Internet capability will automatically make the company's system a part of global distribution systems, making online reservations possible, according to S Radahkrishnan, chief executive of Star Logistics. In India, it has entered into an agreement with hotel management chain Days Inn India to promote its system in all its upcoming hotels. Further, it is also talking to several other hotels across India. Apart from two properties under the Days Inn brand, it is currently installed in IDRBI, the training wing of RBI.

Catalyst is a system of operation designed to provide solutions in all areas of hotel administration. Evolved over three years of research and development, Catalyst is made up of a complete set of integrated software modules for hotels, restaurants, conference centres and resorts. The modules cover front office management, point of sale (bar, restaurant, room service etc), housekeeping/laundry, telephone management, stores & inventory, payroll system, banquet system, engineering & maintenance, sales & marketing, financial accounting and others (food & beverage costing, purchases & MIS).

The modules combine with each other, share all common information and can be integrated with any accounting or ERP package. The flexibility of the software allows for the system to adapt to the business rules of an establishment, rather than forcing them to change their proven procedures, said Radahkrishnan. The system is currently available in two versions: a non GUI and a multi-lingual GUI version (European languages). Star Logistics is developing various additional features around its system like touch screen for points of sale, Internet connectivity and interfaces with most of the third party systems like swipe cards for rooms, credit cards etc.

The company is also planning to develop versions in regional languages and a centralised reservation system of hotels using Catalyst or any other system.