Mr. West

Technology

Technology Choices That Can Impact the Bottom Line

By Paul West, Principal & CEO , priZem Hospitality Solutions

We are well into 2010 and perhaps still facing many decisions on whether or not to pull the trigger on possible technology purchases. Certainly, choices must now be more heavily scrutinized in relation to how each may impact the bottom line since there is less of a consistent flow of revenue than in years past. So, if technology purchases of any kind can be made, then it is more important than ever that hotel companies make sensible choices with these purchases while still keeping a close eye on the bottom line. Therefore, the important question is then what would be the kind of technology choices for the year that could directly impact the bottom line?

The last several years leading into the current economics have been filled with discussions and choices pointing to the same technologies - usually High Speed Internet Access (HSIA) and the general Property Management System (PMS). It is not certain for sure how effective these choices may have been for anyone during these last several years but without question, something such as HSIA is an expected option for every traveler today that is also something increasingly expected to be free of charge. For sure accurate reservations, a smooth check-in and a correct bill at check-out are also expected items for the busy traveler. In most cases, the additional expense in implementation costs of either substantial technology undertaking may never really be translated into the calculable return in investment that was expected. So, it should be that every selection process for technology purchases for any hardware and/or software product within this year and next should include the following points to determine feasibility of the expenditure:

1. Should technology be implemented mostly because it directly impacts the guest experience? Clearly the first priority of business beyond making a profit in the hospitality industry is to service the guest in such a way that a second visit is being planned even before that guest leaves the property the first time. Although any technology that can impact the guest experience is certainly something to consider; it does not in most cases justify its implementation during times like these. Moreover, it is more likely as explained below that an impact on cash flow will be realized more easily from the less obvious technologies to which the guest is oblivious.

2. Is the current solution too expensive to maintain, too unsightly or too out of date such that it no longer produces its basic results reliably or regularly. This is often the first way that businesses recognize the need for new technology although it is often too late by this time in most cases. Either way, most any software or hardware that barely made the Y2K cutoff in the first place should most definitely be included in any review for the possibility to create a drop in expenses or increase in revenues if replaced or updated.

3. The opportunity to charge a guest for a new system function or service does not necessarily mean that the guest will be open to paying for it. Trying to come up with new revenue streams in technology are not only difficult to do, but they can often end up appearing to the guest as if they are being squeezed to pay for every little amenity. In fact, as shown below, it is more likely that it will be less conspicuous to the guest if a hotel can discreetly cut costs behind the scenes as opposed to trying to add previously unavailable revenue options. The paying public, particularly at a time like this, is not unaware of such tactics and in fact is more aware than ever so as consequently to be more offended as well.

4. Would the technology impact employee efficiency and consequently impact both the guest experience in execution time while also saving on hours worked by employees? This of course, is the kind of item that should be discussed at every meeting during every type of economy! Any time a hotel or hotel company can implement new technology that can accelerate the staff to guest delivery, expedite a staff working process or generally increase efficiency levels for staff without any deterioration in guest service - or maybe even improve it with an amplification in the guest service experience, then the track is open for potential cash flow increase or cost savings.

5. What is the return on investment for the implementation and use of the technology calculated to be? This should most definitely be the single most important factor that drives any decision making for this year and beyond! This could also be the most basic concept to implement in that it is defined as a percentage or ratio that can measure positively or negatively the value of any purchase. The approach to this calculation alone however does have varying options as the division of revenue by expense is open to interpretation such that resource expenses may not have been included or could be added to the equation so as to affect the outcome of the ratio. No matter which methods are used to calculate, once the process is decided upon, this resulting number is still derived from revenue and expense values and consequently offers the best method of achieving a non emotional outlook to the selection of any purchase, particularly the type upon which this article is focused – technology. Now that a simple guideline to process the decisions has been established for selecting the right technology for the times, the next question to answer is “What would be the best types of technology choices that are most likely to impact the bottom line and influence a more positive cash flow for an operation?” First of all, it always seem that the most obvious technology selections are PMS, HSIA, Sales and Catering or Revenue Management Systems, may not necessarily be the best options based on the above five points. Although that may not have been the case in every scenario up to now, it is certainly something to consider from this point in time moving forward. So, some behind the scenes choices that can help while be more invisible in most cases to the guest experience.

6. Labor Control and Productivity Systems – Clearly the biggest operating expense in the industry, yet either carelessly neglected or improperly utilized throughout beginning or ongoing operations. However, labor still manages to be something that managers only discuss as secondary to discussions of payment for some random $500 invoice or other insignificant, one-time expense. Without question, if there is a system to invest in now, it is one that can measure productivity in terms of important cost indicators so that the labor used can be justified and adjusted on a daily basis so as to produce minimal expenses and allow for the most favorable possible results in overall profit.

7. Zero Base Budgeting Systems – Perhaps maybe the one system that so obviously should be on the radar of every hospitality business owner, investor or manager; yet surprisingly, is a highly overlooked option. Regardless of the fact that managers universally complain about the suffering process involving enormously complicated spreadsheets that can rarely be accurately tied to any backup for the details of expense accounts, it continues to be tolerated and accepted. Certainly, imagine how much more beneficial it would be to any operation if budgeting were handled more intentionally and intelligently such that forecasting were also included similarly on a daily, weekly and monthly basis – depending on whether working with revenues, expenses or labors, etc.

8. Revenue Management Systems – In the early days when the hospitality industry followed the lead of the airline industry for handling reservations with the intent of optimizing revenues; these systems were called Yield Management Systems. The yield in the name should still apply in the use of such applications which assumes the direct interaction of an educated user who can interpret the data that is calculated based on criteria that is input for the property. As well, the criterion that is input into these systems is also heavily dependent on an educated user in the first place which is why I have rated these systems behind the previous suggestions.
   
   In general, revenue systems are designed to implement the established reservation and marketing plans of a company or chain; but are also subject to the comprehension and interpretation of the revenue system user. This may explain why some of the best of the original RMS products that were predominantly more complex and mathematical, have been dismissed in lieu of the simpler revenue management products which can be utilized so much more easily although with less understanding of the true RMS concept. On the one hand, this trend has produced a number of more user friendly products; but on the other hand, it has also resulted in less analytically sound products. Either way, the implementation and success of such a system assumes the extreme training and understanding of the market for the product, the company and the property itself in order to realize even the slightest improvement in reservation revenues.

9. Inventory Control Systems – One of those systems which immediately prompted the use of the early databases in the old days that may also have given way to some of the most extensive spreadsheets in use today is the Inventory Control System. No matter how one approaches the concept of this type of hotel system, the use of a system that can account for the current level of inventories as needed in a business without keeping more than is necessary on hand for an extended period of time is a sure way to manage cash flow at its most basic level.

10. Food and Beverage Cost Control Systems – Another one of those most obvious systems that has been overlooked or reduced in level of priority over the last twenty years is the F&B Cost Control System. When installed properly and utilized fervently, a properly installed and well-maintained, Food & Beverage Cost Control System can rapidly bring to light the use and misuse of food and beverage related purchases from raw goods to finished products before it is too late.

11. Purchasing Systems – The final system that was once ubiquitous in the industry; but also has since managed to drop in the priority listing of systems to implement or certainly on which to report is the Purchasing System. Given the proper monitoring of the purchasing process, such a system can expose weaknesses, point out shortcomings and certainly prompt more efficient operational changes and positive changes in cash flow. It is most definitely however, a system that is extremely dependent on policy, procedures, controls and maintenance.

12. Energy Management Systems – The final system that can be extremely effective in saving money which is more so a result of simply not wasting money. The electricity costs to operate a property that includes large meeting, conference or auditorium spaces can be exorbitant, particularly in the extreme climates where air conditioning or heating must run for the better part of an entire year. Implementing an automated system where rooms are out of use for instance can cut the lighting and reduce HVAC flow such that a fair decrease in a monthly expense can be recognized. Again, this is another great way to cut some corners without disturbing the guest or operation. However, it too does require regular managing and monitoring to prevent opposing instances such as the open door to the outside from the unused section of a building in dead of summer in Florida while the air conditioning pumps continuously.

In conclusion, it would makes sense that if there is any funding to be approved or used in any technology items any time soon, then it should be for those systems which offer the best opportunities in cost cutting measures and operational efficiency as noted above. Again, that is not to say that one of the usual system options may not offer a possible increase in revenue and is not a good option; but these usual selections may in fact not make sense for the particular operation – particularly at this point in the economy. Either way, utilizing the noted points above will certainly allow for a more methodical approach to selection and consequently should lead businesses in the most sensible direction. Furthermore, it is my feeling that utilizing the proper points of discussion prior to selection of one of these noted, more relevant systems in the coming months or year, a hotel company or hotel may at least establish the basis for helping the business to become more profitable over the long term no matter what the situation.

Paul West is Principal and CEO of priZem Hospitality Solutions, a provider of hospitality corporate and property financial solutions that cost effectively reduce the budget/forecast preparation cycle; facilitate the daily labor/revenue preparation and reporting process; increase overall operational data accuracy and allow for faster corporate and departmental report distribution. More information can be found at www.prizem.com Mr. West can be contacted at 646-213-0067 or pwest@prizem.com Extended Bio...

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