a world driven by constant technological advancements, staying competitive requires more than just maintaining the status quo. To truly thrive in today’s ever-evolving marketplace, it’s essential to embrace innovation. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and fostering strategic collaborations, both internally developed and licensed from third parties, Beekman Group has positioned itself as a leader in the hospitality industry, supporting business growth through technology-driven solutions.
Two standout digital systems that have significantly contributed to Beekman Group's growth are Magnitude and Digital Butler. These systems not only streamline our operations but also enhance our ability to deliver exceptional customer experiences at scale. The combination of these systems embodies our ability to integrate multiple technologies to achieve a unified, collaborative objective.
Magnitude is an agile, customisable web-based application that we implemented to gather and act on guest feedback in real time. Initially deployed with the objective of collecting medium-term feedback (typically within a few days of a guest’s stay) Magnitude has become a vital tool in ensuring that we are continuously improving. In addition, upon checkout, guests receive a survey link to share their thoughts on their stay. This feedback is then channelled to an internal user interface, giving resort and regional managers the ability to monitor negative responses and act swiftly to address any concerns.
On the other hand, Digital Butler was conceived entirely in-house by Beekman Group’s exceptional software development team. It serves as both an informational and concierge tool, digitising resort processes that could otherwise be difficult or time-consuming for guests. Installed on tablets in select resorts, Digital Butler is locked to an assistant mobile kiosk app developed by our team. Each device is tailored to its specific resort, offering not only detailed resort information but also direct communication portals for guests to reach reception, the restaurant, the spa, and other services. Additionally, a video feature showcases the resort’s amenities and promotes ongoing offers, making the experience more engaging for each guest.
What truly sets these two systems apart, however, is their integration. Complaints, suggestions, and notable requests submitted through Digital Butler seamlessly flow into Magnitude’s CRM system. Here, the data is categorized and forwarded to department heads and managers, who can take immediate action. This connection between the two platforms ensures a constant, real-time feedback loop that drives tangible improvements across all business functions.
As Elize van der Walt, our Business Process & Systems Manager, rightly points out, “The scale of our operations necessitates the use of digital systems to bring everyone closer to our core objectives. Without them, we'd be expending far more resources to manually integrate business processes. The collaboration between Magnitude and Digital Butler allows us to connect directly with each customer, ensuring that their experiences are heard, understood, and acted upon, paving the way for ongoing improvements and growth.”
As a family-run business with over 50 years of experience, The Beekman Group is committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation. From our humble beginnings on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal to managing a dynamic team of over 1,100 staff across various resorts and hotels, we continue to uphold the Beekman standard. By embracing technology, we remain at the forefront of the industry, not only enhancing operational efficiency but also enriching the guest experience, making exceptional holidays THE standard.
