Six Top PMS Trends to Make Independents More Productive and Profitable

Technology is evolving rapidly to create a more profitable business environment for independent operators. NORTHWIND, provider of Maestro Enterprise Property Management hotel software and reservation software solutions for the industry’s leading independent hotel, resort, and multi-property groups, adapts the most effective emerging systems for its users.

“There are six technology trends today that NORTHWIND is leveraging to make independent operators more profitable,” said Warren Dehan, NORTHWIND-Maestro PMS President. “These solutions add revenue, lower expenses, and improve guest service and loyalty. Direct web booking, cloud hosting, advances in online guest engagement, data gathering, data analysis, and professional online training lead the list, and NORTHWIND incorporates all of them for its users.”

Direct Bookings to Maximize Profits – Web, Social & Mobile
Direct website booking is essential for independent operators to market themselves, increase occupancy, and control booking costs. Maestro’s ResWave2 is a hosted solution that reduces OTA dependency and increases profitability with mobile-optimized, integrated real-time control of reservations, rates, and availability for leisure travelers, groups, and corporate accounts on online channels and social media. It combines the latest technology with consumer-focused functionality including seamless customization with a hotel’s website brand and an updated, guest-centric booking process to maximize online revenue.

Guest Engagement  and Retention 
Maestro’s automated Smart eMessaging increases guest retention and revenue. It builds loyalty by offering guests add-on amenities and upgrades to enhance their stay with revenue-generating activities. Operators use proactive communications to serve guests before they arrive, while on-property, and after departure. Maestro’s integrated text and email messaging tools manage all guest communications and enable independents to automate targeted, relevant, mobile-optimized emails to their guest database.
 
Cloud – Affordable and Secure Hosted Solutions
Maestro Cloud reduces expenses and overhead. It is a reliable, affordable option for independents who want to focus on operations and revenue, not technology. Cloud hosting provides operating efficiencies, secures cardholder information, and delivers instant remote access to property or hotel group data. NORTHWIND’s web-enabled platforms let operators manage multiple hotels from a central site, gain greater management control of property activities, centralize audits, and maximize revenue.

Big Data and Mobile Business Intelligence
Maestro gives independent operators access to real-time data to make on-the-spot decisions, monitor operational processes, and review KPIs. Maestro’s single-image database collects information from its 20 property modules and from third-party systems interfaced to Maestro. The BI combines this data to give hoteliers graphic, mobile-optimized data views for business decisions based on real information.  Managers and ownership teams use Maestro to easily access the property’s system anytime from anywhere to enable closer management oversight for informed, up-to-the-minute decisions. Maestro Mobile BI Management Dashboards give single and multi-property operators drill-down access to the “why” behind the numbers.

Guest Loyalty Programs to Compete with Chains
Maestro’s mobile-optimized online Guest Loyalty System gives independents the same benefits as major chains to recognize, reward, and retain guests. Maestro’s single-image database offers independent operators powerful functionality to compete with chain programs that were only available to brand franchisees. It automates the complex process of tracking and redeeming points to save time and cut cost. Maestro Loyalty increases business with loyalty programs and perks that reflect their unique brand and services.

Reliable, Responsive Support and Expert Services 
NORTHWIND enhanced its Diamond Plus Service with the new MyMaestro Client Help and Knowledge Center to give independent operators the technology support they can rely on to be successful. NORTHWIND’s new Client Help and Knowledge Center is an interactive website offering 24/7 access to tools and resources for new and current Maestro users to maximize their productivity. It includes a welcome center, tutorials, webinar schedules, best practices, new-feature and release announcements, events, training and service requests, knowledgebase, FAQ’s, interfaces, and live chat.