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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a PMS?
PMS is an acronym for Property Management System. Hotels, motels, campgrounds, and bed and breakfasts all use Property Management Systems to facilitate management of their property. While each PMS is different, they typically handle many, if not all, aspects of the hospitality business including availability, reservations, and check-in/check-out.

Why PMS Integration?
There are many PMS software vendors and virtually no implemented standard interfaces to a PMS. A hotel kiosk platform must be customized in order to communicate with a PMS to perform credit card validation, check-in, check-out, billing, room selection, and key encoding. Our services include integrating our kiosk operating platform to work with your existing PMS.

Is there an XML standard for communicating with PMS software?
The Hospitality Industry Technology Integration Standards (HITIS) Project (http://xml.coverpages.org/hitis.html) has been working on the definition of such standards. However it is one thing to develop a standard, but quite another for PMS vendors to implement the standard. Our experience has shown that very few PMS vendors have actually implemented such a standard in their product.

How are you different from other kiosk software vendors?
There are basically two different types of kiosk vendors, those building the kiosk hardware and those making the software. Most kiosk software vendors offer development platforms or tools to assist building kiosk software. We offer the complete software and PMS integration to operate your selected kiosk hardware.

Should we develop our kiosk-operating platform and integration in-house?
This is always an option. Our clients have found that it is more cost effective to use an existing platform and take advantage of our existing integration expertise. Most clients arrive at the conclusion that it's easier and less expensive to purchase a complete solution, rather than create their own integration.

Do I need to use a kiosk from one of your hardware partners in order to use your software?
No. Most of our software is hardware platform independent and has proven to run on multiple hardware solutions. However, the primary challenge when working with new hardware vendors is communicating with the attached peripherals such as printers and key encoders.

Can I customize the user interface any way I want?
Yes! Our generic user interface can be customized or you may create your own from scratch. Also, modern kiosk hardware processors are fast enough to support full motion video and animations. You can create computer animations of room configurations or use real pictures/video to display room choices. One of our large hotel campus clients displays interactive maps to show their guest how to find the correct building.

How long does it take to get a kiosk running in pilot mode?
This depends largely on the PMS software you are using. Some PMS vendors are very easy to integrate and provide, thoroughly documented APIs for their systems. With other vendors we need work with them to develop the integration points into their software.

Does your software support functionality other than just check-in/check-out?
The base functionality is check-in (with key distribution) and check-out since that has provided the greatest value to our customers. Our software is extensible and can easily integrate other features into it. We are currently evaluating the ability to print boarding passes, print maps, and make restaurant reservations directly from the kiosk. We work closely with our customers to determine which features are most needed.

How much does a kiosk running your platform cost?
We do not sell kiosk hardware, but the costs vary widely depending on the form factor, attached peripherals, durability, and quantity of units purchased. Single units range from $3,000-$22,000 for a full check-in/check-out system with a key encoder and printer. Bulk quantities usually cost significantly less. Our software charges vary widely depending on the PMS and how easy it is to interface with. Contact us with your configuration information for more pricing information.

Do you provide onsite support?
Daily operations and kiosk maintenance is performed by the property staff. We provide software maintenance for our kiosk platform. Hardware support can be obtained through either the kiosk hardware vendor or third-party support providers for on-site support.

Where can I find more information on your referral program?
We are currently building this program. Contact us if you would like more information.

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