Streamlining Success: The Dynamic Duo of a PMS and Breezeway

Welcome to the life of STR management, where hosts, managers, and operators perform a balancing act to ensure every guest experience is seamless and unforgettable. In this fast-paced world, efficiency is essential to delivering on guest expectations. While there are hundreds of technology platforms to choose from, implementing too many software platforms can bog you and your team down in manual processes. Consolidating to just Breezeway + a PMS can meet all of your operational needs.

In this blog, we're spotlighting two indispensable tools that transform your day-to-day into a well-oiled machine: Property Management Systems (PMS) and Breezeway. We’ll explore how these tools work together and illustrate why this combination is the key to success for short-term rental property managers.

Do I really need a Property Management System and Breezeway?

What is a Property Management System (PMS)?

A robust Property Management System acts at the center of a property manager's day. It streamlines various tasks such as booking management, reservation tracking, and accounting. PMS platforms offer a centralized hub where property managers can monitor occupancy, and manage reservations seamlessly. From smooth booking processes to personalized guest communication, Property Management Systems contribute to creating a positive and memorable stay.

However, Property Management Systems fall short when it comes to the backend operations. A PMS helps you drive and manage bookings but offers limited functionality after the booking has been made. A lot of work has to happen before a guest checks in, during their stay, and after they check out to turnover before the next guest — that's where Breezeway comes in.

What is a property operations tool?

While a PMS takes care of the administrative and transactional aspects, a property operations tool like Breezeway focuses on the physical aspects of property management and boots-on-the-ground needs to service the home. Breezeway helps property managers streamline communication with staff and optimize cleaning, inspection, and maintenance processes.

Here are some of the key benefits of Breezeway’s Property Operations Platform that a typical PMS lacks:

1. Save time by reducing calls, emails, and texts between hosts and cleaners, service providers, and hosts and guests.
2. Ensure consistency and accountability at every turnover with Breezeway’s customizable checklists.
3. Set scheduled reminders for preventative property maintenance work, like smoke alarm testing or fire extinguishers, so you prevent issues before they become an issue.
4. Increase review collection and average review scores with enhanced guest communication.
5. Be confident and assured because your internal business processes are organized and automated.
6. Make damage claims a breeze with better documentation when photos are stored right in Breezeway.
7. Save money by tracking the inventory of linens and supplies - Breezeway alerts you when inventory is low and can even fulfill guest amenities.
   

The benefits of integrating Breezeway with a PMS

One dashboard for everything

The synergy between PMS and Breezeway is where the magic happens. Breezeway's PMS integrations ensure that information flows seamlessly, eliminating the need for manual data entry and reducing the risk of errors. For example, when a reservation is made in the PMS, Breezeway automatically schedules the cleaning and inspection, ensuring that the property is in top-notch condition for the next guest without any manual lift.

Breezeway’s guest messaging features also connect with your PMS to centralize all your guest communication within one portal, so you’re not left hopping between platforms to see what’s been said and to who. And if a guest makes a request or reports an issue, you can easily create and assign a maintenance task within the same view.

By connecting Breezeway Messaging with your PMS you can:

• Pull contact information from your PMS to auto-fill message templates with guest details.
• Pull reservation information to send automated gap night messages based on check-in and check-out dates to drive increased revenue and occupancy.
• Bulk messages for specific dates and property types.
• ‘Repeat messages’ to guests for check-in and check-out days.

Maximum efficiency

Automation not only saves you time but also ensures that your property is always ready for the next guest. Your PMS will let you know when your next guest is arriving, and Breezeway will help you prepare for arrival to make a great first impression and impress your guests throughout the stay.

The platform automatically notifies your cleaners of their task and updates them if any changes occur (such as a guest canceling or changing a booking). These powerful automations can result in 10-20 hours saved per week that you can spend on other tasks—plus you’ll know that your housekeepers will never miss a turnover or show up at the wrong unit.

“It's amazing how much more automated our process is with Breezeway. We've reduced the time we spend texting, calling, and updating by over 50%, and are spending 20 fewer hours each week scheduling cleans and inspections.” -David Wilcox, General Manager of Summit Mountain Rentals (Breckenridge, CO)

Proactive management

Being reactive is a luxury you can't afford as a property manager. Breezeway's operational tools empower you to be proactive. Predictive maintenance, smart scheduling, and real-time insights let you identify and address issues before they become headaches. It's not just about fixing problems; it's about preventing them in the first place.

Stay one step ahead of guest complaints with Breezeway Guide, a digital welcome book that provides guests with everything they need to know about the property and destination, from the WiFi password and door code to local recommendations and directions. This technology helps to proactively reduce frequently asked questions and prevent bad reviews.

With essential insights, house rules, and local recommendations, Breezeway Guide can save you hours of time by allowing guests to independently find the information they need.

Data-driven decisions

Both PMS and Breezeway generate valuable data that, when analyzed together, provide a holistic view of property performance. This data-driven approach enables property managers to make informed decisions regarding pricing, marketing strategies, and property maintenance. It also helps in identifying trends, understanding guest preferences, and optimizing operational workflows.

When using Breezeway you not only get guest and reservation data, but you can also dive deeper into your company's operations and analyze employee performance. Breezeway Insights offers invaluable metrics on tasks, such as logged hours, outstanding tasks, comprehensive summaries, and more. You can use this information to identify problems internally and adjust accordingly, or to promote and reward top performers.

The Operations Report in Breezeway Insights is your go-to resource for property managers and hosts to dive deeper into your company's operations.

Breezeway PMS Integrations

In the dynamic world of short-term property management, the collaboration between PMS and Breezeway is a game-changer. It's not just about managing bookings; it's about crafting exceptional guest experiences and optimizing every aspect of your operations. So, whether you're a host, a property manager, or an operator, embracing this power duo is not just a choice; it's a strategic move to ensure your property stands out in a competitive market.