When It Comes to Technology, Should Hotels Look for Form or Function? - By Bob Palloni

Why unlocking success comes down to choosing proven systems, not bright shiny objects

The hotel industry is in a constant state of evolution, shaped by advancements in almost everything we use: from online travel platforms to the pervasive influence of social media on how people discover and book accommodations. As a result, the need for reliable and efficient technology, including a Property Management System (PMS) has become more critical than ever before. 

Amidst the continuous influx of new and innovative tools that reshape the travel and hotel sector, the task of determining which solutions are truly essential and worthy of investment has become increasingly challenging. According to a report by TheExpressWire, the global market for PMS in hotels is projected to grow by 8.82% to reach $150 million by 2027, indicating substantial growth and an influx of new players in the market.

With the market poised for such significant expansion, there is no shortage of companies trying to fill the void in hotel technology. As a result, the industry is witnessing an increase in trendy and visually appealing tools vying for attention. How is it possible to prioritize substance over aesthetics when evaluating these new tools? There are three crucial aspects that you must consider when selecting the right PMS: stability over elegance, usability beyond aesthetics, and scalability for future growth. By focusing on these factors, hoteliers can make well-informed decisions that prioritize functionality over fashion, ensuring a seamless hotel operation that is sure to fit the needs of their business as it grows.

Prioritizing Reliability

While elegant interfaces and visually appealing designs are often seen as indicators of quality, they can also be misleading. Hotel managers might be tempted by the visual appeal of new PMS tools, assuming that a pretty PMS is synonymous with reliability and stability. But, looks can be deceiving. Managers must consider the full story behind the flashy appearance. How often does the system undergo software updates, causing it to go offline? How long do these updates last? More importantly, how long can managers and their staff tolerate a PMS that freezes or fails to work efficiently? Dependable systems may not be the flashiest, but their robustness ensures that they can handle the demands of daily hotel management without unexpected disruptions.

It’s more important than ever for managers and hoteliers to differentiate between novelty and dependability. Established property management systems with a proven track record of success and customer satisfaction are the ones that can be genuinely relied upon. These tried and true PMS solutions have undergone years of rigorous testing and optimization, ensuring that they can handle the complexities of property management operations without fail.

Usability Beyond Aesthetics

Newer PMS tools may prioritize design over functionality, leading to a frustrating experience for hotel employees. While visually appealing tools might create a positive first impression, they don't necessarily translate into user-friendly and practical solutions. The real value of a worthwhile PMS lies in 3 key areas, reliability, usability and ease of use, which directly impacts the guest experience. According to a study by McKinsey, 70% of the buying experience is based on how the customer feels they’re being treated. A user-friendly PMS empowers hotel staff to create the best guest experience consistently. According to a study by McKinsey, 70% of the buying experience is based on how the customer feels they’re being treated. A user-friendly PMS empowers hotel staff to create the best guest experience consistently.

When evaluating potential PMS solutions, hoteliers should be considering how well they integrate with existing processes and how much training is required for staff to become proficient. By focusing on usability and functionality, you can ensure that their property management operations run smoothly and efficiently. While flashy interfaces might create a positive first impression, it is crucial to delve deeper and assess the practicality of the tool for specific needs.

Scaling Up with Confidence

Scalability is a critical factor to consider when choosing a PMS for your hotel. As your business grows and evolves, your operational requirements will change, demanding a system that can keep pace. A proven PMS offers the assurance of seamless expansion without disrupting your operations.

Proven PMS providers design their solutions to cater to various hotel sizes, from boutique properties to large-scale establishments. These systems can effortlessly handle increased guest volume, additional properties, and expanding operations without compromising performance or data integrity. The ability to accommodate growth ensures your hotel remains competitive, adaptable, and ready to embrace future opportunities.

Beyond scalability, consider a PMS that integrates seamlessly with other software and services you rely on daily. Robust integration capabilities enhance efficiency and streamline processes across departments, allowing your staff to focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences. On top of that, a scalable PMS should offer the flexibility to customize features to match your specific needs. Tailoring the system ensures it aligns perfectly with your unique workflows, leading to increased productivity and improved staff satisfaction.

By considering how your hotel will change and evolve, you’ll find that prioritizing scalability in your PMS selection will help you rest assured that your tools won’t be limiting your growth. Investing in a proven and adaptable solution ensures your property can seize new opportunities while maintaining seamless operations and exceptional guest service.

Staying Focused with Your PMS

In the fast-paced world of hotel management, choosing the right Property Management System is a make-or-break decision. Embracing a proven PMS that prioritizes dependability, user experience, and scalability is the key to unlocking your hotel's full potential. Steer clear of the flashy distractions and focus on what truly matters. This way, you can streamline operations, enhance guest experiences, and build a thriving and future-ready hospitality business. Remember, it's not just about getting bigger; it's about getting smarter too. So, when you're making that PMS decision, think growth, think adaptability, and think about staying ahead of the game. With a reliable PMS at your side, success is within reach, and the possibilities are endless.

About Bob Palloni

As the Chief Operating Officer of Skyware Hospitality Systems, Bob is responsible for leading the company in corporate strategy, business development, product innovation, and market profitability. An accomplished tech developer and visionary entrepreneur, he has decades of progressive experience in all phases of lifecycle software development. Bob’s strength as a strategic planner focuses on networking and application evolution, assuring continued knowledge of trends and vendor partnerships. Prior to forming Skyware, Bob was a senior developer for Visual One/Agilysys and assisted support engineers in troubleshooting customer issues for resolving database performance and networking problems. Previously, Bob also launched an IT development company, KASS Systems, providing integrated technologies to meet the business requirements for small-to medium-sized businesses.

About Skyware Hospitality Solutions

Skyware Hospitality Solutions is the industry’s most innovative all-in-one hospitality technology platform trusted by leading independent hotels, resorts, RV parks, and multi-property groups. The company has reimagined the fragmented, complex legacy landscape into a visionary universe of modern, integrated solutions with limitless possibilities. With more than 30 years of hospitality technology experience, Skyware’s solutions are carefully curated to fit the unique needs of each property and built to respond flexibly to the demanding requirements of a fast-changing industry.

Built from the ground up to centralize and simplify operations, the end-to-end cloud-based PMS suite includes Online Booking Engine, POS, Sales and Catering, and Activity/Spa Scheduling. The easy-to-use system is up and running quickly and seamlessly, delivering a scalable, cost-effective solution that can work with or replace existing hotel systems and technology investments.  

With deep industry knowledge and top-rated North American-based support, Skyware’s patented technology accelerates its customers' ambitions, whether to grow and transform or simply become more efficient, productive, and profitable.

Currently, over 200 unique hotel customers in over 5 countries look to Skyware for tools, technology, and world-class expert support. Founded in 2009, the privately held company is headquartered in Crestview, Florida. For more information, please visit skywaresystems.com.