Pearson New International Edition International pcl tp indd 1

FRONT OFFICE SEMANTICS
Interface:
Term used to describe the process that allows one data-generating system to share its infor-
mation electronically with another system.
An effective PMS serves as an important communication device. In this case, a
computer terminal in the executive housekeeper’s office may allow him or her
to input data about cleaned and inspected rooms urgently needed by the front office
staff. Sophisticated PMS systems have telephone interfaces that permit housekeep-
ers or room inspectors to enter room status changes (e.g., from “needs cleaning” to
“has been cleaned”) directly into the PMS by use of the guestroom telephone.