Updates on the Retail Management Hero Point of Sale Software

Fresh off of the product update webinar today, here are the latest updates on the Retail Management Hero point of sale software version 3.3.2:

• 414 Total Deployments
• Lots of new features/functions added - some highlights:
• Support of OPOS Scale/Scanners
• Support of Dual Cash Drawers
• Basic Time Clock
• Blind Closeout
• Returns at Different Store
• Card Defender is now available for RMH
• Only processor agnostic solution
• No contracts
• No per transaction fees
• Only solution for RMH that works with TSYS and First Data (that I am aware of)
• Focus on Stability versus adding Features and Functions
• RMH Release 3.4 July 2017
• Task Pads
• Reports change to what RMS offered
• RMH Release 3.5 Q3 2017
• Customer feedback improvements
• RMH Central Integration
• RMH Central 1.0 Q3 2017
• Replacement for Microsoft Dynamics RMS HQ
• On premise or cloud versions
• No more worksheets! 
• RESTful and WebSocket API's for near real time 2 way communications
• Windows App and future web based application
• Pricing to be determined
• RMH Web Services
• Light weight POS client
• Use on mobile devices
• Android and iOS support
• Available via app store/pricing to be determined 
• Online Purchases of RMH and related hardware
• RMH website will allow for online purchases (coming late summer 2017)
• Sale still needs to be completed by a certified RMH Partner
• More training and users guide documentation coming soon

Great to see the "roadmap" and successes specific to Retail Management Hero as well as RMH Central! I'm excited as this opens the door to Microsoft Dynamics RMS HQ users who would rather not invest in a new POS system and have to start from scratch with all their data (and training, setup, expenses, ect). 

My personal advise specific to RMH Central is to wait until the program has stabilized before deploying - this likely means waiting until Q1 2018 (and I already have multiple retailers lined up to do this!).

Confused? Have questions? Need advice?  Contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com as I do work for a tier one Microsoft Dynamics Partner (RMS, HQ and Dynamics 365) who is also fully certified to sell, install, and support Retail Management Hero.

Link to the full webinar:
https://vimeo.com/223827824?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_feed%3B33tgIwY%2FSu62nAyLW8YF%2Bw%3D%3D

What RMS User are Doing - Chain/Franchise Version

OK - I'm not sure if it is the economy, our new president, or just good planning, but I have had 8 retail chains contact me in the last week related to meeting to look at RMS replacement options. Needless to say, I will be traveling a lot over the coming months (I'll post my travel and related trade show schedule next week)!

So - to provide some perspective - these retail chains and franchises have the following in common:

• Using Microsoft Dynamics RMS version 2.01 or higher
• Have between 5 and 350 locations
• Computers and related hardware in the stores is less than 5 years old

Here is what they do not have in common:

• Some are using Dynamics HQ and some are not
• Some are using Windows XP while others have Windows 7, 8.1 or 10
• Some are current on their software maintenance agreement - some are not
• Some have stand alone payment terminals, some are still using EDC in RMS, and some have a third party payment gateway or add-on for RMS

Based on initial conversations, here are the various courses of action - this is somewhat vague as you can always contact me for more information:

1. If there is a lot of love for RMS (you want to keep using RMS as long as possible), then adding payment processing equipment like Card Defender alleviates worries about payment security in RMS. This is a very easy and low cost option since only the payment processing hardware is being changed out.
2. If there is love for RMS and you already have payment processing terminals that exceed security requirements, then a simple refresh to the most current version of RMS is a great solution to keep things up and running for the next 4+ years. Also good to look at your hardware at this point and see what might need replacing.
3. If the sentiment is that the time is now to look at a cloud based point of sale system with a lower up front investment cost as well as a monthly fee that covers support and software upgrades, then RMS users are looking at Cloud Retailer which offers data migration from RMS as well as discounted license costs for RMS users.  Cloud Retailer has been tested to work in chains with up to 50 locations and could likely scale even higher if needed.
4. Feel like RMS is just great but you want a more updated look and feel? Retail Management Hero is a direct replacement for RMS but a multi-location "HQ" option will not be available until late 2017. Stay tuned.
5. In the mood for something more complete that just POS? Maybe you need more detailed accounting integration or true warehouse management. Some chains also need transportation logistics and productivity management. Here are your "step up" solutions that are great RMS replacements:
1. Retail Realm Essentials: In a nutshell this is Microsoft Dynamics AX with the non-POS modules turned off. Great for retail chains who want an on-premise point of sale system. Best suited if each retail store location is generating well over $1M in annual gross sales.
2. Microsoft Dynamics AX: The "do anything" on-premise ERP solution. Modular based solution and device level licensing. Too many options and modules to list in one post. Generally, you need to be ready to spend over $500,000 when it comes to Dynamics AX. For example, I was working with a 47 location chain with a $2M budget and we could barely get one Dynamics AX Partner to even speak with us (one reason why I now work for a Dynamics AX Partner).
3. Microsoft Dynamics 365: As Dynamics AX will not be around forever, Dynamics 365 is AX but as a cloud based and subscription as a service solution. Business and Enterprise level solutions are available as well as the different modules. Starting price point for the core module is around $210/month. Long term licensing costs are offset by no need for SQL servers and annual maintenance agreements. Limited feedback presently as Dynamics 365 was just made available for deployment.

OK - when it comes to chains and franchises using RMS, the situation and solution can be complex enough to require an onsite visit after an in depth conference call. With 18+ years of experience, this is something that I am more than happy to help with. My direct contact information is kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632. If you would rather contact me via my employer, my work contact information is kevina@rite.us or 208-994-9404.

Retail Point of Sale Software Comparison Chart

One of the handouts that I use at my point of sale technology workshop presentations:

Retail Solution Comparison
Cash Registers – variety of models from $500 to $2000. Optional programming, training and installation services. Designed for retail stores of any gross sales volume.

NCR Silver – iOS Based (iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch). $29-$79/month plus hardware costs. Designed
for businesses that need minimal inventory tracking (ie. Kiosks, 2^nd hand stores, thrift stores).

Microsoft RMS Store Operations - $6000+ for a complete point of sale solution (includes software, hardware, computer, hardware, installation, training, and ongoing support). Designed for single to multi-location retailers with only basic technology needs (no built-in email marketing, no integrated online shopping cart, no smart phone/tablet needs). Designed for gross annual sales of $400,000+.

NCR CounterPoint - $9000+ for a complete point of sale solution (includes software, hardware, computer, training, installations, and on-going support). Designed for single to multi-location retail stores with high technology needs (integrated email marketing, integrated online shopping cart, use on a smart phone/tablet computer, automated email or texts on store activity). Best for retail stores generating $750,000+ annually per location.

Function	Cash Register	NCR Silver	MS RMS	CounterPoint
Track Item Sales	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Employee Login	Some Models	Limited	Yes	Yes
Levels of Departments or Categories	Some Models	1 Level	2 Levels	2 Levels
Process Credit Cards	Optional	Integrated	Integrated	Integrated
Process Gift Cards	Optional	Optional	Integrated	Integrated
Customer Loyalty	No	Yes	Optional	Integrated
Track Customer History	No	Basic name & address	Yes	Yes
Scan Barcode Labels	Some models	Yes	Yes	Yes
Print Barcode Labels	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Purchasing and Receiving	No	Limited	Yes	Yes
Choice of Merchant Services Processors	Yes – with optional credit card processing	Yes	Yes	Yes
Multi-location Capable	No	No	Yes – full data	Yes – full data
Designed for use on Touch Screen Monitor	Some models have touch screens	Yes (tablet computer)	Yes	Yes
Multiple Price Levels (retail, wholesale, etc.)	No	No	Yes	Yes
Interface to Quickbooks Accounting	Some models	No	Yes	Yes
Quotes	No	No	Yes	Yes
Lay-aways	No	No	Yes	Yes
Work Orders	No	No	Yes	No
Integrated Online Shopping Cart	No	No	Available	Available
Smart phone “app” version Available	No	n/a	No	Available
Integrated Email Marketing	No	Basic	Available	Available
Text/Email Alerts for Store Activities	No	No	No	Available

No – Not Available
Yes – Available and Included
Third Party – Available through third party and additional charges may apply
n/a – Not Applicable
Some Models – Only available in some models
Available – Available and additional charges may apply

Are you in the US and in need of no cost retail point of sale advice? I'm happy to help and can be reached on my cell at 208-340-5632 (mountain time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com.