Updates on Microsoft RMS Store Operations, One Step Retail Solutions, NCR Silver, Big Hairy Dog, and Spark Systems Solutions

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.

A few updates for previous DirectPOS customers as well as all users of Microsoft RMS Store Operations and Store Operations HQ.

It appears that Spark Systems Solutions has delayed establishing an office presence in the Boise, ID and Spokane, WA area. They do have technicians working from home in each city so there is still full local support for current and future Micro's users (but no showroom to see the different types of systems).  I will pass along address information once I hear that they have established an office presence in Boise and Spokane. In the meantime, you can reach them via phone at (801) 486-2151 (also known as Cowans Restaurant Solutions - Salt Lake City, UT).

Ada Cash Register continues to provide sales, service, and programming for Samsung cash registers as well as supplies for cash registers and computer based point of sale systems. You can reach Ada Cash Register at 208-407-2202.

RITE has started their expansion westward and will be offering multiple retail point of sale systems in the states of ID, OR, WA, UT, MT, NV, and WY with a special focus on the Boise, ID, Spokane, WA and Salt Lake City, UT markets.

I've had a few calls and email about NCR Silver - especially since I was previously able to offer significantly discounted pricing for NCR Silver. As I am no longer able to offer the discounted pricing, you can contact NCR Silver directly at 877-630-9711 or visit http://ncrsilver.com/ for more information.

It appears that One Step Retail Solutions out of Phoenix, AZ is only interested in supporting NCR CounterPoint customers (based on calls and emails received). They will support RMS and RMS HQ customers - but for a fee.  Present Microsoft RMS, RMS HQ, and Microsoft POS 2007/2009 customers can contact Microsoft directly at 888-477-7877 for support (free, if you are current on your software maintenance) or to be referred to a different Microsoft RMS/POS/HQ partner.

Finally, things have been very quiet at Microsoft regarding the future plans for RMS/HQ/POS 2007/2009.  There are rumors that the software is being "abandoned" but no official word has been communicated (one way or the other) from Microsoft.  If you currently use any of the Microsoft point of sale products, then you may want to just start thinking about looking at a different solution like Retail Pro.  I know several single and multi-location retail stores that use Retail Pro. A good source for Retail Pro is Big Hairy Dog.

I've known Big Hairy Dog for 10+ years and they are committed to providing affordable point of sale solutions along with great customer service.  They are located in Sacramento, CA and can be reached at 800-377-7776. You can also go to their website at http://www.bighairydog.com/ (there is a history behind the funny name but they are a true 'survivor' as a retail point of sale solution provider).

Long post - I'll wrap things up by saying that I wish that One Step Retail Solutions and Spark System Solutions/Cowans Restaurant Solutions would have been more honest about their plans which would have made it easier to communicate to my former customer base.

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

Another Client in the News

I realize this really isn't news but it is really cool to see another one of my clients getting some great press.  Petersen's Clothing has a store in Boise, ID and Twin Falls, ID.  Both locations use the Microsoft RMS Store Operations point of sale system from DirectPOS.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2013/04/09/2526590/a-boom-in-missionary-shopping.html

 Since I am going to be on the road quite a but during April and May, the best way to reach me is on my cell phone at 208-340-5632.

Microsoft RMS Store Operations and Internet Explorer Version 10

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.

Just a quick note that Microsoft RMS Store Operations is not currently compatible with Internet Explorer Version 10. You will need to keep using version 9 of Internet Explorer until the next RMS service pack is released (no date has been announced yet on when this will happen).

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

Microsoft RMS NexGen

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.

Since I personally have nearly 500 customers using the Microsoft RMS Store Operations point of sale software (of which around 8 use RMS HQ as well), I have been really trying to stay on top of the new version of Microsoft RMS being released in late 2013 or early 2014.  The news has been somewhat muted but is still creating a lot of excitement since many folks have been waiting several years for a major revision to the Microsoft RMS Store Operations software.

There are still a lot of variables but here are some insights (subject to official word from Microsoft):

• Mobile (smart phone and tablets) solutions will be a part of RMS NexGen
• "Rules" will be used to provide consistency in the customer experience
• The product will still focus on the small and medium retail store market (basically stores with around $350,000 to $5,000,000 in annual gross sales per location)
• Integrated online shopping carts will be available

The other good news is that Microsoft has made it clear that they are still committed to the retail market. I'm sure that all of this is welcome news to the 30,000+ global users of Microsoft RMS Store Operations and somewhat un-welcomed news to the competition.

Note that free or low cost version upgrades will only be available to Microsoft RMS Store Operations users who are current on their software maintenance agreement so be sure to contact me or your Microsoft partner to see if you are current on maintenance.

I've worked with Microsoft RMS back to the time when the original program was QuickSell 2000 and QuickSell HQ (from Sales Management Systems).  It has been an interesting 14 years and it sounds like 2014 will be interesting as well.

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

Tuesday Retail Point of Sale Software Tip from DirectPOS

From time to time you may encounter an employee who you suspect may be skimming from the cash drawer or may not be giving accurate change.  While there are plenty of audit trails in point of sale software to help catch internal theft, another quick way to spot check an employees cashier ability is to perform a blind closeout.

You can find this option in the Microsoft RMS Store Operations form the cashier screen/point of sale screen under "F5" and then "Perform Blind Close Out" (there are other options as well). Here is what the screen looks like:

















                                                 NCR CounterPoint users can find the drawer count settings from the manager screen under "point of sale" then "count" and then "count drawer".  Here is what the screen looks like (this will vary depending on your own individual settings within NCR CounterPoint):

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

Reasons to Stay Current on Software Maintenance

About 90% of our customers stay current on software maintenance (the annual fee which entitles you to all the updates, patches, service packs, etc. that come out each year for your point of sale software program).  For the 10% that don't, and for those whose point of sale partner didn't remind them to stay current on software maintenance, here are three compelling reasons why you should be current:

1. PCI Compliance - The new standards for credit and debit card security have been in place for over a year now.  If you bought a system prior to 2011 and have not kept you software updated, you may not be PCI compliant (which can mean fines of $10,000 + the loss of your merchant account). Here is a link to more information on PCI Compliance: https://www.pcisecuritystandards.org/
2. Partial Authorizations - in the second half of 2011, it was also required that your system be able to handle partial authorizations for MasterCard branded gift cards. Partial authorizations allow the customer to automatically use the remaining balance on a card and then use another form of payment. For example, if the customer does not know how much is available on the card, it can be run for $100 but will come back authorized for only $80 if that is how much is available on the card.  Here is a link to more information: http://www.downtownboise.org/index.cfm/downtowngiftcardDelld520
3. EMV - new standards will be coming out again in the next 1-2 years related to how contact-less credit and debit cards are processed. Merchants will likely be required to meet these new standards or face higher credit and debit card processing fees.

In all three of these examples,  the point of sale software required updating. If you are current on your software maintenance then you would receive these updates. If you are not current on maintenance then you face the possibility of not meeting new requirements and facing possible fines or other issues.

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

Unhappy People

It's not unusual to get a call from someone who is unhappy with their current system and/or the place that they purchased their point of sale system from.  What is unusual is to get 5 calls in just a few days!  I though it would be helpful to pass along some advice if you are currently unhappy with your point of sale system and/or your point of sale dealer.

The most recent calls have been related to Retail Pro, POSitive POS, QuickBooks Point of Sale, and CounterPoint version 7.  Here is my advice when it comes to not being happy with your current point of sale system:

• Make sure that you understand your system and what it can or can't do (whether that be via training,  users manuals, or online videos.  Many point of sale systems have 'hidden' functions and features that you may not be aware of).
• Submit a request to the software manufacture - in some cases they may be planning to add a function or feature that you need.
• Deal with a point of sale partner/dealer that offers multiple point of sale systems - that way they will not try and force a generic system to work in your business.
• If you are truly unhappy, and your point of sale system is missing important functions/features, then reach out to a point of sale dealer with multiple system.  In most cases, your existing data (inventory information, customer information, and supplier/vendor information) can be transferred to a new point of sale system.  You may also be able to keep your existing computer equipment as well.

What if you are unhappy with your currently point of sale dealer/partner (I get a call about once a week or so from someone asking if I can help them since they are having problems or issues with their current point of sale dealer/partner).

• Don't ever feel that you are stuck!  Each point of sale software manufacture has a policy or procedure allowing you to switch to a different  dealer/partner.  You may have to fill out a basic form or send in a quick email but you can quickly 'fire' the company that you are currently working with and 'hire' a new one.  Be sure to contact your software manufacture directly so they can assist you.
• Should your situation include both the wrong solution and a less-than-helpful point of sale dealer/partner, contact me or another national point of sale dealer that offers multiple solutions. We can easily talk about specific options available to you.

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

Recording Customer Comments in Retail Point of Sale Software

Want to make a quick note about a customer? QuickBooks Point of Sale Pro, Microsoft RMS Store Operations, and NCR CounterPoint all have a place where you can record notes or comments about a customer. While this is not designed to be full blown CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software, it is a helpful way to keep internal notes about a customer or specific account. Here are some details and screen shots for each of the point of sale software programs:

QuickBooks Point of Sale Pro users can find the Customer Notes field only when editing customer information. The screen looks like this:

Microsoft Retail Management Systems (RMS) Store Operations users have more flexibility since the notes can be accessed any time that you are looking at customer properties (look for the “Additional” tab):

NCR CounterPoint users will find the customer notes window under the Zoom function when searching for customers:

 

Note that these fields are for general on-going notes about a customer or account. In a future Tuesday Tip, I will cover how to add notes or comments to a specific sale.

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