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An appropriate reservation software system works wonders yet, because of the high costs or other operational challenges, some hotels only partially op

An appropriate reservation software system works wonders yet, because of the high costs or other operational challenges, some hotels only partially opt for it, says Sapna Kulshrestha

Hotel reservation software has become quite popular in a comparatively short span of time, for it has eased the day-to-day operations of a hotel. Says Magesh Ramamurthy, director of IT- Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai: “A reservation system is the backbone of the hospitality industry; it helps manage the inventory of available rooms on any given day and from the guest point of view, gives a confirmation and comfort against their booking.”

Though the features are approximately the same, the factors considered while choosing new software is its compatibility with a hotel’s existing hardware and software platforms, as also convenience and ease of handling.

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The interface should be such that it is easy to operate and requires minimum human intervention. Says Sagun Sawhney, country manager, Fidelio India Pvt Ltd, on some of the salient features of Micros Opera Reservation Software (ORS): “The software offers global deployment as it gives multi currency and multi language option to hoteliers for wider reach, rates and revenues in the local language, for better continuity. Moreover, through inherent exchange gateway, OPERA can be extended to any third party PMS that ensures a hotel’s previous investments are secure.”

The choice of software is integral to customer satisfaction in the long run, thus, the selection of software varies from hotel to hotel depending upon specific requirements and target market, which will lead to increased occupancy and business.

Says Ravish Jhala, systems manager, Trident, Bandra Kurla, Mumbai: “Hotel reservation/hotel property management software is something every hotelier should take very seriously. In the last few years, many hotels around the world have successfully implemented the use of hotel reservation software in order to automate their reservations and maximise profits. Every hotelier who desires to keep business profitable and above the competition must, as a matter of necessity, begin using hotel reservation software.”

Agrees Sivaprasad G, national sales manager, IDS Software Pvt Ltd: “In future, we see an increasing prevalence of newer models like a hosted booking system based along the lines of the SAAS model, built-in interfaces to Global Distribution Systems, and to portals that make the hotel’s real-time inventory available to customers. A significant share of revenue will come from these non-traditional channels.”

In fact, some software companies have developed reservation systems as a module integrated within their hotel property management system software, that further allows improved capture of guest preferences and easier management of the rate code, depending on the room type and rate type.

Also, for large hotel chains with the feature of property management systems communicating with central reservations, data such as guest preferences can be passed from hotel to hotel regardless of the property management system.

Adds Ramamurthy: “To effectively control room inventories we use central reservations, so that any sales or reservations made across the world on our behalf, through internet or through travel agents, gets updated automatically to our hotel PMS software through an interfacing software. While the reservation software helps to track or register the reservation, in order to confirm and convey guests about their booking, we use another software interfaced with hotel PMS software, through which the confirmation can either be mailed or faxed with a confirmation number, indicating hotel information and other facilities.”

Due to increased service offerings and rising complexities in hotel functioning, the task of data regulation and maintenance becomes even more challenging as it needs to be maintained in a very organised and effective manner. Says Franklyn Edwin, general manager, product development, Shawman Software: “One of the reasons that, in the past few years, most hotels have been integrating reservation software with property management systems, is to enhance distribution and guest data capabilities.