What is Hotel Management Software?
Simply put, hotel management software refers to any software package designed to assist with managing a hotel, resort, or similar property. Examples include property management systems (PMS), revenue management systems (RMS), rate shopper software, reputation management software, and channel managers. These solutions are popular within the hotel and hospitality industry, allowing tasks that previously needed to be carried out manually on paper to be performed digitally – typically with some degree of automation.
Hotel Management Software Solutions
Management staff can use a range of hotel management software solutions to make daily tasks and operations easier and more efficient. At the bare minimum, every modern hotel requires a property management system (PMS), as this will allow you to manage bookings, your calendar, and more digitally. Aside from the use of a PMS, many hotels also use a variety of other solutions, including revenue management systems, which assist with optimizing financial results; distribution channel managers, which help with inventory distribution across the various channels; mobile check-in apps, which improve the customer experience; and reputation and review management software, which can be used to manage online feedback on a variety of platforms.
These solutions can be used individually, but many can also be connected together, and this integration allows data to be shared between them. Additionally, some software providers offer all-in-one solutions.
Benefits of Using Hotel Management Software
1. Streamlined Processes
A major benefit that can be gained from adopting various hotel management software solutions is the ability to streamline processes. From automating many distribution tasks to generating financial reports instantly, software applications can make almost everything more efficient.
Automation allows certain hotel operations to be carried out even when staff cannot intervene manually. In contrast, sharing data across the property and even across hotel chains can help remove barriers. Moreover, software solutions can also potentially reduce instances of human error.
2. Reduced Costs
Although hotel software requires an initial financial investment, over a longer time period, these applications and systems can lead to significant cost savings. This is because less human involvement is required in many day-to-day processes, while money can also be saved in several other areas.
Labor costs can be reduced through automation, allowing you to reduce the number of staff you employ, reduce the number of hours they work, or gain from increased productivity in other areas. Review management software can boost your reputation, saving on marketing costs, while channel managers can save on costs linked to distribution.
3. Increased Revenue
In addition to helping you save money, hotel management software can also help increase the revenue you generate. For instance, revenue management systems can allow you to optimize pricing and distribution, using past data, existing data in the books, and wider industry data to help you to anticipate demand accurately.
Meanwhile, marketing intelligence software can allow you to create customized offers, based on customer data. In contrast, distribution channel managers can allow you to manage availability and visibility across online distribution channels. Demand for hotel rooms can also be increased through effective reputation management programs.
4. Improved Customer Experience
Another reason why hotel management software can be beneficial because it can significantly enhance the customer experience you offer. One of the most obvious examples is mobile hotel check-in and check-out systems, which allow for much more seamless arrivals and departures.
However, improvements extend beyond that. Many PMS solutions offer point-of-sale options, making payment for hotel services easier, while smart hotel systems also allow for things like heating, air conditioning, and lights to be optimized automatically, increasing customer comfort and making your hotel more energy efficient at the same time.
5. Competitive Advantage
Finally, one of the most convincing reasons you should utilize hotel management software solutions is the potential to gain a competitive advantage over rivals. Many software packages will provide valuable real-time industry insights, allowing you to be more competitive regarding room rates, or package discounts.
Furthermore, hotel software can help you to build better relationships with customers, attract more positive feedback, generate customer loyalty, and save money that could be spent on other areas that will boost your performance.