Technology, and the development thereof, is what drives practically every industry on the planet. While the hotel industry may be largely reliant on service and skill, technology also plays a big part when it comes to the overall operation of each establishment.
One good example of an important technology is a piece of software called the “property management systems.” This software, called PMS for short, provides hotels with the luxury of automated management of guest bookings. This includes point of sale, online reservations, and other things like what kind of amenities or services are utilized by which guest or client.
PMS software is an integral part of bigger hotel establishments-especially multi-property hotel groups-because of their sheer size. This technology allows both macro management and micromanagement of nearly all aspects of a hotel’s operations. Some high-end PMS suites offer extended modules for specific areas of service, such as catering and corporate enterprise. PMS suites can also be synced with computerized energy management systems in an effort to reduce energy consumption.
Other kinds of programs are used by different hotels for a variety of functions. There are some that provide aid in terms of measuring relevant hotel metrics and other analytic components that help drive the business. Some of hotels’ online booking services are also driven by software called web booking engines. Documentation, support center access, and remote training are among other types of computerized programs being employed by hotels nowadays.
Hotel technology is of course not limited to software. There are also complex systems that are based on hotels’ IP telephone networks, used for easier guest access and system integration. There are also content management systems that help hotels get information out to the consumers, helping improve marketing efforts on top of what is generally termed as traditional marketing.
With the increasing sentiment of clients and consumers towards sustainability that can help save the environment, the development of “green technology” for the hospitality industry is now being thrust to the forefront. Green technology involves the use of smart and sustainable building design, eco-friendly innovations, and energy efficiency.
More and more green hotel technology can be seen these days, albeit for those establishments that can afford to do so. For example, certain hotels make use of wireless thermostats that can sense the occupancy and movement within a room. Those thermostats can then automatically adjust room temperature and settings. This helps save energy as well as costs. Another example is the use of electronic documentation between management teams, a solution that effectively reduces the consumption of paper unless absolutely necessary.
The above technologies are basically employed by most major top-tier hotels, simply because they can afford it. However, with current advances in technology, some innovations will be more accessible to mid-range properties. Without a doubt, technology plays an important part in all aspects of hotel operation. From seemingly simple telecommunication improvements to complete property management system suites, technology drives the service and makes a lot of things possible for hotels. It helps drive the business, making management easier and allowing a more customized and improved guest experience.