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Frequently Asked Questions |
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 What are the current versions of epitome software?
The current general release software versions (Dec,25 2005) are:
epitome PMS/CRS/CIS - 3.03.08 (pmupdate Nov-05)
epitome POS - 3.04.02
Reports Module for epitome PMS - 3.03
If you hotel does not have the latest versions of epitome software installed and you would like to make the upgrade, please contact Libra Hospitality's support team.
What tasks are your systems designed to automate?
epitome Enterprise Solutions are designed to provide an integrated management and guest service environment for individual hotels and hotel chains. epitome Enterprise Solutions include epitome PMS - a fully featured property management system with extensive front office, rate and reservations functionality, epitome POS - a restaurant point of sales system designed for use in hotels, and epitome CRS/CIS systems for centralized reservations and corporate management of hotel chains.
I run a small economy class hotel. Are your products suitable for my needs and my budget?
Due to the modular structure and flexible configuration parameters of epitome Enterprise Solutions, and in particular epitome PMS, all epitome systems can be configured to meet the requirements of different kinds of hotels, such as boutique properties, economy-class hotels, large conference hotels or resort operations. The modular pricing policy of epitome PMS, based on the number of rooms, make it an affordable solution for even the smallest properties.
I am constructing a new hotel. How far in advance prior to the opening should I start dealing with automation issues?
You should start planning your PMS system as soon as possible, but not later then six months prior to the scheduled opening date. Since PMS is central to the automation infrastructure of a hotel, your choice of PMS system may affect the choice of other technology systems, such as PBX, video, doorlocks and so on. Furthermore, your PMS supplier may have specific requirements for cabling topology and internet connectivity.
Who is the developer of epitome Enterprise Solutions?
The developer of epitome Enterprise Solutions is Hotel Information Systems (www.hotelinfosys.com), headquartered in Lake Forest, California, USA. European office of HIS is located in London, England. Libra Hospitality is the authorized distributor for Hotel Information Systems for Central and Eastern Europe, with main offices in Prague, Czech Republic and Moscow, Russian Federation. Libra Hospitality is responsible for localization, implementation and support of epitome Enterprise Solutions throughout its designated territories.
Is there a possibility of issuing guest folios printouts and accounting documents in foreign currency?
Yes, front desk staff can choose the required currency and print guest folios, A/R statements and other financial documents with conversion of due amounts to the selected currency.
epitome PMS supports multiple exchange rates for each currency, such as official central bank exchange rates and internal hotel rates.
How does the system handle VAT processing?
The system automatically calculates and correctly displays on all print-outs inclusive or additional VAT charges for each item on the guest folio according to hotel's bookkeeping requirements.
How can you provide housekeeping room status information to front desk staff and other users?
Housekeeping room status information can be updated in the system directly by housekeepers through in-room telephone, in-room video (TV) or directly through the housekeeping screen in epitome PMS. Front desk staff can access the graphical Room Rack screen at any time for an up to the minute information about housekeeping status of each room in the hotel.
Can I set up various packages for my hotel?
Yes, you can set up different package types according to your hotel's individual requirements. Packages can be inclusive or additional, for a fixed duration of guest stay or recurring. You can even configure different package items for each day of the guest's stay. If the guest departs earlier then booked, the system will prompt the receptionist to charge ramainder of the guest's package to his folio upon check out.
I▓d like to have guest picture included on his account. Is this possible?
Yes, you can insert guest picture and even a signature file to guest history account.
Can I limit the access rights to different parts of epitome PMS system?
Yes, every user has his own access rights depending on his or her work requirements. There are several levels of access to each module within the system: No Access, View Only Access, View and Update Access.
Our hotel would like to use automated wake up calls, does your system support this functionality?
epitome PMS keeps an electronic journal of all wake-up requests and will notify the front desk staff every time a guest needs to be called and woken up.
Can the system print guest documents in different languages?
Yes, you can choose from various languages configured in system for printing of reservation confirmation and cancellation letters, guest registration cards, guest folios, messages and accounts receivable statements.
Can system automatically change rates depending on season or weekday?
Yes, epitome PMS provides powerful rate configuration options that allow hotels create comprehensive rate plans including seasonal and weekday/weekend rates.
Our hotel uses standard group rates. Occasionally we need to set up special rates for a particular group. Can this be done without modifying the system's rate configuration?
Group rates can be modified for any group "on the fly", either for the whole stay or only for a particular date.
Is maintenance a mandatory requirement for using your software?
No, maintenance is not a mandatory requirement. However, we recommend every customer to have a support agreement with us, which normally includes 24-hr Hotline support, consulting services, free software upgrades and access to client-only section of this web site. A valid support agreement helps ensure that your software never goes out of date, and your users are utilizing it correctly and to the full extent.
Does the software support agreement cover on-site visits of your specialists? Who is responsible for travel costs?
In most cases any problem with epitome products can be diagnosed and resolved via the telephone or through a remote PC connection from our support office. However, when a site visit by a qualified software engineer becomes necessary, for example, when performing software upgrades, any professional services costs are covered by the support contract. The customer is only responsible to cover travel costs from Libra's Prague or Moscow offices and provide board and accommodation while the specialist is on site.
How long does it take to train hotel staff to use epitome PMS system?
The duration of training depends on how many users need to be trained and how training groups will be combined. For small hotels with just one group of trainees of up to 7 people training duration is usually 5-6 days. Larger properties would have two or three groups of trainees with total training time of two weeks or even longer.
What is involved in a typical PMS system implementation?
Implementation project usually consists of these stages:
Management seminar - review of hotel's Policies and Procedures and management requirements for system's configuration
Hardware configuration - server and workstations setup
Database configuration with hotel's specific parameters such as rates, packages, rooms, market segments, transacation codes, user codes, etc.
Training of users - front desk staff, reservations, management, accounting, etc.
Go-live and 24/7 live support for the first three days of live system operation
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