Hospitality operators are losing hours each week to “disconnected systems,” failed synchronizations, and data inconsistencies, according to a joint research report from RMS and RoomPriceGenie, highlighting a growing need for technical expertise across the sector.
The report found that businesses now manage up to 10 or more systems simultaneously, while smaller properties operate with four to six platforms.
However, the findings indicate that operational challenges are not tied to the number of systems in use.
Even properties running one to three tools reported persistent issues, including incorrect rates, missing data, and failed integrations.
The operational impact is significant. More than 80% of hospitality professionals surveyed said technology contributes to workplace stress.
About 42% spend one to three hours each week resolving system or data issues, while one in five dedicate four or more hours. Five percent reported spending over seven hours weekly addressing technical problems.
The report also identified a widening skills gap.
Nearly 70% of operators said success now requires a combination of service and technical capabilities, yet 25% reported having no dedicated personnel responsible for managing system connectivity.
Respondents cited staff skill limitations, integration complexity, and concerns over operational disruption as key barriers to improving performance.
According to a press release, Sandrine Zechbauer, chief marketing officer at RMS, said, “Being great at hospitality is no longer enough. Operators need a technology mindset. The real issue is not how many systems a business uses, it is how well they are connected.”
Zechbauer added that the emerging “Hospitality Engineer” mindset reflects a shift toward combining service expertise with a working understanding of integrations and data management to reduce manual processes and operational friction.
Chas Scarantino, chief executive officer of RoomPriceGenie, said, “Most operators don’t realise how much revenue is lost in the gap between systems. Every delay means revenue is left on the table, and too often that loss goes unseen.”
Scarantino said the shift requires teams to evaluate how systems function and fail, rather than simply using them, to improve outcomes and reduce time spent reconciling data.
The report also underscores challenges tied to data quality as businesses adopt automation and artificial intelligence. Nearly 70% of operators rated their data accuracy at two or three out of five, while almost 20% gave it the lowest rating.