Summary: This article will focus on how to effectively use the search options on the R-C screen, particularly associated with section "4" on that screen.

When the unit availability set up is completed, and the arrival and departure dates are established, the computer is ready to search for units. Other criteria, such as number of bedrooms, can be determined now, but it is not necessary at this time.

Procedures: When used correctly, reservationists can search for units in several different ways and efficiently book units in the time periods that are concurrent with their company's policies.

The following is a list of options that the user has to initiate an availability search.

• Y - Will check for units that match the criteria and are available during the dates requested. This option can be used during any time period. The user can book units without using much discretion as to whether they are leaving unbooked days between stays that may be difficult to book later on.

• N - searches for properties that match the criteria regardless of whether or NOT they are available. This option is especially useful when there is a need to find out how much space is booked in a group reservation.

• A - will check for properties that match the criteria and have ANY of the days requested available This is a good option when moves are possible, or when the user is trying to fill unbooked days.

• C - checks for properties that match the criteria and are CLEAN. Often used for walk-ins, this option can only be used for dates of "today" or "tomorrow".

• B - (Back to Back) searches for properties that match the criteria and are available during a period that will start on the day of a check-out and finish on the day of a check-in. This option is used to fill an entirely unbooked period that is between two booked periods. This option is not used very much due to the constraints it demands.

Other options associated with with the "B" option are:

• S - checks for properties that match the criteria and produce a stay that STARTS on the day of a check-out. This option is less prohibitive than the "B", and is a useful tool for the user when trying to book units without leaving unbooked periods between stays.

• F - checks for properties that match criteria and produce a stay that FINISHES on the day of a check-in.

• E - will produce a stay that EITHER starts or finishes on the day of a check-out or check-in.

Other Details: Users that have ventured to try all of these options have found the ones that are most useful for their operations, making it easy to keep track of all their properties on the computer reservation board.

Although some reservations offices are still using the manual "resboard", First Resort Software has shown that by utilizing the Availability Search Options thoroughly, the "resboard" can be eliminated.