Park Inn is the first Carlson brand to deploy the streamlined front-office property management system, OPERA Xpress. "We have chosen OPERA because it allows us to maintain a single interface with our Curtis-C Central Reservation System for both our limited service and full-service properties, and its scalability will let it grow with us," explained Scott Heintzeman, CIO for Carlson Hotels Worldwide. "By using MICROS's standard XML interface specification, Opera Xchange, to integrate with our existing systems, we were able to connect OPERA Xpress with our Curtis-C Central Reservations System quickly and efficiently."
Recognized globally for providing innovative software, hardware and enterprise solutions to the hospitality industry, MICROS Systems, Inc. has been supporting Carlson properties since 1994. Carlson currently relies on MICROS technology in 500 properties to ensure well-executed guest stays and efficient operations. "Carlson has turned to MICROS for many technical solutions over the past nine years and we continue to have a high level of confidence in their products and service," Heintzeman stated.
Smooth Installation and Innovative Training Expedite Implementation
Carlson also piloted MICROS's new web-based OPERA training program with the Park Inn installation and found it fast and effective. Self-guided lessons enabled hotel employees, including front desk, reservations, accounting and housekeeping staff, to accommodate work schedules and learn at their own speed. Evaluation tools allowed them to test their knowledge.
Following completion of the web-based training, a MICROS professional visited the site to review the training, install the application, connect the interfaces and rehearse key functions with the staff before taking Park Inn's new OPERA system live.
Connie Harrison, General Manager for the Park Inn Omaha Downtown who participated in the OPERA Xpress installation and training, noted, "Our managers and staff appreciated the flexible functionality, simple work flow and intuitive screens that OPERA Xpress offers to streamline their work and improve service to our guests."
Carlson, with its numerous brands and individual properties, benefits from the OPERA solution because OPERA enhances hotel operations and customer service through efficiencies, scalability and ease of use. Laura O'Connor Barclay, Vice President Hotel Sales and Strategies at MICROS, explained, "OPERA was specifically designed to meet the needs of multi-branded, global hospitality companies like Carlson. OPERA Xpress, our scaled-down, simplified version of OPERA PMS, provides for additional flexibility and cost-savings for smaller brands or limited service hotels. We are pleased that Carlson is continuing its long-standing partnership with MICROS."
About Carlson Hotels Worldwide - Carlson Hotels Worldwide is part of Carlson Hospitality Worldwide, a global leader in hospitality services, encompassing more than 1,660 hotel, resort, restaurant and cruise ship operations in 82 countries. Specific brands include: Regent International Hotels (www.regenthotels.com); Radisson Hotels & Resorts (www.radisson.com); Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts (); Country Inns & Suites By Carlson (www.countryinns.com); Park Inn (www.parkinn.com); Radisson Seven Seas Cruises (); T.G.I. Friday's (www.fridays.com) and Pick Up Stix () restaurants; and Provisions (), a worldwide procurement division. Headquarters are located in Minneapolis.
