Managed IT services might seem like something that belongs in an office building, but the truth is that this solution belongs anywhere technology is part of your work. That means managed IT is a great fit for the hospitality industry--and here's why.
Why Does the Hospitality Industry Need Managed IT?
Managed IT services is more than an outsourcing solution. It's your opportunity to choose a capable, professional provider to help handle the twists and turns of a fast-moving tech environment.
But why is it so at home in hospitality? Let's find out:
Hospitality technology is highly involved.
From booking and scheduling to fast WiFi and smart devices in guest rooms, hospitality technology has a lot of moving parts. You're juggling both the real and digital worlds, managing people and machines at the same time--which can get out of hand if you don't have the experience, expertise, or time to deal with every little detail.
Customer expectations are always growing.
Let's face it: Customers are more demanding than ever--and if your hospitality company doesn't live up to their expectations, they're more than happy to choose your competitors instead. Modern guests expect digital amenities, fully online booking, electronic room keys, and other cutting-edge experiences. If you can't deliver, you'll be overlooked.
Security is more important than ever.
When guests stay with you, they expect their personal and financial data to be secure. They also expect any digitized room keys or codes to be effectively protected by your systems--otherwise, a matter of digital security quickly becomes a real-world problem. That means you're taking responsibility for visitors' safety in more ways than one.
You have more important things to do.
Technology is important, but if you're responsible for guest experiences, it shouldn't be the most important part of your day. You and your teams need the freedom and flexibility to focus on the people you're serving, not the machines that make it possible--which is where managed IT comes in.
How Managed IT Supports Hospitality
By now, you've probably come to the conclusion that hospitality technology is as complicated as it is beneficial. The good news is that you don't have to choose between focusing on tech and focusing on guests; instead, you can call in a little help from managed IT. Here's what that partnership might look like for you, your teams, and your company as a whole:
You can improve your entire IT infrastructure.
A lot of tech issues can be traced back to your infrastructure, which may be outdated, inefficient, or just plain flawed. However, without the right support, it's difficult to identify these problems--let alone solve them in ways that don't just cause more issues.
Luckily, managed IT services can help. Your provider will perform an in-depth IT audit to learn more about your tech ecosystem and how it works. Once they've gathered the data, they'll use it to help you make targeted infrastructure improvements, all without interrupting the processes that actually work.
You'll find what works for you.
There are about a million platforms, applications, and ways to use the cloud, especially in hospitality. If you don't have experience in every facet of IT, this can quickly become overwhelming--but your managed IT provider is here to help. They'll give you the information you need to optimize your tech ecosystem with the right tools and services. Better yet, they'll help you migrate data and processes in ways that don't interrupt the guest experience.
You can boost security.
Managed IT acts like a shield around your entire company--guests included. Your provider can help you identify and anticipate different digital dangers, from data theft to electronic key hijacking. With this information, you and your provider can put the appropriate defenses in place, helping you (and your visitors) rest easy.
Your processes will be automated.
Manual tasks waste time and open up opportunities for human error. With managed IT, you can automate these tasks to save time, improve accuracy, and help your teams focus on what really matters: people.
You'll always have the help you need.
Whether it's everyday tech troubleshooting, new machine setup, or an urgent question, your managed IT provider is always available to provide assistance. With 24/7 support, you can count on your provider to be there--plus, they'll handle the little stuff so you can spend your time making big-picture decisions that directly impact guests.
In conclusion, managed IT services can make the hospitality industry feel a little more like home--both for you and your visitors.
Does your hospitality company need a leg up? Contact us today to see what managed IT can do for you.