As the hospitality industry navigates the post-pandemic climate, it is clear that the operational landscape has changed. Reduced staffing, reduced services, and reduced hours have become the new reality at many properties, and it is easy to feel like we need to do more with much, much less. This is of course, difficult, especially considering that many of these new problems are likely to persist, and “doing more with less” on a long-term basis is just not sustainable.
The good news is that there is an alternative, one that does not mean you have to do “less with less” either. It involves figuring out what your priorities are and then having a little extra help executing them in the most efficient fashion possible. This help can come in the form of a robust Computer Maintenance Management System (CMMS), which can be a lifesaver for any owner or management company with more than a few hotels.
Although we already know a lot about these systems in general, not a lot has been written about what they can help you achieve within the present circumstances. So here are a few ideas:
1. On-time preventative maintenance
A good CMMS solution typically has performance measurements in the form of dashboards and reports, which allow you to manage your asset’s lifecycle, schedule preventive maintenance tasks, and track repairs and maintenance history. This will help you ensure that the property never falls below the desired standard.
2. Timely asset management and a safe, problem-free stay for the guests
Ensuring that facilities, equipment, and rooms are properly maintained can, of course, help you provide a better guest experience. A built-in issue resolution tool will also allow you to see any resolution process through, avoiding the reoccurrence of the same problem in the future.
3. Up-to-date bookkeeping and compliance management
Thanks to the functions described above, A CMMS can help you ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, such as fire and life safety standards. It is also the perfect tool for the storage of important documents such as contracts, warranties, and certificates of insurance, making sure they are up-to-date and on file if needed.
4. Quality control of services provided by external contractors and vendors
A CMMS can help you manage your contractors and vendors more effectively via several different tools. Firstly, you can set up a vendor management system, which will allow you to create a database of all your vendors, including their contact details, service descriptions, and quality standards. Then you can define the quality standards that contractors and vendors must meet to be considered for work at your property as well as monitor their performance via automated alerts and notifications. You can also schedule audits, track compliance, set up work orders, address any issues and track the resolution process.
5. Increased efficiency and cost saving
At this point, it is probably quite easy to see that a good CMMS is an excellent cost-saving tool. It can make your Operations more efficient by streamlining maintenance processes, reducing paperwork, and eliminating manual processes. It can also automate work orders, track maintenance history, manage inventory, and reduce administrative work freeing up time for more important tasks.
And all of this is just the tip of the iceberg. A CMMS can do all of the above and more but only when set up correctly and used efficiently. To maximize the ROI on a CMMS, it is therefore important to also invest in professionals who can set it up appropriately for your needs and train your staff on how to operate it effectively. Only with the right CMMS and professional support, you can increase your operational efficiency and provide an enhanced guest experience leading to higher occupancy rates and increased revenue.
