EPI - BiDirectional
When the Bi-directional interface switches are active (Setup > Configuration > Manage > External Interfaces) - this indicates to the roomMaster program to start logging all checkins, checkouts and moves of guests. As these items are logged and a bi-directional posting interface is running (such as CallStar, InnTouch Enterprise, Hitachi, NEAX2000, Mitel 2103 Dataset), the system will send the information to the BOSS.
Note: Bi-directional interfaces are only available when the Extended EPI version is purchased. A list of these interfaces is available at www.innquest.com or marked with an asterisk inside the configuration profile under the Header Tab.
You must contact your software vendor to determine which Interface number to use for each bi-directional interface. If neither the phone extension or data extension is checked, the regular room extension number will be sent. Otherwise, which ever option(s) are checked, will be sent. To turn on each interface, in roomMaster, you must select Setup > Configuration > Manage > External Interfaces.
EPI will read all the checkins, checkouts, and moves that have happened since the last posting and then send the data to the other system. EPI will then wait 4 seconds for an acknowledgment to indicate the receiving system has received the data and can do something with it. If any other response besides an ACKnowledgement is received, EPI will try and send it again during the next cycle and will continue until it is Acknowledged.
If you want to send resets for all phones or devices, once the session is opened, click on the Details button and then click on the Send Room Status Messages for All Rooms button.
EPI Messages and the Dayend Close
During the Dayend Close, roomMaster reviews the EPI Bi-Directional file. If there are more than 200 records in the buffer, a message will appear during the Audit Pre-Check advising to clear the file.
Clearing the Bi-Directional File
- Open the External Posting Interface (EPI).
- Select Audit Files.
- Select Purge Bi-Directional File.
All records in the buffer will be cleared. To prevent the file from filling up again, review your Bi-Directional interface to ensure it is posting correctly. Click here for information on troubleshooting.
If the interface is unable to post correctly, turn it off in roomMaster by going to Setup > Configuration > Manage > External Interfaces. Open the problem interface and uncheck Interface Active. Remember to turn it back on to test.
Current Certified Bi-Directional Configurations:
TMS-CallStar
CheckIn with name (\I)
CheckOut with "VACANT" (\O)
Move Room with name (\I) & (\O)
Name Change (\X)
InnTouch Enterprise or HITACHI HCX-5000
CheckIn with directory info (CHK1)
CheckOut clearing name (CHK0)
Move room with name (EDT2)
Name Change (EDT1)
Notification of Message Waiting at checkout
* With this system voicemail message lights will be turned on and off.
Lucent GuestWorks ECS version 5.0 or higher.
CheckIn with directory info
CheckOut clearing name
Move room with name
Name Change
* With this system voicemail message lights will be turned on and off.
NEAX2000-IVS
CheckIn with directory info
CheckOut clearing name
Move room with name
Name Change
Notification of Message Waiting at checkout
* With this system voicemail message lights will be turned on and off.
Mitel-PMS (Modem tones)
CheckIn (*22xxx0)
CheckOut (*22xxx9)
Mitel 1103/2103 Dataset
CheckIn with name (CHK1) & (NAM1)
CheckOut clearing name (CHK0) & (NAM3)
Move room with name (CHK0) & (NAM3) & (CHK1) & (NAM1)
Name Change (NAM2)
Message Waiting (MW)
Alcatel
Checkin with name
CheckOut clearing name
Move room with name
Name Change
Housekeeping Status Change
The Mitel 2103 dip-switches should be set as 1) DOWN, 2) DOWN, 3) DOWN, 4) UP, 5) UP, 6) DOWN, 7) DOWN, 8) UP. (PBX operation, Asynchronous, CTS Flow enabled, 9600) 1=Hotel/PBX Integration, 2=Ascync, 3&4=Flow Control, 6-8=Port Speed.
If you are using Mitel 1103, CTS should be off and XON/OFF should be on.