Running a successful hotel today requires the right combination of team members and technology. One of the most crucial elements is your hotel PMS, or property management system. This software brings everything together and should streamline daily operations while making your team’s jobs easier.
The challenge? There are lots of options out there and they are not created equal. The best way to compare platforms and make an informed decision is to compare property management system features.
Below, we’ll cover the must-have features in a hotel PMS for 2021 and the future
Cloud-Based PMS
First and foremost, you need to ensure that any PMS software you choose is cloud-based. The day when on-premises software could do the trick are long gone. Today, cloud-based software offers the flexibility that you need and that your guests expect and deserve. Why put your PMS in the cloud, though?
- Anytime, Anywhere Access: Perhaps the most important reason is that you and your team members can access the hotel PMS from anywhere at any time and from any device with an Internet connection. Need to log into the system to verify reservations but you’re not at the front desk? With a cloud-based PMS, that’s no problem.
- Front Desk Functionality in Your Pocket: A cloud-based PMS also keeps all your front desk features and capabilities right in your pocket. You can access full front desk functionality from your smartphone or tablet while you’re on the go, making hotel management so much simpler.
- Improved Housekeeping: With a mobile app and cloud-based technology, you can streamline your housekeeping operations. That allows you to reduce the time required to clean and prepare rooms, improve the guest experience, and even offer your employees a better experience at the same time.
Automation
Automation is a buzzword today, but it’s more than just a trend. It’s a fundamental shift away from time-consuming, manual drudgery and toward being able to put your team members where they best serve your guests and the property. However, not all hotel property management systems offer automation (and those that do may not automate the same processes).
What do you need to automate? Here’s a brief list:
- Information: One of the single largest problems for hotels is ensuring a smooth flow of information between departments. Your hotel management system software should automate the flow of information in real-time to improve tracking, guest service, and profitability.
- Back Office Operations: Many back-office operations are time-consuming and mundane, yet essential. Your hotel PMS should automate as many of those as possible to free up your time to focus on more important things.
A Single Dashboard
How much time do you waste every day switching between software programs, pulling up spreadsheets, and the like? If you’re anything like most hotel managers and property owners, the answer is “too much”. The right hotel PMS can help.
The key here is having access to a single central dashboard. From this location, you’ll have immediate access to all the features, functions, and information that you need. It can save you and your team a tremendous amount of time and effort each day.
Reservations
Making reservations shouldn’t be a challenge for your guests or your front desk staff. The right hotel property management software will streamline this process by providing an intuitive reservation chart laid out like a grid and providing up-to-the-minute room reservation information. Not only that, but your hotel PMS should also make it possible for guests to make reservations right through your website so there is no need to contact the front desk in the first place.
Channel Manager
Running a successful hotel means making the most of online tools to maximize visibility. However, it can be pretty challenging to manage those channels. The right hotel PMS for you will include a built-in channel manager so that you can maximize visibility through platforms like TripAdvisor, Hotels.com, and the rest and ensure a steady stream of guests to the property without spending a fortune doing so.
A hotel PMS shouldn’t be a standalone system. It must integrate with other systems and play nicely with your existing technology stack. In addition, it should make distributing room and property information to OTAs, GDS, and other platforms simple and easy.
Advanced Web Booking Engine
While using different channels to maximize visibility is definitely a good thing, it can also be costly. That’s particularly true if your guests are having to make reservations through those channels. Look for hotel booking software that offers an advanced web booking engine.
This will allow your guests to book their reservations through your website, avoiding hefty commissions. Getting your guests to book through the website also offers other benefits – it’s easier to upsell add-ons, highlight specials and packages, and deliver a tailored experience.
Payment Gateway
To accept payment from your guests online, you’ll need a payment gateway. Finding the right gateway and payment processing partner can be time-consuming and frustrating, but the right hotel PMS will provide this feature built right in. Why worry about a payment gateway, though?
Without one, you cannot process online payments. That’s an immediate turnoff for many would-be guests. It can also impede cash flow and makes your collections process that much more complicated. With the right online hotel booking software, your guests can easily pay online and enjoy a streamlined, positive experience, while you benefit from improved cash flow and profitability.
Pre-authorization is also an important consideration. This feature ensures that the funds allocated for the room are locked out on the customer’s card so that they cannot be spent. This helps ensure you’re able to protect your bottom line and avoids the problem of customers overspending on their cards between booking a reservation and checking into your hotel.
You should also pay attention to payment gateway security. Your guests are trusting you with their personal and financial information. Make sure that the hotel PMS you choose offers robust encryption during any payment transactions, as well as for the information stored within the system.
Why Choose Hotelogix?
At Hotelogix, we understand the challenges involved with finding the right hotel PMS. As industry innovators, we realized that there were major gaps in the features offered by most of the systems available today, so we decided to act. The result? A cloud-based PMS that offers all the features you need for 2021 and onward.
It goes beyond cloud connectivity and agility, though. Hotelogix supports over 40 PGs and integrates with major channel managers to make your life simpler. We also offer a custom-designed mobile app for both Android and iOS so you’re always able to connect no matter where you might be.
From an intuitive reservation module to gaining access to critical data in real-time, a built-in payment gateway, an advanced web booking engine, and a powerful channel manager, you’ll find everything you need to succeed right here. Don’t take our word for it, though. Sign up for your free trial and experience the difference Hotelogix can make in your day-to-day operations firsthand!