The interface between the hotel WiFi certification system and PMS (the hotel management system) is a technical component of the middle-end hotel project. The docking process is successful, the guests automatically synchronize information when they are in the guest room, they can be connected to the guest room, check out of the room automatically and clear account privileges; the docking fails or the docking is bad, the front desk hand-held the authentication code for each customer, and there are complaints. From actual project experience, this piece summarizes the main program and judgment logic of the docking.
Why do you want to dock?
When PMS is not connected, the authentication system usually relies on a cell phone text message, and the guest has no connection to his own texting and entering status. This option is simple and low-cost, but there are several problems: one is that the checkout number does not automatically expire and the ex-client certification document can still be used; the other cannot be done."You can access it if you want."The client is re-accredited to the certification process every time he connects, and the third is that the front desk cannot quickly verify the client's network status at the back of the station, which can be detected if there are complaints.
Mainstream docking mode I: API interface synchronizes in real time
The PMS system triggers an API call when you check in, pushing the guest ' s info (name, cell number, room number, expected time off) to the authentication system; the certification system automatically creates a account and binds the room MAC once it is received. The advantages of such a programme are clear, but the threshold for achieving it is also high: PMS manufacturers are required to open an API interface, certification system producers to match-test and two-to-four weeks in regular combinations, and there is also a need to address issues such as network segregation (which is usually built into the PMS network, which may be in DMZ), assurance security. For hotels with more old or closed PMS systems, this path may not work.
Mainstream docking mode II: Databases are directly linked or timed to synchronize
If PMS manufacturers do not provide API, some certification system providers choose to read the PMS database directly, and search for residential changes at regular intervals (e.g. every five minutes) and synchronize with the authentication system. This option does not rely on PMS API openness, which is relatively low in relation to the interface, but has two obvious risks: one is that direct reading of databases may be intrusive to PMS systems and could lead to a failure of interfaces when they are upgraded; the second is that there will be 5-10 minutes delay in synchronization, during which guests may not access the Internet. For hotels with limited traffic and very little customer penetration requirements, this option is acceptable; but high-end and fast chain hotels usually do not accept this delay.
Mainstream docking mode III: Front desk workstation plugin
The disadvantage is to have a plugin on the front desk, which automatically reads the current client information when it has been occupied in PMS and calls the authentication system interface to create an account. This option is the least intrusive for PMS itself, does not require database access or cooperation with development. Depending on the operator's operating specifications, the plugin triggers are delayed if the front desk first arranges guests to the guest room and returns to PMS; there are also significant differences between brands of PMS front-office interfaces, and the plugs are not cheap enough.
Mainstream docking mode 4: Room number + name manual authentication, no PMS interface
There is another option that does not really PMS interface, but it is common in practice: the certification system synchronizes from PMS to one."Current accommodation + residence name"Lists, let clients enter their room number plus name at authentication and check the system for listing. This is simple, compatible, and hardly requires PMS to work with them, as long as they can export a list of residence names.——The next room guests know your room number and name can also be enveloped.
The logic of the selection
If PMS is open to API and the supplier cooperates, preference is given to API real-time synchronization; if PMS is closed but accessible, database timing is a secondary option; if neither supports it, the front-office plugin or list verification options are pragmatic retreats."Perfect plan."On the other hand, the docking is time-consuming and budget-intensive, with a programme that fits current conditions running and upgrading as appropriate.
Unnegligible outside of the interface: account cleanup mechanism
Regardless of the interface option selected, the timeliness of checking out after check-out accounts is verified. The authentication account does not fail in a timely manner, not just on security issues, but also leads to an increasing pool of active accounts for the certification system and a reduced query performance.
Details of the connection during the docking process
The PMS system and authentication systems are often from different suppliers, requiring both parties to be present (or to work together online) when communicating. The common card points are: the field format of PMS pushes is inconsistent with the desired format of the certification system (e.g. if there is a national code prefix for a mobile phone number), lack of access to the network (insular and offline), time-space problems resulting in a time stamping problem. It is suggested that suppliers on both sides should first confirm interface documents in writing before connecting instead of waiting for field matches to be found on site. This saves a lot of time for site tuning.
The combination of the hotel WiFi certification system and PMS is easy, simple and simple. The difficulty is not technology per se, but rather that two systems come from different manufacturers, standards are inconsistent, and coordination costs are high. Think about the logic of the options for a succession, and implementing the responsibility to cooperate between the parties at the start of the project is the highest guarantee of success.