How PMS and POS Solutions from Single Vendor Improve Hotel Management

In the modern business world, technology plays a crucial role in enabling hotels to operate efficiently and effectively. And when we say technology, a PMS (Property Management System) and POS (Point of Sale) system can be particularly useful tools for managing and organizing hotel operations, improving the guest experience, and enhancing financial management.

Now, amid the talks around these technologies, most hoteliers feel the dilemma of getting a PMS and POS from different vendors or the same. 

Well, the answer is simple — it should always be from the same hotel tech vendor. But, why would I say so?

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits of using a PMS and POS system from the same hotel tech supplier, and how it can help you succeed in the competitive world of hospitality.

Advantages of Using PMS and POS From a Single Vendor

Before you just take my word about single-vendor PMS and POS integration being the best choice, there are several advantages you should know about: 

1. Integration and data management

One of the major advantages of using a PMS and POS system from the same hotel tech supplier is improved integration and data management.

When these systems are from the same solution provider, they are designed to work seamlessly together and communicate with each other effectively. Meaning, data can be easily shared between the systems, reducing the need for manual data entry and improving the accuracy of information.

Moreover, with a single, integrated system, hospitality businesses can also benefit from having one database for all of their operations. This can improve the organization and accessibility of data, as well as reduce the risk of data loss or corruption.

2. Time and cost

The best way to understand this is by looking at a scenario of a hotel that uses a PMS and a POS from different vendors.

Now, the major challenge here is to integrate both systems. It is going to be a complex and time-consuming process. Further, for each system, you are going to require individual setup costs, which can add to the overall cost of the systems.

But on the other hand, using a PMS and POS system from the same vendor can simplify this process and reduce the time and cost associated with integration. Hotels will not have a need to invest in additional support for integration.

3. Collaboration and communication

In a fast-paced and customer-facing business like a hotel, it is important for every department to communicate seamlessly.

Now, when I say communicate, I don’t mean walking up to every person and speaking. Rather, what I mean is that every department must have access to certain information.

Let’s understand this with an example.

Zoya is vegan and she mentioned the same while making a reservation with your hotel. Now, your hotel offers complimentary breakfast, which is served at your in-house restaurant.  However, you forget to inform the restaurant about Zoya's dietary preferences and served her no-vegan food.

Oops! Sounds like a blunder, isn’t it?

Well, that’s exactly why getting a PMS and a POS system from the same vendor helps you. The solutions ensure that they are well connected with every other system and work in sync without any miscommunications.

4. Data security

Hotel businesses handle sensitive data on a day-to-day basis. Which is why it is important to have a robust data security infrastructure.

While every other data security measure is worth the effort, it is also imperative to ensure that your technologies such as the PMS and the POS are from the same provider.

The reason is, when these systems are from the same vendor, you get enhanced security features and controls, such as encrypted data storage, secure login protocols, and multi-factor authentication. 

This can help protect hotel businesses and their customers from data breaches, cyber threats, and unauthorized access.

5. Customization and scalability

Customization and scalability are also two of the major advantages that hotel tech providers offer with their systems.

For example, when you deploy a PMS and a POS from the same tech solution provider, you get a range of customization options, allowing businesses to get tailored systems for their specific needs and preferences.

Additionally, these integrated systems can make it easier for accommodation businesses to scale their operations as they grow and evolve.

For example, single-vendor PMS and POS allow flexibility, making it easier for hotels to add or remove features and users as needed.

6. Training and support

When you get a new property management system (PMS) for your hotel, it is important to train each and every employee on how to get used to it and milk its benefits. And in most scenarios, the service provider offers free training.

Now, imagine a situation where you deploy another system such as the POS, but from a different vendor. Wouldn’t this be a hassle to have two separate training sessions from two service providers? 

But if you get the PMS and the POS from the same vendor, your training will be much easier and save time.

Not to mention, the vendor would also offer you support for both the systems with utmost quality.

So, if you have been wondering whether it’s the right call to go for the same hotel tech provider, then the answer is YES.

7. Reporting and analytics

Irrespective of the shape and size, every hotelier needs to know what’s happening in each aspect of the hotel. And what could be a better way to learn about them than reports?

But then again, what’s the point of having different reports from different systems?

Integrated systems like PMS and POS, especially when they are from a single vendor, are designed to work together seamlessly. Meaning, the reports they generate are much more detailed and cover all the areas of the hotel, allowing hotels to track key metrics and performance indicators. Be it from the areas of the hotel or from a POS outlet, the reports provide precise information.

Things to Keep In Mind While Choosing the Right Hotel Tech Vendor

When it comes to choosing the right hotel technology vendor, it is essential to consider a range of factors.  

While the points mentioned above are also good to gauge whether the hotel tech vendor is suitable for your hotel, there are some more factors to consider.

Here are more considerations:

• Identify your hotel’s specific needs and ensure that the vendor you choose offers solutions that can address those areas.
• Research the vendor’s reputation in the industry to gauge the reliability and quality of their solutions.
• Review the various solutions the vendor offers and ensure they align with your business needs.
• Evaluate the pricing and ensure that it aligns with your budget and is reasonable.
• Consider the level of support and training offered by the vendor.
• Look at the vendor’s previous clientele and feedback as it can give you an insight into their capabilities and experience.