Chapter 8 Property Management Systems 1
Learning Objective To learn Insight to practical handling of resources of hotel, reservation, wait listing, guest relationship management through automated computerised environment Understand the key data entry through various scenarios through a cloud based dummy hotel software 2
Introduction and Background In hospitality industry a property management system also known as a PMS is a comprehensive software application used to cover some basic objectives The activities includes operational functions of front office, sales and planning etc. Hotel property management systems may interface with central reservation systems and revenue or yield management systems 3
Reservation Management Software Managing reservations is a crucial aspect of any hotel and an important factor for achievement of the revenue. Some of the key uses are- Useful to manage the books and guest reservations Managing the reservations database Issuing confirmations Management of room inventory 4
Key Control System Guest security locks are very important and critical aspect of guest protection. Effective key control in hotel is essential to the security of lodging property. Usage of various types of locking systems which may include locks with key channel standard mortise locks locks with programmable cylinders electronic locks biometric lock 5
Key Control System Varieties of electronic systems are available at the disposal of the Hotel Management which may include the following- electronic card reader computer terminal connect key system 6
Types of keys for effective key control Guest Room Keys The hotel guest room key is normally issued to open only one room for which it was intended Master Key A master key is designed to open a set of several locks These locks also have keys which are specific to each one and cannot open any of the others in the set Locks which have master keys have a second set of the mechanism use to open them which is identical to all of the others in the set of locks 7
Types of keys for effective key control Grand Master Keys This key operates all locks in the hotel, including laundry and linen rooms Emergency Key The emergency key opens all guestroom donors, even when they are double locked One procedure for emergency keys is to have them locked in a safe or safe deposit box and signed out by the individual needing one 8
Types of keys for effective key control Floor Supervisors Master Key Key operates all sections on the floor / floors supervised by the particular supervisor Housekeeping Staff Master Keys Key operates all rooms serviced by particular room maid or housekeeping staff 9
Important Key Control Procedures Security of key in transit Restricted access to unauthorised people Maintenance of log book Established protocol for distribution of keys Keys without indication of property details Key audits 10
Important Key Control Procedures Lock rotation Collecting keys from the guest Dealing with suspected compromises Well secured key storages 11
Yield Management Systems Yield management is a process of planning to achieve maximum room rates and most profitable guests for the hotel. Yield management system and process has some of the following important components- The definition of the yield Revenue realised as a percentage of the revenue potential is generally adopted as a measure of yield Strategies adopted for healthy yield optimal yield can be achieved through optimising booking and rates management 12
Yield Management Systems Forecasting forecasting of the room sales is an important aspect of the yield management Accurate forecasting of transient demand will assist hoteliers in developing strategies to maximise sales to this group If the period following the group business is low, then advance knowledge of this information will allow time for marketing and sales to develop special promotional packages aimed at the transient and local markets 13
Summary Various methods of evaluation of occupancy percentage and average daily rate is determining the effectiveness of management s efforts to achieve a positive income statement Yield management introduced as a new tool hoteliers can use in developing guest room sales strategies and evaluating potential food and beverage purchases which will ensure a higher profit 14
Summary Components of yield management include Revenue realised Revenue potential Optimal occupancy Optimal rates Strategies Forecasting Systems and procedures Challenges 15