How do you choose a PMS that scales with your hotel growth?

Selecting a PMS isn't a one-size-fits-all decision. It's vital to consider: Your hotel's size, type, and location Range of services and amenities Number of rooms, staff, and guests Think Future-Forward: Can the PMS adapt to future tech advancements and grow with your hotel? Avoid the 'Follow-the-Neighbor' Trap: A PMS perfect for others may not suit your unique needs. Pick a PMS that aligns with YOUR goals and challenges, ensuring a flourishing future.

Choosing a PMS system is a crucial decision for hotel management and operations. Here are some essential tips: - Opt for a cloud-based PMS; - Choose a PMS provider that listens to its users; - Look for a PMS that offers constant updates; - Seek a PMS that is open to new integrations with other systems; - Before making a decision, conduct usability tests.

This is where independent consultants or consulting firms bring their value. Depending, but often times regardless of the type of property who is looking for a PMS solution, consulting has the advantage of SMEs providing a shortlist of proven options based on the potential customer's needs and goals. While this adds a cost to the front end of the process, it can actually reduce the amount of time, effort, and cost that embarking on this endeavor could mean without the valuable help of experts on the matter.

The best way to approach the search for a PMS solution is not to take the low cost route simply for the sake of saving a few hundred dollars. Customers must look for value as it relates to their needs. Keep in mind that what may be a perfect fit even for the hotel across the street may not necessarily be what your property needs. Look for solutions that scale up or down easily, that offer modular functionality or provide the services you want through integrations with other products, so if results are not what you expected, you can cut out such services and save. Also, low cost solutions may sacrifice features or functionality that would actually enhance your operation, guest service quality, and staff efficiency.

Diving into the world of hotel PMS can make your head spin. There are just so (too?) many options out there! Do a quick Google search for "hotel PMS," and you'll get over 33 million results. Even vertical platforms like HotelTechReport list 273 PMS providers, and LinkedIn has more than 1,000 options. It's literally like trying to find a needle in a haystack. When faced with this many choices, hoteliers can feel stuck, unsure of which PMS to go for. Therefore, Begin by narrowing down your choices, for instance, select the top ten PMS options. Prepare a comprehensive list of essential requirements for your hotel. Then, methodically eliminate any PMS options that do not fulfil these specific needs

Except for seasonal type of properties with fluctuating inventory depending on the time of the year, the vast majority of properties' size does not change. Instead, unless you know for a fact your property size will change in the near future, scalability should be considered in terms of maximizing revenue for the existing inventory. In that sense, look for PMS solutions with a robust portfolio of integrations to other systems such as CRS, Channel Managers, RMS, etc. With some exceptions, you usually get more value by integrating your chosen PMS with 3rd party providers, rather than choosing an all-in-one solution. For example, a built-in Channel Manager may not be as good as one from a provider whose primary business is Channel Management.

Key to selecting a PMS is its scalability. This means the system's ability to adapt efficiently to your hotel's evolving requirements, ensuring consistent performance and reliability. Key considerations include: -Can the PMS handle large volumes of data without delays? -Is it capable of integrating with future technologies? -Does it offer an Open API for compatibility with upcoming tech innovations? -For cloud-based systems, verify latency across different global regions. It's also important to look beyond local references. Assess the system's performance in varied international contexts and its agility in adapting to diverse governmental regulations and policies.

A common mistake I see potential buyers make: do not take a product demo at face value. Demos are tailored to appeal to the customer's operation model and are prepared to seem almost perfect. Ask questions that fall outside the script! Plus: - Request access to a demo environment and get you and at least one member of your ops staff some hands-on time. - Do not underestimate the value of your staff's input. You may have to filter some of their feedback, but at the end of the day, they are the frontline who will likely give your chosen solution the heaviest use.

In the Middle East, hoteliers often rely on the opinions of their peers rather than evaluating systems with their own teams. It's crucial to obtain demo access for the PMS. Allocate at least a month for all departments to thoroughly explore and test the system. During this period, they should compile any questions or concerns, which can then be addressed and clarified. This approach ensures a smoother transition and more informed decision-making process

The concept of an 'all-in-one' solution in a PMS doesn’t always equate to the best solution. These integrated features, like built-in channel managers or revenue management systems, are often designed more to cover basic needs than to excel in performance. They typically don't match the capabilities of specialized standalone systems crafted for specific functions. Therefore, it’s essential for a PMS to have an open API. This ensures compatibility and the ability to integrate with advanced, future technologies that emerge in the hospitality industry, ultimately empowering hoteliers with the best tools for success