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This article discuss how both new software and hardware is being utilized in the hospitality industry to expedite the process of guests checking in and out of hotels. The article is about NORTHWIND, a company well known for having developed "Maestro" a property management software suite that enables hotels, resorts, and multi-property organizations to manage their facilities. Specifically the article mentions how NORTHWIND is introducing "Xpress Check-In" an tablet specific software that will increase the speed and ease with which guests are able to enter and exit the hotel. This goes to show how the company is keeping abreast with the recent and growing trend of portable tablet/touch screen hardware devices. This software and hardware combination enables desk agents to operate away from their desk allowing for more intimate and personalized service with guests. I think the most unique and amazing feature of this system is that it will allow hotel agents to check in and process large groups such as conference attendees quickly and efficiently. The "Maestro Xpress Check-In" system can not only check guests in, but also encode their room key card, as well as process credit card transactions and capture their signature. All of these things can be completed even before conference attendees disembark from the bus and enter the hotel. I believe that hotels who choose to invest and employ technologies like this will distinguish themselves from other establishments because their service will be much better and smoother, both for guests and the hotel. These unique services will also be key in driving revenue and increasing productivity. NORTHWIND is well recognized in the hospitality industry for providing real-time technology solutions that help users control and manage their business effectively.

Maestro, a company specializing in property management and hotel software is launching a new face in property management productivity by introducing the Maestro Ipad Xpress App. With the popularity of tablet computers such as IPads and android platform tablets rising, Northwind has decided to launch a system through Maestro to make the check-in and check-out process in a hotel as simple and efficient as possible. Northwind ultimately hopes that the Xpress check-in app will not only be more efficient for guests but also optimize revenue and productivity in the hotel. The new app allows guests to complete the check-in and check-out process anywhere a wireless signal is available. Lets say for example, a large group of employees are attending an out of state conference and when they arrive at the hotel, there are over fifty of them that have to go through the check-in process. With the Xpress check-in app, these individuals could check in on their way to the hotel and by the time they get there they will save time and effort by not having to wait in line and go through the entire check in process one by one. For this reason the Maestro Xpress Check-In App is perfect for handling large groups of people arriving at the same time. The Xpress app creates a more personalized service for the customer making the entire check-in and check-out process much more convenient for the guest and productive for the hotel. 

NORTHWIND launced its Maestro iPad Xpress Check-In app at the HITEC this year. This app allows hotel properties to use tablets/iPads to perform basically every aspect of a guest's check-in/out experience, while still maintaining access to Maestro's PMS. With Xpress Check-In, hotel properties can check guests in before they arrive and even encode their room keys and have them waiting. The use of this app results in a less crowded, more efficient lobby, in that larger groups can be processed before their arrival, or in a designated room on the premise. This technology is innovative because it frees customers from the restriction of checking in only in the lobby when they arrive. With Maestro Xpress Check-In, a hotel employee could board a tour bus and process all the customers at once so that when they enter the hotel, they can move seamlessly to their rooms. This prevents the lobby from being crowded and disorganized, which can be overwhelming to front desk employees. Of course, these actions are also posted to the property's main property management system. While there are many innovations out there that increase customer satisfaction, I feel this technology will result in increased employee satisfaction, especially those employees used to dealing with large groups and crowded lobbies.

Northwind launched its Maestro iPad Xpress Check-In App at HITEC 2012. The system offers personalized mobile check in and check out with remote access. The system is able to perform all the functions of a wired terminal anywhere a wireless signal can be found. It offers personalized up sell and room changes as well as credit card payments which are PCI compliant. The app can also check in large groups who are attending a conference or a tour group.

SUMMARY OPERA Property Management System is fully integrated with all the OPERA modules and offers the most extensive list of certified interfaces in the industry. FEATURES: Reservation, rate management, profiles, front desk management, back office interface, room management, cashiering, account receivables, commissions, reporting, fully configurable, global perspective, hospitality system interface, opera express, tailored to fit hotel's operational business needs, scalable to suit the size of the hotel, helps operators to become more productive, profitable and professional, and delivers fast, accurate and online information on property

A lot of hotels use OPERA as their property management system. I have never personally worked in a hotel so I am not familiar with PMS's but from everything that I have read and heard from people is that OPERA is very efficient with everything. This system seems as though it can do everything for your property just the way that you would like it to. OPERA is customizable to your company's needs which seems great. This is a great website that you posted as it informs all of us exactly what this PMS is capable of.

This article demonstrates how easy it is to check in and out of your hotel as well use the services that feature at the property. There is no longer a need for room keys or itemized receipts to be printed. All the agents have to do is scan the mobile app and all charges can be seen from your smart phone. Asides from all charges being posted, yourphone will be unlocking most doors including your guest room, spa, and. fitness center. You don't have to worry about misplacing your room key and having to take it out everytime you want to use the elevator or get into your room. This type of technology has been produced in France and has been adopted by Comfort Xpress in Oslo, Norway. I don't think it will be long before the US adopts this policy. All they would have to do is create or purchase the software and hardware from Ariane Systems and Openways or create there own verison. Personally, I would love to be able to use something like this, I always misplace or forget my room key but never my phone. I also don't have to wory about putting change in my pocket and having the room key be defunct. My only question would be how many mobile apps could I have? If I was traveling with a guest or partner, could they get a mobile app as well at no additional costs?

Many of the individual elements of the tech-led hotel are in place, but a hotel in Norway has joined all the dots together, creating a completely human-free experience. Combining check-in/out and guest management software from France-based Ariane Systems with room door technology from OpenWays, visitors to the Comfort Xpress Hotel in Oslo will soon be able to complete their entire stay without ever speaking to a member of staff.

This article discusses some current trends in property management systems and how Maestro by NORTHWIND is ready to deliver. Maestro by NORTHWIND is a PMS used by many independent hotels and resorts and offers 20 integrated modules. One of the top trends for 2012 is mobile optimization for management and guests. More and more people are turning to mobile apps for personalized services, and express check-in and check-outs. Maestro Xpress Check-In App allows properties to use iPads and other tablets to do this anywhere there is WIFI. Maestro's App will also allow managers access to reports, and real-time activity from anywhere allowing managers more control over their business. Another growing trend is cloud PMS. Maestro has a cloud based system that claims it can increase productivity at the same time reducing costs. Managers can manage multiple hotels from a single location and reduce costs because they won't have to maintain an in-house PMS. There is also a steady increase in direct online booking from mobile apps and social media sites. Maestro Web Connection reduces the commissions paid to online travel agencies and 3rd parties by allowing guests to book reservations directly. Another way Maestro helps independent hotel chains is by offering them a guest loyalty system to help them offer some of the same incentive and reward programs offered by larger hotel chains.

Northwind Maestro leads the innovations of industry. Cloud system platforms are not just for the large chains. Small, independent operators also can use web-enabled platform with lower cost. Mobile is another trend of PMS innovations. Customers can check in and checkout on iPad by using Maestro Mobile Apps. In addition, direct-booking online from Mobile is the third top trend in 2012 PMS technology. Maestro's Guest Loyalty System with online capabilities is the first application to offer independents the same benefits as major chains to recognize, reward, and retain guests.

Seeing the rapid development of mobile devices and social media, hoteliers are connecting PMS with mobile devices and social media. NORTHWIND Maestro™ is a kind of software which satisfies hoteliers' current requirement. NORTHWIND Maestro™ is an Internet-based PMS. It brings plenty of benefits to hotels. To illustrate, Maestro can reduce cost, create operating efficiencies, secure cardholder information, and to have instant remote access to their property or hotel group's data. Furthermore, since more and more people are using mobile devices to book rooms, make dining reservations or some other services, Maestro also develops mobile apps. "The Maestro Mobile App enables operators to wirelessly connect to their Maestro centralized system and provides access to management reports, real-time activity and other features found in Maestro." Maestro also thinks of customer loyalty by tracking customers and establish database.

Due to the vulnerability of some POS systems, hackers have made the example of SAP whose POS system does not authenticate or check any internal commands, meaning if an hacker is able to get into their POS system they can change prices, add discounts and even disable the check out systems. Even though they have made the example out of SAP, it is said that this vulnerability is across almost all POS systems. One reason that this is happening is because many companies that run their POS system off the internet are not updating their programs, such as the windows, the internet explorer or the POS system itself. Today companies are very aware of the measures they must take to ensure their POS systems are safe as many breaches have happened causing many people to have their personal data stolen, therefore due to the efforts POS system breaches have been decreasing over the recent years.