Microsoft Dynamics RMS and Retail Management Hero Differences - Merchant Services

OK - not one of my more exciting videos but there are some key differences in how Microsoft Dynamics RMS and Retail Management Hero (RMH) handle credit card processing. The video highlights the differences and also touches on how Card Defender applies to both RMS and RMH.

You can always contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 with questions related to RMS, RMH and/or Card Defender.

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.

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

MasterCard May 1st 2017 Mandate for New Numbers - Will RMS Process the New Cards?

As retailers report receiving more letters and emails from WorldPay, Heartland and other merchant services companies related to the MasterCard 2 Series Bank Identification Number (BIN) Mandate, the biggest question is "will I be able to accept and process the new cards if I am using the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software?"

A quick reminder that this mandate goes in to effect on May 1st, 2017. Not being able to accept and process the new number sequence on these MasterCard credit cards means fines of up to $20,000 per the letters and emails that have been shared with us.

As for the question, the short answer is "yes, but...". We've done some testing and RMS appears to handle the new card numbers. However, there are quite a few variables at play related to the version of RMS being used and any add-ons being used with RMS.

There is also the reality that new payment processing requirements are being introduced on a fairly regular basis and RMS is not being updated to accommodate these requirements. A better solution is looking at Card Defender which integrates with RMS but assumes all the payment processing liability using the latest in payment processing terminals as well as being updatable to meet or exceed present as well as future payment processing requirements.

Because of the variables involved, as well as future payment processing requirements, the best answer to the question is "Yes, but please contact RITE at 888-267-7483 or sales@rite.us in order to discuss your specific situation and look at the best course of action".

More In Depth Retail Management Hero Overview

A slightly more in depth review of the Retail Management Hero retail point of sale software. A great solution not only as a low cost upgrade for Microsoft RMS/POS/POS 2009 software users, but also for retailers searching for an affordable and flexible point of sale system.

Tough to cover everything without making the video too boring so please contact me directly at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com for a more personalized demo.

2016 Retail Realm Partner & User Conference

The 2016 Retail Realm Partner and User Conference is wrapping up. I wanted to pass along some news as this conference relates to the majority of the retailers that I work with as they mainly use the Microsoft RMS point of sale software in their stores.

I'll update this post as I come across news that would be of interest.

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

Enhancements for the Microsoft Dynamics RMS Point of Sale Software

Wow - so I've taken the time to review a lot of the various add-ons for the Microsoft Dynamics point of sale software and will be sharing more information on each add-on over the next couple of weeks. The idea is that these add-ons enhance RMS and many will be upgraded to work with Retail Management Hero as well (Retail Management Hero is the new version of RMS - contact me for verification on options and portability)

Here are the different modules:

• Card Defender: EMV hardware and software for RMS
• Age Verification: Verify customers age and read/scan/swipe state issued ID's
• Advanced Purchase Order: Enhanced data for creating purchase orders
• Biometrics/Fingerprint Reader: Use a fingerprint reader for log-in
• Coin Dispenser: Use coin dispensers with RMS for change delivery
• Enhanced Z Report: Get more detail in your daily Z report
• Delivery Module: Use RMS in your retail business that offers deliver services
• Express Customer Setup: Use ID card information to enter customer data in to RMS
• Enhanced Gift Cards: Not happy with the Voucher Gift Card system in RMS? 
• Inventory Roll Back Report: See changes in inventory that took place after request date
• Keg Registration: Allows for the rental and tracking of kegs within RMS
• Open Discount: Setup additional open discount buttons in RMS
• RITE Label: Enhanced label printer features and functionality
• Price Level Extension: increase the number of price levels offered in RMS
• Profit Checker: Set desired profit margins
• Restock Report: Quickly see which inventory items need to be replenished
• Emailer: Email receipts to customers and perform very limited mass emails
• Sales Velocity Tool: Quickly see product movement
• Supplier Integration: Upload a suppliers database of products and use electronic purchasing
• Time Clock: Enhanced use and reporting of the time clock function in RMS

This is quite the list in addition to the other e-commerce, mobile, and loyalty add-ons that already exist for RMS and will likely be used with Retail Management Hero as well. I'll be posting more information over the coming weeks but please get in touch with me if you have any questions.

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.

Retail Management Hero Technical Requirements

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

Given the immense amount of interest in the new version of the Microsoft RMS point of sale software - now re-branded as Retail Management Hero (RMH), here are the technical requirements for RMS.

• Windows version 7, 8.1 or 10
• Windows server 2008+/SQL Express/SQL 2008+
• If upgrading from RMS then you need to be on version 2.014+ of RMS
• If upgrading from RMS then you need to be current on your annual software maintenance agreement or the RMH lane licenses are $250/lane instead of free (plus $215 per lane for year 1 software maintenance)
• SMTP server information for setting up RMH to email receipts, etc
• OPOS peripherals (receipt printer, etc)
• .Net 3.5+
• Compatible platform and terminals if using EMV and standard credit and debit card processing

The remaining memory and similar requirements are pretty basic as RMH does not need a lot of memory or a large hard drive (but does need "room to grow" as the database increases in size over time).

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

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.

Is Retail Management Hero Really A New Version of Microsoft RMS?

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

So, many of you have been asking me whether the new Retail Management Hero software is really a new version of the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software.  The short answer is "yes".  Here is how this all came to be.

1. Sales Management Systems (SMS) sold a point of sale program called QuickSell 2000 in the late 1990's via resellers and point of sale value added resellers (including myself).
2. SMS released QuickSell Commerce 
3. SMS's products (and some of their employee's) are acquired by Microsoft
4. Microsoft released RMS version 1.3 which offered a direct low cost upgrade from QuickSell 2000 and QuickSell Commerce
5. Microsoft released RMS version 2.0 (and various updates and service packs)
6. Microsoft shifts distribution of RMS to Scan Source and then Retail Realm
7. Microsoft announces in 2014 that RMS is "end of life"
8. Microsoft sells the coding and rights of RMS to Retail Hero in Canada 
9. Retail Hero in Canada and Retail Realm partner together to update RMS 
10. June 14th, 2016 Version 3 of RMS is released under the new name of Retail Management Hero

Probably boring stuff but you can see that RMS has a long history - as well as a user base exceeding 40,000 stores.  The new version is of high interest to RMS users as well as retailers searching for a POS system due to the following:

• EMV compliant out of the box
• Low cost upgrade from RMS (starting at $232.00/computer)
• RMS users (in most cases) can keep their existing data and computers, cash drawers, etc
• New customer loyalty module
• Adaptable to nearly any type of retail store
• Overall investment cost will likely be around 30% less that similar systems
• Speed and reliability of an on-site POS system (not cloud based or "pay as you use")

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.

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 Microsoft Dynamics RMS POS Users Are Doing

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

As we get closer to the May 2016 launch of the Retail Management Hero (RMH) of sale software, I figured that now was a good time to check in with the 1000+ stores using the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software that I am in contact with to so see how many of you have already replaced RMS and how many are waiting to see that RMH might offer.

The unofficial results are as follows - note this only applies to non-HQ users:

• About 20% of you have already replaced RMS with a different POS system like Bindo, NCR CounterPoint, LightSpeed, etc. The driving force for the change appears that you needed to do something sooner than later due to aging or outdated computer equipment. Lack of support for RMS was also cited as a reason for switching away from RMS.
• About 10% of you plan to keep using RMS until it completely dies - for various reasons you have no need to upgrade and are willing to risk losing data by waiting until a major failure takes place before replacing your POS system.
• The rest of you are taking a "wait and see" approach to see if RMH is a viable solution. You are planning on replacing RMS within the next 6-12 months but are in a position to research and compare different POS solutions before making a purchase.

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.

Another Trip to Minnesota - Want to Meet in Person?

Is your business in the greater Minneapolis - St Paul area of Minnesota?  I'm headed back to the Twin Cities in a few weeks and would be happy to meet with you in person - weather permitting, of course!

Best situation is that you have a retail store and are searching for a new point of sale system or are planning to open a retail store and need some unbiased advice related to point of sale systems.

As my schedule tends to fill up quickly, please contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or on my cell at 208-340-5632 so we can arrange a time to meet.

Annual Retail Realm Conference Information

You're invited to attend the year's most retail technology focused event... Why it matters. As the only event in the world exclusively focused on the Microsoft suite of products for the Retail Industry, the 6th annual "Retail Realm Partner & User Conference" in 2016 will be our biggest event yet! This event's content is designed to speak directly to companies and customers in the retail space about available solutions and integrations, emerging industry innovations and trends, and also Microsoft's involvement in and commitment towards providing retail-centric technological solutions. This year's conference line-up will also provide attendees with an up-close-and-personal look at Retail Realm's new point-of-sale solution, Retail Management Hero (RMH), that will give retailers a seamless transition from Microsoft RMS. All about retail Ready, set, global: As an international conference hosted in Las Vegas, partners and customers worldwide will come together to be educated, equipped and encouraged regarding the future of retail. A key focus this year will be on attracting partners AND retailers/customers to provide them with educational and training content. The conference agenda will include two Microsoft keynotes, enabling attendees to hear directly from Microsoft regarding planned innovations, strategies and opportunities... and demonstrating that Microsoft supports the retail products and roadmap. Make connections In addition to activities sponsored by high profile companies, there will also be an Exhibit Hall packed with product showcases, enabling attendees to have one-on-one conversations with solution providers. Welcome Cocktail Reception  Sponsored by August 21, 2016 | Foundation Room in Mandalay Bay Every year our conference attendees tell us that the Welcome Reception is one of their most favorite parts of the event. It's a great way to connect with partners and customers before the next day's sessions begin. The setting is casual, intimate and fun -- providing you a simple way to introduce yourself to attendees and start conversations. And because Vantiv will be sponsoring this year's reception, you will be able to relax and enjoy complimentary drinks and appetizers. Thank you, Vantiv! Want to be an Exhibitor or Sponsor? Opportunities available! Get involved. Exhibiting at this conference is an excellent direct way to gain in-person access to current and prospective partners and customers worldwide. You will be able to demonstrate your solution, engage conversations and answer questions regarding your product/service to key industry decision-makers and providers. And, we will promote your company and solutions in our marketing and promotional materials. We offer Gold Level and Silver Level exhibitor packages. For specific questions, contactconference@rrdisti.com.    Early bird pricing ends April 1 View exhibitor packages 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. Retail Realm is a leading distributor of Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS), Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail and "Retail Realm Essentials™ powered by Microsoft Dynamics".  For additional information, contact sales@rrdisti.com or visit www.rrdisti.com  STAY CONNECTED

New Videos: Options for RMS/HQ Users and Consulting Process Overview

A couple of new videos that may be of interest to you.  First up is some updated honest advice for stores using the Microsoft Dynamics RMS (and HQ) point of sale software programs.  General advice related to the end of life status with RMS and HQ and how the new Retail Management Hero plays in to your various options:

By request, I have also created a video that highlights in a bit more detail the process that I use when offering unbiased paid point of sale consulting work for larger organizations with between 5 and 300 locations:

Information on how to reach me for more information can be found on my contact page.

Point of Sale Tips and Tricks Videos

I'm going to try creating a series of tip and tricks videos specific to the following point of sale systems:

• NCR CounterPoint SQL
• Microsoft Dynamics RMS
• Bindo Point of Sale
• QuickBooks Point of Sale
• NCR Silver
• Aldelo

These will all be very brief videos and cover just one tip or trick at a time.  Best advice would be to subscribe to my YouTube Channel or check my YouTube Channel on a weekly basis for uploads if you happen to use any of the above point of sale programs.

My YouTube Channel can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/user/kantosh

Information on how to reach me for more information can be found on my contact page.

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.