Telecommunication Systems: The Strength Of The Hospitality Industry

Times have changed dramatically when it comes to hotels and other accommodations, with today’s travellers having become much more selective and with higher expectations from these services. Connectivity and telecommunication solutions have become a basic necessity across the hospitality industry and with good reason. They provide the necessary levels of immediate and responsive access which staff members need in order to communicate effectively. (Information credit: Oxbow SA)

Generally speaking, hospitality telecommunication systems are radically different from normal household phones. In this article, we will mention the salient features of the top systems in the industry.  

1. Room extensions:  Room extensions play a key role in the guest’s accessibility. As mentioned, guests demand a high level of communication in the hospitality industry. Phones that come along with telecommunication systems are usually easy to use. They provide the ability to program numbers for one-touch services. This facilitates guests to contact the front desk, concierge, housekeeping or order food from a single interface from inside the room. 

2. DECT handsets: Telecommunication systems should come along with DECT or Digital Enhanced Cordless Communication phones. These phones allow the staff to be connected at all times, using integrated wifi connections to provide a better quality of service. 

3. Voicemail: Voicemail features on phones are not a new phenomenon and most phones come integrated with such functions. With time, however, voicemail services are required to provide an integrated voice messaging system with seamless connectivity for guests. Guests may also have the requirement of receiving text messages when they are residing in the hotel, providing improved efficiency.

4. Call Accounting: In some hotels and accommodation set ups, telecommunication services provided are sold to guests for requirements such as meetings, event spaces and other occasions. Call accounting allows the management to properly bill the guests, by tracking calls, generating real time reports and other detailed statements at the time of check-out.

5. Compatibility: Compatibility of telecommunications depends on the service provider. One may use an assortment of devices from different manufacturers and make it into a workable set up. However, choosing a provider who makes a set up using devices from a single brand or manufacturer always makes more sense. The prevalence of compatibility issues are almost eliminated, providing a much more reliable communication system.

6. Warranty and/or guarantee: As in the case of most products, a warranty period for repair and replacement, or a suitable guarantee must be in place. Telecommunication devices are complex pieces of technology, which can experience malfunction or technical hitches in the course of their normal lifespan. By having a warranty in place, the headache of the management is alleviated, with repairs or replacements conducted by the service provider.  

Most phone systems are moving away from their analogue set ups of the past, moving towards adopting a more streamlined Voice over Internet Protocol system. Such VoIP systems have the capabilities of providing an uninterrupted communication medium among staff members and guests. However, that being said, there are a lot of telecommunication service providers out there, each claiming to be the best. Thus, for a business owner it is imperative that they know the differences between a good service provider and an average one.