Hotel Front Office Management, 3rd Edition

104 CHAPTER 4: PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMSFigure 4-4. Computerhardware includes akeyboard, monitor, centralprocessing unit, and printer.(Photo courtesy of IBM.)databases is essential. For example, the information secured at the time a reservation ismade can be used by the marketing and sales department to generate more business.The positioning of the hardware at workstations should be based on the same workflowanalysis used for any new process or equipment. Consider the needs of the guest(who will be the end user), the employee who will operate the equipment, and the otherstaff who will want access to information. The information you have gained from theneeds analysis will assist you in explaining your particular needs to the computer consultantswho will install your PMS.The installation of the electronic cables that connect all of the hardware must also beanalyzed. Installation and replacement of cables that run through walls and floors can becostly. The requirement for air-conditioned atmospheres for proper computer functioningshould also be investigated; in guest service areas, this may not present a problem, but inother areas, it may pose difficulties.Ergonomics, the study of how people relate physiologically to machines, is also aconsideration for the front office manager. Glare and flicker from the cursor, a flashingpoint on a monitor that indicates where data can be entered, and movement on screenscan cause eyestrain. In fact, it is fairly common for computer operators to require lensesto correct eyestrain. Another common complaint is neck pain due to improper positioningof the monitor. The swivel base provided on most hardware helps to eliminate theseproblems. Pain in the wrist may also occur if the keyboard is positioned above the waistof the operator. Carpal tunnel syndrome, compression of a nerve in the wrist and fingers,TLFeBOOK