Set up your Operator kiosk

Install the Operator app on a mobile device to create a convenient and easy-to-use kiosk that’ll help you cut down on check-in times.

What you need to get started 

To use an Operator kiosk at your property, you need to have:

Device requirements

  • Samsung model (recommended)
  • Android 7.0 or later
  • 10-inch screen with a minimum resolution of 1080p
  • Front-facing camera
Note: Operator must be installed on a device that allows for QR code provisioning. Currently, the app has only been tested on Samsung devices, so we cannot reliably guarantee that it will be supported on any other Android device.

Step 1: Set up the Operator integration

Connect the integration

  1. Go to Main menu > Marketplace.
  2. In the New and noteworthy section, find the Operator integration and click See more.
  3. Click Connect.
    • When the integration has been successfully connected, you'll be redirected to the My subscriptions tab.

Connect your key encoders

  1. In your list of active integrations, find Operator and click Settings.
  2. Under Connected devices, select every key encoder you plan to use with an Operator kiosk.
  3. Click Save.

Connect Mews Terminals

  1. Under Connected devices, if you want to connect Mews Terminals, select the terminals from the dropdown menu.
  2. Click Save.

Step 2: Configure your kiosk in Commander

Before you can install Operator on your mobile device, it needs to be configured in Commander.

  1. Go to Main menu > Settings > Services.
  2. Click on your stay service.
  3. Click Operator configurations.
  4. Click the + button.
  5. Enter a descriptive name to identify the kiosk (for example, “Left lobby kiosk”).
  6. Under Connector integration, select your Operator integration (connected in Step 1).
  7. Select the default language you want displayed in your kiosk.
  8. Complete all other relevant fields.
    • If you've connected a Mews Terminal, select the terminal from the dropdown menu in the Payment terminal section. In the Options section, ensure that Balance check enabled is selected.
  9. Click Create.
    • Commander will automatically generate a QR code for this configuration (for installation in Step 3).

Need more help? Check out our in-depth explanation of fields on this screen.

Field Description
Add translation Select the language that you want the key cutting instructions to be in. When you select a language that is different than your property's default, some fields on this screen will have an additional line for you to add translations.
Name Enter a name—if you have multiple kiosks, describe their location in the name so you can identify them easily (for example, "Right Kiosk").
Connector integration Select your Operator integration.
Default language Select the language that you want Operator to be in by default.
Key cutter If you're using Operator with a key cutting device, select the device you want to connect with here (you can only do this after you have set up a key cutter integration).
Take key instructions If you're using Operator with a key cutting device, enter the first step the guest should take when cutting their own key (for example, "Take a key from the stack"). This will be shown on the left side of the screen.
Cut key instructions If you're using Operator with a key cutting device, enter the second step the guest should take when cutting their own key (for example, "Place your key in the key cutter"). This will be shown on the right side of the screen.
Thank you message Enter a custom message that tells guests what to do when their check-in is complete (for example, "Your check-in is complete. Go to reception to pick up your key!").
Contact instructions Enter a message for guests when they click the Help button (for example, "If you're having trouble checking in, please call 555-555-555"). The Help button will only be shown if you complete this field.
Cut key video URL If you're using Operator with a key cutting device, enter the URL of an instructional video that details how to use that device (this must be a full address that links directly to an MP4 file; it can't link to a video-sharing website, such as YouTube). Learn more about uploading your video.
Options

Select Balance check enabled to ensure that guests can only check in if they've paid for their current reservation (or deselect it if you want guests to be able to check in if they haven't paid for their current reservation yet).

If you have a Mews Terminal connected, Balance check enabled must be selected. In this case, guests trying to check in who have paid for their current reservation can do so. Guests who have not paid for their current reservation will be prompted to pay via terminal.

Select Space selection enabled to allow guests to change their assigned room number in Operator.
Theme Choose the color scheme you want: light or dark. 

Step 3: Install Operator on your device

If your device is brand new (and not yet set up), Operator must be installed the first time you turn it on. If your device is not new or has already been set up, you'll need to perform a factory reset.

Before you reset your device: If you're logged into your Google account on the device, make sure you remove the account before you reset it. If you don't, you'll need to re-enter your Google credentials when the device restarts—if you forget your credentials and can't log in, you won't be able to use the tablet at all.

Follow the steps below immediately after you turn on the device for the first time or perform a factory reset:

  1. After you turn on your brand new device or perform a factory reset, the setup process will begin.
    • Do not press Start at any point during this process.
  2. Tap on the "Welcome" message repeatedly until you are taken to a new screen.
  3. Click Next.
  4. Connect to a WiFi network, and your device will begin installing a QR code reader.
  5. After the QR reader has been installed, scan the QR code in your Operator configuration (generated in Step 2).
  6. Agree to all terms and conditions to install Operator on your device.

Step 4: Set up your T&Cs

Before you start using Operator, you need to complete your property's terms and conditions in order to be compliant with requirements from your payment gateway provider (Adyen or Stripe).

  1. Go to Main menu > Settings > Services.
  2. Click on your stay service.
  3. Click Documents. 
  4. Click the + button.
  5. Under Type, click Terms and conditions.
  6. Click Create.
  7. Enter the terms and conditions in HTML. 
  8. Click Save.
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