Hotel management systems are the software that runs your hotel business. From your restaurant’s food ordering system to online accommodation booking software, it enables efficient communication and management of your operation, ultimately increasing revenue.
With a range of hotel management systems to choose from, understanding what’s on offer is important to finding the right system to suit your needs and budget. Depending on the type of operation you manage, you should consider the following systems, their advantages and suitability for your company.
Hosting Management Software:
Lodging software packages range from those aimed at B&Bs and small motel owners to those for managing large hotels, clubs and resorts. The basic package offers easy guest and room management, while the more complex ones cover all the aspects needed to run and manage a large hotel chain. This includes reservations, service, retail, inventory, staff roster and training, accounting, and much more.
Counter: A front desk software package should allow front desk staff to keep track of all reservations, room status, guest details and charges, coordinate restaurant reservations for guests, plan housekeeping tasks, and process guest check-in and check-out. They must also provide a means to communicate effectively with all travel agents and activity operators linked to the system. Features to look out for include: Reports of arrivals and departures on a specific date. Guest ledger and reservation details, including activities and special requests. Room rates, discounts, package deals, group reservations, etc. Visual scheme of hotel rooms and state. Visual scheme of the calendar with room availability. Easy to print check-in cards for guests. Flexibility in reassigning guests to different rooms. Facility to easily add charges to restaurant rooms, spa, gift shop, etc. Enter all payment options at check-out and print your receipt. Print work list for staff Easy to store guest history Communicate efficiently with reservations and travel agents
Software cleaning/maintenance: Easy-to-use software for your accommodation housekeeping departments will increase the efficiency of cleaning and maintaining rooms. The main features of this module will be: Track the status of the room: dirty, clean, inspected, inputs and outputs, etc. All information such as number of guests, number of beds, length of stay and special requests (eg cot, high chair) must be visible to both housekeeping and management. Staff can enter maintenance issues as they arise, and these are automatically routed to the maintenance department. Staff can request cleaning products and toiletries. Staff can track laundry status for an uninterrupted supply of linens.
Online reservation system: This software package is essential for any hosting venue. Helps you increase direct online bookings instantly. Potential guests can view hotel rooms (size, choice of bedding), availability and prices, as well as services and facilities offered. Systems must have instant confirmation of payments by credit card or other secure online payment method. After deposit payment and email confirmation, guests should be able to log in to view or change their reservation details. Cancellation policies should be indicated and mention of transportation options to the airport.
Hotel management systems for point of sale (POS) operations: This includes restaurants and bars, the hotel gift shop, spa, tour desk, and other guest services. You must have the options of direct payment or room charge. In addition to recording normal sales operations, it should include the issuance of daily transaction reports to management or the accounting office, and a daily income report.
In the POS sector there are many hotel management operating systems that cater to the food vendor sector, namely restaurants, cafeterias, takeaways and delicatessens.
Restaurant management packages (POS). For POS management packages, you have the choice of a standard system for restaurants and cafes, where you can configure options to suit your operation, or a custom one, configured specifically for your business. Most of the systems are quite easy to use and cost effective. Their features vary, but most offer the following: Order taking, counting, and checkout options using a handheld PDA system. Credit Card Processing Interface Customized receipts for your business. The most advanced systems also offer: Integration of all transactions with your accounting software. Full Inventory/Inventory Facility Translation facilities into selected languages.
Management software: This module is aimed at senior management and offers access to all levels of the organization. It provides instant access to the database of all sectors, ensuring full transparency of operations. Supervision and early intervention by senior staff can prevent mistakes made by inexperienced employees and save money and your business’s reputation. Other facilities in this package may include:
Tools for configuring different room and service rate systems: daily, seasonal, special promotions, etc. Statistical data: occupancy percentage during established periods and other data used for the elaboration of policies and personalized reports for presentations in board meetings. Organization of promotions and package deals. Inventory for different departments. Employee accounts and employee training programs
Remember: With the high staff turnover common in the hospitality industry, it’s important to choose a system that requires minimal training to use and has “secure areas,” which only authorized staff (with the proper authorization) can access. and use.
Choosing and introducing hotel management systems for your business is an important task, both operationally and financially. But once you’re up and running, the system will increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service at your business. You’ll have happier staff and happier guests, promoting your business and ultimately increasing your revenue.