BARLIZO, J. T .
HANDOUTS (PART II) The standard hardware used to operate a PMS is shown
CHAPTER 4 : PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
CHOOSING HARDWARE
- Choose hardware based on its ability to handle the
software.
Technology Factors to include the following working
concepts;
Processor Speed. how fast a central processing unit
(CPU) makes calculations per second; expressed in
gigahertz (GHz).
Disk Drive. a place in the computer where data is
stored read; CD or DVD drive or key drive.
Megabyte. 1024 kilobytes of formatted capacity.
Gigabyte. 1024 megabytes of formatted capacity.
Access Time. The amount of time required for a
processor to retrieve information from the hard drive.
Internet. A network computer systems that share
information over high speed electronic connections.
Intranet. A computer network over which in house
users timely operational information to conduct
business.
I/O ports (input/output devices). keyboard, monitor,
modem, mouse, joystick,t pen, printer, and trackball.
Monitor. A television screen with color or
monochrome capacity to view input and output data
Keypad. a collection of numbers typewriter keys and
function keys that allow operator to enter numbers or
perform math functions in a computer.
Keyboard. a standard or Dvorack - type typewrite-style
keypad that allows the operator to enter or retrive
data.
Printer. a computer hardware that produces images on
paper
Inkjet. a printer that produces small dots printed with
ink on paper.
Laser. a printer that produces photo images on paper
Letter - Quality. a better type of dot matrix print
Single-sheet. a type of printer that uses single sheet-
paper
Modem. Allows for transfer of data through telephone
lines; expressed in baud (information transfer) rates
CPS (characters per second) : meausre of the speed
with whch individual characters are printed.
Computer Supplies: paper, forms, and ink cartridges,
needed to operate the system
Megaherstz (MHz). one million cycles per second;
indicates computer speed
PPM (pages per minute) : printer speed capability
THE FRONT OFFICE MANAGER MUST BE AWARE OF THE
OPERATIONAL CAPABILITIES OF PMS
in FIGURE 4.5 THE BASIC HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS
ARE ORAGNIZED AROUND THE POINT OF SCALE AND
CUSTOMER SERVICE AREAS. KEYBOARDS, MONITORS,
DISK DRIVES, AND PRINTERS CONSTITUTE THE USER
SETUP. THE DATA MANIPULATION AND STORAGE AREA
IS PART OF THE MAINFRAME, MINI COMPUTER, OR
PERSONAL COMPUTER.
OTHERS PMS SELECTION CONSIDERATIONS
Other factors to consider in choosing a PMS vendor
claims, installation plans training backup power sources
and maintenance.
VENDOR CLAIMS. HOW EASY IS IT TO OPERATE THIS
SYSTEM? HOW USEFUL ARE THE REPORTS YOU
OBTAIN? ANSWER SUCH AS “I DONT KNOW HOW THE
PROPERTY MANAGE WITHOUT IT” OR IT IS DIFFICULT
TO OPERATE AND THE REPORTS ARE AWKWARD”
HARDWARE INSTALLION PLANS. A careful plan for
hardware installation will help the management
maintain both guest service and employee morale.
* FIRST IT IS KEY TO DETERMINE WHO WILL INSTALL
WIRING OR CABLES.
NEXT TO BE DETERMINED IS WHICH HARDWARE WILL
BE INSTALLED, WHAT TIME AND WHICH DEPARTMENT
WILL RECIEVE HARDWARENFIRST AND WHAT METHOD
REQUIRED TO GET ALL DEPARTMENTS ONLINE.
THIS INFORMATION SHOULD BE USED TO DEVELOP A
FLOWCHART, WHICH WILL HELP DEPARTMENTS ADAPT
AND INTERACT USING ONLINE OPERATION
COMPUTER TRAINING PROGRAMS. Training o by a
computer company ranges from classes held at the
corporate headquarters to on-the-job training sessions
and informal consultant hotlines.
* THE STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT WHO WILL USE THE
COMPUTERS MUST BE THROUGHLY TRAINED IF THE
EQUIPMENT IS TO BE PUT TO ITS BEST USE.
EMPLOYEES NEED TIME TO PRACTICE USING
COMPUTER HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE.
THIS ALLOWS THEM TO MAKE MISTAKES IN PRIVATE
AND TO BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THE KEYBOARD
CONFIGURATION.
Power Sources. what happens if the power goes out?
this concern about black outs (TOTAL LOST OF
ELECTRICITY) as well as the possibility of brownouts
(PARTIAL LOST OF ELECTRICITY).
- They used Battery-powered temporary energy units
are used when power is lost or cut to ensure
operational data are not lost.
HOTEL managers who have experienced power losses
are well versed in maintaining communication among
the departments and posting charges as required. once
the power returns in full the staff can catch up on
posting to the electronic folio.
MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT. Final consideration in
adopting PMS is the maintenance agreement. Which
should spell out the related costs of reppair and
replacement of hardware and software.
ALLOWANCE FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES AND TIMES
AVAILABLE FOR GENERAL SERVICE SHOULD ALSO BE
LISTED.
-LOANER AND BACK UP EQUIPMENT AVAILABILITY
ENHANCES THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF THE AGREEMENT. Reservation. the reservation in FIGURE 4.8 consisits of
subsystems that can recieve individual guest or group
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS data.
Purchasing or leasing a PMS for hotel is a major,
financial decision. Sales of room nights, food and
beverages, and other products and services are
projected.
CONTROLLER. the one who prepares a budget in
consultation with general manger. Considered with
these projections are the related cost of producing
those goods and services
. -they are the one who usually aware of the specific
costs of each department- the amount of overtime pay
required at the end of the month to produce the The guest data are received through a personal phone
monthly inventory in the food and beverage call, through another computer in the referral system or
department . via internet. All the possible room types and locations,
The decision to purchase, lease, or connect to the room rates and special request can be matched with
internet must also be made. The outright cost of the existing room inventories. computerized
purchase, related fiance charges, discount for cash and reservation.
depreciation are only a few of the points to review if Revenue Management. Is a process of planning to
the hotel decides to purchase. achieve maximum rrom rates and the most profitable
- These considerations must be wieghed against guest (those guest who will spend money at the hotels
continuance of cash flow, application of lease, food beverages outlets, gift shopes etc. ), encourages
payments to purchase price, and tax advantage of front office managers, general managers and marketing
leasing. and sales director to target sales period and develop
Payback Period. time for the hotel to recoup purchase sales programs that will maximize profit for the hotel.
price, installation charges , financing fees and so forth
through cost savings and increased guest satisfaction
The above concerns of the controller include areas in
addition to front desk . Remember that that the
adoption of aPMS involves the management of all
guest services and accounting functions. The needs of
front desk alone, for a call accounting system or the
rental of reservation system
THE NEEDS OF ALL DEPARTMENTS CAN MAKE SUCH A
SYSTEM COST EFFECTIVE AND PROVIDE MORE
EFFICIENT GUEST SERVICES.
PMS APPLICATIONS
The property management system is organized around
the functions needed to deliver service to the guest.
THE SOFTWARE PROGRAM MAIN MENU LIST ARE ALL
AVAILABLE INDIVIDUAL PROGRAMS INCLUDED IN THE
SYSTEM.

IN FIGURE 4.7 ARE SMILIAR TO THOSE PREVIOUSLY

LISTED IN THIS CHAPTER. THE FRONT DESK CLERK CAN
ACCESS ANY OF THESE INDIVIDUALS PROGRAM BY
TYPING THR DESIGNATED KEYSTROKES OR BY
FOLLOWING DIRECTIONS ON THE TOUCH SCREEN.