Reasons for Modern Property Management Systems at Hotels 2023

The hotel sector as a whole has taken a fresh approach to technology. As a result of manpower shortages and other factors, more property managers rely on technology to run their properties more efficiently. Yet, as digitalizing operations becomes more prevalent, more and more hotels are becoming aware of the limitations of their property-management system and how dependent they are on better service from their providers. Several of the most significant digital features need a PMS that can connect with many departments and can be accessed remotely via mobile devices. Older systems are just inadequate. These constraints have compelled hoteliers throughout the sector to make an extraordinarily difficult choice: overhauling their IT stack and purchasing a new PMS.

Often, the most difficult aspect of modernizing a hotel’s IT stack is allocating the necessary funds. Not any longer. As a result of their greater dependence on digital technologies, operators report dedicating a larger portion of their expenditures to technology. According to the 2023 Lodging Technology Survey conducted by Hotel Technology, IT professionals in the hospitality industry continue to struggle with integrating new mobile solutions and partnering connections with older systems. This issue continues to be a major concern for operators of all chain sizes, and many hotels have decided to address it head-on by upgrading their PMS for enhanced capabilities and vendor services.

Sixty-nine percent of respondents reported that they are adding, updating, or replacing property-management system vendors this year. This number is 15 percent higher than that of those seeking to replace their revenue-management system, indicating that hoteliers are now recognizing what they are lacking in terms of current PMS features. These advantages are even more important for independent operators that lack the endorsement of a major brand.

Notwithstanding these developments, many industry operators are ignorant of the capabilities and benefits of a contemporary PMS for their property. Some hoteliers are lagging behind their competitors as they increase their competitive edge by investing in new technology. Many hotel owners are unable to implement the numerous innovations that have enhanced guest service, employee and property efficiency, and overall profitability during the past three years due to legacy technology.

Among the benefits of the most recent PMS features are:

1. Mobile Reservation Systems
Hotels implementing a contemporary PMS are able to give their customers an enhanced mobile reservation system that is accompanied by online pre-check-in services and a dependable pre-payment site. These features have enhanced the room reservation experience on both sides of the front desk, with operators benefiting from more precise pre-check-in data. Guests receive the ability to reserve and manage their rooms according to their own preferences.

In addition, hotels can use digital registration cards to confirm and accept terms and conditions upon check-in, all of which can be seen instantly on a tablet by hotel workers anywhere on the site. Visitors utilising mobile registration cards may also update their personal data, such as email addresses and signatures, which are securely saved and immediately available.

In 2023, one hundred percent of hotels polled report offering or planning to introduce mobile reservation management.

2. Mobile Examine Mobile check-in was popular before the pandemic, and although it is no longer required for operations, it has remained a lure for guests who prefer to self-serve or at least have the opportunity to do so. Today, technology is nearly omnipresent in successful hotels.

Mobile check-in benefits operators because visitors who utilize the service are redirected away from the front desk, allowing hotels to focus on other activities and reducing congestion. A contemporary hotel PMS may give passengers a mobile key capable of changing their gadgets into guestroom keys, therefore streamlining check-in for all guests and ensuring a uniform experience across properties. This technology will continue to increase in popularity, necessitating a contemporary PMS capable of incorporating these digital keys swiftly.

In 2023, 100 percent of hotels polled report offering or planning to provide mobile check-in.

3. Mobile 2-Way Messaging Before to the pandemic, hotels faced with communication issues, and labour constraints have made it even more important for operators to transmit information swiftly and concisely. For years, operators have bootstrapped their internal communications using third-party devices, but this raises security risks and the platforms are sometimes not optimal for looking for historical data.

An efficient hotel PMS will be able to sustain interactions across many departments and store prior talks for training and clarifying reasons. These services may be utilised by hotels with robust internal communications technology to enhance consistency, answer guest problems quickly, and develop stronger communication standards from the bottom up. It is difficult for many hoteliers to envision operating without these features after having experienced them.

In 2023, 95 percent of hotels report offering or planning to offer two-way communications with guests.

4. Mobile Room Key Convenience is one of the primary advantages of a contactless mobile guest trip. As a result, PMS firms are collaborating with access control solution and kiosk suppliers to enable keyless entry in addition to online check-in and check-out. With a mobile key, customers no longer need to visit the front desk to obtain a key card; instead, they may use the hotel’s mobile app to open their rooms’ doors.

100 percent of hotels questioned report offering or intending to offer mobile key room access by 2023, with over two-thirds citing a shortage of skilled employees as the primary reason for pursuing self-service options.

5. Wireless Payments
   Contactless payments are a part of the contactless technology revolution that has entrenched its place in consumer behaviour. It is envisaged that every hotel, regardless of chain size, brand affiliation, or management group, would accept contactless payments. As crucial, PMS providers must be able to accept payments in installments for future stays. The booking engine of the hotel may be adjusted to accommodate pay-for-stay-over-time models. The hotel will receive full payment for the reservation in advance, as per customary payment procedures. It will soon become an integral component of the reservation process, as customers seek conveniences to determine which hotel to select.

90% of hoteliers questioned believe that contactless payments have the most potential to improve operations and revenue over time, and 88% now accept or plan to accept contactless payments by 2023.

Thanks to technology, hotels are becoming more competitive, and the PMS provides the foundation for these enhancements. As they should, operators have lofty objectives for 2023, and to accomplish them, the sector will need to continue adopting the innovations that have contributed to its success.