CENTRAL RESERVATION SYSTEM

For those working in the hospitality industry, a type of system is designed called Central Reservation System. It is also known as a CRS. It allows those professionals to book travel arrangements for guests and view those details across all computers in the same system. To stay on top of trends, it’s necessary to implementing a CRS that can help us find out when busy season occurs and check out when guests book less often. We have to look at the benefits, possible issues and even how the system works, before implementing a Central Reservation System.

HOW A CENTRAL RESERVATION SYSTEM WORKS

Central Reservation System originally featured one main computer terminal that everyone working for the company used and shared. A remote access version is created by the manufacturers.   It allows the workers to access the same details from across the office and even across cities, states and countries. We can see the information on the screen, when a traveler books a flight, hotel room or even rental car. The cost of the booking, the traveler’s payment details, the travel dates and even any special requests the traveler is known. We can also make changes to that booking as needed.

COMPANIES THAT USE THESE SYSTEMS

Central Reservation System was first used by Airlines. Airlines often use Central Reservation Systems that had a smaller number of terminals connected to the same system. Central Reservation Systems allows those airlines to book flights for passenger’s months in advance.  Airlines switched to more modern systems in later years. They could use Central Reservation System across countries and even continents. To help travelers, travel agencies also implemented the Central Reservation System. From one simple computer, those agencies could book rental cars, hotel rooms, cruise ship passages and make dozens of other arrangements. Many restaurants and hotels now use these systems to keep track of guests.

BENEFITS OF A CENTRAL RESERVATION SYSTEM

Central Reservation System lets us easily keep track of reservations is one major benefit or advantage to using the system. We can book tables, rooms, cars or other things for guest’s months ahead of time and feel confident that we won’t lose that reservation. Special requests from guests such as food allergies they have or certain rooms they need could be tracked using this system. Other advantages may include helping us manage content such as the products current available and the rates charged, giving travelers the option of getting the best price when booking through our company and keeping track of customer satisfaction.

POSSIBLE ISSUES

Some systems make us share information with other similar companies, which can cause a drop in profits and bookings. Travelers may decide to book elsewhere, as they can compare our rates to the rates of others. We may find that the system we choose provides travelers with limited information. Even if we provide better service, as they cannot see room amenities, square footage or other details, they may pick the cheapest option. 

To effectively manage and keep track of the bookings and reservations made by customers, a Central Reservation System can be used. These systems can help us appeal to more travelers and those who book online too. Always consider both the benefits and possible issues associated with a central reservation system before implementing one in our office.

Datamate Infosolutions Pvt Ltd is a software development and services company specializing in software products to Health care and Hospitality industries.