Term	Definition
Object Linking and Embedding(OLE)	A Windows® function that links documents and allows updates to one document to affect the data contained in another.
ODBC	Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) - A standard for accessing different database systems. An application can submit statements to ODBC using the ODBC flavor of SQL. ODBC then translates these to whatever flavor the database understands.
OEM	Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) - A company that makes equipment (e.g. computers) as opposed to one that sells equipment made by other companies. Opposite of “Value Added Retailer”.
OLE	Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) - A Windows® function that links documents and allows updates to one document to affect the data contained in another.
On-Demand	An option that causes a guest check to be printed only when the operator pushes a certain key programmed to print the check, rather than printing every time a check is service totaled. Opposite of “By-Round”.
On-Line	Denotes that a particular device is assessable by a computer or network.Example: If a printer is on-line.
Open Check	A guest check that is currently in the system and available to post menu items to. Opposite of “Closed Check”.
Open Database Connectivity(ODBC)	A standard for accessing different database systems. An application can submit statements to ODBC using the ODBC flavor of SQL. ODBC then translates these to whatever flavor the database understands.
Open Item	An open item refers to a Menu Item or Modifier not generally for sale, or not generally associated with a particular menu item, for which there would be an extra charge. The user can choose “Open Item”, type in the item desired, and then assign a price for that item. This function is usually restricted and accessible only by those with a higher level of access. Example: If a guest orders the Steamed Vegetable plate, but would like some cheese melted over it, the user would use open item to let the cooks know and to assign a 50 cent charge to the guest.
Operating System (OS)	The low-level software that schedules tasks, allocates storage, handles the interface to peripheral hardware and presents a default interface to the user when no application program is running.
Operational Inertia	The tendency of any business to resist change. Sometimes operational inertia may seem inefficient "gosh, we've always done it this way", but sometimes there are good reasons for it "I'm not retraining 100 employees to learn your new system. Adapt to US."
Operations (OPs)	The application that allows users to create, post to, and close guest checks.
Ops	See – Operations.
Option Bit	A selection to a command that modifies its function rather than providing data.
Order Chit	See – Chit.
Order Device	A peripheral device, such as a printer, physically located where orders are made. When an order is rung, it will print out at this location to let the responsible individual know what needs to be made. Could be a bar printer, a broil printer, etc.
Order Type	A menu item sales category, such as “take out” or “dine in”. An order type determines what tax class is in effect for a service round.
Original Equipment Manufacturer(OEM)	A company that makes equipment (e.g. computers) as opposed to one that sells equipment made by other companies. Opposite of “Value Added Retailer”.
Overhead	What it costs the establishment to run day to day, excluding labor and food costs.Example: Water bills, electricity bills, landscaping, heat and air-conditioning costs, snow removal, etc.