Welcome to The Cloud. It’s an entirely new way of thinking about PMS software for hotels since this technology sets the stage for reinventing every aspect of the hotel management experience.
OK, it’s not actually new, it just seems new. Cloud computing may be a relatively new entrant into the hospitality technology space, yet it’s history stretches way back to the 1960s. But it wasn’t until high speed internet access became commonplace that cloud computing became a viable means from which to create an entirely new type of property management system that reinvents the entire notion of the PMS to what is becoming a “Hotel Operations Platform.” The PMS and its central role within a hotel technology platform is now center-stage for future technology growth within the hotel business, and this new approach allows for holistic growth and impact in areas of hotel operations.
The Cloud is the Future of Hotel Operations Management
From basic tasks to complex solutions like predictive marketing, The Cloud is the future and the future of hotel technology is set firmly in The Cloud. That’s because cloud technology allows hotel operators to manage their property (or multiple properties) from anywhere in the world with a mobile device and internet access. Take that on-premise systems!
On-premise systems have done a decent job for hoteliers throughout the decades, but the classic PMS was always limited because of the inherent nature of the product. It was cut off from communicating with systems outside the hotel.
To stay ahead of the increasingly fast rate of technological advancement, hoteliers are switching en-masse to cloud-based systems. Owners and operators are learning a cloud-based platform is cheaper to operate and own. Plus, when new innovations occur, a cloud-based platform is ready for the added functionality faster and at a lower cost.
Cloud-based products are frequently part of the SaaS model, that is, Software as a Service. Rather than require a PMS be on-site, users can tap into it directly via the internet. That eliminates clunky, expensive hardware from the hotel, and with it the need for constant updates that take time and sometimes require additional assistance from Information Technology professionals, while opening endless possibility and increasing data security.
SaaS: Did you know?
SAAS companies in the $7.5MM-$15MM range are among the fastest growers. (forentrepreneurs)
38% US businesses started fostering a SaaS exclusive workplace in 2017, compared to 17% in 2016. (FinancesOnline)
More than 1/2 of SAAS companies increased their spending on customer retention last year. (Totango)
The best SAAS businesses have a LTV to CAC ratio that is higher than 3, sometimes as high as 7 or 8. (forentrepreneurs)
Also, a cloud-based platform typically features a more intuitive graphical user interface that’s easier for hotel employees to learn and operate, which has been proven to generate higher-levels of staff and guest satisfaction, which together often leads to higher profitability. New hotel employees tend to learn a cloud PMS system quicker than a premise-based system, which saves training costs for example, while this higher level of job satisfaction typically keeps staff in the job longer. That’s essential in an industry with an extremely high turnover rate such as hospitality. As training costs and hiring costs shrink, more profit can be added to a hotel’s bottom line.
A cloud-based PMS platform is also fully-integrated; hoteliers can streamline operations across all departments within a single hotel, as well as all properties operated within an ownership group of management company.
Typically integrated functionality touches every aspect of hotel operations including guest bookings, reservations, group management, housekeeping, maintenance, as well as traditional operations such as assigning guests to rooms, maintaining guest folios, coordinating profile changes, posting room charges, conducting night audits and much more.
What They’re Saying…
“We upgraded our PMS because service is an important attribute for us and for our general managers. We did our homework and we wanted ensure we would get a fast response if any issues occurred,” said Jon Kennedy, CEO of Grandstay Hotel & Suites. “That was an important ingredient for us. Our previous experience was that we were having numerous difficulties with every new software release. The communication wasn’t there, creating a lot of complications. Now communications are excellent, and the training has been spectacular, which is also extremely important.”
Overall, everything we’ve known about the PMS is changing. The Cloud opens limitless possibility for the hotel PMS. It’s no longer a case of whether a hotelier should make the decision to switch to a loud-based property management, the only question is when the switch should happen.
Don’t want to wait for part 3?
Download our eBook: 6 Must-Have Technologies for Hotel Success (According to Best Practices IT Market Research).
Ready to see how a partner like SkyTouch can impact your operations and your revenue? Contact us today and book a demo of the SkyTouch Hotel Operations Platform.
