SilverBirch Hotels & Resorts is a leading Canadian hotel operations and asset management company, managing a diverse portfolio of full-service, select-service, and extended-stay hotels. With owned and managed properties across Canada, SilverBirch is a trusted name in Canadian hospitality.
Several of its managed properties use FairPlanner and FairPayroll by Fairmas to streamline financial planning and management, reflecting a strong and evolving partnership.
Facing the Challenge: Manual, Error-Prone Planning Tools
Before implementing FairPlanner and FairPayroll, SilverBirch relied heavily on Excel-based planning tools. According to Hao Li, Director of Operations Finance:
“These spreadsheets often contained complex formulas that could be overwritten, which led to errors that were difficult to trace and correct. This not only increased the risk of inaccuracies but also required additional time to verify and validate the data.”
Manual uploads and error-prone processes impacted efficiency and data accuracy. FairPlanner and FairPayroll offered a structured, reliable software solution that resolved these pain points.
The Solution: FairPlanner and FairPayroll
With Fairmas tools, SilverBirch transformed its financial planning into a dynamic, data-driven process. Hao explains:
- Forecasting: Used monthly to incorporate real-time business trends into rolling forecasts.
- Budgeting: Structured framework for collaborative, organization-wide budgeting.
- What-If Scenarios: Built-in drivers to simulate operational changes and financial impact.
FairPayroll added precise labour cost planning, enabling calculations based on payroll tax rates and employee profiles.
Why Fairmas? Tangible Benefits for SilverBirch
SilverBirch chose Fairmas for its affordability, flexibility, and functionality. Rob Fontaine, Director of Financial Systems & Data Analytics, highlights:
“We chose Fairmas primarily due to the lower cost compared to other platforms, the modular licensing model, and features like detailed labour planning.”
Key improvements included:
- Increased forecast and budget accuracy
- Faster scenario comparison with in-tool analytics
- Improved transparency through account-level drilldowns
- Enhanced agility with quick what-if modeling
A Growing Partnership and Future Outlook
SilverBirch’s success with Fairmas reflects the software’s adaptability to North American markets. Hao Li confirms:
“Yes, I would recommend Fairmas to other hotel groups. It reduces manual errors, increases efficiency, and supports more accurate and informed decision-making.”
This partnership underscores Fairmas’ commitment to meeting regional business needs, marking a milestone in expanding its footprint beyond Europe.
