Considerations in Outsourcing Reservation System
Apr 13 , 2005Website exists as an investment to hotel property. Businessmen always wish to get return on their investment. Having reservation system that enable hotel to capture reservation from hotel's own website is one of the way to get ROI.
The Reservation system in most chain hotels is customarily developed by the IT department. In fact, due to the significant investment required, outsourcing is often apparently a good alternative.
There are a few key considerations to keep in mind when deciding a reservation system.
1. Advanced System
This is the core factor on a reservation system, since many reservation requests might appear. A sample (but typical) case would be that of a guest requesting 2 rooms, with one guest in Room #1 and two guests in Room #2. Some systems will read and provide limited options, such as one type of triple occupancy room; worse is the system that will request another search simply because only one room per each room type can be reserved in one reservation. As a result, a booker must make 2 different reservations for the same staying period.
2. Ability to customize
A good system possesses the ability to customize, as every hotel has its own distinctiveness. For example, consider room preference. Nowadays, room preference is exposed and breakdowns are detailed as in the type of pillow desired. Not all systems are able to allow a hotel to input such data as detailed. Imagine a guest who has an allergy to feathers - this person will be very happy when he/she makes a reservation, as there is an option available to choose between a feather and a latex pillow. The hotel has indeed started to generate satisfaction.
3. Attractive Reservation Page
Refer to the page where the booker inputs the staying date. Some systems provide a search box containing only check-in and check-out dates, numbers of guests, and some do not even have any background color on the page! A Hotelier must be aware of this because checking availability is not the same as making a reservation. Potential booker curiosity and interest must still be maintained. Pelican reservation system pays attention to details. On its reservation page, a hotel can place promotional links with pictures. The rich reservation system will also help a hotel be aware that its website is poorly designed.
4. Advanced but easy to operate (User-friendly)
A Reservation System is meant to manage reservations effectively and efficiently, starting from inputting hotel data and information (i.e. room rates, distributing inventory) to reference to past reservation. The system must be designed as user friendly as possible, both for a hotel and for its customers.
5. Value Added
A Reservation System is obviously is used by a Reservations Department or Room Division Department or Sales Department (depending on the hotel). However, it does not mean that other departments cannot make use of the system. Aside from its main function as a reservation system, there may be value added such as web promotion, email distribution and agent productivity reports. Take the payment facility, for instance. With Pelican Reservation Management System, an accounting department can track massive travel agent transactions without needing the ability to understand the entire system. This will make required training less costly.
There are many more considerations in detail that a hotel must be aware of. Feel free to contact Pelican Room Reservation Management System for an in-depth understanding of what a reservation system should provide, and click here
