Stayntouch PMS
Release Notes (v5.81)
Effective:
- 14 May 2024 (3pm EST) for customers using https://pms.eu.stayntouch.com
- 16 May 2024 (6am EST) for customers using https://pms.stayntouch.com
- 21 May 2024 (6am EST) for customers using https://pms.us.stayntouch.com
ⓘ We'd like to call out a very exciting new item that has been long-awaited and will make many of our customers happy:
Multi-Property Template Configuration!
We now support Multi-Property template configuration for hotel chains with the Multi-Property functionality enabled. Please note, the Multi-Property Configuration setting must also be enabled by Stayntouch Admin for your hotel chain for Multi-Property template configuration to be available. Multi-Property template configuration is only accessible for Multi-Property users. Please contact Customer Support to have this enabled for your chain.
Overview of Functionality
We’ve introduced template configuration at the Multi-Property level to streamline updates to subscribed hotels and enable more efficient opening processes for hotels that belong to the chain. Multi-Property users have the ability to subscribe hotels to certain configuration templates so that updates will be received automatically to reflect any changes made to the Multi-Property template.
Subscribe/Subscribed: The defined template is sent to one, many, or all of the properties within the chain, and template fields cannot be edited. Template fields at the property level are automatically updated when updates are made to the Multi-Property template on the chain level. Subscription status is recorded in the PMS.
Multi-Property Template: Designation given via checkbox on the template. Templates that are marked as Multi-Property templates can be applied in bulk to the hotel from the Properties section in Multi-Property configuration by selecting the Subscribe property button.
For more information, please refer to this guide.
Too Long; Didn’t Read?
We've got your back with this abridged version of the v5.81 product release! If you want the full details, click the linked enhancements directly below for a full explanation of each enhancement.
INTEGRATIONS
- Pre-Release Of RateTiger Direction Integration: We are currently starting a pilot with the RateTiger channel manager integration, and it will be in general release soon. The integration supports reservation download from RateTiger as well as rate and restriction upload from Stayntouch PMS to RateTiger.
- IDeaS G3: Send Component Suites: For customers with an IDeaS G3 integration, we’ve added a new SEND COMPONENT SUITES toggle from Settings > Integrations > Revenue Management System > IDeaS Revenue Management (the G3 integration must be enabled). When the SEND COMPONENT SUITES toggle is enabled, Stayntouch PMS will send component suite messages to IDeaS G3. Please note, this feature is pending pilot. Please contact Stayntouch Customer Support and IDeaS to coordinate the activation of this functionality if your hotel is interested in activating component suites.
- iHotelier/TravelClick: Component Suites: Amadeus has added support for Component Suites in iHotelier. Please contact Amadeus if you want to activate the Component Room functionality in iHotelier.
- Toast POS: Delete Existing Restaurants: You can now delete existing restaurants that have been mapped for Toast POS from Settings > Integrations > POS Integrations > Toast. All existing mappings under the deleted restaurant will also be deleted automatically.
- New API Integrations: Stayntouch PMS now integrates with the following new vendors:
- Flash Parking
- RUNNR.ai
- FRIVA Digital Solutions, which includes:
- Feratel Guest Registration
- Albcard Guest Registration
- Allgäu-Walser-Card Guest Registration
- AVS Guest Registration
- Bayerwald Media Guest Registration
- WinTOP Guest Registration
- TCA Guest Registration
- CommUnity Guest Registration
- CAPCORN Guest Registration
- CardXperts Guest Registration
- LoungeUp
- Wrkspot
- NevoSuite by Nevotek
- KareCode
- Blent
- Backyou
- evon - Smart Home
- Rezylist
- Skipper Hospitality
- PurpleCloud Technologies
- Connect APIs: New Attribute default_amount In GET/addons{id} API: Stayntouch Connect APIs now display the static add-on amount saved in Stayntouch PMS, not considering any date_ranges. The amount is not dynamic and will not change in the API’s response unless the value is overridden in the PMS field.
- Connect APIs: Allotment/Group Block Type Attribute Included In Get/Groups Endpoints: The get/groups and get/groups/{id} endpoints now return a block type under the attribute “block”, the available block types are group or allotment.
RATES/REVENUE MANAGEMENT
- View Past Applied Rate Strategies: You can now view past applied Rate Strategies from Revenue Management > Rate Strategy.
- Rate Display Order: Per expected functionality, from Settings > Rates > Rates, rates can be displayed as per the following:
- By rate type (if filtering by rate type)
- In alphabetical order (A-Z) by rate type (if filtering by rate type)
- In alphabetical order (Z-A) by rate type (if filtering by rate type)
- By group rate type (if filtering by rate type)
RESERVATIONS
- Add/Remove Shared Notes When Guest, Company, Or Travel Agent Card Is Attached To Reservation: When a guest card, Company, or Travel Agent reservation is added or removed, Stayntouch PMS will check to see if the guest card, Company, or Travel Agent has any shared notes, and Stayntouch PMS will automatically update the shared note on the guest’s stay card accordingly.
GROUPS
- Add-On Date Ranges For Groups: Stayntouch PMS now supports add-on date ranges for groups. When an add-on with a date range is added to a group, a check will be performed to determine if the price varies (either by date range or set) during the group dates. If the price varies, “Multiple” will be displayed for both add-on price and total price on group confirmation emails and invoices. As with the existing add-on date range functionality, the ENABLE ADD-ON DATE RANGE AND SETS toggle must be enabled from Settings > Rates > Rate & Add-On Settings.
FINANCE
- Zero Value Allowance Price For More Than One Allowance: When there is more than one of the same allowance add-on with a $0 price, the value is updated on the allowance tab, and when a charge is posted, the value of all allowances will be consumed, as per expected functionality.
Integrations
Pre-Release Of RateTiger Direct Integration
We are currently starting a pilot with the RateTiger channel manager integration, and it will be in general release soon. The integration supports reservation download from RateTiger as well as rate and restriction upload from Stayntouch PMS to RateTiger.
Want to get connected? Please contact Stayntouch Customer Support and soumyab@erevmax.com to initiate the activation of this integration for your hotel.
IDeaS G3: Send Component Suites
For customers with an IDeaS G3 integration, we’ve added a new SEND COMPONENT SUITES toggle from Settings > Integrations > Revenue Management System > IDeaS Revenue Management (the G3 integration must be enabled). When the SEND COMPONENT SUITES toggle is enabled, Stayntouch PMS will send component suite messages to IDeaS G3 as part of the availability and new messages, so IDeaS G3 can identify component suites.
Please note, this feature is pending pilot. Please contact Stayntouch Customer Support and IDeaS to coordinate the activation of this functionality if your hotel is interested in activating component suites.
iHotelier/TravelClick: Component Suites
Amadeus has added support for Component Suites in iHotelier. Please contact Amadeus if you want to activate the Component Room functionality in iHotelier.
Toast POS: Delete Existing Restaurants
You can now delete existing restaurants that have been mapped for Toast POS from Settings > Integrations > POS Integrations > Toast. All existing mappings under the deleted restaurant will also be deleted automatically.
New API Integrations With Stayntouch PMS
Stayntouch PMS now integrates with the following new vendors. For more information, please contact your Client Success Manager or Customer Support.
Below is a list of the newly supported integration partners with links to supporting documentation detailing the integration with each vendor:
1. Flash Parking allows an overnight guest to be granted parking access to the parking kiosks. The guest will use their hotel keys to enter and exit a gated parking facility. Front desk has the ability to enable and disable parking access anytime during the guest's stay. For guests that choose valet parking, the FlashValet mobile application will be able to search for guest information and post valet charges to the guest folio.
2. RUNNR.ai has created a fully AI-based guest communication app that offers a fully seamless guest experience. It is the first hospitality technology provider with Open AI fully integrated. The app enables more accurate question recognition and fully AI-driven replies.
3. With FRIVA Digital Solutions, hoteliers can automatically extract the reporting data from Stayntouch PMS and pass it onto a municipality's reporting program. FRIVA supports multiple guest registration platforms required by government institutions.
- Feratel Guest Registration
- Albcard Guest Registration
- Allgäu-Walser-Card Guest Registration
- AVS Guest Registration
- Bayerwald Media Guest Registration
- WinTOP Guest Registration
- TCA Guest Registration
- CommUnity Guest Registration
- CAPCORN Guest Registration
- CardXperts Guest Registration
4. LoungeUp is an all-in-one platform for guest relationship and hotel operations management. There are four core products that LoungeUp offers:
- CRM:One-way certified with Stayntouch PMS.
- Guest Profile is a custom-made CRM for the hotel industry, complete with a powerful search engine to accurately segment hotel guests and a newsletter tool to effectively build guest loyalty. The CRM adapts to the specific needs of any establishment.
- Guest Portal: One-way certified with Stayntouch PMS.
- Operations Management: Operational dashboard; one-way certified with Stayntouch PMS.
- Guest Messaging: Not certified with Stayntouch PMS.
5. Wrkspot is a total hotel platform for people, productivity, and profitability. WrkSpot is an all-in-one hotel operations platform that addresses hotels' unique needs.
- People Management: Technology is empowering hoteliers to refine processes and accelerate workflows.
- Panic and Safety: Safety and risk mitigation are top-of-mind for the industry today. WrkSpot can facilitate safe experiences for guests and employees through our hotel automation and safety monitoring capabilities.
- Operations Management: Housekeeping app.
6. NevoSuite by Nevotek offers a vast variety of hospitality products. With Stayntouch PMS, the following products are supported:
- TV
- WiFi
- Bill view by guest
- IP telephony
- On screen check-out (when all bills = zero balance)
7. KareCode is a Turkish hospitality software that helps hotels with WiFi and High Speed Internet Connectivity in guest rooms as well as public spaces.
8. Blent offers actionable real-time insights in full transparency and agility, without any delays. Blent enables a new era of data-driven hospitality businesses. Blent is the central hub for your organization’s analysis, uniting data teams and business teams around data to drive business outcomes.
9. Backyou is a cloud solution to manage groups and events. The integration is designed to support custom groups only.
10. evon – Smart Home helps hotels to improve energy ratings by efficiently controlling lighting, air conditioning, and heating.
- Integration of heating, heat pumps, and air conditioners in one universal solution
- Automatic operation based on time specifications
- Individual intervention at any time, onsite or via the evon – Smart Home app
- Automatic lowering operation when windows are open
11. Rezylist is an automated direct booking waitlist and room resell platform helping hotels increase their RevPAR. RezyList bookings happen directly via the property’s website. Their Proprietary Automated Technology alerts guests to book directly when a room becomes available.
- Reduces OTA fees
- Maintain full occupancy on busiest nights
- Avoid overbooking/walking
- Manage cancellations
- Know demand for rate setting purposes
- Professionally engages guests for future bookings
- Works with SynXis, TravelClick, Pegasus, Cendyn, and all major booking engines
- Rezylist allows for guests to share contact information (email, phone numbers, etc.)
12. Skipper Hospitality is the hotel booking platform that increases direct sales. See up to a 40% increase in direct bookings. The company was founded by a group of builders with deep experience in hotel tech, and is backed by world class investors like Gradient Ventures and Pear.
- Highly Configurable – Fine tune control to seamlessly match any brand
- Desktop Option – Opt for a side rail or a full desktop design
- Easy Cross Selling – Embed dining bookings, upsell spa, events, and more
- PCI Compliant – Rest easy knowing your guest data is safe and secure
- Shift4 Integration – Credit card verification; payments are taken in the PMS
- Availability & Rate Calendar
13. PurpleCloud Technologies is a housekeeping integration that helps operational inefficiencies and automates mundane tasks through powerful and highly customization algorithms. It also connects back of house associates with powerful mobile technology, recognizes and motivates staff with points-based recognition for exceptional service and teamwork, and provides real-time appreciation to keep morale high.
Connect APIs: New Attribute default_amount In GET/addons{id} API
Stayntouch Connect APIs now display the static add-on amount saved in Stayntouch PMS, not considering any date_ranges. The amount is not dynamic and will not change in the API’s response unless the value is overridden in the PMS field.
Items to Note:
- The default_amount is used when no date ranges are configured or when there is a date gap between the date ranges.
- The default_amount and amount may or may not be of equal value.
- The default_amount always returns the amount in the add-on header.
- The default_amount does NOT consider date_ranges values, including those applicable to the current business date.
Connect APIs: Allotment/Group Block Type Attribute Included In Get/Groups Endpoints
The get/groups and get/groups/{id} endpoints now return a block type under the attribute "block", the available block types are group or allotment.
Rates/Revenue Management
Rate Strategy: View Past Applied Strategies
You can now view past applied Rate Strategies from Revenue Management > Rate Strategy. You can view past strategies by toggling over to APPLY selecting past dates from the FROM/TO date options. By default, the FROM date will be the current business date. Please note, past strategies cannot be edited. Moreover, the Rate Strategy option is not visible on the Stayntouch PMS mobile app.
Rate Display Order
Per expected functionality, from Settings > Rates > Rates, rates can be displayed as per the following:
- By rate type (if filtering by rate type)
- In alphabetical order (A-Z) by rate type (if filtering by rate type)
- In alphabetical order (Z-A) by rate type (if filtering by rate type)
- By group rate type (if filtering by rate type)
This enhancement is to address the scenario where rate sorting was not maintained when navigating to different pages.
Reservations
Add/Remove Shared Notes When Guest, Company, Or Travel Agent Card Is Attached To Reservation
When a guest card, Company, or Travel Agent reservation is created, Stayntouch PMS will check to see if the guest card, Company, or Travel Agent has any shared notes, and Stayntouch PMS will automatically add the shared note to the guest’s stay card as a guest card, Company, or Travel Agent note. Users cannot edit or delete the guest card, Company, or Travel Agent note from the stay card.
If a note is deleted or edited from the Notes tab of the guest, Company, or Travel Agent Card, then the note will be updated on all the stay cards to which it has been shared.
If a user edits the shared note and deselects the POST TO ALL RESERVATIONS checkbox, then the note will no longer be shared with or visible from any stay card in the guest card, Company, or Travel Agent. Any stay card that was displaying the note will no longer display the guest card, Company, or Travel Agent note.
If a reservation is removed from a guest card, Company, or Travel Agent, then the stay card will no longer display any shared notes from the guest card, Company, or Travel Agent.
Groups
Add-On Date Ranges For Groups
Stayntouch PMS now supports add-on date ranges for groups. When an add-on with a date range is added to a group, a check will be performed to determine if the price varies (either by date range or set) during the group dates. If the price varies, “Multiple” will be displayed for both add-on price and total price on group confirmation emails and invoices.
As with the existing add-on date range functionality, the ENABLE ADD-ON DATE RANGE AND SETS toggle must be enabled from Settings > Rates > Rate & Add-On Settings for this option to become available. We recommend creating new add-ons utilizing the date range.
Finance
Zero Value Allowance Price For More Than One Allowance
When there is more than one of the same allowance add-on with a $0 price, the value is updated on the allowance tab, and when a charge is posted, the value of all allowances will be consumed, as per expected functionality. This enhancement is to address the scenario where the value of all allowances was not being consumed when there was more than one of the same allowance add-on with a $0 price.
Deposit Invoices
Deposit Invoices: Encrypted User ID
We’ve made enhancements to deposit invoices to align with European legal requirements for generating deposit invoices, in which the deposit invoice will display the printed by user with an encrypted user ID (instead of the employee’s first and last name).
Please note, this is only applicable for specific customers residing in countries where the Deposit Invoice requirement is mandated by the government.