Years ago, hotels didn't really have a choice when it came to a communication system that was to be utilized by both their employees and their guests. They were tied to a traditional phone solution that didn't have a whole lot of options. The good news is that the world is changing and, with it, we have seen both the advent and advancement of Voice over Internet Protocol. Often referred to as VoIP, this communication service offers several benefits for the hospitality industry. We’ve touched on these benefits in the past but thought it was time for a bit of a refresher of the most talked-about elements.
High Call Quality
When VoIP first emerged as an available technology, it was very clear that it had a long way to go before it would be able to deliver high call quality. Early adopters loved several elements about the technology, but its quality simply couldn’t match up to the traditional phone system they had been using for years. In the past 20 years, however, VoIP’s quality has improved by leaps and bounds, allowing it to deliver equal or better call quality than these traditional systems.
Simplicity of Scalability
If you’ve ever attempted to upgrade your hotel’s traditional phone system, then you already know what a difficult endeavor it can be. As your business grows, so does its needs for a more robust communications system. When you go the traditional route, your only real choice is a complete replacement of the system. With VoIP, however, you can scale your system’s capabilities whenever you need to do so with very little effort. The same is true when you need to downscale your system. Simply put, you are never stuck with a system that you either don’t want to don’t need.
Lower Costs
While there are plenty of communication and convenience benefits of VoIP, an important element that often acts as the deciding factor for many hotel owners and managers is the lower costs involved. Whether you’re discussing the costs of installation, the costs of maintenance, the costs of upgrading/downgrading, or even the costs of everyday use, VoIP will save your hotel money from day one. You can also integrate VoIP with your current system to lower your monthly expenditure even more, especially since it often negates the need for a complete overhaul of your equipment.
Unified Hotel System
On any given day, there are multiple tasks that must be performed by your hotel’s staff. Keeping these tasks organized and carried out efficiently can be a harrowing endeavor, much of which VoIP has helped put a stop to. Your hotel’s VoIP system will allow employees and guests to perform a variety of tasks, from your maids reporting the status of a room’s readiness to your guests utilizing your system as their primary form of communication. This flexibility provides a more efficient and productive experience for everyone involved.
Integration of Your Current Equipment
As mentioned above, hotels can often save money by integrating their current equipment with the more advanced technology that VoIP offers. Instead of ripping out the entire infrastructure of your existing phone system, Voice over Internet Protocol can use many elements already in place. This often extends to existing analog infrastructure and telephones that your hotel is currently using. Not only does this save you money, but it is much more convenient when you’re switching over.
If you're looking for a robust communications system for your hotel that will offer you lower prices, better flexibility, and other such benefits, VoIP is a no-brainer. To learn more, reach out the professionals at Phonesuite. We will evaluate your hotel’s needs and get you started right away.
