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.

 

What other Microsoft RMS/HQ Users are doing for RMS End of Life

NOTE: I am keeping this updated as we move through 2021 as best I can

As a wild 2020 quickly comes to a close, more and more retailers are contacting me for advice specific to the Microsoft Dynamics RMS / HQ point of sale software and the upcoming end of extended support dates.

Many of you have even paid my travel expenses so I could come onsite to advise/consult/meet in person!

A summery of retailers that I've had in person or phone conversations with broken down by whether HQ is being used or not.

Not Using HQ (approx 475 single location stores that I have spoken with):

• 132 of you have upgraded to Retail Management Hero or Cloud Retailer
• 50 of you have replaced RMS with a different POS system (NCR CounterPoint SQL, Bindo, ShopKeep, LightSpeed, LiquorPOS, Netsuite, Epicore, Vend, and Clover appear to be the most popular)
• 125 of you have moved to stand alone payment terminals and will stick with that for the next 2+ years
• 142 of you have put in Card Defender and will stick with that for the next 2+ years 
• The remaining retailers have put in other payment terminal solutions as provided by your merchant services company (eg. Shift 4) or have not communicated back to me what your plans are

Using HQ (approx 57 chains that I have met/spoken with over the last 24 months):

1. 3 location chain: staying on RMS for now - will start exploring options in late 2019
2. 4 location chain: staying on RMS for now but will replace by Oct 2019. Looking at ERP or POS with built in accounting
3. 8 location chain: still on RMS for now. Looking at options but nothing shared back to me.
4. 4 location chain: staying on RMS and no plans to replace at this time
5. 5 location chain: put in Card Defender. Will keep using RMS for another 2+ years
6. 3 location chain: replaced RMS/HQ with SalesPad as they use Dynamics GP for accounting
7. 18 location chain: started replacing RMS/HQ with Netsuite
8. 9 location chain: started replacing RMS/HQ with Netsuite
9. 50 location chain: replaced RMS and HQ with NCR CounterPoint 
10. 2 location chain: staying on RMS for another 2+ years
11. 38 location chain: staying on RMS for now - will evaluate replacement options in 2019 or 2020
12. 8 location chain: staying on RMS for now - will evaluate replacement options in 2019 or 2020
13. 5 location chain: staying on RMS for now - will evaluate replacement options in 2019 or 2020
14. 4 location chain: staying on RMS for now - will evaluate replacement options in 2019 or 2020
15. 14 location chain: staying on RMS for now - will evaluate replacement options in 2019 or 2020
16. 18 location chain: just starting to evaluate options as of late 2018
17. 3 location chain: staying on RMS for now - will evaluate replacement options in 2019 or 2020
18. 6 location chain: Put in Cloud Retailer with Card Defender at all locations.
19. 297 location franchise (technically not using HQ) - put in Card Defender, likely moving to Epicore in 2022.
20. 2 location chain: staying RMS for the time being - looking at Card Defender and updating some hardware
21. 3 location chain: Replacing RMS/HQ with Cloud Retailer and Card Defender
22. 7 location chain: staying on RMS/HQ for now but recently implemented Card Defender at all locations
23. 5 location chain: initiated process to start putting in Netsuite per a franchise agreement.
24. 16 location chain: just starting the process to look at RMS/HQ replacement options
25. 2 location chain: replaced RMS with Retail Management Hero
26. 2 location chain: moving to Cloud Retailer now for deployment in late summer 2019
27. 16 location chain: moving to Cloud Retailer now for deployment in late 2019
28. 34 location chain: exploring options like Cloud Retailer for deployment in 2019 or 2020
29. 18 location chain: exploring options via an RFI to replace RMS/HQ in late 2020
30. 8 location chain: put out an RFI in 1/2019 for RMS/HQ replacement options and still evaluating as of 8/2019.
31. 40 location chain in Oregon: just now starting to look at RMS replacement options - very interested in Retail Management Hero but see no replacement for HQ yet if using RMH and the Retail Management Hero discounts end April 2020.
32. 45 location chain in Illinois: just now starting to look at RMS replacement options - very interested in Retail Management Hero but see no replacement for HQ yet if using RMH and the Retail Management Hero discounts end April 2020.
33. 50 location chain in Ohio: Renewing their maintenance program for RMS/HQ support with RITE. Very honestly told me that there is nothing on the market that matches their size of retail operation that isn't super expensive. They are looking at the Cloud Retailer option as well.
34. 19 location chain in California: just starting their search for RMS replacement options.
35. 3 location chain in Texas: using the DRS Bike Interface for RMS - holding out for RMH Central to be released soon.
36. 5 location chain in Washington State: Moving from RMS/HQ to Cloud Retailer
37. 19 location chain in Washington State and Alaska: awaiting an appointment with me to discuss further.
38. 12 location chain in Oregon: testing out In Store POS in 3 locations as a potential RMS/HQ replacement
39. 2 location chain in California: just starting the search - expressed some interest in Cloud Retailer
40. 2 Location chain in Arkansas: just starting the search - looking at Cloud  Retailer and RMH for now.
41. 4 location chain in South Dakota: just starting to look at RMS replacement options
42. 5 location chain in Alaska: replaced RMS/HQ with Celerant
43. 7 location chain in Canada: looking at options now
44. 4 location chain in AZ: looking at options like Cloud Retailer now
45. 39 location chain across the US: replaced RMS/HQ with RMH and RMH Central (and hate it - see their review here: https://www.softwareadvice.com/retail/retail-management-hero-profile/
46. 3 location chain in the NE US: Didn't know that RMS was End of Life - not sure what they will be doing
47. 2 location chain in Alaska: hanging on to RMS and HQ for the time being due to negative reviews of RMH Central
48. 2 location chain in Alaska: starting the search for an RMS replacement to put in late 2020. Is looking at Cloud Retailer.
49. 18 location chain in South Dakota: elected to replace RMS/HQ with Cloud Retailer
50. 22 location chain in Oregon:  Replacing RMS/HQ with Cloud Retailer 
51. 29 location chain in the southeast US: replacing RMS/HQ with RMH/RMH Central
    

I have 5 other chains (with 3 to 5 stores each) that I've spoken with but have not been keeping me updated on their plans.

(Disclaimer: Microsoft RMS will not magically stop working come July of 2020 or July of 2021 but it will become more difficult to support over time as technology changes. I will continue to support RMS past July 2021 but this will not be indefinite).

RMS Issues/Motivation to Change

1. End of support for Windows 7
2. End of support for Microsoft RMS
3. Pressure / additional fees from merchant services provider for using an outdated POS system
4. End of Retail Management Hero (RMH) licence discounts for Microsoft RMS users
5. Lack of peripheral hardware support
6. Not able to re-activate license keys
7. Fee's being charged by merchant services provider for using "retired" POS software
8. Fee's being charged by merchant services provider for not paying RMS maintenance ("BRAP")
9. Various integrations no longer working
10. Issues with Windows 10
11. Current Microsoft RMS Partner/VAR/Dealer/Reseller ending support for RMS and HQ.

Footnote on RMS Add-ons:

Some of you rely on various RMS add-on's like PoolCorp, ShipRush or the bike store and service modules from DRS for RMS. At this time, you can't move away from RMS without losing these add-on's. Initial indications are that many of these add-on's will work with some of the RMS replacement programs as we get closer to 2020 and 2021 (subject to change of course).

If you would like to have an in-person or phone conversation about the future of the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software and advice specific to your retail business, please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com.

Please do share this post/site with other retailers who are using RMS / HQ as well.

What other Microsoft RMS/HQ Users are doing for RMS End of Life

NOTE: I am keeping this updated as we move through 2019 instead of creating a whole new blog post.

As 2018 quickly comes to a close, more and more retailers are contacting me for advice specific to the Microsoft Dynamics RMS / HQ point of sale software and the upcoming end of extended support dates.

7 of you have even paid my travel expenses in 2018 so I could come onsite to advise/consult/meet in person!

A summery of retailers that I've had in person or phone conversations with broken down by whether HQ is being used or not.

Not Using HQ (approx 400 439 single location stores that I have spoken with):

• 106 of you have upgraded to Retail Management Hero or Cloud Retailer
• 46 of you have replaced RMS with a different POS system (NCR CounterPoint SQL, Bindo, ShopKeep, LightSpeed, QuickBooks POS, and Clover appear to be the most popular)
• 120 of you have moved to stand alone payment terminals and will stick with that for the next 2+ years
• 120 132 of you have put in Card Defender and will stick with that for the next 2+ years 
• The remaining retailers have put in other payment terminal solutions as provided by your merchant services company (eg. Shift 4) or have not communicated back to me what your plans are

Using HQ (approx 38 chains that I have met/spoken with over the last 24 months):

1. 3 location chain: staying on RMS for now - will start exploring options in 2019
2. 4 location chain: staying on RMS for now but will replace by Oct 2019. Looking at ERP or POS with built in accounting
3. 8 location chain: still on RMS for now. Looking at options but nothing shared back to me.
4. 4 location chain: staying on RMS and no plans to replace at this time
5. 5 location chain: put in Card Defender. Will keep using RMS for another 2+ years
6. 3 location chain: replaced RMS/HQ with SalesPad as they use Dynamics GP for accounting
7. 18 location chain: started replacing RMS/HQ with Netsuite
8. 9 location chain: started replacing RMS/HQ with Netsuite
9. 50 location chain: replaced RMS and HQ with NCR CounterPoint - project has been halted for various reasons and they are now searching again for RMS replacement options
10. 2 location chain: staying on RMS for another 2+ years
11. 38 location chain: staying on RMS for now - will evaluate replacement options in 2019 or 2020
12. 8 location chain: staying on RMS for now - will evaluate replacement options in 2019 or 2020
13. 5 location chain: staying on RMS for now - will evaluate replacement options in 2019 or 2020
14. 4 location chain: staying on RMS for now - will evaluate replacement options in 2019 or 2020
15. 14 location chain: staying on RMS for now - will evaluate replacement options in 2019 or 2020
16. 18 location chain: just starting to evaluate options as of late 2018
17. 3 location chain: staying on RMS for now - will evaluate replacement options in 2019 or 2020
18. 6 location chain: staying on RMS for now - will evaluate replacement options in 2019 or 2020 Put in Cloud Retailer with Card Defender at all locations.
19. 297 location franchise (technically not using HQ) - put in Card Defender, likely moving to Epicore in 2020
20. 2 location chain: staying RMS for the time being - looking at Card Defender and updating some hardware
21. 3 location chain: Replacing RMS/HQ with Cloud Retailer and Card Defender
22. 7 location chain: staying on RMS/HQ for now but recently implemented Card Defender at all locations
23. 5 location chain: initiated process to start putting in Netsuite per a franchise agreement.
24. 16 location chain: just starting the process to look at RMS/HQ replacement options
25. 2 location chain: replaced RMS with Retail Management Hero
26. 2 location chain: putting in Cloud Retailer now for deployment in late 2019
27. 16 location chain: putting in Cloud Retailer now for deployment in late 2019
28. 34 location chain: exploring options like Cloud Retailer for deployment in 2019 or 2020
29. 18 location chain: exploring options via an RFI to replace RMS/HQ in late 2020
30. 8 location chain: put out an RFI in 1/2019 for RMS/HQ replacement options and still evaluating as of 6/2019.
31. 40 location chain in Oregon: just now starting to look at RMS replacement options - very interested in Retail Management Hero but see no replacement for HQ yet and the Retail Management Hero discounts end April 2020.
32. 45 location chain in Illinois: just now starting to look at RMS replacement options - very interested in Retail Management Hero but see no replacement for HQ yet and the Retail Management Hero discounts end April 2020.
33. 34 location chain in Ohio: Renewing their maintenance program for RMS/HQ support with RITE. Very honestly told me that there is nothing on the market that matches their size of retail operation that isn't super expensive. They are looking at the Cloud Retailer option as well.
34. 19 location chain in California: just starting their search for RMS replacement options.

I have 5 other chains (with 3 to 5 stores each) that I've spoken with but have not been keeping me updated on their plans.

(Disclaimer: Microsoft RMS will not magically stop working come July of 2020 or July of 2021 but it will become more difficult to support over time as technology changes. We have 11 support techs and will keep supporting RMS/HQ as along as feasibly possible)

RMS Issues/Motivation to Change

1. End of support for Windows 7
2. End of support for Microsoft RMS
3. Pressure / additional fees from merchant services provider for using an outdated POS system
4. End of Retail Management Hero (RMH) licence discounts for Microsoft RMS users
5. Lack of peripheral hardware support

Footnote on RMS Add-ons:

Some of you rely on various RMS add-on's like PoolCorp, ShipRush or the bike store and service modules from DRS for RMS. At this time, you can't move away from RMS without losing these add-on's. Initial indications are that many of these add-on's will work with some of the RMS replacement programs as we get closer to 2021 (subject to change of course).

If you would like to have an in-person or phone conversation about the future of the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software and advice specific to your retail business, please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com.

Please do share this post/site with other retailers who are using RMS / HQ as well.

Active Microsoft Dynamics RMS / HQ Forum

I wanted to provide a quick link to one of the few remaining active Microsoft Dynamics RMS / HQ user forums:

https://community.dynamics.com/rms/

If anyone else has other forums that RMS / HQ users should know about, please let me know by commenting or contacting me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com

Microsoft Dynamics RMS and HQ Support for 2021 and Beyond

The calls have started coming in from retailers regarding Microsoft Dynamics RMS Partners setting cut-off dates for ending support on the Microsoft Dynamics RMS and HQ point of sale software programs earlier than the official Microsoft end dates of July 2020 and July 2021.

If you wish to keep using Microsoft RMS and are in need of a new Microsoft Dynamics RMS Partner, then RITE is ready to help! Some reasons to consider RITE:

• 24/7 support
• One of the largest Microsoft Dynamics RMS and HQ Partners in the US
• Team of support technicians
• Many of us have worked with RMS and HQ back to the days when it was QuickSell 2000 and QuickSell HQ from SMS in California
• RITE has written numerous plug-ins and add-ons for RMS over the years
• Discounted support packages are available which can lower the hourly rate for RMS support to under $100/hour
• Card Defender EMV/Chip Card system for Microsoft RMS, HQ, Retail Management Hero, and Cloud Retailer
• Significant discounts for RMS users wanting to migrate to Retail Management Hero or Cloud Retailer
• Commitment to support the Microsoft Dynamics RMS and HQ user base

I have a bunch of resources that I can send you but the first step is a quick discussion over the phone to see what you may need and how RITE can help. You can reach me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 for more information. If you would prefer to contact me via RITE, then use kevina@rite.us or 208-994-9404.

Microsoft Dynamics Users - Check CustomerSource ASAP

Are you a Microsoft Dynamics customer? Are you paying an annual amount for software maintenance? Then you need to be logging in to CustomerSource at least annually to ensure that your annual software maintenance agreement (sometimes referred to as "BRAP") is being renewed with Microsoft.

This is to ensure that your payment is being processed correctly and also keeps your Dynamics Partner in check. I'm not going to comment further other than to say that errors can happen but I'm also a former retailer myself and intentional miss-use of funds paid by a retailer to a Dynamics Partner specifically for software maintenance renewals is not cool or ethical (or legal).

If you require assistance, please contact Microsoft at 888-477-7877.

If you are a Dynamics RMS/HQ, POS 2007, POS 2009, or POS 2.0 user, I may be able to assist you as well - I can be reached at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com.

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 Microsoft Dynamics RMS Users are Doing: 2017 Edition

***Video did not render correctly - yet another problem with my Surface Pro 4***

I will attempt to edit and re-upload  but the video is watchable - just the right side content is cutoff.

I'm in the midst of travel visiting retailers using the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software to advise what, if anything, they need to do between now and July 2021. The options are fairly clear cut between Card Defender, Cloud Retailer, Retail Management Hero, Retailer Realm Essentials, Microsoft Dynamics AX and Microsoft Dynamics 365 which are all covered briefly in this video:

If your store or chain is using RMS, I'm happy to consult with you on options (both short and long term). I can be reached at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632

Updates on Retail Management Hero

Some updates related to the Retail Management Hero (RMH) retail point of sale software. As a reminder, RMH is a direct low cost replacement for Microsoft Dynamics RMS as well as some of the other Microsoft Dynamics POS products like POS 2.0 and POS 2007/2009.

RMH Central - New headquarters module to replace RMS HQ:

• Rejoice!  No longer cloud based!!!  Just like RMS HQ, RMH Central will be a locally deployed solution
• Direct replacement for RMS HQ
• Keep all historical data
• Same pricing structure as HQ
• Better security and faster processes
• Ready for deployment Q4 2017

RMH Updates:

• Loyalty Module now included - based on the popular Hero Points add-on for RMS
• 3 types of point collections
• 7 types of point redemption
• On premise (nice - not cloud based)
• Various accelerators to promote faster point collection
• QuickBooks integration (Q2 2017)
• 3 e-commerce options
• Weights and Measure certification and support (Q2 2017)
• Additional payment processor support (varies by locale)

We are a fully certified RMH Partner (as well as a Microsoft Dynamics Partner) so I will list my work contact information in this post to obtain more information: 208-994-9404 or kevina@rite.us

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

Microsoft Dynamics RMS, POS 2009, and HQ: License Swap and Discounts

As we approach next weeks official release of the new Retail Management Hero point of sale software, I expect that a lot of Microsoft Dynamics RMS, POS 2007, POS 2009, and HQ users will be looking at possible upgrade options.

Here is a reminder of the various license swap or discounted license options available to you (restrictions apply - contact me for details):

• Free 1 for 1 license swap for Retail Realm Essentials
• Free 1 for 1 license swap for Retail Management Hero
• $200/license upgrade to Retail Management Hero
• 20% Discount off NCR CounterPoint Licenses 
• Free data transfer for RMS to NCR CounterPoint migrations

Again, there are multiple restrictions that apply depending on your specific situation and not all point of sale partners/dealers/VAR's are participating so please contact for more information.

How to Reach Me:

1. Contact form to the right
2. Email: kevinantosh@gmail.com
3. Cell: 208-340-5632

A reminder that I am on mountain time.

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.

Big Discount and Incentive for Microsoft Dynamics RMS Users

Wow, so I have been made aware of a special offer from a national NCR CounterPoint SQL point of sale partner. As you know, many Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software users are looking at different point of sale options due to the upcoming EMV liability shift date as well as the end of life status with RMS (sales of RMS to new customers and mainstream support for RMS and HQ end July of 2016).

The offer is a 20% discount on licensing costs as well as a free transfer of your inventory, customer, and vendor data.  This is a very large potential cost savings - especially as the majority of the 725 stores using RMS (and HQ) that have contacted me for advice have indicated that they plan on switching away from RMS sooner than later.

Please contact me for more information and I'm also happy to share my personal experiences having helped a few stores upgrade from RMS to NCR CounterPoint back when I was selling and supporting a large variety of point of sale systems for retail stores, restaurants. and museums.

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.

NCR CounterPoint SQL as an Upgrade or Replacement for Microsoft Dynamics RMS

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.

April 3rd, 2016, new video review/overview of the NCR CounterPoint SQL point of sale software: http://retailpospondering.blogspot.com/2016/04/updated-review-of-ncr-counterpoint-sql.html

With the EMV Liability Shift Deadline looming as well as the "end of life" status form Microsoft Dynamics RMS and HQ, I wanted to revisit NCR CounterPoint SQL as a logical upgrade from RMS.

I've had direct experience in the past with retail stores and museums replacing RMS with NCR CounterPoint and overall the experience has been positive. It is easy to transfer the data from RMS to NCR CounterPoint SQL and users appreciated the additional features and functions that NCR CounterPoint SQL offers. The user interface for NCR CounterPoint SQL is very different from the user interface in RMS but is also more customizable.

As NCR CounterPoint SQL offers a lot more than RMS, dedicated training sessions are a "must have" as is allowing for time to transition to a new point of sale system. Another bonus is that NCR CounterPoint SQL works with most of the same peripherals (barcode scanners, cash drawers, etc) as Microsoft Dynamics RMS.  NCR CounterPoint SQL is also much better suited for multi-location environments that using Microsoft Dynamics HQ.

About the only complaints that I heard from businesses and organizations who upgraded to NCR CounterPoint SQL from Microsoft Dynamics RMS is that the reporting in NCR CounterPoint SQL is not as robust as the reporting in Microsoft Dynamics RMS. In most cases this was overcome by writing custom reports using Crystal Reports.

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.

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.

Microsoft Dynamics RMS and HQ Buying Group

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.

Update July 5th, 2015:  I've now had 731 stores using RMS contact me and, while the "RMS buying group" sounds great, it is proving to be too cumbersome to coordinate.  What I have done instead is work out some discounts for RMS users with various point of sale program that have already proven to be popular replacements for RMS and HQ. Visit my contact page for information on how to reach me for more details and to see how I can direct you to the best resources.

I wanted to pass along this idea: since I'm now in contact with over 720 stores in the United States that currently use the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software (with around 17 also using HQ), would it be good for all of you to connect with each other?

Based on my records, none of you are in competition with each other but all of you are seriously considering replacing RMS/HQ with a different point of sale solution. 720 stores approaching a vendor who can offer a solution to replace RMS/HQ would mean huge buying power (think along the lines of the buying groups that many of you are members of). While its likely that one point of sale program will not meet everyone's needs, the potential for cost savings is huge even if some of you go with one solution and others choose a different solution.

If you have any questions, comments, suggestions or want to get on the "list" - please get in touch with me using the contact form to the right, via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com, or on my cell at 208-340-5632.

New Option for RMS/HQ Users - Retail Management Hero

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

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

Wanted to let all of you using the  Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software more about the new Retail Management Hero point of sale software that will be available in late 2015 or early 2016. Please keep in mind that all the information is subject to change as the software is still in development mode.

Retail Management Hero (RMH) is being developed as a solution for single location RMS users and smaller chains using HQ that don't have the size or budget to migrate to Retail Realm Essentials. RMH could truly be considered RMS version 3 as the core database will remain the nearly the same but the user interface will be completely updated and new features will be added.

This is great for RMS users as the plan is that you can transfer your data (inventory, customers, etc) from RMS to RMH.  Even better is that the current plan is to offer free licenses of RMH to RMS users who are current on their software maintenance. Users who have opted not to stay current on their software maintenance will be able to purchase licenses of RMH.

About the only bummer in all of this (for RMS users) is that it appears that RMH will not be available in time to meet the October 1st, 2015 EMV Liability Shift Date in the US. This means that RMS users still need to make arrangements related to EMV along with the associated hardware and software costs.

You can always contact me with any questions related to RMH, RMS or point of sale in general. All advice is free and unbiased (up to 1 hour of my time).

I'm working on getting some screen caps and more details related to RMH and will post more information as it becomes available as I personally know about 700 stores in the US using RMS of which around 15 also use HQ.

Based on the interest from end users as well as Microsoft Partners it looks like the folks at Retail Hero have a goldmine on their hands!  Now they just need to get the software ready for deployment.

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

A Little More Information on Retail Realm Essentials - Powered by Microsoft

A note of thanks to the folks at Retail Realm for letting me know that some new content has been added to their website specific to the new Retail Realm Essentials - Powered by Microsoft Dynamics (RRE)  point of sale program.

Retail Realm has assured me that they will pass along more details as they become available - I know many of you are waiting on license cost information as well as any information related to possible license swap options for businesses currently using the Microsoft Dynamics RMS and HQ point of sale programs.

Here is a link to RRE website: http://www.rrdisti.com/products/retail-realm-essentials

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.