When it comes to managing a busy hotel, it can be tough to stay on top of all the different operational activities that keep your property running smoothly. Thankfully, there are a variety of different software programs and apps that will ensure your day-to-day operations are working well both independently and as a whole. By using technology solutions, you can rapidly improve five of your most crucial operational activities.
1. Revenue Management
Due to its multifaceted nature, revenue management is one of the most complex but fundamental tools for maximizing your property’s profitability. A revenue management system (RMS) analyzes data from past, present, and future forecasts to ensure you’re offering the right room at the best rate to your ideal customer at the right times.
To ensure your RMS is serving the unique needs of your property, set the parameters of your system around the seasonal and geographical characteristics of your property or your own management goals. Then, integrate the data from your property management system (PMS) so that the algorithm can use the specific details of your hotel’s operations to determine your rate.
2. Staffing
Another important operational consideration is staffing, which can be difficult due to constant demand fluctuation. If your staff schedule is poorly managed, you could find yourself paying employees during downtime on quiet nights or end up understaffed during a busy period.
Managers can use the data they’re already collecting through their PMS to help inform their staffing strategy. Just like your RMS helps you determine the rate at which to price your rooms, a PMS can use past and future modeling to tell you how many people are expected during a certain period and how many staff you’ll need for support.
3. Hiring
Technology tracks and predicts numbers, but people drive home your property’s unique value proposition. So, how can you help your hiring managers find the right people that complement your business model?
Recruiting software allows HR pros to survey a large population of applicants with desirable skills while also attracting suitable candidates using targeted messaging. The beauty of these tools is that they’re optimized for the hospitality industry because they take into account the high turnover and retention issues that make it difficult for hotels to find good hires. Some software programs also offer data-backed screening tools that ask targeted hospitality-related questions to screen for the best candidates.
Beyond the initial hiring process, the software program might offer pre-populated feedback forms aimed at stakeholders, such as suppliers or external staff, to help HR departments conduct performance reviews.
4. Partnerships
Whether it’s with a spa, salon, restaurant or travel and tour services, a smart strategic partnership can enhance the visibility and desirability of your hotel. To set apart a true partner from a simple vendor, go beyond your gut and back up your decisions with technology.
Look to your PMS to ensure it’s tracking data on everything from sales and consumption to customer satisfaction results. Specialized data related to your partner contract—such as statistics to support statement of work parameters, key performance indicators, compliance or trends—can help you find a true partner whose goals match your own.
5. Procurement
Having a well-considered, strategic plan that addresses everything from stocking supplies to negotiating preferred vendor contracts will ensure you get the best deal for your dollar. Even little differences can add up to significant savings for your hotel.
To create this type of strategy, you need to track costs, consumption rates, inventory, pricing and menu planning. Electronic procurement (e-procurement) is becoming increasingly popular in the hospitality industry because it helps you create a streamlined, predictable flow of goods for reasonable prices.
Check if your e-procurement system integrates into any other software you already use to ensure it’s taking full advantage of your hotel’s unique data.
A hotel manager is involved with myriad tasks, so capitalizing on technology solutions is key to streamlining your processes and simplifying your daily to-do list.
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