1. Planning & Building Integrations to External Systems
Developing integrations for your PMS requires meticulous planning to ensure compatibility with external systems like OTAs or GDS platforms. Each system has unique technical requirements. For example, integrating with a major OTA may require specific data formats, API configurations, and security standards, which take time and customization to implement correctly. Additionally, multiple connections may be necessary to support a range of external systems, requiring dedicated resources to perform these integrations effectively. Without strategic planning, your PMS might experience data mismatches or delays that impact bookings and thereby revenue.
2. Maintenance of Integrations
Once your PMS is integrated with external platforms, continuous maintenance is essential to keep everything running smoothly. For instance, if an OTA updates its API, your PMS may need a corresponding update to prevent service disruptions. Most of the time, OTAs impose a lead time to perform these changes, which can impact your development roadmap. Neglecting maintenance can lead to system errors and miscommunications with third-party systems, ultimately affecting reservations and customer satisfaction for your connected properties.
3. Selecting Advanced Integrations for Scalability
As your business grows, your PMS needs more advanced integrations to handle increased demand. Basic integrations might suffice initially, but for businesses experiencing high booking volumes, advanced integration with a major GDS, for example, could improve processing speed and data accuracy. Without these upgrades, your system may struggle under the increased load, leading to operational delays and potential loss of revenue during peak periods.
4. Training and Onboarding Costs
If your PMS expands to become an All-In-One solution, your teams will need to upskill to effectively support the new functionalities. This training ensures they can guide customers proficiently and address potential challenges. During this period, however, there may be a learning curve, which could affect response times and customer satisfaction until the teams are fully adept at managing the enhanced capabilities.
5. Developing a Competitive Pricing Model
Creating a pricing model for your PMS’s distribution involves balancing value with competitiveness. For instance, if you price your service too high, you risk losing prospects to more affordable solutions, even if they lack certain features or integrations. To avoid this, the pricing model should be adaptable, reflecting both the value of your distribution and market conditions, such as seasonal properties, the type of customers you will target and their appetite for your offering..
6. Re-engineering the Platform for Reliability and Support
Ensuring that your PMS remains reliable often requires re-engineering or upgraded technical support, especially when integrating additional features like a Channel Manager (CM). For example, incorporating a CM into your system may demand enhancements in data processing and real-time synchronization capabilities to handle high volumes of booking data across multiple platforms. Investing in the necessary infrastructure for these integrations ensures your PMS can meet property expectations for smooth operations, ultimately impacting client satisfaction and strengthening your business reputation.
Differentiating Between Price & Value
When integrating distribution powerhouses into your PMS, it’s essential to differentiate between price and value. The initial price of integration might seem steep, but the long-term value it offers should be the real consideration. A more expensive but well-integrated solution can provide better performance, fewer technical issues, and more smoother connectivity with external platforms. On the flip side, considering a cheaper option may result in higher maintenance costs and frequent disruptions, which will cost you more in the long run. Focusing on value ensures that your investment supports not only your current operations but also your long-term growth, leading to higher customer satisfaction and better returns on your investment.
Why Su Stands Out for a PMS: Future-Proofing, Customization, & Technology
- Private Label Channel Manager Supremacy: Many channel managers offer basic distribution features but lack advanced functionalities, limiting your ability to differentiate your property and optimize distribution strategies. Our “Private Label Channel Manager” is designed to address this by working seamlessly within your PMS through API-driven integration, rather than operating as a separate white-label platform with layered branding. This means there’s no need for back-and-forth navigation between your PMS and an external channel manager, providing you with ultimate control and transparency. A more robust PMS integration offers enhanced customization, dynamic pricing, and a smoother booking experience—going beyond what standard systems provide.
- Future-Proofing with a Scalable PMS: Su is built to be future-ready, allowing easy updates and integration with new platforms. Su’s architecture is designed for flexibility and rapid evolution, leveraging Serverless AWS technology. This setup enables smooth updates and effortless integration with new platforms as they emerge. With these adaptable components, Su minimizes the need for constant re-engineering, ensuring the connected properties can quickly respond to market shifts and stay competitive long-term.
Su is Ahead of the Curve with Tech Innovations: Su’s platform, powered by Serverless AWS and recently reengineered to cut processing times by tenfold, ensures exceptional speed and efficiency. These advancements make Su ready to meet both current and future industry challenges.
