Why Most Hotels Use Only 17% of Their System’s Capabilities
Hotels invest a lot of money in technology, hoping it will help them run smoother and give guests a better experience. But in many cases, these systems are only used for a small part of what they can actually do.
Most hotels use just a fraction of the tools available to them. A guest management system software may come with many features, but if staff don’t know how to use them or don’t have time to explore, those tools stay hidden.
Lack of Training and Time:
One of the main reasons hotels underuse their systems is simple, staff often don’t receive enough training. New employees may learn only the basics needed to do their daily tasks. Without deeper knowledge, they never find out what else the system can do. On top of that, hotel teams are often busy and don’t have time to explore new options or test out features. So, they stick with what they know and leave the rest untouched.
Systems That Feel Too Complicated:
Some hotel software looks advanced but isn’t very easy to use. When screens are packed with menus and options, it can feel confusing. Staff might avoid certain tools because they aren’t sure how they work. If a system doesn’t feel friendly or clear, people will only use what they must to get through the day. That means most of its features go unused.
Fear of Change:
Hotels that have been using the same basic tools for years may be nervous about trying new features. Even if the system is upgraded or has new options, teams might worry that switching things up will cause mistakes or slow them down. This mindset can hold hotels back from getting more value from the tools they already have.
Vendors Focus on Sales, Not Support:
Many software companies talk a lot about what their system can do during the sales process. But after the deal is done, the help often slows down. If hotel teams don’t get ongoing support or helpful tips, they’re less likely to explore what’s possible. As a result, systems sit there half-used, even if they could be doing much more.
Most hotels don’t need to buy new tools, they just need to take a closer look at what they already have. By learning more about the software and using it better, hotels can improve both guest service and daily work without extra cost.