“The hotel of the future”, a research piece by Deloitte, emphasizes that consumers increasingly expect new capabilities, personalization and seamlessness in their hospitality experience. The main task for hotel management is to provide their guests with fast services, on-time information and 24/7 attention.
A wealth of mobile, digital, cloud and technology solutions can be used to shorten the gap between customers’ rising expectations and the level of hotel services. Therefore it is very important to know some details before partnering with a hotel tech provides.
Here below is #5 key questions that you need to ask your hotel tech providers;
#1 Do They Understand Your Business?
We often hear that technology service providers do not require domain experience. This is a costly mistake when it comes to the travel and hospitality industry. Our industry is unique because high touch service is the driving force of the business. With this in mind, your partner needs to have a strong grasp of specific operations, technology, integrations and the hierarchy specific to this complex ecosystem. Look for companies that have a senior management team with a wealth of experience, ongoing involvement and that have been in the trenches when it comes to working with industry stakeholders. To grow, you need a network of skilled partners to fill in your service or expertise gaps.
#2 Do They Focus on Speed of Adoption?
While the core of a technology system may remain the same over time, the reality is that any product geared specifically towards the hospitality industry will need to adapt to changing trends and preferences from travellers. You need to ask this question so you have an understanding of how your technology will help you grow along with the industry.
Many organizations believe that being first to market is the most important factor when developing software. However, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. It’s true that you need to focus on speed, but more importantly, you need to focus on the speed of adoption-related to the engagement. When completed, how well and quickly will the implementation and adoption of a product or integration be received? Your development partner must be keenly aware of the market and changes within it as they are in throws of providing you with strong consulting and technology support. Also, related to adoption, end-user communication is vital to the success of any engagement so the lines of communication with the user community must always be open and active.
#3 Is your hotel technology platform secure?
Security should be the top priority of your hotel technology provider. You will want to ask about the details regarding their security features, as it’s imperative that both your data and also your guests’ data is secure.
#4 How easily can I personalize your technology?
Hotel technology providers need to offer you a versatile system that includes not only the generic features that are necessary for any hotel but also the adaptable features that allow you to personalize the platform for your particular brand. Ultimately, your investment in technology needs to result in a system that works specifically for your hotel.
#5 How can I access the hotel technology system once implemented?
Be sure that you are investing in a system that allows you run your hotel from anywhere. You need hotel technology that is optimized for all devices, including smartphones and tablets.
Once you have the answers you need from the hotel technology provider you’re considering, you can then invest in a system and get it implemented as quickly as possible. Generally, within a matter of days, you will notice a significant improvement in your business operations.
Mehtap Topcu
Customer Success Program Manager
