Here are some misconceptions that could occur when a hotelier considers building a booking engine via open API within a PMS:
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It’s quick and Easy: Building a booking engine integrated in a PMS might seem straightforward, especially if there are existing open API or frameworks available. However, integrating a booking engine involves considerations such as real-time availability updates, pricing synchronization, and seamless data flow between the booking engine and other modules of the PMS. It requires careful planning and development to ensure smooth functionality and guest experience.
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One size don’t Fit All: Each integration is unique, depending on factors such as the PMS provider, the complexity of the booking engine, and specific business requirements. Assuming that a generic integration solution will work for all situations could lead to compatibility issues, data inconsistencies, and sub-optimal performance.
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It’s just a technical task: Building an integration involves more than just technical work It requires collaboration between technical teams responsible for development and non-technical stakeholders such as hotel managers, front desk staff, and marketing teams. Understanding the operational needs, guest experience requirements, and revenue management strategies is crucial for designing an effective booking engine integration that meets the business objectives.
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Set it and forget about it: After implementing an integration, ongoing maintenance and monitoring are necessary. Regular monitoring helps proactively identify issues and ensures reliable performance over time.
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It's too expensive: Building an integration may involve upfront costs in terms of development resources, third-party API usage, and integration efforts. Assessing the long-term benefits of a well-integrated booking engine, such as increased bookings, improved guest satisfaction, and operational efficiency, can help justify the investment.
Are you asking yourself the following:
- When do you decide that a customized booking engine is needed?
- Can you share any experiences you've had building your own integrating ?
- What factors do you think contribute most to the overall expense of building and maintaining integrations?