Hospitality shouldn’t be about technology, but with all those systems you need to help run things — like PMS, POS, online distribution, in-room entertainment and revenue management systems — it can be easy to lose focus.
Not only do you rely on core systems to help run your property, but your guests want technology too —innovative technology. They want fast, reliable Wi-Fi, iPod docking stations, and mobile apps for ordering room service and booking spa treatments. Most importantly, they expect personalized service that goes above and beyond to make them feel valued, and, nowadays, technology is part of that expectation.
So just how do you manage all that technology and find time to provide attentive service to your guests? It shouldn’t be a juggling act; you need smart systems that work together and take care of themselves, allowing you to focus on showing your guests genuine hospitality.
Cloud Technology for Hospitality
The shift to cloud technology in the hospitality industry is gaining enormous momentum because:
>> Deployed via the Internet, cloud systems eliminate the need to install and maintain computer software and are easily scalable.
>> Cloud software is delivered as a service, based on subscription pricing. Because it requires no upfront capital expense, it represents significant cost savings, is less risky and provides a fast return on investment.
>> The cloud environment fosters rapid innovation; common Web development standards and open APIs allow developers to focus on improved functionality and customization. Upgrades are immediately deployed to users at no cost, greatly extending system life by keeping software current.
>> Data is securely stored offsite – protected by top-level security measures and qualified technicians – relieving the customer of the fear and liability of data loss or breach.
>> Cloud systems offer mobile and remote accessibility, from any computer or mobile device connected to the Internet.
>> Cloud systems simplify integration with other systems, especially cloud-to-cloud, for improved operational efficiency via automated data exchange.
Cloud Technology for Smooth Operation
Each and every one of the benefits of cloud technology listed above works to promote improved efficiency. From the moment of implementation, cloud systems save users time and expense. And the responsibility of software maintenance and data security is shifted from the user to the vendor, which, for many, is the cloud’s most appealing advantage — a benefit that saves lodging operators considerable time and delivers peace of mind.
Mobile accessibility also represents an invaluable convenience that inspires lodging operators to turn to the cloud for core systems like PMS, POS and revenue management software. The ability to access data from offsite, or from anywhere on site, allows users to attend to operations and guests when away from the front desk for improved efficiency and service.
Operational efficiency is improved by cloud technology’s capacity for integration too. Thanks to common Web standards and open APIs, system integration in the cloud is easy and inexpensive, especially when compared to integrating legacy systems. By automating data transfer between systems working alongside each other, system integration eliminates tedious and time-consuming manual data entry and streamlines processes property wide.
Cloud Technology for Happy Guests
When the systems behind daily operations are running smoothly, staff can direct their undivided attention toward guests. And when you step things up with mobile PMS and POS for immediate guest service on the go, guests will be even more impressed.
We’ve talked about integrating core systems for more streamlined operation that affords you more time for your guests, but systems like POS and PMS can also be integrated with innovative and interactive guest-facing technologies — and, in doing so, provides a prime opportunity for capturing rich guest data for highly personalized service.
For example, mobile apps that allow guests to book a stay, check themselves in, schedule on-site spa treatments, or even turn guests’ phones into mobile room keys or TV remotes, etc. can be integrated with the PMS so that guest information (stay status, requests, preferences and property spend) is automatically updated and tracked in guest folios and profiles. In this way, lodging operators provide guests with innovation and improved service while automatically accumulating powerful guest data.
When hotel technology works together to automate processes and share information, the quality of hospitality improves. Barriers that create separate silos of hard-to-reach data are broken down, making the consolidation of powerful guest information easy. And rich guest profiles are the foundation of the kind of personalized service that sets a property above its competition and results in happy guests.
Through ease of implementation, accessibility, integration and innovation, cloud systems enable lodging operators to shift their focus back to their guests. Cloud technology is made for hospitality.
Related posts:
Cloud PMS: Made for Our Culture of Immediacy
The Quick Guide to PMS Integration
