The hospitality industry faces many problems; from those related to procurement itself, and location maintenance to finding the right staff to perform certain activities. In addition, with the development of technology, problems such as data security, integration of different systems, maintenance, innovation and improvement of systems, connection with third parties, and managing user experience appear today.
Data security
Every day, organizations, regardless of the area in which they operate, become the target of cyber attacks. Hospitality establishments such as hotels and restaurants are often targeted by hackers because of sensitive information such as personal and credit card information. Also, there are numerous legal regulations such as GDPR that require a certain way of storing and processing user data.
Different software systems
Hotels and restaurants very often use different software systems for different functionalities, such as reservation systems, inventory management, payment, etc., which can result in incorrect presentation of the situation and cause difficulties in business. Integrating different systems can be a very challenging and expensive undertaking, whilst there is also the issue of compatibility between old and new systems.
Maintenance and support
The systems require regular maintenance and investment operated by a person who has knowledge and expertise in this area. Regular maintenance of the IT infrastructure is essential for its proper functioning, however, sometimes can be very expensive. Also, support in solving IT problems, which in an industry like hospitality is needed 24/7, is essential for work.
Innovations and updates
Changes in the hospitality industry take place from day to day, and so does the IT industry, which requires constant monitoring of trends and the implementation of new technological solutions to ensure smooth operation and competitiveness in the market. Keeping up with trends requires frequent updates and the introduction of new technologies, which requires a lot of time and money.
Connection with third parties
Many hotels cooperate with travel agencies through which they promote their products and services. Of course, each of these agencies has its systems and ways of functioning, and the integration of these systems with the hotels can be complex and require adaptation of the existing ones. Also, connecting different payment systems, especially when dealing with international transactions, can require a lot of work.
User experience
When using a certain system, it is very important for users that it is intuitive and easy to use. Hospitality is a dynamic industry that requires speed and efficiency. The use of an outdated system with very frequent errors can negatively affect the experience of guests and their return. Problems of a technological nature that occur in the hospitality industry can greatly affect the success of the business and the satisfaction of clients. Problems as such are inevitable, but with careful planning, the use of systems like AvailIT can be minimized and result in a more successful business.
