The impact of IT solutions on the hotel industry

Successful functioning in the hotel business market is impossible without the use of modern information technologies. Due to the introduction of new computer technologies, the hotel industry is experiencing significant changes. We are talking about individual developments, made according to the orders of specific hotels, and about developments of wide distribution. 

Modern information technologies at the enterprises of the hospitality industry

The hospitality industry is a meaningful sector of the economy of most countries of the world. It includes:

• rapid changeability of economic conditions;
• improving the quality of services;
• the continuous entry of new participants into the market.

These changes have a particular impact on the financial situation of hospitality industry enterprises. The functioning of modern hotels requires the application of new technologies in practice. It is necessary to create an efficient and functional information management system for the hotel. To automate workflows and increase the level of customer service. 

No hotel can exist without information technologies now. The hotel’s existence, making the right management decisions and profitability depend on the use of IT. The competitive advantage and even the survival of the hospitality industry enterprises depend on such innovations as decision-making systems based on automated management and systems related to data storage and intelligent processing. 

What is the IT structure for the hotel industry?

The structure of the system in the hotel business is built for each hotel individually. First, it depends on which departments are created in the enterprise. Secondly, the number and tasks of each of the departments are determined by the category of the hotel, the location, and other factors. The hotels have created divisions that are present in the structure of each hotel. For example, this is the management department, booking service, administration, and service. The information system of the hotel complex should combine the system to ensure interconnection. 

The information technologies of the hotel include:

• structured cabling system;
• hotel television, including an interactive system;
• internet access;
• accounting programs of the Hotel Management System (PMS);
• ERP systems (calculation, warehouse, accounting, and financial systems);
• computing facilities that include servers, computers, and restaurant terminals;
• hotel website and online booking systems;
• video surveillance and security;
• access control and accounting systems, hotels.

The functionality of IT solutions for hotels

Computer enterprise management systems allow you to automate the performance of routine tasks of the hotel staff and management. At the same time, the relationship between the various services is achieved, which increases efficiency and allows you to get rid of errors. In addition, the management receives a powerful tool for monitoring the state of the hotel and its financial flows. In general, when using automated IT systems, the hotel becomes more manageable and efficient. Modern hotel management systems are based on powerful databases. It accumulates and stores detailed information on the work of the hotel and its relationship with each guest. 

The modern PMS management system is used for booking and maintaining guest accounts. PMS also partially performs the functions of CRM, which is responsible for managing customer relationships and organizing the company’s internal processes. Thanks to PMS, you can create a single client base.  It stores all the data about the guest, so when booking, it is enough for him to tell his data. The PMS system should provide an opportunity to automate and, therefore, facilitate the implementation of the main functions of the marketer. Of course, this is an actual and convenient function in all systems. 

Also, the online room reservation system occupies a special place in the development of information technologies in the hotel business. Today, customers have the opportunity to independently book the desired hotel according to individual parameters using the Internet site. 

What are the main requirements for hotel information systems?

Hotel management information systems should meet several requirements: 

• The level of functionality that will allow you to get information about the client;
• Reliability of technology operation;
• A user-friendly interface that will allow users with different levels of training to work with IT technologies in a hotel enterprise of different levels;
• Flexibility and scalability of the software product in the system structure and expansion of its functionality.

To have an effective solution, you should ensure that the creation stages are carefully prepared. The IT solutions created by programmers for gustiness will allow the automation of work processes and improve work and customer service quality.

High-tech IT solutions that will transform the hospitality industry

• Virtual and Augmented Reality. Augmented and Virtual Reality is one of the most exciting trends in the hospitality industry. Today, many hotels already use Virtual and Augmented Reality as a feature that helps their guests make choices and improve their experience. For example, it can be a virtual tour of the hotel building or the rooms. To, then choose a more suitable option.
• Internet of Things. The Internet of Things is rapidly adapting from a marketing concept to reality. The hotel industry should not miss the diverse opportunities that the concept of the Internet of Things opens up. It is expected that hotel rooms can be opened using the keyboard codes of smartphone applications instead of keys or voice control.
• Intelligent real estate management systems. The introduction of intelligent business management systems is an integral part of the digital transformation. It is considered that all enterprises should pass this to remain relevant. The use of such hotel management software allows you to improve the effectiveness of your business. For example, they can avoid overbooking and reduce the losses of canceled bookings. 
• Mobile devices. The use of mobile devices is increasing every day. Hotels can use this trend to their advantage to build interaction between and the guest around these devices. As a rule, the guest has the opportunity to find a hotel, check available rooms, and book it (without interacting with the staff or representatives of the hotel). This is an up-to-date solution for the hotel industry, to save your employees’ time and simplify their work process. 
• Artificial intelligence. More and more hotels are abandoning manual price management. This is done in favour of delegating this task to the AI. By analysing the data, the AI makes a forecast of high demand. AI frees up managers’ time and improves this work. As it can make more accurate forecasts.