Microsoft RMS Support

 A quick note that I am still getting calls and emails regarding support for the Microsoft RMS point of sale software. I do have equipment running Microsoft RMS but that equipment is quite old.

 As long as the equipment keeps running, I will do my best to offer limited support for RMS. If it only takes 15 minutes to answer your support question, then the support is free.

 More in depth RMS support will be billed at an hourly rate of $79/hour.

 

 

Online Resources for Retailers Using the Micrisoft Dynamics RMS Point of Sale Software

So, with only few a few months left before RMS goes end of life in July 2021, I'm still fielding calls and emails from retailers still using RMS as their point of sale software.  Since support will be very limited after July 2021 (unless you have a support contact through me/RITE), here are some general resources for "self help":

Official RMS Forum: https://community.dynamics.com/rms

RMS Database Schema: https://static.austinhartzheim.me/files/docs/microsoft-rms/microsoft-rms-database-structure.pdf

Windows 10 and RMS: http://legacy.rite.us/Support/UpgradingtoWindows10.aspx 

RMS Tutorials: http://legacy.rite.us/Support/MicrosoftRMSSupport/RMSTutorials.aspx 

My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/kevinantosh 

Card Defender for Microsoft RMS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsjOU6jhFZM

RMS HQ User Guide: https://www.geminicomputer.com/rms/hq/RMS_HQ_Users_Guide_V2.pdf

RMS HQ Getting Started Guide: https://www.geminicomputer.com/rms/hq/RMS_HQ_GS_Guide_V2.pdf

Don't forget about the "help" option in RMS Manager as well as the user guides that came with the software. These are fairly in depth and very helpful for the average user.

RMS Replacement Options: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mmvYwfJ-MeE and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzqc7gmrJ58&t=1s

 

If you have any additional resources that I should list above, please contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632.

 

Microsoft Dynamics RMS Software Training Tutorials

With 38,000+ stores still using the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software in the US, some of the more frequent requests that I receive fall under the "how to" or "how do I" category. Many RMS users have upgraded to the most recent version of Microsoft RMS in order to be supported through July of 2021 and want to make sure that they are using RMS to its fullest.

While the tutorials found on the website below are not a substitute for formal training from a Microsoft Dynamics RMS Partner, they are helpful overviews and self study materials.

You can find the tutorials here: http://www.rite.us/Support/MicrosoftRMSSupport/RMSTutorials.aspx

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

An Official Welcome to RTE's Microsoft RMS Client Base!

An official welcome to Retail Technology Experts (RTE - Mirimar, FL)) Microsoft RMS client base which has been acquired by Retail Information Technology Enterprises (RITE - Sartell, MN, Dallas, TX and Boise, ID)!

As you know, RITE recently acquired RTE's Microsoft RMS software client base due to RTE divesting their client base of over 1000 retailers. Many of you are already working with RITE. If not, a team member from RITE will be reaching out over the coming days to have a conversation with you related to the following:

• Whether you are still using the Microsoft RMS software in your business?
• Whether you are still a Retail Technology Experts (RTE) customer?
• Learning more about you and your business - and the technology equipment that you have in place.
• What, if any, issues or outstanding commitments that RTE has made that RITE needs to address?
• What personal concerns or questions that you may have related to the acquisition?
• If you have already addressed the October 2015 EMV liability shift?
• Short and long term plans for your business related to the technology used - always good to have a short term (0-90 day) and long term (5-7 year) plan.
• Anything that the RITE team needs to be aware of?
• What are the next steps that we should take?

Our goal at RITE is to make sure that any current and future needs are taken care of related to the RMS point of sale system that you have in your store. We are also working with RTE to honor any past commitments that have been made or any work that is currently in process.

If you have any pressing needs or questions, please contact us at 866-267-7483. As part of the acquisition, RTE's website will be directing to RITE's website and RTE's phone system will forward to RITE's phone system.

Microsoft RMS Change of Partner Form

A quick reminder that I am able to process Microsoft RMS Change of Partner forms as needed. If you do not have an official partner, are unhappy with your present partner, or your partner is no longer in business, please contact me for a simple form to complete.

A few notes on Microsoft RMS Change of Partner forms:

• There are no costs associated with completing this form
• I've filled in the form with all the details to save you time 
• This is not locking you in to any sort of paid service contract
• Completing this form keeps Microsoft happy knowing that you have a local company for RMS support
• By having the form on file, this prevents delays in obtaining support for your Microsoft RMS software - whether that support is needed 2 days from now or 2 years from now

Completed forms can be emailed to me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or faxed to my attention at 320-230-1796.

Call me at 208-340-5632 with any questions. It normally takes Microsoft 1-2 business to process the form.

Quick Note of Thanks!

Quick note of thanks to the 27 stores in Idaho & Utah that recently selected RITE as their Microsoft RMS Partner! #rms #support #Utah #idaho

Obviously this was more of a social media post but it has been amazing (and hectic) couple of weeks given the need and demand for RMS support here in Idaho and Utah.

Thank goodness we have multiple RMS techs on staff!

Unofficial CounterPoint Users Group Newsletter

POSTINGS FROM OUR FREE  

'NCR COUNTERPOINT® SQL' FORUM 

Counterpoint® Users Group (CPUSER.ORG®) is an independent Support Group for users of Counterpoint® Point-Of-Sale Software by NCR Corporation (formerly by Radiant Systems, Inc. & by Synchronics, Inc.).  We have been serving the Counterpoint® Community since 2003.  Please see our Legal Disclaimer at the end of this e-mail.

1.)  Can't E-mail or Export Reports!

 

This NCR Counterpoint® SQL User suddenly started getting an Error Message when trying to send a Report out of CPSQL.

 

Ideas have been given, but no solution yet. 

See it all at the Posting, "Failed to export the report."

 

2.)  NCR Counterpoint® SQL Users asking for help:

"Streamline POS Eq for 'Traveling Store' "

"Programming a trigger"

"Point of sale rounding up receipts and reports." 

3.)  EMV Chip - What Are CP-Users Saying?

"Ingencio iSC250"  (1,095 Views since 04/27/2015)

"EMV chip card compliance"  (1,017 Views since 07/23/2015)

"Ingenico ISC250" (1,985 Views since 05/01/2013)

Services for Counterpoint® Users:
*  Merchant Services:  Lower Your Rates & Fees!  

*  CP-Cloud:  Counterpoint® Hosting & Backup Services!   

*  POS Supplies:  Receipt Paper, Labels, Tags, Ribbons, Gift Cards! 

*  POS Equipment:  Label Printers, Receipt Printers, Scanners, etc.!  *  Free Counterpoint® Support Forums!     

Consume Counterpoint® Consumables For Less:   

*  Receipt Paper Rolls 

*  Labels and Tags  

*  Custom Labels

*  Ribbons 

*  Gift Cards 

*  FREE SHIPPING  

*  SAVE 10% ON FIRST ORDER! 

For Pricing, please Contact Us Today: 

 

Toll-Free:  (888) 434-0844

E-mail:  Gordon@cpuser.org

Website:  www.cpuser.org 

* LEGAL DISCLAIMER

 

CPUSER.ORG® and Counterpoint Users Group provide independent technical support services and information specifically for users of COUNTERPOINT® point of sale systems.

 

COUNTERPOINT® is a registered trademark of CheckPoint Systems, Inc. and a licensed trademark property of NCR Corporation (formerly licensed by Radiant Systems, Inc. and by Synchronics, Inc.

 

CPUSER.ORG® is a registered trademark of Counterpoint Users Group.

 

CheckPoint Systems, Inc. and NCR Corporation neither endorse nor have any affiliation with CPUSER.ORG® or Counterpoint Users Group.

What are Support "Incidents" and How Do They Work

With some Microsoft Dynamics RMS and HQ partners fading away, I've been contacted by several businesses searching for support related to RMS and HQ.  While I am happy to assist as best I can or arrange for a certified RMS/HQ support person to contact you, I wanted you to know that you also have the option of obtaining support direct from Microsoft.

If you have stayed current on your annual software maintenance for RMS/HQ then you normally receive a limited number of free support incidents directly with Microsoft. If you are not current on your maintenance then a fee per incident applies.

So what does an incident mean?  In my experience it means that one issue per incident will be dealt with until all parties agree the issue is resolved.  So if you need help reconnecting your database to a POS station, that counts as one incident. If you need help reconnecting your database to a POS station and need help installing a OPOS driver for a receipt printer on the same POS station then that counts as 2 support incidents.

You can contact Microsoft for RMS and HQ support at 888-477-7877 for Dynamics RMS and HQ support. You can also visit my contact page for information on how to reach me.

Another Milestone

OK - not really news but pretty cool to let folks know that this rather basic blog site has just surpassed 50,000 page views, my YouTube videos have generated over 10,000 views and my contact database is now over 4,400 contacts!

I'm still committed to offering unbiased information and advice as the Lord allows.

Trip to the Twin Cities?

In the last few months, I have tallied 6 calls and emails from businesses and organizations in the greater Minneapolis - St. Paul, MN area.

While I currently live in Idaho, I always have considered the Twin Cities "home" as I lived in the area from 1968-1998.   I do my best to head back "home" at least once a year.

Given the number of businesses and organizations contacting me from the greater MSP area, I may plan an extended trip back to help in person with your technical needs and to offer general point of sale advice. As extended trips have costs, I would be asking for either travel expense cost offset or am hourly rate for my time.

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.

Contacts for help or questions related to Dynamics RMS, HQ or Retail Realm Essentials

A quick reminder that sales of Microsoft Dynamics RMS and HQ to new users 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.

As I continue to receive almost daily calls and emails from folks with questions (or needing support) related to Microsoft Dynamics RMS, HQ and the new Retail Realm Essentials (powered by Microsoft Dynamics) point of sale programs, I wanted to let you know that I do have contacts that I can put you in touch with who can provide technical support as well as general information related to these point of sale programs.

These are people that I know in the industry and are fully certified for sales and support of all the entire Microsoft Dynamics suite of point of sale software programs.

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.

Need Help With Microsoft Dynamics RMS or HQ Point of Sale?

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 (not a wise investment at this point).

Update June 28th, 2015 - special discount and incentive from a national NCR CounterPoint Partner for RMS and HQ users: http://retailpospondering.blogspot.com/2015/06/big-discount-and-incentive-for.html

Even with the 'end of life' announcement from Microsoft related to the Dynamics RMS and HQ point of sale programs as well as the upcoming EMV liability shift date, there are still at least 38,000 stores in the US using these point of sale programs.

As my technical skills are limited, I have made arrangements with a certified RMS and HQ technician to be available for folks searching for technical support or training on RMS.  If you are in need of support or training on RMS or HQ, then please contact me for the technicians contact information - he does work for a Microsoft Dynamics partner with multiple locations in the US.

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

What if My Business is Seasonal?

I'm often asked what folks with seasonal businesses do when it comes to cash registers and point of sale systems.  Having worked with various businesses that operate from just a few days each year to several months out of the year, as well as venue operators at fairgrounds and event venues, here are my thoughts and advice (assuming that the business generates enough revenue to require more than just a cash box and square):

1) Cash Registers
Obviously you can buy a cash register and use it as needed. Just keep in mind that some models will lose all programming if left unplugged for too long. Advantage: low cost and you own the equipment. Disadvantage: they are just cash registers - not much in the way of detailed information.

2) Computer Based Point of Sale Systems
Believe it or not, I have worked with companies that buy full blown point of sale systems that run on computers. Its a big investment but the cost might be justified via extremely high volume and gross sales. Advantage: you own the equipment. Disadvantage: up front costs and sheer size of the equipment (ie. setup and tear down).

3) Mobile Point of Sale Systems
A third option has become available which involves some of the mobile point of sale solutions like NCR Silver and Bindo Point of Sale. The equipment is easier to move around and you likely have other uses for some of the equipment between events or seasons.  What NCR Silver and Bindo Point of Sale allow you to do is to set up seasonal payment plants. You still have to buy the equipment but the monthly software and support fee can be turned off and on as needed.  Advantage: better business data and mobility of the hardware. Disadvantage: durability of the equipment in extreme conditions is not yet proven.

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.

Headed to Oregon

Looks like my travels are taking to the Portland, OR and Sutherlin, OR areas. Should you happen to be in those areas, and wish to meet in person, please get in touch with me so we can compare schedules.

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

100th Organization Helped - For Free!

OK - not really news but more of a milestone. I just finished providing some point of sale advice and direction to the 100th organization to contact me via this blog site and my YouTube channel.

I wonder if more or fewer of you would contact me if I would take some time to clean up the various spelling and grammar errors on this site...

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

Which Point of Sale System Would I Buy and Why?

I'm asked from time to time what point of sale system I would purchase if I was in charge of a retail store or museum.  The answers are as follows:

1. If my business was a museum or standard retail store with gross annual sales between $100,000 and $300,000 then I would choose Bindo Point of Sale for iOS devices. Hands down, Bindo Point of Sale has features and functions not found in Vend, Shopkeep, Clover, or NCR Silver for about the same monthly cost.
2. If my museum or retail store had annual revenues over $300,000 then my wish would be to use Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management Systems Store Operations (RMS). However, with RMS nearing the end of life per an announcement from Microsoft, I would put in Retail Management Hero as my point of sale system.

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.

Point of Sale Buying Tip: What Type of System Can You Afford?

There are actually some fairly definitive guidelines related to your gross annual sales and which type of point of sale system is best for your business (free, mobile or computer based systems).  In this brief video, I cover what type of point of sale systems you should be focusing on as well as some common exceptions to the rule.

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

Complaints related to Software Advice and Similar Websites

Yikes!  So the complaints having been steadily increasing related to websites like Software Advice. Maybe it seemed obvious to me but, unless you have worked in the point of sale 'world', you may not be aware that websites like Software Advice exist to make money by selling your information as a "lead" to multiple companies. Given the number of complaints that I have received about Software Advice over the last few weeks, you may want to consider other resources.

I realize that even trying to figure out what you need in a point of sale system can be time consuming, but that is why most states have small business development centers to help you out for free or low cost. You can also find impartial point of sale reviews and information on websites like CNET.

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.

Upcoming Free Point of Sale Workshop

A quick note that my next Free Point of Sale Workshop is being held in Boise on September 16th at 2pm. We will be covering the following topics:

• Whats new in the POS world
• What to choose: a point of sale system that runs on a computer or on a mobile device
• How much do point of sale systems cost
• What to look for in a point of sale vendor
• EMV and what it means to you
• "Gotchas" related to support, merchant services, and more

Each attendee will also be able to complete a Return on Investment worksheet to help determine your point of sale budget.

All of this is accomplished in a vendor neutral environment.

Here is a link to more information as well as registration information:
https://business.idahosbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=40340053

This workshop normally runs around 90 minutes to 2 hours depending on how many questions folks have at the end of the workshop.

If you have questions or are interested in having me conduct this workshop at your event or for your organization, I can be reached using the contact form to the right, via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com or on my cell at 208.340.5632.

Quick Note on Travel and Speaking Engagements

Just a quick note that I have some point of sale related travel and speaking engagements coming up I'm pretty good about staying connected via email and cell should you need to reach me for some free advice or help related to point of sale systems and your business.  Contact form and contact information is to the right.