Louvre Hotels has experienced tremendous growth over the past few years. This growth momentum has been spearheaded by multiple acquisitions as well as internal expansion program (Louvre, par.2). The hotel chain has been expanding its global network alongside strengthening its brand (Louvre par.2). In order to attain the aforementioned goals, it is necessary to embrace modern pace of technology that will effectively streamline operations of the entire hotel chain.
The main challenge that any growing business is likely to encounter during rapid globalization positioning is inefficient and ineffective technological systems in place (Sigala, Lockwood & Jones 364). As operations level increase, the current technological systems are often rendered obsolete. This may adversely affect an organization through loss of financial controls and reduced staff productivity (Louvre par. 3).
Louvre hotels heavily rely on prior reservations and bookings as part of the initiative to optimize its presence in the competitive business environment. Therefore, it is paramount that a central reservations system be established to handle all bookings in an efficient manner (Sigala, Lockwood & Jones 365). Needless to say, adopting a comprehensive technological platform is apparently the best way to go for Louvre hotels.
From the case study, it is evident that the current internal reservation system in Louvre hotels is becoming inefficient as operations are being expanded. An inefficient system usurps the potential of a company’s manpower. Hence, a centralized IT system for Louvre hotels is necessary. As such, IT employees will be charged with the duty of managing the interface between reservations, customer database and property management systems (Louvre par.3).
These interfaces can potentially hinder timely response to queries since most go unnoticed due to system overload. In addition, such a system can lead to financial losses since it is extremely difficult to perform an on-the-spot audit. As a result, it will hinder the much needed conduct performance analysis (Sigala, Lockwood & Jones 366).
In order to solve the above challenge, it would be prudent for the management at Louvre hotels to design and establish an innovative, comprehensive and cost effective Information Technology (IT) system. For instance, an integrated central data system that will accommodate diverse data from existing systems is required. The integrated data system will enhance security of the stored data since providing IT system security for a single database is cost effective compared to multiple databases (Sigala, Lockwood & Jones 364).
Integrated and centralized data base systems have been tied to various benefits that arise from its adaptation. The ability to assemble multiple departments to operate on the same platform is the foremost benefit attached to an integrated system since it eases administrative challenges (Sigala, Lockwood & Jones 364).
The system can also be upgraded to create a simple and efficient check in/system for the hotel’s guests. As stated above, hotel business is highly dependent on prior reservations. Therefore, such a system would increase online booking, create efficient check-in and check-out system to the convenient of both clients and the hotel management. In addition, the system can be modified to allow customers to prepay from remote places via the central-integrated system.
To recap it all, it is vital to note that implementing such a system requires an overhaul of the current one by gradually upgrading from the old systems to a central and integrated system (Sigala, Lockwood & Jones, 367). Certainly, a lot of resources might be involved to fully upgrade old systems. However, for small hotels, it can be done gradually to spread costs over long period of time. As already mentioned overhaul system upgrade is costly and takes a long time to accomplish.
However, Louvre hotels can start with simple elements like developing an engine that will enable bookings via the internet. The website should be tested daily to ensure any looming challenge is resolved in time. Despite increase in reservations promoted by development of internet enabled booking engine, website development can be use to promote the hotel and increase sales owing to increased global presence (Sigala, Lockwood & Jones, 367).
Works Cited
Louvre hotels. Case Study: Louvre Hotels Streamlines IT Operations with MICROS Centralized Enterprise Solution. Jun.2007. 12 Jul. 2011. Web.
Sigala Marianna, Lockwood Andrew & Jones, Peter.”Strategic implementation and IT: gaining competitive advantage from the hotel reservations process”, International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management 13.7 (2001): 364 – 367.