What is a Housekeeping App?
A housekeeping app, also known as a cleaning app or a housekeeping software, is an application used in the hospitality industry to check the different aspects of hotel operations. Housekeeping apps are primarily used for the round-the-clock inspections of hotel premises and spot checks of the guest rooms once they’re vacated. With an app for cleaning and housekeeping, hotel staff can easily make sure that the facilities are spotless and up to standard, and also check the office and work areas to eliminate hazards and promote overall health and safety for both employees and guests.
Housekeeping App Advantages
Housekeeping is a tedious undertaking because it’s one of the factors that determines your brand’s reputation. Your primary responsibility as a hotel manager is to ensure that housekeeping is done right—but how? Below are the primary advantages of utilizing housekeeping apps:
Mobile
A housekeeping app allows you to complete inspections on the go, often with just one hand. It can serve as a digital cleaning checklist for housekeepers to help ensure that they don’t miss any critical or minor tasks. Hotel or hospitality managers can also use a mobile app when performing room inspections to make sure that housekeeping quality is always up to standard.
Versatile
A housekeeping app can be customized to match your business needs. Features may vary per app, but they are generally designed to cater to the various needs and preferences of each customer.
Paperless
Housekeeping apps can store information in the cloud so finding your templates, files, and reports are easier. A simple search query on the app can give you access in seconds.
Data-driven
Apps compile data efficiently. The good ones even display statistical data so hotel managers can identify problem areas and take corrective and preventive actions promptly.
Choose the Best Housekeeping App
From the outside in, the management of a housekeeping process may seem similar across organizations. There are subtle differences, however, that can help determine if a digital solution can help you maximize time and optimize your processes if you’re better off sticking to what’s familiar, i.e., clipboards and paper checklists.
Organization size
Smaller organizations may find that paper checklists are sufficient for their needs, especially if they’ve already developed a filing system that makes storing and retrieving previous housekeeping records easier for everyone involved. However, larger organizations may find that paper checklists become tons of paperwork that can be costly to store and maintain. With a digital checklist, it is also easier to collaborate. In such cases, a housekeeping app may be the way to go.
Budget constraints
When considering the cost of an app, take into account the costs you incur using a paper checklist, i.e., the money you spend on printer maintenance, paper, ink, etc., to see if you might be saving money when you pay for a housekeeping app when using PDFs instead.
Connectivity requirements
There are housekeeping apps that allow for offline inspections, though, so they may be worth checking out. Take note that, at the very least, you will need to set up an intranet connection to fully take advantage of the “paperless system” offered by an app.
Tools needed
There are apps that have low minimum system requirements and can be used on older mobile phones or devices. Check all available options before deciding on a housekeeping app or staying with a paper housekeeping checklist so you don’t miss out on a solution that may improve your current system and streamline your workflow.
Ultimately, the decision to use a housekeeping app or stick to a paper housekeeping checklist depends on your current workflow. Re-evaluate your housekeeping workflow and see if going digital can help improve or enhance it.
