Accor To Open Training Academy In Dallas, Motel 6 To Launch New PMS

DALLAS— HOTEL BUSINESS® has learned that Accor Economy Lodging is launching a new back-office computer system for its Motel 6 and Studio 6 brands, to be installed within the next year, and that the company is slated to open a new Accor Academy here as the headquarters for its U.S. employee training programs. Within the next 12 months all 760 Motel 6 properties— along with the company’s 37 Studio 6 locations— will install the new PMS, which will act as a reporting system directly linking each hotel to the Accor’s head office in Dallas. The new system will also include electronic payroll, an overall operations system, and e-procurement, according to Geoff Castiaux, vp/training at Motel 6 and Studio 6. Currently all of the brand’s general managers are undergoing computer training to learn how to operate the new system. “Previously, we’ve had other forms of reporting systems. But with the new system, all of our GMs, located in 48 states, can submit reports electronically,” said Castiaux, adding that each hotel’s profit and loss statement, room rates, and occupancies are reported to Accor. After conducting a survey of the general managers, Accor determined that approximately 160 of the brand’s more than 700 general managers do not consider themselves computer literate. “We decided we needed classroom training on computers to train away the psychological fears of these GMs,” he said. The courses will include instructions on general computer operating techniques, basic computer programs and word processing, as well as the PMS training. Those general managers more knowledgeable about PCs will receive a kit containing the new software, which will feature on screen instructions on how to operate the program. Meanwhile, Accor will be opening a new branch of the Accor Academy here in Texas, adding to other company academies already open in Paris, Australia, and soon Brazil. “Paris-based Accor believes very heavily in training… A significant amount of payroll dollars are spent on training. We invest in our people,” he said. The new academy will train employees from all of the company’s brands, sometimes in mixed brand sessions. “We want to establish a benchmark so the standard of training is equal everywhere— around the world and in all of our brands,” added Castiaux. The new Dallas academy is scheduled to open in mid-2003.