Communication services are essential in keeping guests
connected. Many business executives and travelers demand
efficient facilities that can keep them in touch with home base
and perform tasks remotely. From small inns to large hotel
chains there is a recognized need to provide their guests with
the latest communication technologies.
It is imperative for a sophisticated communications management
system (CMS) to account for telephone charges, internet usage,
equipment fees, surcharges and new technologies added every day.
Potential revenue walks out the door without a proper metering
system.
Virtually all communication servers and telephony platforms are
equipped with a mechanism of delivering transaction logs
(usually Call Detail Recording (CDR)). These logs are captured
by the CMS application, translated into a database, assigned a
cost and instantly delivered to a property management system. In
some small B&B, inns and motels billed transactions are spooled
to a printer. Larger environments require more sophisticated
delivery of transactions to desktops, one or more property
management systems and a central hub.
CMS applications are usually tailored for the special needs of
hospitality. These accounting systems generally facilitate real
time billing directly into room folios, departments and GL
accounts.
A CMS reporting engine can provide concise up to the minute
information for accounting comptrollers. Detailed and summary
reports can be derived for guest rooms, meeting rooms,
convention floors, administrative, employee and tenant
extensions.
Most hotel chains will have special billing policies across
their properties. A robust CMS pricing engine can accommodate
any carrier tariffs, custom hotel plan, markups, surcharges,
price limits, discounts or taxation. These tariffs can apply to
internet billing records, carrier services or IP/PBX records.
Competition and alternate communications technologies over the
years has reduced the cost of long distance. Many general
managers have complained about the loss of long distance
revenue. However, forward thinking comptrollers are now
maximizing their returns with sophisticated communications
management systems (CMS) that address the billing of new and old
technologies (VoIP, Wi-Fi and fixed analog lines).
Most are becoming more savy about the capabilities of their
infrastructure. Properties are reducing expenses through
introduction of VoIP facilities and channeling more traffic
efficiently. They analyze calling patterns, equipment usage and
traffic flow.
These metrics assist in tweaking systems for better customer
relationship. This generally results in recurring patronage
revenue for the property. A CMS solution is vital to the success
of every hospitality environment.
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