The Continued Saga of EMV in the US and Things to be Aware of

Quite a few studies and articles have been posted this week related to EMV in the US and how it relates to retail point of sale systems.  I'll link to the articles below but here are some bullet points:

• Watch for POS systems that use the old Mag Stripe Readers - these are generally not compatible with chip cards and most payment processing companies no longer support these devices for security reasons.
• Look out for solutions that say that the hardware/software is "EMV Ready" - these systems can not yet actually process chip cards.
• It looks like around 40% (or more) of retailers do not yet have equipment that can process EMV/chip cards.
• A good example of a solution that is true EMV (I've tested and installed multiple times myself) is Card Defender for Microsoft Dynamics RMS and Cloud Retailer (specialty retail point of sale software).  These systems are tested, certified, and even can be upgraded as new payment security requirements are introduced.

Do contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 with any questions about EMV, Retail POS, Card Defender or Cloud Retailer.

Here are the articles - note that these are on a well known industry web site (Business Solutions Magazine) with point of sale technology news and information. Free registration is required to view the whole article:

https://www.bsminfo.com/doc/emv-in-us-still-has-a-long-way-to-go-0001

https://www.bsminfo.com/doc/why-emv-payment-integrations-aren-t-easy-0001

https://www.bsminfo.com/doc/remove-cost-and-time-as-barriers-to-emv-upgrades-0001

Using First Data? Check Your Statements!

Update - since this blog post went up, I have also been contacted by TSYS users reporting a 11.5 cent/transaction non-compliance surcharge so its extremely clear that the credit card industry is cracking down on PCI/SHA-2/EMV requirements.

It has been reported to me that some First Data customers have started seeing $20 to $25 monthly fees on their statements for not being PCI compliant and/or not having the hardware in place to accept EMV/Chip Cards. While this may not sound like much, paying $240 to $300 per store location annually adds up quickly.

Microsoft Dynamics RMS users may want to take a look at Card Defender which is hardware and software for Microsoft Dynamics RMS that is PCI compliant, works with First Data, and also allows you to accept EMV/Chip Cards as payment.

More information on Card Defender can be found here: http://www.pospondering.com/p/card-defender-emv-for-rms.html 

You can also contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com for more information.

EMV Adaption News in The US

EMV adoption rates in the US continue to be around 50/50 for retailers in the United States for various reasons but it appears that the EMV adoption rates in US retail stores of all sizes will increase to 90 percent in 2017.  Obviously this would be great for retailers and consumers alike.

The full article can be found here: https://pointofsale.com/2016041510657/Payment-Processing/Todays-EMV-Landscape-at-Retail-in-the-United-States.html

I've personally seen a lot of smaller retailers contacting me in Q4 about EMV solutions like Card Defender as there are starting to see fraud as well as requests from consumers to have customer facing payment terminals so the stores employee's never come in to contact with the consumers credit or debit card.

Card Defender Checklist

Quick Update: Card Defender is no longer available for Microsoft RMS unless you are a beer, wine, or liquor store that will be moving to the Cloud Retailer point of sale software in the near future. 

Wow - fresh off some new installs in Idaho, Colorado and Utah and I've had multiple people email and call me about the Card Defender EMV/Chip Card add-on for the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software.

As I've already posted some information about Card Defender and links to videos showing how Card Defender works with RMS, here is a checklist related to some of the Card Defender options and requirements:

• Cabled Ethernet or Wireless? 

I strongly recommend cabled for security reasons - just make sure that you have a router or switch near where the terminal will be placed.

• Available electrical outlet near where the terminal will be placed?

Terminal should be plugged in to a good quality surge suppressor, line conditioner, battery back-up or similar device.

• Do you want to accept NFC/contact-less payments like Apple Pay and Google Wallet?

• Do you need to accept pin based debit?

• What company do you use for merchant services/credit card processing services? 

Has to be Heartland, First Data or TSYS - keep in mind that the companies name does not matter as much as who they use for processing.

• What version of the Microsoft RMS software are you using? 

Has to be RMS version 1.3 or higher.

• How many check out lanes do you have?

• Are you using Microsoft RMS HQ? 

Card Defender works with HQ - just some extra setup steps to complete so the data sync's correctly.

• Are you using any add-ons for RMS like e-commerce or customer loyalty programs? 

This normally does not effect Card Defender but better to check ahead of time.

• Are you also taking phone or mail orders that require entering the payment information by hand? 

This requires some thoughts as to whether to use a Card Defender terminal  or not for manually entered payments and how this would effect the batch and close out process.

As a reminder, Card Defender is the only EMV/Chip Card solution for Microsoft RMS (that I am aware of) that is processor agnostic, does not have any additional per-transaction fees, and does not have any contracts at all.

Always, contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 with any questions or comments.

TSYS SHA2 Deadline: What Microsoft RMS Users Need to Know

Wow - lots of calls and emails the last couple of days asking about the looming January 1st, 2017 SHA2 compliance deadline and what options are available for retailers using the Microsoft RMS point of sale software. It appears that TSYS and possibly First Data are pushing for compliance via the companies that use the TSYS and First Data platforms for merchant services.

First off - this is actually a good thing from a security standpoint as many retailers have held off on implementing EMV/Chip Card solutions and/or are still using Windows XP. Given the calls that I have been receiving about EMV fraud, the time has come to move forward with putting in the equipment to process EMV/Chip Cards.

I would strongly recommend that retailers using the Microsoft RMS point of sale software move to Windows 7. Windows 10 is possible with some help from myself or another Microsoft Dynamics RMS Partner. Skip Windows 8 or 8.1.

When it comes to retailers using the Microsoft RMS point of sale software, you have several options to meet the SHA2 deadline. My, advice (in order of preference) is the following:

1. Implement Card Defender for Microsoft RMS: Card Defender solves your security issues and allows for both EMV/Chip Card processing and NFC (Apple Pay and Google Wallet) processing as an integrated add-on for Microsoft RMS .  Card Defender does not add any gateway or per-transaction fees above what your merchant services company charges, is processor agnostic (TSYS, First Data, and Heartland), and requires no contracts. Visit this page on my blog for more information on Card Defender or contact me for more information - I've already had 5 retailers using RMS contact me in just the last 2 days about Card Defender so it is clear that the is upcoming deadline is being taken seriously. 
2. Vantiv/Mercury, Shift 4, Heartland and Cayan/Merchants Warehouse also offer some EMV/Chip Card add-ons/payment gateways/payment tunnels for Microsoft RMS. Generally I have found that these solutions are more expensive than Card Defender in the long run (1+ years) due to additional per-transaction fees and/or locking you into a contract using only one company for merchant services (which is another thing that I like about Card Defender - its keeps your merchant services provider honest when it comes to the rates and fees that they charge as they know that you can switch companies of you are unhappy while these other solutions basically lock you in). 
3. Use a separate credit card terminal that does not interface with the Microsoft RMS software. While this is the easiest and lowest cost option, keep in mind that you will be reconciling two reports at the end of each day and you open up the system to human error when entering the total on the credit card terminal (for example: a transaction totaling $15.20 could be entered as $1.52 or $152.00 - not fun to have have to track a customer down to correct the error).

All in all - there are plenty of options that allow Microsoft RMS point of sale software users to keep using RMS and meet the SHA2 deadline. Do contact me with any questions or clarifications.

Reasons to Upgrade to Version 2.02 of Microsoft RMS

Even with the new Retail Management Hero software being available at low cost to Microsoft RMS users, several stores using RMS version 2 have actually opted to only upgrade to RMS version 2.02 for the time being. As RMS version 2.02 (with service pack 5) will be supported through  July 2021 (per this page on the Microsoft website: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/lifecycle?p1=17483&forceorigin=esmc), here are some reasons why you may want to just upgrade to version 2.02 and wait on upgrading to Retail Management Hero for the time being (which could be a few months or a few years depending on your preference):

• You have multiple add-ons (shopping cart, loyalty program, gift card program, etc) in RMS that will not yet work with Retail Management Hero
• You have already invested in EMV/Chip Card equipment like Card Defender
• You have passed all PCI compliance testing
• You have remained current on annual software maintenance or are willing to pay a lapse fee to become current on software maintenance
• You are not using Windows XP
• You are not using Windows 10
• Everything is churning along just fine
• You are not receiving any error messages like 941 errors
• The RMS database is not near or at the SQL size limits

Obviously this is not a complete list as everyone's situation is different. The point is that you may want to stick with your current version of RMS, upgrade to version 2.02, or go ahead and upgrade to Retail Management Hero.

Just as situations vary, costs vary as well. Of the last 8 stores using RMS that I helped update to version 2.02 of RMS, the costs ranged from $330 to $1700.

Of course, future industry changes may prompt a "sooner than later" upgrade to Retail Management Hero but, for now, these stores are set through 2021 (but most are looking at upgrading to Retail Management Hero within the next 12 months).

Contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com for more detailed assistance.

EMV in the US Continues to Experience Issues

Even though the October 1st, 2015 EMV Liability Shift Date in the US has come and gone, retailers continue to experience issues with EMV adoption and hardware/software as highlighted in this article from Innovative Retail Technologies (at least users of the Microsoft RMS point of sale software have the Card Defender EMV solution for RMS).

Article can be found here: http://www.innovativeretailtechnologies.com/doc/retailers-ready-and-waiting-for-credit-cards-to-catch-up-with-emv-capabilities-0001?vm_tId=1941564&user=EAF658D4-3538-4904-81F7-EDC3F871C31C&utm_source=et_6214150&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ISRET_08-05-2016&utm_term=EAF658D4-3538-4904-81F7-EDC3F871C31C&utm_content=Retailers+Ready+And+Waiting+For+Credit+Cards+To+Catch+Up+With+EMV+Capabilities

Information on Card Defender for Microsoft RMS can be found here: http://retailpospondering.blogspot.com/p/card-defender-emv-for-rms.html

You can also contact me directly at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 for no cost retail point of sale (and EMV) advice.

Total Cost of Ownership for Card Defender

I've been asked the best way to compare costs for the various EMV/Chip Card add-ons for the very popular Microsoft RMS point of sale software. One of the main issues is that many of the solutions charge a per transaction fee which may sound nominal but really adds up over time. Card Defender may have higher up front costs but the ongoing costs are much lower as shown in the chart below (example only - contact me for more specific details):

Pretty cool that Card Defender has a significant cost advantage over many of the other EMV add-ons for RMS and Card Defender is flexible when it comes to selecting a merchant services company (TSYS, Heartland and First Data) so you can always shop around for the best rates.

Do call (208-340-5632) or email me (kevinantosh@gmail.com) with any questions related to Card Defender, Microsoft RMS, or retail point of sale systems in general.

Some Retail Management Hero Updates

A couple of quick updates related to the new version of the Microsoft RMS point of sale software - now re-branded under the new Retail Management Hero (RMH) name:

• RMH does not have any accounting integrations yet. Integration to QuickBooks Accounting is planned but no firm ETA at this point (this is now available as of Q1 2017)
• While there are only limited options when it comes to EMV/Chip Card processing with RMH presently, this should change over the coming months as more processors become certified with RMH as well as third party solutions like Card Defender
• Existing Dynamics HQ users can use HQ with RMH but the actual HQ module for RMH is still in development stage with no firm ETA (best guess is last half of 2017)

How to obtain a 30 day trial version of Retail Management Hero: http://www.pospondering.com/2017/01/how-to-obtain-30-day-trial-license-of.html

In need of no-cost retail point of sale advice? You can reach me on my cell at 208-340-5632 or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com.

Idaho Targeted Again for Credit Card Fraud - Who Is Liable?

This seems to be happening about every 2-3 months in the Boise area, criminals come in from out of state with stolen or fraudulent credit cards and hit the town making multiple purchases at multiple retail stores.

So, those of you wondering about the EMV liability shift may be asking who "eats" the $5000 in fraudulent purchases racked up by just one of the criminals?

If the stolen credit card was chip based, and the store did not have the correct EMV equipment in place, it is possible that the merchant will have to absorb the loss.

If you have not implemented an EMV solution, the following news article may give you reason to move forward:

http://www.ktvb.com/news/crime/bpd-out-of-state-fraudsters-target-treasure-valley/279050796

Comments or questions? I can be reached at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com

Card Defender EMV Add-On for the Microsoft RMS Point of Sale Software

Wow, so I know a lot of Microsoft Dynamics RMS and HQ users have been looking at what to do related to the EMV liability shift date. For many of the 1104 stores using RMS that have contacted me, this is the main reason that you are looking at other point of sale programs like Retail Management Hero or NCR CounterPoint.

If your only 'issue' with RMS is the lack of built in EMV/Chip card processing then I would strongly advise taking a look at Card Defender for RMS (and HQ).

Compared to other third party EMV add-ons for RMS, I really like the fact that Card Defender does not have any per transaction charges - just a very nominal flat monthly fee in addition to initial hardware, software and setup costs. Compared to other RMS EMV/Chip card solutions that charge a per transaction fee - which can easily add up to $730/year for even a modestly sized retail store - Card Defender allows for an initial investment.

Oh, and even better - you know I am very opposed to any systems that lock you into using a specific company for merchant services - Card Defender is processor agnostic so you can use the merchant services company that offers you the best rates.

Card Defender works with RMS version 1.3 or higher and also works with HQ for multi-location RMS users.

Plans are to make Card Defender compatible with the new Retail Management Hero point of sale software (subject to what Retail Management Hero ends up offering for payment platforms) which means, for RMS users, Card Defender can be an interim or a long term solution.

Card Defender is already in use at multiple businesses using RMS so this is not something new that you have to worry about being a beta tester for.

No per transaction fees + processing agnostic + established solution = a very cool EMV./Chip card interim or long term solution for Microsoft RMS (and HQ) point of sale software users.

Want more information on Card Defender or have general point of sale questions? If you are in the US, I can be reached at 208-340-5632 (I am on Mountain Time), using the contact form to the right, or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com

This Christmas, Retailers Should Give the Gift of Security

EMV cards that contain a silver or gold computer chip have made their way into the wallets of U.S. consumers, but far too many retailers have chosen not to accept the more secure payment technology. This decision, apparently made for the sake of convenience, is short sighted and puts consumers and businesses at risk. This holiday shopping season, the greatest gift retailers can give themselves and their customers is the gift of payment security.

EMV, which stands for Europay, MasterCard and Visa, is an electronic payment technology that has been used successfully to prevent fraud in Europe for years. In fact, since EMV was introduced in Europe, credit card fraud has fallen by 80 percent. Meanwhile, fraud in the United States has increased by 47 percent.

Unfortunately, a Newtek Business Services survey found that nearly 25 percent of small businesses that accept electronic payments have no intention of upgrading to EMV. Furthermore, only 20 percent of EMV-ready terminals have been switched on to accept chip cards, according to a Mercator Advisory Group EMV migration research note.

What these small business owners don’t seem to understand is that in addition to compromising their customers’ security, they are putting themselves at great risk as well.

Losses from counterfeit credit card fraud reached $3 billion in 2014, according to the Aite Group, and is expected to hit $3.6 billion by the end of this year. The advent of EMV technology in America has come with an important liability shift and there is now an onus of responsibility on retailers to keep customer information safe.

Businesses that fail to use EMV chip-enabled payment terminals can now be held responsible for the costs of counterfeit card fraud. While some business owners cite the cost of new terminals—typically a few hundred dollars—as a deterrent for upgrading their payment security, the costs associated with fraud could be enough to shut a small business down for good.

In my nearly 30 years working in retail management and with retail technology, I have seen the consequences of irresponsible data handling time and again. Deciding to put customers’ financial information at risk is not just bad business—it’s wrong. This holiday season, retailers should give their customers the gift of payment security. It may not bring peace on earth, but it will certainly allow for financial peace of mind.

If you are interested in a website with free resources, events and tools related to payment processing and EMV, check out Master Your Card at https://www.masteryourcardusa.org/ which is provided to you by MasterCard.

EMV Adoption Rate is Slow in the US

So October 1st, 2015 has come and gone. For something that has been several years in the making, I am surprised how slowly EMV credit and debit cards are being sent to cardholders, the backlog of EMV ready hardware, and the number of businesses who have actually implemented EMV terminals and hardware.

I've seen numerous communications from multiple point of sale companies referencing backorders for the hardware as well as short term options for business owners.

The folks over at creditcard.com recently published a poll related to EMV which not only covers how many cardholders actually have EMV cards but also provides some detail on how to use EMV cards as well as general insights related to the October 1st, 2015 EMV Liability Shift date for card present transactions here in the US.

A good read for both consumers and for business and organizations that accept payment for goods and services via credit and debit cards. Here is a link to the poll: http://www.creditcards.com/credit-card-news/emv-chip-card-survey.php

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 (I am on Mountain Time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com. There is also a contact form to the right that can be used to reach me.

True Cost of Payment Gateways

Update July 2016: Since many Microsoft RMS point of sale software would like to keep using RMS for another couple of years but still need to deal with the EMV Liability Shift Date, visit this post for more information on the Card Defender EMV add-on for Microsoft RMS versions 1.3 and higher (and HQ as well): http://retailpospondering.blogspot.com/2016/06/card-defender-emv-add-on-for-microsoft.html

One of the various options for Microsoft Dynamics RMS users to meet the upcoming October 1st, 2015 EMV Liability Shift Date for card present transactions in the US is to use a payment gateway to process chip based credit and debit card transactions. While this may seem like an easy fix, here are a few things that you need to be aware of:

1. Cost Over Time: As an example, if the payment gate costs 2 cents per transaction, your business averages 500 transactions per day, and your business is open 300 days per year, then your cost over 5 years for using the payment gateway is $15,000 (2 cents X 500 transactions per day X 300 days open per year X 5 years).
2. Note that there are variables with #1 as the payment gateway provider may discount your merchant services rates for credit and debit card processing - you have to to the math and see what works be for your business in the long run (5 to 7 years).
3. You are still investing in a point of sale system whose sales end in July 2016 to new customers and extended support ends in July of 2021. What other new requirements will come out in the upcoming years that will require an additional investment?

While payment gateways in general are secure ways to processing chip cards, meet the EMV Liability Shift Date, and use added security like tokenization, some businesses and organizations may find the costs to be too high versus investing in a new point of sale system.

Confused? Have Clarifications or Questions? In need of free and unbiased point of sale advice? Then please visit my contact page for information on how to reach me. 

EMV Options for Microsoft Dynamics RMS (and HQ) Point of Sale Software Users

Update July 2016: Since many Microsoft RMS point of sale software would like to keep using RMS for another couple of years but still need to deal with the EMV Liability Shift Date, visit this post for more information on the Card Defender EMV add-on for Microsoft RMS versions 1.3 and higher (and HQ as well): http://retailpospondering.blogspot.com/2016/06/card-defender-emv-add-on-for-microsoft.html

Video explaining the different EMV Liability Shift Date options and offering advice for users of the Microsoft Dynamics RMS (and HQ) point of sale programs in the United States. Covers all the options from doing nothing, using separate credit card terminals, using a payment gateway, or switching to a different point of sale system.

Between EMV and the 'end of life' status with RMS and HQ, just about everyone using RMS (including HQ) has to take some course of action.

I have already been contacted by 1102 stores and organizations using RMS (with about 12 also using HQ) for free and unbiased advice and direction so this is real word advice and not sales fluff. If you are in need of free and unbiased advice - including trusted contacts at any of the solutions that I mention in the video of which many are offering significant discounts to RMS users - please contact me via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com or on my cell at 208-340-5632.  You can also visit my contact page for other ways to get in touch with me.

In Addition to EMV...

Since just about everyone is looking at hardware and software costs related to the upcoming EMV Liability Shift Date of October 1st, 2015 in the United States for card present transactions, this is a perfect time to look at other "housekeeping" items related to the point of sale system used by your business or organization.  In no specific order:

1. Make sure that you have the latest version of your point of sale software
2. Check to see if your annual maintenance contract is current for support and updates to your point of sale software
3. Look at a system "refresh" to see if any hardware, computers, or network equipment needs to be updated or replaced
4. Compare merchant services rates - never hurts to check and see what you could save by paying lower fees for credit and debit card processing service
5. Look at other point of sale systems before you commit to spending any money on your current point of sale system - a lot has changed recently and you may find that it is better to switch to a new point of sale system than continue to invest in your current point of sale system

Please visit my contact page for information on how to reach me.

Watch for EMV Scams

Good warning from a media company related to watching out for scams related to new EMV terminals. Don't ever feel pressured in to signing a contract for any equipment for your business or organization.  As pointed out in the article, this merchant checked for reviews and found a lot of negative feedback which is a huge warning sign not to buy anything from that person or company.

Plus, new credit and debit card terminals still need to be injected/encrypted which normally takes several business days so no one should be attempting to sell you something needed instantly (The EMV liability shift date is not until October 1st, 2015 for card present transactions in the US so we all have time to plan accordingly).

Here is a link to the full article from KTVB: http://www.ktvb.com/story/news/local/2015/06/09/shop-owners-are-being-targeted-during-credit-switch/28724615/

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 (I am on Mountain Time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com. There is also a contact form to the right that can be used to reach me.

Future Option for Microsoft Dynamics RMS Point of Sale Users

Update July 2016, Retail Management Hero demo and overview: http://retailpospondering.blogspot.com/2016/07/new-version-of-rmsretail-management.html

Updated information on Retail Management Hero as a direct replacement for RMS as of December 3rd, 2015: http://retailpospondering.blogspot.com/2015/12/updated-information-on-new-retail.html

New video discussing options for Dynamics RMS and HQ users as of December 5th, 2015: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evVWS7dj0Bs

Looking towards the end of 2015 or early 2016, it appears that users of the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software will have the option to trade up to new point of sale software. The new point of sale software is currently being written with a target release date towards the end of 2015.  This new software will offer features and functions similar to what RMS offers and will be marketed towards single location and small chain retail businesses.

The good news is that the intention is to offer free licenses of the new software to RMS users who are current on their annual software maintenance. If you are not current on your annual software maintenance then licences of the new software can be purchased at $250.00/lane plus required first year maintenance at $215/lane.. The new software licenses are slated to have a license cost similar to an RMS license.

The bad news is that this new point of sale software will not be available until after the EMV Liability Shift Date has passed so current RMS users still need to make plans related to EMV and chip based credit and debit cards.

Of course, if you have not been staying current on your annual RMS software maintenance then you are behind the eight ball already.

My advice remains the same - now is the time to look at your options related to replacing RMS or continuing to invest in RMS.   Don't wait too long or you will end up end the back of line with the thousands of other RMS users who waited until the last minute.

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 (I am on Mountain Time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com. There is also a contact form to the right that can be used to reach me.

The True Cost of Ignoring EMV

Update July 2016: Since many Microsoft RMS point of sale software would like to keep using RMS for another couple of years but still need to deal with the EMV Liability Shift Date, visit this post for more information on the Card Defender EMV add-on for Microsoft RMS versions 1.3 and higher (and HQ as well): http://retailpospondering.blogspot.com/2016/06/card-defender-emv-add-on-for-microsoft.html

I've had a few businesses and organizations mention to me that they plan to do nothing related to the EMV Liability Shift Date coming up on October 1st, 2015 in the US in relation on how to accept and authorize chip based credit and debit cards for payment.

Their mindset is that it is not worth investing money in new hardware and software to accept the new chip cards as the businesses average transaction is only around $30.00. Thus, it would be OK to lose $30.00 in sales revenue via a fraudulent transaction versus spending money on hardware and software upgrades.

These folks are forgetting the following:

• Cost of a chargeback (read your merchant services agreement but just about all merchant services companies charge you a chargeback fee for fraudulent transactions).
• Cost of bad press - any sort of fraud will likely be picked up by the local media or even shared via social media and review sites like Yelp.  Bad press + bad reputation = more lost revenue.
• Easy target. If word gets out that your business or organization is not using EMV/Chip Card hardware, then you could become a target for future fraudulent transactions.
• Loss of ability to accept any debit and credit cards as payment. I have seen this happen - too much fraud and no one will offer you merchant services. You will become a cash only business or have to use Square or similar more expensive options.

The EMV Liability Shift Date is not something to be ignored. We still have several months to plan and budget for any equipment upgrades or replacements as well as any software upgrade costs.

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 (I am on Mountain Time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com. There is also a contact form to the right that can be used to reach me.

More Advice for Microsoft Dynamics RMS Users - the 7 year rule

A quick reminder that sales of Microsoft Dynamics RMS and HQ to new users as well as mainstream support ends next year (2016) so please keep that in mind if you are thinking of purchasing RMS or HQ as point of sale software for your business or organization.

Updated information on the upcoming Retail Management Hero Software (or what I am coining "RMS 3.0 for 2015 and beyond") can be found here: http://retailpospondering.blogspot.com/2015/06/new-option-for-rmshq-users-retail.html

As I continue talking to businesses using the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software as well as talking to businesses considering purchasing RMS, I wanted to pass along reasons why investing in RMS as a new point of sale system for your business or organization is a poor decision (those of you already using RMS have different options available which are covered in this blog post).

1. EMV Liability Shift date. This is coming up in October of this year (2015) in the United States and related to who is liable for fraudulent transactions when a chip credit or debit card is used for payment. Based on information from Microsoft, if you purchase RMS now, you will need to also purchase additional software and hardware to meet the EMV liability shift date. I am extremely disappointed that Microsoft Dynamics RMS Partners in the US are selling RMS to businesses without explaining how to handle the EMV Liability Shift Date (as well as the costs involved).
2. RMS and HQ End of Life. Back in May 2014, Microsoft released information related to the future of RMS and HQ with mainstream support and sales ending in July of 2016 and all support ending in July of 2021.
3. What else will come around? Once EMV is past us, what sort of new standard or requirement will come up in 2016 or beyond that will require further investments?
4. 7 Year Rule. Typically, I have found that a good point of sale system should last about 7 years. If full support for RMS ends in 2021 then, if you purchase RMS today, you will only have 6 years before you need to look at replacing or upgrading RMS.

Point being, buying RMS now as a point of sale system for your business is not a wise choice. 

Comments and questions are always welcomed!

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 (I am on Mountain Time) or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com. There is also a contact form to the right that can be used to reach me.