Legacy solutions have been resilient in hospitality for a number of reasons: they are already in use, they’ve been working all this time, and it costs lots of money to replace them. However, these solutions generally lack modern features, ease of use, capabilities, and potential integrations, all of which make them obsolete in the hospitality industry, where the status quo and guest expectations have moved on.
New tools offer improved operational efficiencies, staff support, revenue streams, and customer engagement potential that are lightyears ahead of legacy systems. With the increasing implementation of the latest AI-powered solutions, owners and operators need to figure out “how” and not “when” they will update their systems. But before overhauling your system with the newest AI-ready bells and whistles, it’s important to have a solid implementation strategy in place.
Bringing in the newest technology to boost guest engagement can be exciting, but solutions can’t be judged in a vacuum. Properties need to ensure a strategic blueprint in place that considers the entire technology ecosystem. Why? Because most infrastructure works together or, at the very least, has overlapping parts or functions. Even the most sophisticated solutions have the potential to create problems rather than solve them if they don't properly integrate with existing systems.
This means understanding the current capabilities of a property before moving on to any next steps.
The planning goes beyond selection, installation, and usage. Due to the high-touch requirements of managing multiple systems, some of which may encounter unforeseen errors, working with a technology partner can be critical for success. This will help keep operations running and manage the cost of ownership while focusing on ROI.
Most legacy systems are well past their prime, creating operational constraints with inflexible, siloed systems that can't keep pace with modern needs. Beyond the risk of system failure, these outdated technologies often can't communicate with newer solutions, requiring bespoke manual intervention, troubleshooting, and downtime, which can negatively affect operational costs and often contribute to revenue losses.
The good news? Implementation doesn't have to happen all at once. A phased approach often makes more sense both operationally and financially. This allows staff to adapt to new systems gradually while reducing the impact of the annual budget. Plus, early wins and revenue increases can help build momentum for further updates and help make sure that solutions have the desired effect.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to technology. The needs of every property will be different. But, regardless of size, every new layer added becomes part of the overall puzzle that supports your operations, staff, and guests. When planning your technology upgrade, keep these critical factors in mind:
The future of hospitality is undeniably digital, but success lies in thoughtful implementation. By focusing on infrastructure, taking a phased approach, and working with a trusted technology partner who can help bring everything together, properties can build a foundation that supports both current needs and future innovations. Reach out to Allbridge to learn how we act as a single technology partner to help you stay on schedule, reduce capital expenditures, and allow your staff to focus on customer experiences.