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Set Guest Name

The set guest name function allows you to change the guest name for a mailbox after it is checked in. It can be performed either via PMS (if the protocol in use allows) or via FrontDesk. There is no over-the-phone option for changing the guest name.

Via PMS

PMS sends a change name packet to the VMS. Packet must, at minimum, specify the room number to modify and the new guest name. If the PMS sends the name as a single field (rather than separate fields for first and last names), the VMS will parse the field according to the following rules:

1.	Everything up to, but not including, the first comma or space is considered to be the last name.

2.	Everything from the first comma or space up to, but not including, the first character that is not a space or comma is thrown out.

3.	The remainder of the string is considered to be the first name.

For example, given a name field of "Smith, John A.", the system would parse this as:

•	Last Name: "Smith"

•	Ignore: ", "

•	First Name: "John A."

Note: Some PMS protocols allow the name to be specified as part of the check in packet; in many of those cases, the VMS will update the name field accordingly on check in. In cases where the check in packet does not include a name field, the PMS may be configured to send a name change packet immediately after the check in packet. Other PMS protocols do not send name information at all.

To change names for more than one guest room, the PMS must send a separate change name packet for each room.

Via InnDesk

To change the guest name via InnDesk:

1.	Select Guest Services \| Manage Room.

2.	Use the drop-down list box to select the room to be modified.

3.	On the Owner Settings tab, look for the First name and Last name lines. They will display the current names assigned to the room.

4.	Enter either or both names. You may enter up to 19 characters for each name field.

5.	Click Apply if you wish to continue reviewing or editing settings for this room or click Save if you are finished; either option will save any changes you have made.

To set the guest name at check-in, via InnDesk:

1.	Select Guest Services \| Manage Room.

2.	Use the drop-down list box to select the room to be checked in.

3.	On the Owner Settings tab, look for the Status line; it should say Vacant. If it says Occupied, then the room is already checked in.

4.	On the First name and Last name lines, use the boxes provided to enter the guest name. You enter up to 19 characters for each name field.

5.	Click the Check In button.

6.	InnDesk will display a dialog asking for confirmation. Click OK to check the room in.

Note: If you have configured a connection to the PBX for the purpose of passing name changes or other PMS information to the PBX, be aware that many PBX systems have an even stricter name length limit and the names you enter may be truncated when sent to the PBX.

Also, some PBX systems severely limit what characters are allowed and any use of disallowed characters may be stripped from the name before it is sent to the PBX. For example, the PBX may not allow any punctuation (commas, periods, dashes, etc.) and may not even allow a space. Some PBX systems even prohibit the use of a number as the first character.

For the most part, the DV2000/DV4 will handle any truncation or removal of disallowed characters for you at the time the name is being sent to the PBX.