We all agree with the fact that the scope of the travel industry is very vast; it can also be called limitless. The travel industry is the only service industry whose life is never-ending. As technology evolves and travel companies grow in size, it expands the number of services it offers.

An increase in the variety of services and facilities increases the connection with suppliers and third-party agents, and finally, it results in an increased customer base.

Now as the customer base of any travel agency or travel company increases it poses a question of managing these unlimited inquiries, follow-up with every inquiry, accounting process management, multiple supplier’s management, travel business report generation and analysis, quotation management, itinerary building, business promotion and many more processes that are an integral part of the travel business.

Only increasing the amount of offered services, company size and customer base without proper management of it would not make any sense for any travel company.

Here comes the travel ERP software in the picture. As we just discussed how rapidly technology evolves and to remain stuck to the increased competition, travel owners need to adopt the latest technology.

Travel ERP software is the combination of multiple integrated applications that helps in the systematic execution and automation of multiple travel business processes related to technology, where ERP stands for “Enterprise Resource Planning”. Thus, we can say that ERP application is meant for entire business management.

Travel agency software is the advanced automated travel technology for the travel industry that automates complicated processes in the travel business, reduces manual work, brings more accuracy to the operations, and makes business processes more efficient. Travel agency software or tour operator software lifts the heavy load of automating monotonous business tasks, entire back office-related tasks for travel companies and helps them to focus on other important parameters.

What is cloud-based travel ERP software? 

As travel ERP software is the latest, on-demand technology, Cloud-based travel ERP software is what makes it even more specific and special. Let’s elaborate on the concept of cloud-based systems here. 

Cloud-based travel ERP software, also called “Software as a Service” (SaaS), is software that can be accessed anywhere, anytime via the internet by users with authorized login credentials. Cloud itself means that the software is deployed on the remote server of the service provider or vendor and access is given to multiple users just by providing them valid login credentials. The only essential factor here is internet connectivity. The difference between cloud ERP and on-premise ERP is the physical location of the software.

List of the Travels ERP Software

1. Trawex
2. Elinext
3. Oracle NetSuite ERP
4. Odoo
5. Sage

Why cloud-based travel ERP software?

• No Hardware Needed

As the cloud-based ERP software is present on remote servers of a vendor, it allows the Travel Company to use it without the need of any hardware device and sets them free of any software installation procedure. Cloud ERP application’s impact is, It can be easily accessed through remote servers with authenticated login credentials.

• Low Maintenance & Infrastructure Cost

You can imagine that support cost, maintenance cost & infrastructure cost comes into the picture when we have to maintain things, infrastructure, and hardware but in the cloud-based travel ERP system, we are using it without needing any hardware so there is no question of any maintenance or support cost as opposed to on-premise ERP software where the company’s infrastructure is used to install software and to connect people and processes.

• 24*7 Data Access

Cloud-based travel ERP systems are accessed over the internet, so you have 24*7 access to your valuable data anywhere, anytime but the only essential factor is you need to have internet connectivity. Cloud-based ERP software thus minimizes the time and place barrier.

• Real-Time Data Access

Can you imagine that you are getting access to updated information every minute you interact with the system? And if it is possible then how amazing is that? All this becomes possible with cloud-based travel software. Single software gives access to multiple users in terms of multiple roles like a customer, supplier, admin, etc. So every user can get access to real-time information. Changes made at the admin end are visible to suppliers, customers on a real-time basis so every user is updated about the current information, and thus, it minimizes the communication gap and avoids data misinterpretation.

• Data Security

Data security is way better in cloud ERP systems than in on-premise ERP. The chances of theft attacks are more in on-premise ERP as the software is installed in its PC which attracts device-related threats. Cloud-based software offers a multi-layered security strategy; thus, protecting valuable data.

The security software in the cloud system is updated regularly. Vendors of cloud providers are very prompt about monitoring the systems and they provide timely security alerts that might harm the client’s data. The security level is tighter in cloud ERP as here it is easy to implement role-based security, so unauthorized users can not hack the data. There are some common ERP issues that you can easily overcome from its.

• Data Backup & Disaster Recovery

Select cloud-based ERP software with some good provisions for data backup and data recovery due to disaster. Data is continuously backed up in cloud-based ERP software. This functionality of robust data backup and data recovery plan is provided by most of the cloud ERP vendors which is performed on a scheduled period.

• Fast Business Process

Cloud travel ERP software allows fast execution of travel business processes with its advanced automated features. In a cloud-based travel ERP system, security handling for mobile devices is easy which allows users to access the application through mobile phones, which, in turn, increases the speed of operation.

• Free New Updates & Upgrades

The on-premise travel ERP application is where the application is installed in a house on your own PC. So, whenever a new software version is available in the market, a travel company needs to manually update the system which is a time-consuming process but that is not the case in cloud-based travel ERP applications as the software vendor himself provides new updates and upgrades in the software which is a very fast process. The icing on the cake is all these updates & upgrades are available in one-time subscription charges means travel companies need not spend an extra penny for that. 

• Only Pay for What You Use

This creates another amazing feature of cloud-based travel ERP applications. Many vendors make this facility available for travel companies to pay only for the resources they use rather than the number of users using the system. This makes the reallocation of resources very easy and this is what makes cloud-based travel ERP software scalable.

How does cloud-based travel ERP software drives success for travel companies/Travel agencies/Tour operators/Travel agents?

As discussed earlier, travel agents need to stay updated and adaptable to the latest trends and technologies to stay up with the competition. Cloud-based travel agency software is the leading technology in the market that can trigger travel industry success with its amazing automated quality features. It helps to get rid of monotonous manual tasks that are prone to human errors and makes the entire travel business management job effective.

Introduction to Valuable Features of Travel ERP Software

• Lead Management

Cloud-based travel ERP software is the ultimate solution to unlimited inquiries management & follow-up management. It allows an easy follow-up process for each inquiry received. The follow-up feature maintains and tracks the entire communication flow of the Travel Company with a client right from the inquiry is received till the booking confirmation of the tour booked.

• Accounts Management

This accounting management module of travel agency software allows the auto-generation of complex accounting processes such as auto-generating proforma invoices, payment receipts, final invoices, tax %, balance sheet entries, Profit & Loss entries, cash book/bank book entries, etc. Thus, it makes the complicated and hectic accounting process very effortless and accurate.

• Supplier Management (B2B)

This feature allows easy management of multiple third-party agents and suppliers etc. with a single login dashboard provided to them. Every time information gets updated in the software on a real-time basis so suppliers or third-party agents can take necessary actions at their end with a single login feature. Thus, the communication flow is properly maintained in the system.

• Business Report Auto-generation (MIS)

Imagine if you get all important travel business reports ready for analysis. Yes, travel agency software can auto-generate valuable business reports for travel companies such as tour reports, accounts reports, business reports, HR reports, etc. which form the key input for the analysis and decision-making process for travel companies.

• Itinerary Building

Travel ERP software comes with a standard list of countries, states, cities, and many more, which makes most of the things ready for travel agents in the itinerary section, and thus, it sets them free from entering minute details.

• Customized Quotations

The quotation is the best way to create a good impression of a Travel Company in front of the customers at very first sight as the first impression serves the last impression. Cloud-based travel ERP software allows the availability of multiple quotation formats to travel agents which gives them a choice of choosing a perfect one as per the preference and taste of a particular customer.

• HR Management

A cloud-based travel ERP solution also facilitates easy HR management of the travel company’s employees. HR management involves roles and responsibilities assigned to employees, leave management, employee salary & bonus management, performance management, etc.

• Business Promotion

After you have everything going well in the Travel Company in terms of performance and growth, promoting special offers, seasonal offers, and discounts going on becomes an important parameter to attract existing as well as new customers. This feature allows travel business promotional activities via SMS, email, or WhatsApp chat.

Summing It Up

Now it’s time to wrap up. When we dream of success we should be aware of the fact that it never comes overnight. You have to do smart work supported with hard work and cloud-based travel ERP software is that smart & advanced technology for a Travel Company to achieve a benchmark in the travel industry if properly supported with the talent of employees which together can create wonders for the travel business.