how to choose software for your resort

How to choose softwarefor your resort business

Getting Software Right

By: Mike Ashton

Welcome from Merlin Software

“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable

from magic.”Arthur C. Clark

Part 1Why you need industry specific software

Part 2The choice – old technology vs. new technology

Part 3Resort software essentials

Part 4Summary

Today’s Presentation

Part 4Part 4

Part 1Part 1

Part 2Part 2

Part 3Part 3

Resort Software: Why you need it

•Business is too big for manual processes•Automate procedures•Increase staff efficiency•New working practices – remotely in real time•Save money•Generate additional revenue

Resort-Specific Software: Is it necessary?

•Supports all product types – timeshare/fractional•Supports different calendars•Is multi-currency•Tracks your leads thru to sale and beyond•Calculates all commission payments

Your chosen software: Key Point

“Your chosen software should save you more than it costs you in time, money and frustration.”

Mike Pnematicatos,Chief Architect Merlin Software

Old Technology•IT Department resource• Servers & licenses• Cooling Equipment• Large capital outlay• Single, expensive knowledgebase• Downtime, upgrades and fixes• Long term contracts• £££

Old Technology New Technology

New Technology• Cloud computing & SaaS• Choice of leading technology companies• No servers and licenses • No IT resource• Monthly subscription• PC+ internet connection• Use the latest version• No capital outlay• More secure than ever

Old Technology New Technology

By 2013, 12% of the world

software market will be

internet based forms of SaaS

and cloud computing.

69% of internet users in the US

use some form of internet

based computing such as web-

based email or photo storage.

A survey revealed 78% of IT

managers believe economic

uncertainty makes SaaS more

appealing.

By the end of 2011, early

adopters will forgo capital

expenditure and instead

purchase 40% of IT as a service.

Organisations that fail to

implement cloud computing

will struggle to survive beyond

the next decade.

The Economist believes the

cloud will profoundly change

the way people work and

companies operate.

Cloud Computing: Interesting Facts

Software: Essential requirements

Operational modules to run:

•Marketing programmes•Sales activity•Front office and property management•Back office and accounting•Interactive web pages

Marketing: Track leads from source to sale

•Build a database of clients & leads•Record all marketing activities•Track responses, determine rates & costs•Interface captures data directly to a database•Build complex marketing cascades•Create & allocate tours, book prospects•Track results & report sales team statistics

Sales: Track control of the sales process

•Handle ALL types of product•Build an inventory of products to sell•Maintain control over unsold inventory•Record new sales & changes of ownership•Reflect the sale in the appropriate ledger•Calculate & credit commissions•Print contracts, set up price lists & report

Front Office: Maximise inventory

•Create & manage all reservation inventory•Make reservations for owners & non owners•Track owners’ reservations rights & use•Create reservation pools & track trading•Perform all front desk functions•Perform all guest & front desk accounting•Perform all housekeeping functions

Back Office: Determine cash flow & profit

•Includes fully functional accounting package•Multi currency, multi company capabilities•Records sales & tracks debtors•Bills maintenance fees & tracks collections•Report on all accounting matters•Mortgage receivables•Complete contract income & expense tracking

Interactivity: Online member services

• Your members & guests are online NOW• Expect resort to offer a facility to interact• Features your website should offer:

• Log in to their personal account• Make changes to their personal details• View their ownerships• Search for availability• Make & amend reservations• Pay management fees online

• All online in real time & saved to one database

Interactive pages

Case Study 1: Lead generation

• Resort based in Tenerife• Over 50 lead generators throughout Eastern Europe• Single webpage to upload tour information

• Client qualification details• All nationalities• Accommodation requests• Travel details• Special requirements• Payments

• All online in real time & saved to one database

Interactive pages

Case Study 2: Interactive pages

• Resort based in Portugal• Encourage owners to interact on line• Merlin interactive pages part of their website• Owners can:

• Log in to their personal account• View their ownerships• Search for availability based on ownership rights• Make & amend reservations• Pay management fees online

• All online in real time & saved to one database

Interactive pages

Interactive pages

Interactive pages

Summary: The future is in your hands

•Choice between new and old technologies•Integration of operational modules•Communication with prospects & clients

Questions? More Information?

Quickmerlin.commikea@quickmerlin.com

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