Elektraweb, used by over 200 hotels worldwide, enables the complete digital management of a hotel—from its front office to accounting, from international sales channel connections such as Booking and Expedia to personnel and SPA management. This entirely domestic software is used by many hotels abroad and is praised for its quality. The fact that a woman is behind this software is a source of national pride. I asked Nilüfer Durukal, Managing Partner at Talya Bilişim, about the hotel management software Elektraweb.
What is the technological difference of Elektraweb?
Elektraweb is a program developed with the latest web technologies. It was written with Angular, which was developed by Google for mobile applications, and also uses Node JS and Java. The system has been optimized for the Microsoft Azure platform. This ensures that the screens are not only very fast and functional but also visually appealing and user-friendly.
Web technologies, especially when operated in a cloud structure, provide significant savings for businesses. First of all, it eliminates server costs and all associated expenses such as system software, antivirus programs, and backup systems. Secondly, security is no longer an issue. These types of cloud systems are both highly protected and store simultaneous copies of data in different global locations, guaranteeing that no information is ever lost. Moreover, since the data is processed and stored in compliance with KVKK and GDPR, the burden on our hotels is also reduced. Thirdly, a web-based software can easily be used even on a computer with the lowest configuration, because there is no program installed or data stored on the computer. Just like using a banking app, access to the program is possible through an internet connection. Hardware is not strained, does not break down, and storage capacities do not fill up. The most important advantage is that the program is also mobile. Especially during the pandemic days when everyone was working from home, Elektraweb was highly preferred because it allowed managers to use the program from their phones or tablets without going to the hotel.
What advantages does it provide to hotels?
We completely eliminate the use of pen and paper in hotel reservation, sales, accounting, personnel, restaurant, and CRM management. In fact, with Elektraweb, we enable the digital transformation of the entire hotel operation by managing it in a digital environment with an end-to-end integrated system. Hotel reservation systems work integrated with international sales channels like Booking and Expedia, as well as with the hotel’s front office and agency. Expenses made by guests in the restaurant, bar, or spa center are also integrated with the front office and accounting, so all records are created simultaneously. E-archives and e-invoices are automatically generated and sent through Elektraweb. In other words, each piece of information is entered into Elektraweb only once. There is no need for data transfer or repeated entries, which increases efficiency.
Elektraweb is also the most comprehensive hotel program, consisting of many different modules capable of managing all departments and tasks of a hotel. Since it can also integrate with third-party systems, a hotel can manage the entire facility using only the Elektraweb Hotel Management System. This allows for the comfort of dealing with a single company, and since the whole facility is managed with one integrated program, operations are faster and efficiency increases. Live support can be received through the software until midnight. There’s no need for a phone or email; when the user types a question into the program, it’s answered instantly via live chat. From midnight to 8 AM, support is available via phone and remote access.
What are its advantages in sales?
Perhaps the most important advantage of Elektraweb is the “Online Reservation Engine, Channel Management, and Revenue Management Modules” that come free with the front office program. With these three modules, the hotel increases both its sales and profitability. With the Channel Management module, it integrates with all online sales channels worldwide (Booking, Expedia, etc.), simultaneously sending price and availability information to all, and automatically deducting reservations from availability as they come in. Reservations made through the online booking engine we integrate into the hotel’s own website also proceed in sync with the other systems. Since we also connect virtual POS to the hotel’s online reservation engine, payment for the reservation reaches the hotel before the guest arrives.
Revenue Management is an AI-based application we developed to increase hotel profitability. It automatically compares prices of nearby hotels and suggests prices to the system based on the hotel’s occupancy and the time of day. In addition, we integrate with guest review sites like Tripadvisor, Trust You, and the hotel’s social media accounts using Elektraweb. Our goal is to make the hotel visible and bookable on every digital platform where the guest is present.
What can be done for in-house use from the hotel’s perspective?
Although the basic structure is the same, each facility’s needs differ in detail. Therefore, before starting installation, a needs analysis is conducted to create a roadmap specific to the facility.
Is it only for hotels or can other institutions like campgrounds or restaurants use it too?
Of course, all tourism, food & beverage, and entertainment facilities can use it. Recently, the “Glamping” concept, which combines activity and comfort, has become very popular. In such facilities, it may be necessary to eliminate cash flow within the facility, offer memberships in addition to daily entries, or use accommodation services simultaneously. Elektraweb can meet all of these needs. In restaurants, digital menus, contactless ordering and payment via QR codes, and online ticket sales for daily activities in campgrounds can be easily managed through Elektraweb guest applications.
What does Elektraweb offer to hotel guests?
We begin communicating with the guest through the system at the reservation stage, before they even arrive at the hotel. If the guest wishes, they can complete the ID and signature process online through the program using Elektraweb’s Online Check-in feature, allowing them to go directly to their room without visiting the reception. The room door can also be opened via the app. Again, via the mobile app, they can upgrade their room or make a reservation at the restaurant for dinner. Since all these operations are done online from the guest’s own phone, there is no need for face-to-face contact at any stage.
For facilities not operating under an all-inclusive concept, our Electronic Wallet application eliminates the need for cash transactions within the facility, relieving guests from carrying cash or credit cards. Another convenience provided by the Guest Applications is that guests can immediately report a malfunction/complaint from their own phone and track the process through the system.
In which countries is Elektraweb used abroad?
Yes, over 200 hotels have switched to Elektraweb within a year in countries including Turkey, the Netherlands, Spain, Romania, Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Somalia, and South America. Most importantly, the hotels with the highest number of rooms in Turkey and the Netherlands (995 and 680 rooms) have started using it. We conduct our overseas operations from our office in London, which we opened before the pandemic.
How does Elektraweb compare in price with its competitors?
We have a wide product range with different packages. Thanks to its modular structure, Elektraweb can meet the needs of hotels of all sizes. Additionally, since web-based systems are priced on an annual subscription basis, it is sufficient to pay only the license fee for the year in which it will be used, saving hotels from making a large upfront investment. News link: https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/teknoloji/turizm-sektoru-elektraweb-ile-dijitallesiyor-41599515
