New Look for NCR CounterPoint SQL

As many of you know, I worked heavily with the NCR CounterPoint retail point of sale software for several years. The good folks at Retail Control Systems have uploaded a video showing what the new user interface looks like in NCR CounterPoint which can be found here.

Having personally worked on around 30 CounterPoint deployments, along with my interactions with NCR CounterPoint users, the CounterPoint team in Georgia and CounterPoint Partners/Dealers/VAR's, I've found that NCR CounterPoint is a great POS system for retailers with chains of 3+ locations who are high volume and have high technology needs or have special requirements like the Goodwill thrift store version of NCR CounterPoint.

Questions? 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 RMS User are Doing - Chain/Franchise Version

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

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

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

Here is what they do not have in common:

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

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

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

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

Updates on the Most Current Version of Retail Management Hero

Thanks to Retail Realm for providing this update related to the Retail Management Hero software! Below are some updates related to the Retail Management Hero (RMH) point of sale software which is a direct replacement for Microsoft Dynamics RMS as well as a great point of sale software product for single location retailers. You can reach me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com for more information about RMH or RMS. 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

RMH 3.1 Now Available! We're excited to announce that Retail Management Hero (RMH) 3.1.0 is now available for download and purchase. This new release provides a number of exciting new features, multiple bugs fixes, and numerous improvements. Highlights include: New Features: Gift Vouchers Loyalty POS Profiles Role Based Access Security New Integrated Payment Processors  Fixes and Improvements: Multiple bugs fixes and stability improvements Custom POS Buttons Management Improved Receipt Management Import of Purchase Orders from Microsoft RMS to RMH Transaction Item: Item Messages Built-in Browser Improvements Receipt Journal: Reprint a transaction using a different template View Receipt from the Customer History Add BIN location to Item Properties Cancel Work Order functionality Customer Search: Search by company Download: Retail Management Hero Partner and Customer Portal. If you are an End User and/or Retailer, contact your software Vendor or contact sales@rrdisti.com.  New feature training docs are published at www.rmhpos.com/resources in the Training Materials section.  Visit the website at www.rmhpos.com and then sign up / login. For questions or issues regarding the website, email marketing@rrdisti.com.  NOTE for ISVs: The 3.1.0 POS SDK version is linked to the corresponding RMH release version and must be used when developing apps and extensions for RMH 3.1.0. You can download this SDK from the RMH POS SDK Link in the Portal. Also, please note that this SDK is also included in the full distribution of the Retail Management Hero v 3.1.0 product and can be found under the RMH POS\RMH POS SDK folder. RMH 6-Month Product Update Webinar  The past 6 months have seen a lot of companies becoming trained and certified in RMH as well as Microsoft RMS users and retailers implementing the RMH solution into their business. This webinar will give you the latest product news, version updates, added features and functionality, marketing and sales news, implementation stories, etc. It will end with a Q&A. RMH 6-Month Product Update Thursday, Jan. 12th, 2017 9 am PST Retail Management Hero was co-developed by Retail Hero and Retail Realm. About Retail Hero: Retail Hero is a company well-known to the Microsoft Dynamics RMS partners and customers because of its value-added plugins and add-ons such as customer loyalty programs, various utilities and "RMS Lite" point-of-sale program. www.retailhero.com   About Retail Realm: Retail Realm is a multinational company specializing in creating and managing a portfolio of vertical business software solutions that are marketed worldwide through a community of resellers. www.rrdisti.com

Things Missing from Retail Management Hero

As I have delved deeper in to the new version of the Microsoft RMS point of sale software - now re-branded under the new Retail Management Hero (RMH) name - I have come across some things presently missing from RMH that RMS could do.  Some of these missing features/functions may be in future releases of RMH or available as add-on's:

• No accounting G/L interface (this is planned for future released - now included as of Q1 2017)
• No timeclock function (will be available for free via a specific RMH Partner by Q4 2016)*
• No macro's or assignable hot-keys (no macros at all - custom buttons will be available shortly)
• Gift Card sale, tracking, and redemption appears to be incomplete (now included as of Q1 2017)
• No in-program help screen option 
• Detail of security settings has changed to role based security - still very detailed but not as extreme as what RMS offered in the "security mode"
• Very limited choices for internal credit and debit card processing. This will be expanded via a specific RMH Partner by Q3 of 2017.*

*Means that you will likely have to purchase your RMH point of sale system from the vendor to receive these features or pay more if not buying RMH from this vendor. Expect more details by October 2016.

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

I'll keep updating the list as I uncover anything else. You can always contact me for no-cost retail point of sale advice at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com.

Real World RMS to RMH Upgrade Costs

Now that I have had the opportunity to provide specific proposals for retailers wanting to upgrade from the Microsoft RMS point of sale software to the new Retail Management Hero point of sale software (RMS version 3), I'm quite pleased to pass along that the costs are very realistic compared to having to purchase a new point of sale system.

Factoring in the discounts that I have been offering, a typical retail store is only spending around $2,000 to $5,000 on the upgrade. The variables related to how many computers are using RMS in a selling capacity and whether or not any of the hardware needs to be replaced.

Not bad compared to spending $8,000 to $12,000 on a new POS system or going with a subscription based point of sale system that has $1,500 to $3,000 in upfront hardware costs and $4,740 to $10,740 in subscription fees over the course of 5 years (plus you don't get to keep all of your historical data with these options).

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

Want to learn more? In the US and in need of no cost retail point of sale advice? I can be reached using the contact form to the right, on my cell phone at 208-340-5632 or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com.

New Version of RMS/Retail Management Hero Demo and Overview

So excited for Microsoft RMS users as well as retailers in general as the new Retail Management Hero (RMH)  point of sale software is here!  While the name is slightly different, I can really see why RMH could be labeled as version 3 of Microsoft Dynamics RMS.

There are multiple reasons why RMS users and retailers should take a serious look at RMH.  From an RMS users perspective you have the following:

1. No need to start from scratch for training 
2. Low cost upgrade licenses $215 to $465/computer depending on your software maintenance 
3. Keep nearly all of your historical data (sales, customers, etc)
4. Works with Windows 10 - eliminate the issues with RMS and Windows 10
5. Use your existing peripherals (cash drawer, receipt printer etc) or start fresh with new hardware

For Retailers in General, RMH offers the following:

1. Proven database platform
2. Potential existing user based of 40,000+ stores
3. Overall costs are 20% - 30%  than similar point of sale systems like NCR CounterPoint and Retail Pro
4. Solid solution for retailers who need more that what the tablet POS systems can offer (Clover, Vend. Shopkeep, Lava, Silver, Bindo, etc) but don't have the sales volume to justify investing in NCR CounterPoint, Retail Pro, or Dynamics AX

My advice to RMS users is that you get in touch with myself or your existing Dynamics RMS Partner to take a look at your various options and chart a course for the next 60-90 days.  Each situation is different but the good news is that everyone has multiple options.

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

You can reach me on my cell at 208-340-5632 or via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com.  I'm presently only able to provide service, sales, and support to retailers in the United States at this time.

Oh yeah, here is the video:

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.

What Microsoft Dynamics RMS Users are Doing

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

Update July 2016, Retail Management Hero (RMS version 3.X) 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

Update August 9th, 2015. I have now talked to over 740 stores using RMS. Since the upcoming October 1st 2015 EMV Liability Shift date is a big concern in conjunction with the 'end of life' status for RMS, here is blog post and video specific to the different EMV options for RMS users: http://retailpospondering.blogspot.com/2015/06/options-for-microsoft-dynamics-rms-and.html

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

I have another post (April 2015)  related to what RMS users are actually doing which can be found here.

As we know, Microsoft announced in May 2014 that the end of sales to new customers and mainstream support for Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management Store Operations (RMS) will be July of 2016.  That may seem far away but we have a more pressing issue related to whether RMS will be updated to support EMV hardware by October 2015 which is the deadline for EMV in the US.  Because of this, many RMS users have already started to look at various options to replace RMS with a different solution.

Based on conversations with a lot of RMS users - including businesses and organizations with multiple locations using HQ - this is what I advise (this is also what folks have told me they are doing as well so it is great to obtain so much 'real world' feedback):

Single Location RMS Users:

• Taking a 'wait and see' approach if everything is running fine
• Actively searching for an RMS replacement if the system is not currently running or is old enough that the system needs to be replaced anyway

My recommendation to  single location users would be to at least think about replacing your RMS point of sale system. The biggest concern is that you may have to start using a separate credit and debit card terminal which opens the door to user error and also creates extra work since you have to reconcile two different close out reports each day.

RMS Users with HQ and/or Multiple Locations

• Many of you have already started the process of searching for something to replace RMS/HQ
• Some of you have started the process to switch to a mobile point of sale system to reduce up front costs while others want to stay with a more traditional computer-based point of sale system that may allow you to utilize your current computers and peripherals
• Writing your own internal point of sale solution (but several of you have contacted me as your internal system may not be ready for deployment by October of 2015 so you are also searching for short or long term solutions)

My recommendation to RMS users with multiple location and/or are using HQ is that you truly need to start looking now. The complexity of replacing a system for 5-500 stores requires some fairly extensive planning and you can't be left 'behind the curve'. Planning just means that have you have some options ready in case RMS is not EMV 'friendly' come October of next year.

Negative Sentiment towards Microsoft

Many of you have also stated your disappointment with the lack of communication from Microsoft as well as the lack of clear information on  good RMS/HQ replacements from Microsoft. Dynamics AX POS as well as Retail Essentials are marketed as possible replacements but folks seem to be 'fed up' with Microsoft and not interested in either of these solutions (or really anything from Microsoft at this point).

Discounts for RMS and RMS HQ Users
There are some reputable point of sale companies offering various discounts for RMS and HQ users. In most cases your existing customer, vendor/supplies, and inventory information can be transferred from RMS to a new POS system.

If you are curious about the discounts  you can reach me using the contact form to the right, via email at kevinantosh@gmail.com, or on my cell at 208.340.5632.  I will be doing my best to stay on top of the RMS/HQ situation and will share advice and real world experience as information becomes available to me.

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.

Discounts and Promotions for Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management Systems (RMS) Users

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

Hello to the 40,000+ users of the Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management Systems (RMS)   Through some careful conversations, I have been able to obtain commitments from several trusted and established point of sale companies offering some very significant discounts on point of sale software and hardware.  These discounts and various promotions apply if:

• Your business is in the United States
• You are currently using the RMS point of sale program in your business
• You are:
• Looking to upgrade or refresh RMS
• Looking to replace RMS with a similar point of sale solutions
• Looking to replace RMS with a completely different point of sale solution 

To give you an idea - these promotions and discounts are worth anywhere from $1500 to $5000 depending on what you need in terms of software, hardware, and labor.

Best advice is to contact me and we can chat more. As always, my advice is completely free. These discounts and promotions will end at some point.  You can use the "contact me" form to the right, email me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or reach me on my cell at 208.340.5632.

Microsoft RMS Store Operations and RMS NextGen (or NexGen)

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 13.June.2015: A quick note that I have been receiving multiple calls and emails from Microsoft Dynamics RMS users looking to replace RMS due to the upcoming October 1st, 2015 EMV liability shift deadline as well as the "end of life" status for Dynamics RMS and HQ. I have personal experience with RMS users upgrading to NCR CounterPoint and would be happy to share - just visit my contact page for information on how to reach me. I can also put you in touch with a trusted NCR CounterPoint SQL partner.

More current advice for options available to Microsoft Dynamics RMS and HQ users can be found here and here.

As you know, I have worked heavily with the Microsoft RMS Store Operations and HQ program over the last decade (and with QuickSell 2000 & QuickSell Commerce before that).  I was hoping that Microsoft would be ready to share information about the future of RMS and the new version due out later this year currently known as RMS NextGen (or RMS NexGen) at RSPA last week.

Unfortunately, no new information was made available. Given that the current version of RMS doesn't support the upcoming EMV and MasterCard unique terminal ID requirements, this is a bit concerning.  I have been advising my client base to start thinking about the following options:

1. If they are not current on the annual software maintenance to look at renewing and becoming current on software maintenance OR looking at switching to a different point of sale system with a clearer future (we can transfer the data from one system to another in most cases).  
2. If they are current on software maintenance, to hold tight until October of this year when (hopefully) Microsoft will release a "Statement of Direction" related to RMS.  At that point we can then see if it makes sense to continue using RMS or look at other options.

I will continue to pass along information on RMS and RMS HQ as soon as Microsoft makes the information available to their Dynamics Partners.

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.

Upcoming Updates to NCR CounterPoint Mobile (CP Mobile)

Some information to pass along from NCR related to the next release of NCR CounterPoint Mobile (CP Mobile):

Upcoming NCR Counterpoint Mobile Releases

We’re expecting our next version of NCR Counterpoint Mobile to be released in the next four to five weeks, and to contain the following: IOS7 Support.   We expect IOS7 to be released in roughly the next month– we’ve been working with developer versions and want to make sure when it is released that we’re ready for it in advance. Support fixes related to NCR Counterpoint servers running WinXP variants and other crashes based on our diagnostic data collected from the field. Ongoing: We are currently working in development with the Linea Pro 5 sled that supports the Lightning connector for iPhone 5 and iPod Touch 5.  It does require a new SDK from Infinite Peripherals, which has not been released and does not have an ETA.   When the SDK is released, we will ensure it works properly for NCR Counterpoint Mobile and include support for it in a subsequent release. 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.

NCR Silver Updates

Some information to pass along related to NCR Silver.  Keep in mind that you must sign up for NCR Silver through a NCR Partner (like me) in order to qualify for the discounted pricing.

New Countertop Receipt Printer

As of today, all orders will now be fulfilled with a new Countertop Receipt Printer. The new printer uses Bluetooth technology or an ethernet cable rather than wireless connectivity, and the wifi adapter will no longer be needed for this printer.

NCR Silver Version 2.2

The 2.2 release came out on Monday, July 29th. Included with this release is new, updated back office dashboards, improved reporting and enhanced online help. Click on any of these features to see the details of the updates: daily snapshot, customers tracking, consolidated dashboards, and reporting.

REMINDER: Compatible Apple Products

NCR Silver runs on Apple® iOS 5.0 & 6.0 devices. The NCR Credit Card Reader supports the iPad® 2, iPhone® 4, iPhone 4S, or iPod touch® 4th generation. These devices have the 30-pin connector. At this time, the NCR Silver app will run on the iPhone 5, iPad with Retina display (3rd generation) and iPad mini, but the NCR Credit Card Reader is not compatible with these devices. 

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.