Reimagining Hospitality: the role of PMS integration in smart access ecosystems

The future of Hospitality lies in integration. A connected ecosystem of smart systems  enables hoteliers to deliver the kind of experience today’s guests expect: personalised, efficient, and secure.

In today’s competitive Hospitality landscape, guests’ expectations are higher than ever. Travelers’ demand seamless, contactless, and personalised experiences from the moment they book to the moment they check out. Behind the scenes, this requires deep integration between the systems that power hotel operations – especially the Property Management Systems (PMS) and smart access control solutions.

At Salto, we believe that access control is no longer just about security and accessing hotel properties; it’s about enabling frictionless, digital-first guest journeys that begin before guests even walk through the door.

So let’s explore the critical role of PMS platforms, the growing importance of integrating them with smart access systems, and how Salto’s innovative ecosystem drives the future of hospitality.

PMS: the heart of hospitality operations

A PMS is essential software that manages the day-to-day operations of hotels, resorts, and other hospitality properties. It’s the central nervous system and digital heart of any modern hotel, handling everything from bookings, guest profiles and stays to room allocations, payments, housekeeping, and more.

But while the PMS handles operational data, it becomes truly powerful when integrated into a wider digital ecosystem – particularly with access control systems like the smart solutions offered by Salto. That’s when your PMS unlocks new levels of convenience, security, and efficiency, streamlining workflows and consolidating operationally critical information.

However, the hospitality industry is witnessing significant shifts in PMS technology. Legacy, on-premise software is giving way to cloud-based, API-enabled platforms that offer greater flexibility, scalability, and integration capabilities. These modern PMS solutions do more than handle operational tasks. They’re evolving into dynamic tools designed to enhance the overall guest journey – from personalised bookings and Digital Keys to communications, payments, loyalty programs, and seamless experiences throughout their stay.

Cloud-based PMS systems enable instant data synchronisation across departments and third-party solutions alike. This empowers hotels to respond quickly to guests’ needs and optimise resources. It’s signaling a shift in the role of the PMS from a standalone tool to a comprehensive hub that facilitates connectivity across various hotel systems and devices.

A tightly integrated PMS and access control solution allows hoteliers to streamline check-ins, reduce waiting times, improve room turnover efficiency, and deliver more secure, automated access, from staff keycards to mobile guest keys.

Smart access and connected rooms: the new guest experience standard

Access is no longer just about opening the right doors – it’s now a touchpoint that defines the entire guest experience.

These days, guests increasingly expect:

• Contactless check-in/check-out.
• Mobile digital keys, including wallet keys, for fast, frictionless access without compromising security.
• Instant room changes without having to visit the front desk.
• Secure, personalised access to amenities, such as spas, pools, parking, gyms or locker rooms
• Smart room features to communicate and adjust settings automatically based on occupancy and guest preferences.

Salto’s smart access solutions – including our industry-leading JustIN Mobile Key technology – support these expectations with reliable, secure, scalable, and high-design systems tailored for the hospitality sector.

Integration that works – seamlessly

Salto solutions integrate natively with the world’s leading PMS platforms, including the following:

• CHAR: Innovative, all-in-one PMS with an innovative approach.
• Clock PMS: Complete and integrated cloud-based hotel management.
• Cloudbeds: An all-in-one hospitality platform for independent properties.
• eZee: Combines hospitality software platforms to boost revenue.
• Guestline: For synchronised guest experiences.
• GuestUP: All-in-one, simplified guest operations and front desk management.
• HotelFriend: Management platform for hotels and vacation properties.
• IDS Next: On-premise and cloud PMS for next-level compatibility.
• Lobbi by Mancloud: Web-based PMS that simplifies and automates operations.
• Mews: The cloud-based PMS designed for automation and flexibility.
• Oracle OPERA: the enterprise-grade PMS used by many global hotel brands.
• Previo: Supports automated, keyless guest experiences.
• PriorityKey: End-to-end operations, guest management and access control.  
• Protel: Simple-to-use interface that saves time.
• RoomRacoon: Powerful, all-inclusive solution for independent hoteliers.
• RMS: The cloud-native PMS software for better hospitality management.
• SabeeApp: Cloud-based tool for modern hotels.
• SIHOT: Integrated access control for the world’s largest hotel chains.
• Stardekk: For seamless, keyless check-in experiences.
• StayNTouch: Pioneering tool with relationship-building capabilities.
• WebRezPro: Simplifies direct bookings and overnight lodging operations.

Unlock a world of functionality

These integrations power a seamless flow of data between property management and access control, enabling features such as:

1. Automatically generate guest room keys upon check-in: Guests receive Digital Keys immediately after booking confirmation. Meanwhile, cancelled bookings and completed check-outs prompt automatic key deactivation.
2. Revoke or update keys in real time: Instantly update room assignments and access permissions. Changes made in the PMS are immediately reflected in door locks, enabling smooth adjustments for room changes, for example.
3. Total security and control: Assign staff, guest, and visitor access permissions based on roles, access needs, and schedules. Eliminate manual keycard programming, data duplication, and delays.
4. Key delivery: Ensure secure delivery of mobile keys through the hotel’s own apps, or via email or SMS. Guests receive encrypted mobile keys by their preferred method, while operators can access detailed audit trails that capture and store every access event.

Top benefits beyond access control

When your access system and PMS are connected, the benefits extend far beyond convenience.

• Operational efficiency: Eliminate repetitive manual tasks at the front desk and in the back office, and spend less time troubleshooting.
• Oversight and auditability: Generate real-time access logs and user permissions for complete visibility of your access control ecosystem.
• Faster turnover: Housekeeping gets access based on real-time room status. No need to knock on doors – staff can head straight to rooms they know have been vacated.
• Scalability: New doors, users, PMS integrations, or even properties can be added as your operation grows.
• Faster check-ins: Let guests skip the queue and head straight to their room.
• Guest satisfaction: Reduced waiting times generate an immediate positive initial impression and give guests more control.
• Improved security: Say goodbye to lost, stolen, or improperly shared keys.
• Sustainability: Digital Keys eliminate the need for plastic keycards or metal keys, appealing to eco-conscious travellers. 
• Digitalising the journey: Mobile keys, on-the-go check-in, and seamless check-out provide the digi-first experience many guests now demand.

Salto’s smart locking solutions, access control platforms, and open API ecosystem integrate holistically to ensure your hotel management system grows and adapts with your business.

Why Salto for hospitality?

Salto Hospitality’s next chapter is connected. A connected ecosystem of smart systems – PMS, Guest Room Management Systems (GRMS), access control, and guest apps – enables hoteliers to deliver the kind of experience today’s guests expect: personalised, efficient, and secure.

With over 20 years of experience and deployments in more than 90 countries, Salto is a trusted partner for hotels of every size, from boutique properties to international chains.

Salto Hospitality solutions are:

• Smart: Standalone or networked, Salto solutions leverage Digital Keys and smart access management for optimised operations.
• Secure: Our solutions are certified and provide end-to-end encryption.
• Flexible: They support any door or access point, from guest rooms to back-of-house and shared spaces, with customisable options to adapt to any decor and ensure easy installation.
• Reliable: Our solutions offer 24/7 visibility from anywhere, at any time.
• Future-proof: They utilise cutting-edge technology, from wireless connectivity to Bluetooth LE or NFC-powered entry and cloud-enabled access.
• Scalable and connected: Integrate PMS and energy management systems and manage access to lockers, parking areas, and other amenities.

With Salto, your access control system is more than just a door lock. It’s a strategic enabler of a better hospitality experience, for guests and operators alike.

Ready to unlock the future? Explore how Salto’s PMS-integrated smart access solutions can elevate your guest experience and streamline hotel operations here.