Introduction
The hospitality industry continues to evolve rapidly, and property management platforms like eviivo are constantly enhancing their offerings to meet the changing needs of accommodation providers. For US property managers using eviivo, staying informed about the latest platform updates is essential for maintaining competitive advantage and operational efficiency.
In this comprehensive overview, we'll explore the most significant eviivo updates and new features introduced in 2024 that are particularly relevant to the US market. We'll examine how these enhancements can be leveraged to streamline operations, increase bookings, and improve guest experiences at your property.
Enhanced User Interface and Dashboard
One of the most immediately noticeable changes in eviivo's 2024 update is the redesigned user interface and dashboard experience.
Key Improvements:
- Streamlined Navigation: The main dashboard now features a more intuitive layout with frequently used functions prominently displayed. The navigation menu has been reorganized to group related functions more logically.
- Customizable Widgets: Property managers can now personalize their dashboard by selecting which widgets appear and arranging them according to their workflow preferences.
- Mobile Optimization: The updated interface is significantly more responsive on mobile devices, allowing US property managers to manage their listings effectively from smartphones and tablets.
- Quick Action Buttons: New shortcut buttons for common tasks like adding bookings, checking in guests, or viewing today's arrivals reduce the number of clicks needed for daily operations.
These interface improvements address feedback from US users who requested more flexibility and efficiency in their daily property management workflows. The enhanced mobile experience is particularly valuable for smaller properties without dedicated front desk staff who need to manage operations on the go.
Advanced Rate Management System
Pricing strategy is critical for maximizing revenue, and eviivo has significantly enhanced its rate management capabilities in the 2024 update.
New Rate Features:
- AI-Powered Price Recommendations: The platform now includes optional AI-driven pricing suggestions based on market demand, local events, historical performance, and competitor rates in your area.
- Multi-Channel Rate Rules: Create sophisticated rate strategies with channel-specific rules that automatically adjust prices across different OTAs based on your occupancy levels or booking windows.
- Bulk Editing Tools: New bulk editing capabilities allow you to update rates across multiple dates, room types, or rate plans simultaneously, saving significant time for properties with complex pricing structures.
- Rate Calendar Visualization: The enhanced visual calendar provides color-coded rate information at a glance, making it easier to identify rate gaps or opportunities for adjustment.
- Competitive Set Monitoring: US property managers can now define a set of competitors whose rates they want to monitor, with optional alerts when their prices change significantly.
These rate management enhancements are particularly valuable in the highly competitive US market, where dynamic pricing strategies can significantly impact occupancy and revenue. The AI recommendations feature is designed to assist property managers who may not have dedicated revenue management staff but want to optimize their pricing approach.
Expanded Channel Connectivity
Distribution strategy is crucial for US properties, and eviivo has broadened its channel connectivity options in the latest update.
New Channel Capabilities:
- Additional OTA Integrations: New connections to emerging online travel agencies and niche booking platforms with particular relevance to US travelers, including specialized outdoor accommodation marketplaces and business travel platforms.
- Enhanced Google Travel Integration: Improved connectivity with Google's travel ecosystem, allowing properties to appear more prominently in Google Hotel Search and Google Maps with direct booking links.
- Channel Performance Analytics: New reporting tools provide deeper insights into which channels deliver the best ROI, considering not just booking volume but guest quality, cancellation rates, and average stay value.
- Channel-Specific Inventory Management: More granular control over which rooms and how many are allocated to each distribution channel, allowing for strategic inventory management.
These channel connectivity enhancements give US property managers more flexibility in how and where they distribute their inventory, enabling more sophisticated channel mix strategies that can reduce OTA dependency and commission costs.
Enhanced Guest Communication Tools
Guest engagement remains a critical factor in hospitality success, and eviivo has introduced several new communication features in the 2024 update.
Communication Enhancements:
- Unified Messaging Inbox: All guest communications are now centralized in a single inbox, regardless of whether they originated via email, SMS, or through OTA messaging systems.
- Automated Guest Journey Messages: Create sophisticated automation sequences that send personalized messages at key moments in the guest journey, from booking confirmation to post-stay follow-up.
- Guest App Integration: Properties can now offer guests a branded mini-app experience (no download required) with check-in information, local recommendations, and direct messaging capabilities.
- Message Templates with Dynamic Fields: Build a library of message templates that automatically include relevant booking details, guest names, and property information for efficient yet personalized communication.
- Two-Way SMS Messaging: US properties can now engage in two-way text messaging with guests, particularly valuable for immediate communications during a guest's stay.
These communication tools help US properties provide the personalized, responsive service that today's travelers expect while automating routine messages to save staff time. The guest app feature is especially valuable for properties looking to enhance the digital guest experience without investing in custom app development.
Strengthened Payment Processing and Revenue Management
Financial management capabilities have been significantly enhanced in the latest eviivo update, with particular attention to the needs of US property managers.
Financial Feature Updates:
- Expanded Payment Options: Support for additional payment methods popular with US travelers, including digital wallets, buy-now-pay-later services, and contactless payments.
- Enhanced Deposit Handling: More flexible deposit policies that can be customized by booking source, stay duration, or total reservation value.
- Automated Payment Collection: Schedule automatic payment collection for deposits, balances due, or incidentals at predefined times in the booking lifecycle.
- Integrated Payment Dispute Management: New tools to manage and respond to payment disputes or chargebacks directly within the platform.
- Improved Financial Reporting: Enhanced reporting capabilities with deeper analysis of revenue streams, payment processor fees, and channel commissions.
These financial management enhancements address the complexity of payment processing in the US market, where guest payment preferences are diverse and regulatory requirements can vary by state. The automated payment collection feature is particularly valuable for reducing manual payment follow-up and improving cash flow.
Advanced Reporting and Business Intelligence
Data-driven decision making is increasingly important in property management, and eviivo has significantly expanded its analytics capabilities.
New Analytics Features:
- Customizable Dashboard Reports: Create personalized reports focused on the specific KPIs most relevant to your property's goals and display them directly on your dashboard.
- Market Comparison Data: For US properties, benchmark your performance against anonymized aggregated data from similar properties in your region or market segment.
- Forecasting Tools: New predictive analytics features help project future occupancy, revenue, and booking patterns based on historical data and current pace.
- Guest Segmentation Analysis: Deeper insights into your guest demographics, booking behavior, and spending patterns to inform targeted marketing strategies.
- Export and Integration Options: Enhanced capabilities for exporting reports or connecting eviivo data with external business intelligence tools via API.
These analytics enhancements provide US property managers with more actionable insights without requiring advanced data analysis skills. The market comparison feature is particularly valuable for understanding your competitive position and identifying areas for improvement.
Enhanced Mobile App Functionality
Recognizing the increasing need for on-the-go management capabilities, eviivo has significantly enhanced its mobile app features.
Mobile App Improvements:
- Full Booking Management: Complete capabilities to create, modify, and manage bookings directly from your mobile device.
- Mobile Check-In/Check-Out: Process guest arrivals and departures from anywhere, with the ability to capture signatures and payment information as needed.
- Real-Time Notifications: Customizable alerts for new bookings, guest messages, or important events requiring immediate attention.
- Housekeeping Management: Assign and track room cleaning and maintenance tasks through the mobile interface.
- Offline Mode: Critical functions remain available even without internet connectivity, with automatic synchronization when connection is restored.
The enhanced mobile capabilities are particularly valuable for US boutique properties, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals where owners or managers often handle multiple roles and need to stay connected to operations while away from the front desk.
Sustainability and Compliance Features
In response to growing regulatory requirements and guest interest in sustainability, eviivo has introduced several new features in these areas.
New Sustainability and Compliance Tools:
- Energy Usage Tracking: Tools to monitor and report on energy consumption, particularly relevant for properties in states with emerging environmental reporting requirements.
- Digital Registration Cards: Fully digital guest registration that complies with local regulations while reducing paper waste.
- Accessibility Information Management: Enhanced capabilities for documenting and communicating property accessibility features to meet ADA requirements and guest needs.
- Sustainability Certification Support: Tools to help properties track and showcase their compliance with various green certification programs relevant in the US market.
These features help US properties address growing regulatory requirements while also appealing to the increasing segment of travelers who prioritize sustainability in their accommodation choices.
Implementation Tips for US Property Managers
With so many new features available, implementing them effectively requires a strategic approach. Here are practical recommendations for US property managers:
1. Prioritize Based on Business Impact
Not all new features will deliver equal value to your specific property. Consider which enhancements address your most significant operational challenges or revenue opportunities, and focus on implementing those first.
2. Schedule Training Sessions
Ensure all staff members who interact with eviivo receive appropriate training on relevant new features. Eviivo offers a variety of training resources, including webinars specifically designed for the US market.
3. Implement in Phases
Rather than attempting to adopt all new features simultaneously, consider a phased implementation approach. For example:
- Phase 1: Interface familiarization and dashboard customization
- Phase 2: Rate management and channel connectivity enhancements
- Phase 3: Advanced guest communication tools
- Phase 4: Reporting and analytics capabilities
4. Utilize Eviivo Support Resources
Take advantage of eviivo's implementation support, including:
- US-specific help documentation
- North American support team availability
- Video tutorials for new features
- User community forums to learn from other property managers
5. Review and Optimize
After implementing new features, schedule regular reviews to assess their impact and make any necessary adjustments to your settings or workflows.
Conclusion
The 2024 updates to the eviivo platform offer US property managers significant opportunities to enhance their operational efficiency, increase revenue, and improve guest experiences. By strategically implementing these new features with a focus on your property's specific needs and goals, you can gain competitive advantage in an increasingly technology-driven hospitality landscape.
Remember that successful technology adoption is not just about the features themselves but how effectively they're integrated into your property's overall operations and strategy. Take the time to understand each enhancement's potential benefits and plan your implementation accordingly.
As eviivo continues to evolve its platform throughout 2024, we'll provide regular updates on new features and best practices for US property managers. Stay connected with our blog for the latest insights and implementation guidance.
Have you implemented any of these new eviivo features at your property? Share your experiences, challenges, or questions in the comments below. Or contact us directly for personalized guidance on maximizing the value of your eviivo platform.