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September 23, 2024
Choosing the right Property Management System(PMS) plays a crucial role in the success of any player in the hospitality industry. It can either make or break a business by directly impacting guest experience, operational efficiency, data security, revenue management, etc. That said, today’s hospitality industry faces a wide array of challenges, from the increasing demand for mobile compatibility and integration with IoT devices to heightened concerns over data security. Traditional property management systems (PMS) often fall short in addressing these issues, leaving luxury hotels struggling to meet the expectations of modern travelers.
Enter Shiji Group, a global leader in hospitality technology, whose transformative approach and cutting-edge solutions are redefining the guest experience and operational efficiency across the sector.
Founded in 1998 by Li Zhongchu in Beijing, Shiji is a multinational technology company that provides software solutions and services for enterprise companies in the hospitality, food service, retail, and entertainment industries, ranging from hospitality technology platforms, hotel management solutions, food and beverage and retail systems, payment gateways, data management, online distribution and more. The group’s suite of hotel technology solutions is designed to help hotels from enterprise chains to independent hotels in the digital transformation of guest experiences. “We provide the tools that empower hotels to design and build the best digital guest experiences,” says Kevin King, CEO at Shiji Group.
Initially starting as an IT solutions provider for hotels, Shiji expanded its offerings over the decades and was listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in 2007. The 2010s saw strategic acquisitions, including ReviewPro, Concept, and Infrasys, fueling global growth. Today, Shiji comprises over 5,000 employees in 80+ subsidiaries and brands in over 31 countries, serving more than 91,000 hotels, 200,000 restaurants, and 600,000 retail outlets. “Shiji’s success is driven by continuous innovation, strategic acquisitions, and a customer-centric approach, establishing it as a global leader in the industry,” says Kevin.
At the heart of Shiji Group’s success is its ability to tackle the industry’s most pressing challenges head-on. The Shiji Enterprise Platform (PMS) stands out with its high-security standards, event-driven architecture, and API-first design. This platform offers a sophisticated and customizable guest experience, surpassing traditional PMS capabilities. “Our goal with the Shiji Enterprise Platform is to provide a comprehensive solution that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our clients,” emphasizes Kevin.
One of the significant challenges in the hospitality industry is the need for integrated systems that enhance guest experiences across various services—from hotels and restaurants to retail outlets. Shiji’s fully integrated network of hospitality systems, including hotel management software, point-of-sale systems, hotel reputation software, and data analytics platforms, addresses this need comprehensively. “Our mission is to help our clients better serve their guests through a fully integrated network of hospitality systems. We are committed to security, ease-of-use, and modern connectivity so our customers can do what they do best: serving their guests,” notes Kevin.
Shiji Group’s technological innovations have radically transformed the way businesses operate in the hospitality sector. The introduction of AI-driven room allocation, predictive analytics based on guest preferences, and a unified communications platform that integrates with social media and messaging services are just a few examples of how Shiji enhances guest customization and operational insights.
Moreover, the Shiji Enterprise Platform’s global single guest profile feature allows for a deeper understanding and engagement with guests. Its modular design, based on microservices architecture, ensures scalability and flexibility, making it an all-encompassing solution for hotel management. This approach is particularly advantageous for luxury hotels that demand the highest level of service and guest experience. “The core USPs of the Shiji Enterprise Platform are its global single guest profile feature, open API, security measures, enterprise-driven architecture, and its suite of integrated modules for housekeeping, analytics, CRO, and more,” Kevin is pointing out.
What has made Shiji products a hit among global hotel companies is the seamless scalability and robust security of its PMS and cloud-based POS solutions. The cloud infrastructure supports easy expansion without significant hardware investments, centralized management of multiple properties, flexible integration with third-party applications, and real-time data access for optimized decision-making.
When it comes to security, the company has a strong commitment to data privacy and sovereignty. The Shiji Enterprise Platform ensures robust security measures to protect sensitive data, scalable infrastructure for business growth, and cutting-edge technology to stay competitive. Shiji’s solutions were built with full data protection compliance for ISO27001, GDPR, CSL, and more. Furthermore, guest data is stored in secure vaults, managed and monitored permanently by SecOps. “We not only adhere to stringent data protection laws but also give hotels the tools to manage and secure guest data proactively, building trust and compliance,” says Kevin. Shiji offers clients the flexibility to select the data storage location that best suits their needs, whether it’s in their region or anywhere else in the world.
Over the years Shiji has helped hundreds of thousands of clients across the globe script their success stories. The numerous accolades and awards it has garnered over the years, and positive reviews from happy clients are a testament to that statement. Langham Hospitality Group (LHG), for example, has leveraged the Shiji Enterprise Platform to better understand and cater to guest needs while safeguarding their data. “Adopting Shiji’s Enterprise Platform was not about upgrading our technology; it was a statement of our dedication to offering unparalleled customer experiences,” Bob van den Oord, CEO of LHG, said. “In Shiji, we found a synergy between our vision for bespoke guest services and their advanced technological capabilities, ensuring our patrons receive nothing but the best.”
Time Hotels, another notable client, has adopted the Shiji Enterprise Platform, Shiji Digital Stay, and Infrasys Cloud Point of Sales solutions to elevate their entire guest journey. This comprehensive integration ensures a seamless and immersive experience for guests. “To support our expansion plans, we needed a seamless technology foundation that would be capable of growing with us. Shiji’s solutions matched our specific requirements,” adds Mohamed Awadalla, CEO of Time Hotels.
The Peninsula Hotels also benefit from the Shiji Enterprise Platform’s capabilities, offering a seamless and personalized guest experience across their portfolio. The platform’s micro-service architecture allows for effortless customization, integrating seamlessly with other products and platforms to reduce operational complexities. Michael Garcia, Group General Manager of Technology at The Peninsula Hotels, emphasizes, “Delivering a world-class guest experience is paramount at The Peninsula Hotels, and Shiji’s dedication to great service, combined with their innovative technological solutions, is unmatched.”
Looking ahead, Shiji Group aspires to expand its presence in Europe and North America, targeting luxury hospitality markets and boutique hotels. The company aims to enhance its product offerings to meet the evolving needs of a global clientele, continuing to develop innovative solutions and form strategic alliances. The next decade is expected to see the hospitality industry increasingly embrace advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and data analytics. Shiji is preparing for these trends by staying ahead of industry demands and investing in its technology stack to maintain its leadership in hospitality technology.
In conclusion, Shiji Group’s innovative approach and comprehensive solutions are setting new standards in the hospitality industry. By continuously evolving to meet the needs of modern travelers and addressing key challenges, Shiji isn’t just keeping pace with industry trends but leading the way. The success stories of clients like LHG, Time Hotels, and The Peninsula Hotels are testaments to Shiji’s transformative impact and commitment to delivering exceptional value. As Kevin King, CEO of Shiji Group, aptly puts it, “Innovative thinking is at the heart of everything we do. We do not settle for one-size-fits-all solutions.”
About the company: Founded in 1998 by Li Zhongchu in Beijing, Shiji is a multinational technology company that provides software solutions and services for enterprise companies in the hospitality, food service, retail, and entertainment industries, ranging from hospitality technology platforms, hotel management solutions, food and beverage and retail systems, payment gateways, data management, online distribution and more. The group’s suite of hotel technology solutions are designed to help hotels from enterprise chains to independent hotels in the digital transformation of guest experiences
