Hotel management software company Preno shares the benefits of cloud-based software for hotels.
For some years now, cloud-based technology has become more and more widespread across a variety of industries. The idea that we can store data in a digital space that is accessible from any device, at any time, from anywhere is trumping the way we used to do business.
From personal cloud storage (e.g. on our smartphones), to cloud-based software systems – cloud technology is not only leading in the tech space, but benchmarking its direction.
A shift for modern technology – with cloud-based hotel software, the opportunities are limitless
It’s hard to believe that not that long ago, “modern technology” was considered software systems that required computer installation and were only accessible from one place. For the hotel industry, this meant one hotel management system installed on a desktop computer at the front desk (commonly known now as ‘legacy systems’).
Even more hard to believe is the use of spreadsheets to run a hotel business – in fact, surprisingly, some hoteliers still use them. The functionality is limited, and the risk of mistakes are high.
Today, the best hotel management systems are those that are seamlessly designed, and are based in the cloud.
The benefits of modern cloud-based hotel software
So how exactly do cloud software solutions compare to old legacy systems?
For the hotel industry, (and most industries for that matter), the main difference between legacy software systems and modern cloud solutions is that cloud-based systems are accessible from anywhere, at any time, from any device.
Long gone are the days that hoteliers should have to rely on clunky software systems that are only accessible from one front desk computer, and are at risk of crashing at any time.
Cloud-based systems provide hoteliers with accessibility, efficiency and security of data
With the cloud, hotel reservations are synced seamlessly from online travel agents (OTAs) and all data is safely stored “in the cloud” – i.e. on remote servers. This means that as a hotel business, all of your bookings, guest information, credit card details and other sensitive information is secure.
When using old legacy systems or hotel spreadsheets, you are at risk of losing important data, misplacing information, overbooking rooms, and more. All in all, cloud software solutions are safer for your hotel business.
Not only is cloud-based hotel software safer for your business, it is also more efficient
Here’s how cloud-based software solutions are beneficial to hotel businesses:
• Remote access
Because cloud-based software is accessible from any device, at any time, from anywhere, this means that hotel staff can input instant updates in your system. For instance, housekeeping can use their smartphones to update room cleanliness statuses. With remote access, all you need is a secure internet connection – and in the off chance that your WiFi went down, you could still login via data on your smartphone.
• Clean interface
The modernity of cloud-based systems mean that they offer a more professional and user-friendly interface. They are easy to use and tidy to look at (and more professional from a guest perspective) – unlike legacy systems which are clunky and confusing.
• Secure data
As discussed, cloud-based hotel systems provide security and safety of important and sensitive information. If you use an old desktop legacy system you are at risk of your computer crashing or being stolen and all information being lost. With the cloud everything is secured remotely, so if one of your devices crashes or is stolen you can simply login to another device and continue running your accommodation business.
• Multiple users
In the hotel industry, there are a variety of departments that require access to review and update hotel data. For instance, housekeeping, maintenance, front desk, back office – with old legacy systems and spreadsheets, only one person can view or edit at a time (on one device) which is inconvenient and inefficient. With cloud computing, your staff can each have a user account and therefore view or edit data simultaneously.
• Seamlessly connected
Cloud-based systems are also well connected with other important apps and channels (e.g. accounting software like Xero and OTA’s like Booking.com). The seamless connection of cloud-based systems means that you can integrate your hotel software with channel managers that automatically update OTA bookings into your system. This is in comparison to legacy systems where everything is manual.
In an industry that is so competitive, tools that save time are invaluable. Owning a hotel is hard work, but owning a hotel as an independent hotelier is even more hard work. You have a lot to organise – housekeeping, reservations management, accounting, marketing – the list goes on.
Having a smart system that runs efficiently, automates, connects seamlessly to other apps and stores and organises your data securely in the cloud is far more beneficial to your business than old systems that use up your time and have limited functionalities.
The hotel industry is going cloud-based, and with good reason – it saves time and streamlines. No longer do you have to worry about double bookings and manual administration – you can take back your time to spend creating amazing guest experiences. Because that’s what your goal as a hotelier is, isn’t it?
Why waste time with clunky, confusing software, when you could be spending time with your guests?
Read 10+ reasons why you should be saying goodbye to dated software and hotel spreadsheets here.
