Hotel Front Office Management, 3rd Edition

OTHER PMS SELECTION CONSIDERATIONS 105is another unfortunate result of overuse of computer keyboards. Because carpal tunnelsyndrome causes extreme pain for a computer operator, the keyboard should be positionedat waist level. Also, pains in fingers and hands can occur with extensive entry ofdata on a keyboard.Other PMS Selection ConsiderationsOther factors to consider in choosing a PMS are vendor claims, installation plans, training,backup power sources, and maintenance.Vendor ClaimsThe prospective PMS purchaser should contact current users of the system being consideredand ask relevant questions: How easy is it to operate this system? How useful arethe reports you obtain? Has the vendor been available to help train staff and provideemergency service? Answers such as “I don’t know how the property could manage withoutit” or “It is very difficult to operate, and the reports are awkward” may alert you topotential advantages or problems. (Remember, however, that different properties havedifferent needs and priorities; a rave review because the system provides an option thatyou consider unimportant is meaningless for your purposes.) Consider the amount oftime these properties spent on needs analyses. A visit to the hotel property is worth theeffort invested. Learning how different features of the system work, how various departmentsinteract with the PMS, and what kinds of forms are used will help you with partof your decision. You will also get a feeling for how guest services are affected.Hardware Installation PlansA careful plan for hardware installation will help the management maintain guestservice 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 and at what times, followedby which departments will receive hardware first, and what methods will be required toget all departments of the property on-line, a term used to indicate that a computer isoperational and connected with a central computer. This information should be used todevelop a flowchart, which will help departments adapt and interact using on-line operations.Computer Training ProgramsThe training offered by a computer company ranges from classes held at the corporateheadquarters to on-the-job training sessions and informal consultant hot lines. The staffthat will use the computers must be thoroughly trained if the equipment is to be put toTLFeBOOK