A message sent electronically to determine if a person or resource is free or accessible at a specific time. For instance, it might inquire if a consultant is free for a meeting next week, or if a conference room is vacant on a certain date.
Such communication is vital for efficient scheduling, resource allocation, and project management. Historically, these inquiries were made via telephone or paper memos, but electronic mail has streamlined the process, enabling faster responses and easier tracking of communication. The efficiency gained saves time and reduces the potential for scheduling conflicts.