Today, many hotels are in the midst of migrating from legacy PMS technology to next-generation, cloud-native solutions.
At HIA, as we work with hoteliers to map their new PMS systems to our financial management software, we see that many of the new capabilities that these systems offer are the same great features leading the way in hospitality ERP and back-office tech.
These features include technology that is scalable, built for integrations, enhances the guest/user experience, is easily trainable, and comes with advanced security protocols. Let’s explore how these capabilities come into play in next-gen PMS software, and how they are also used in hospitality ERP & accounting technology.
Integration-friendly, API-first architecture
Keeping a hotel competitive today means running dozens of interconnected systems: CRS, RMS, POS, CRM, accounting, payments, even down to the door locks. It is critical that a PMS offer seamless connectivity to a property’s other systems and platforms. This is where the modern cloud-native PMS systems with integration-friendly, API-first architecture, come in.
Faster than earlier connection types, API’s are the most modern and direct type of integration connection, enabling real-time data transfer, and removing potential points of failure like intermediate servers used for file hosting, email services, and scheduled emails. Open API technology also makes adding new integrations much more seamless.
Like next-gen PMS software, modern financial management platforms such as HIA’s hospitality ERP & accounting software, also rely on cloud-native, integration-friendly technology to deliver real-time financial and operational data and insights.
Mobile User Access
The next-generation PMS systems of today offer mobile-first or mobile-friendly capabilities, enabling staff to access the PMS from a tablet or smartphone, allowing them to manage operations from anywhere, not just a fixed desktop.
Mobile access allows for real-time updates and enhanced efficiency. By having quick access to guest information and an easy way to process requests, staff can improve response times and overall service quality. Some of the more advanced systems also include AI tips and analysis.
Mobile access is important for any key software, especially for one as key as your back-office finance and operations software. Many HIA ERP & Accounting users are surprised how often they use the mobile app, especially for invoice approval workflows and checking in on performance on-the-go.
Software Ease of Use & Trainability
As hospitality deals with the labor crunch and high turnover rates, software ease of use and trainability becomes even more important.
A Reddit post from September 2025 notes, “I’m convinced that the state of hospitality technology is a big part of why we have such high churn.”
Clunky, hard-to-learn systems that require weeks of staff-shadowing only create additional friction in today’s climate. Modern PMS systems promise simpler, more user-friendly technology for faster training and better productivity.
It’s probably no surprise that ease of use and the ability to learn it quickly on the job are some of the biggest areas of praise in reviews by hotel general managers and teams on HIA’s ERP & Accounting software. Read customer stories here.
Stronger Security and Compliance
Modern, cloud-native PMS systems offer comprehensive security features. These range from advanced user access controls – like 2 Factor Authentication and Single-Sign-On capability, to robust payment security with PCI compliance, to secure digital keys, to platform level protections like data encryption. These measures protect sensitive data from unauthorized access and fraud.
Similarly, in selecting back office software, especially financial management software, robust security standards are a must – including advanced user access controls, encryption, and compliance, such as SOC 2 certification.
Ask us about HIA’s top-level security features and find out why many management companies are loving its single-sign-on capabilities, live encrypted bank-feeds, and the confidence that comes with third-party certifications.
Summary – These Criteria Are Good to Go By
By committing to cloud-native, integration-friendly platforms built for today’s guests and associates, hotels are voting for next-gen tech in the front and back office. They are stepping away from legacy tools that weren’t built for the future they want to step into.
In evaluating your hotel financial management software and other back-office technology, many of these same features apply. Is it scalable? Is it integration friendly with API-first architecture? Will it enhance the guest or associate experience? Is it easy to use and train on? Is it built with advanced security protocols? These features all help hoteliers to run more streamlined, efficient, and scalable operations.
Ready to see how HIA’s award-winning ERP & Accounting software can help your organization enhance productivity? Schedule a demo today.
Director of Marketing at HIA
Elisa Fritsch, Director of Marketing at Hotel Investor Apps (HIA), contributes 15+ years of sales and marketing experience from a wide range of corporate to start-up environments. At HIA, Elisa focuses on marketing strategy, content, and leveraging her hospitality industry knowledge to drive growth.
