The global coronavirus pandemic has put a spotlight on the value of ongoing support in the hospitality industry. RV park and campground operators need a software solution that equips staff with the tools necessary for ongoing success, even when a crisis affects travel habits. Look for a supportive park management system (PMS) that offers these 6 key features.

1. Self-Guided Training

A self-guided, online training module has many helpful perks. The always-available access can conveniently work around your team's schedule and will also encourage self-sufficiency in learning how to use your park management system to its full potential. This flexibility will assist in managing staff training hours and provide ongoing system education to your team as needed. The self-guided training modules are crucial for optimizing time management and letting everyone on your team learn at their own pace.

2. Online Help Center

A PMS that provides your staff with a searchable help center also fosters self-sufficiency and enables your team to find the answers they need whenever they need them. An online library of support articles, how-to videos and FAQs is a convenient and valuable resource for you and your staff, and a must-have for a supportive PMS.

3. In-House Customer Support

In the case that you or your staff aren't finding the answers you need, your team should also be able to count on getting access to system experts. A PMS with an in-house, highly knowledgeable customer support team can help ensure your park or campground is operating successfully. With PMS experts available to provide phone support when you need it, you can receive direct assistance to quickly resolve issues and get back to work.

4. 24-Hour Emergency Support

Make sure your PMS provider offers 24-hour emergency phone support to avoid delays if an urgent issue arises. Your staff should be able to reach someone if they have critical concerns, no matter the day or time. RV park and campground operators often work around the clock, and so should your technology.

5. Service Requests

Not all questions need immediate answers, and your staff isn’t always available to make a support call. Look for a PMS that offers online service request logging and reporting to communicate with your PMS provider and get issues resolved. You should be able to see a history of your support requests, resolution details, and the amount of time spent on requests to ensure you are receiving the ongoing support your park needs.

6. User Events

A PMS provider should regularly holds user events for its customers either in person or virtually. These events benefit your business by connection with the people that support you and your staff and whom your technology goals rely on. User events also allow you to stay at the top of the business game by providing a space for you to meet the people you interact with day-to-day, ask questions, receive software demonstrations, learn about best practices, and meet other owners and operators in the hospitality industry.

Using a park management system that offers multiple support channels will enable your business to continue operating successfully, even after initial training and onboarding. A PMS provider that enables you to communicate quickly and effectively with a customer support team and ensures you’re equipped with the right resources to find information independently will create a lasting and personal support system for your business.