What is Hotel Management Software?
Put simply, hotel management software refers to any software package that is designed to assist with the day-to-day management of a hotel, resort or similar property. Examples of this 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
There are a range of hotel management software solutions that management staff can use 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 digitally manage bookings, your calendar, and more. Aside from the use of a PMS, many hotels also use a variety of other solutions, including revenue management systems, which assist with optimising 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.

5 Benefits of Using Hotel Management Software
In the modern, digital age, hotel software is used for a range of different purposes, but convenience, efficiency, accuracy and financial benefits are chief among them. Below, you will find five specific advantages associated with the use of hotel management software solutions within a property.

1. Streamlined Processes
   A major benefit that can be gained from adopting a variety of hotel management software solutions is the ability to streamline processes. From automating many of the distribution tasks, to generating financial reports in an instant, software applications can make almost everything more efficient

Automation allows certain hotel operations to be carried out even when staff are not available to intervene manually, while the ability to share data across the property and even across hotel chains can help to remove barriers. Moreover, software solutions also have the potential to 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 a number of other areas.

Labour costs can be reduced through automation, which can allow you to reduce the number of staff you employ, reduce the number of hours they work, or simply 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 to save money, hotel management software can also help to increase the amount of revenue you generate. For instance, revenue management systems can allow you to optimise pricing and distribution, using past data, existing data in the books and wider industry data to help you to accurately anticipate demand.

Meanwhile, marketing intelligence software can allow you to create customised offers, based on customer data, while 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 use of reputation management programs.

4. Improved Customer Experience
Another reason why hotel management software can be beneficial is because it can significantly enhance the customer experience you offer. One of the most obvious examples of this is the use of 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 optimised automatically, increasing customer comfort and making your hotel more energy efficient at the same time.

5. Competitive Advantage
Finally, one of the single most convincing reasons why you should utilise 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 in terms of 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.

The Most Important Software Solutions for Hotels
From revenue management systems to rate shopper software, the ever-growing number of hotel software solutions on the market can seem overwhelming and it can be difficult to know which are most important for day-to-day operations.

In our article, “Hotel Software: The Most Important Software Solutions for Hotels”, you will find valuable information about the most important software solutions to use in your hotel or resort.

Hotel management software has become widespread within the hotel industry and there are a number of different types of solutions available. Crucially, these systems and applications have the potential to streamline processes, reduce costs, increase revenue, improve the customer experience and provide you with a competitive advantage.

By: REVFINE