Different types of hotel management systems
Hotel management systems are the software that runs your hotel business. From your restaurant 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 handle, 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&B and small motel owners to those for managing large hotels, clubs, and resorts. The basic package offers simple 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 listing and training, accounting, and much more.
Counter: A front desk software package should enable front desk staff to keep track of all reservations, room status, guest details and charges, coordinate restaurant reservations for guests, schedule housekeeping 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 bookings, etc. Visual scheme of hotel and state rooms. Visual scheme of the calendar with room availability. Facility 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. Please incorporate all payment options at checkout and print receipt. Print work list for staff Facilities to store guest history Communicate efficiently with reservation and travel agents
Software cleaning/maintenance: Easy-to-use software for your accommodation’s housekeeping and maintenance departments will increase the efficiency of room cleaning and maintenance. The main features of this module will be: Track the status of the room: dirty, clean, inspected, entries and exits, etc. All information such as number of guests, number of beds, length of stay and special requests (eg crib, high chair) must be visible to both housekeeping staff and management. Staff can enter maintenance issues as they arise, and they 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 see the hotel rooms (size, choice of beds), availability and prices, as well as the 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 stated and airport transportation options mentioned.
Hotel management systems for point of sale (POS) operations: This includes restaurants and bars, the hotel’s gift shop, spa, tour desk, and other guest services. You must have the options of direct payment or charge to the room. In addition to recording normal sales transactions, it should include the issuance of daily transaction reports to management or the accounting office, and a daily income report.
In the POS industry, there are many hotel management operating systems that cater to the food vendor industry, namely restaurants, cafes, takeaways, and delicatessens.
Restaurant management packages (POS). For POS management packages, you have the option of a standard system for restaurants and cafes, where you can configure the options that suit your operation, or a custom one, configured specifically for your business. Most of the systems are quite easy to use and profitable. 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. Provides instant access to the database of all sectors, ensuring full transparency of operations. Early supervision and intervention of senior staff can prevent mistakes made by inexperienced employees and save money and the reputation of your business. Other facilities in this package may include:
Tools for configuring different room and service rate systems: daily, seasonal, special promotions, etc. Statistical data: percentage of occupancy during established periods and other data used for the elaboration of policies and personalized reports for presentations at 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 is important to choose a system that requires minimal training to use and has “secure areas” that only authorized staff (with proper clearance) can access and use.
Choosing and introducing hotel management systems for your business is an important task, both from an operational and financial point of view. But once it’s 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.