Welcome to some new RITE Customers!

A quick shout out to some retailers and organizations that recently signed on with me for point of sale related needs:

Opus One Winery - Card Defecnder - CA

The Range - RMS Plug Ins - CA
Bullet Barn Guns - Cloud Retailer and Card Defender - CA
Rietdyk's Milling Co - Service and Support - WA
Quantum Raynbow - Caribian - Cloud Retailer Reseller
Everson Royce - Cloud Retailer and Card Defender - CA

Plasticare - Cloud Retailer and Card Defender - CO

4 Way Meat Market - Card Defender - CA

1 Stop Pool - Support and Service - TX

Young Life - Consulting Services - CO

The Range of Richfield - Cloud Retailer and Card Defender - WI

Marmot Mountain / Newell Brands - RMS Plug Ins - CO

I can be reached directly 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.

Retail Management Hero Training and Installation Videos

As more and more Microsoft Dynamics RMS users migrate to the Retail Management Hero software, I thought that it would be helpful to include links to the various videos that provide installation, setup, or general training on RMH. The videos  are not a substitute for help from your RMH partner but are more of a prerequisite to more formal assistance and training.

The Basics:

POS and Manager Navigation: https://vimeo.com/album/3520470/video/163856318 (33mn)

Reports: https://vimeo.com/album/3520470/video/163857895 (15mn)

Other Operations - Label Printing: https://vimeo.com/album/3520470/video/160321971 (11mn)

More Advanced Installation & Setup:

Installation and Configuration: https://vimeo.com/album/3520470/video/152023864 (49mn)

Setup: https://vimeo.com/album/3520470/video/163854572 (12mn)

General Printed Materials:  Available via your RMH Partner

I'll be working on more RMH related videos myself over the coming months. In the meantime, please contact me at 208-340-5632 or kevinantosh@gmail.com with any questions.

Microsoft Dynamics RMS Software Training Tutorials

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

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

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

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

Microsoft RMS Change of Partner Form

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

A few notes on Microsoft RMS Change of Partner forms:

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

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

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

Quick Note of Thanks!

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

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

Thank goodness we have multiple RMS techs on staff!

Goodwill Training Roadshow

A quick note that the folks at Retail Control Systems are having a training roadshow specific to how the NCR CounterPoint point of sale software is used at multiple Goodwill's in the United States.

Looks like there are a lot of advanced training sessions that would benefit Goodwill's that are using the NCR CounterPoint point of sale software.

More information can be found here: https://www.retailcontrolsystems.com/events/2016-goodwill-training-roadshow/

An event agenda can be found here: https://gallery.mailchimp.com/d94e81135d26a539bff469b9e/files/Agenda_Goodwill_Heart_of_Texas.pdf

You can also contact me for unbiased advice related to the NCR Counterpoint point of sale software for retail stores of all kinds.

Dealer/Partner Training for Retail Realm Essentials

As we prepare to say good-bye to the Microsoft Dynamics RMS point of sale software (sales to new users ends July, 2016 as does mainstream technical support), Retail Realm has started offering more training for businesses interested in selling and supporting the Retail Realm Essentials point of sale software. No word yet on Retail Management Hero point of sale software training but here is a link to the Retail Realm Essentials point of sale software training: http://www.rrdisti.com/events/training-sessions

Please visit my contact page for information on how to reach me for unbiased point of sale advice.

Support and Hand Holding

A few thoughts and comments specific to differences in support options for point of sale systems as well as a trend that I have noticed recently specific to support.

When it comes to choosing between the newer generation of mobile point of sale systems like Clover, Silver, Lavu, Shopkeep, Bindo and Vend, it is not realistic to expect the same level of support that you would get by going with a point of sale system like Dynamics AX, Retail Pro, NCR CounterPoint or Retail Management Hero.  Even if you purchase a mobile point of sale locally, the partner/dealer/VAR can't afford to provide the same level of support on a $79/month POS system as they would on $12,000 POS system - the revenue just isn't there.

Of course many businesses do offer annual paid support options but the point is that you need to be a bit more self sufficient with the mobile POS systems (or have someone on standby) than the more expensive POS systems which normally include more personalized training and on-going support.

That being said, I have noticed a trend across all types of POS systems to outsource initial support to a help desk in an unknown location.  It pays to call the support line for any POS solutions that you might be considering to see what the response time is and how well the support works (thanks to Linda in Indiana for passing along that idea!),

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.

POS Tip for Long Term Success

From time to time over the years I have been contacted by organizations and businesses who have had one employee with complete ownership of the POS system.  While this may seem like a good idea from a security and procedure standpoint, when that employee moves on, these organizations and businesses realize that no one else knows how to run the POS system and now they have to spend some money on training.

I've also found that this encourages bad habits as the sole employee in charge of the POS system may not be using the POS system correctly when it comes to inventory control, security, etc.

Point being that when you invest in a POS system, make sure that cross training takes place so more then one employee knows the entire POS system and then these employees can also cross check each other to ensure that proper procedures and security measures are in place.

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.

National Retail Point of Sale Solution Provider Expanding to Utah, Idaho, and Surrounding Areas

Update April 10th, 2016: this is still a work in progress but I am doing some ground work for the rest of April to see if this can be finalized by the end of May, 2016.  I've tallied around 600 businesses in the areas mentioned below that would benefit from having a local company for point of sale software, hardware, installation, training, and on-going support.

While Idaho and many of states surrounding Idaho contain multiple local companies that specialize in Restaurant point of sale systems, no one has stepped up to replace the local sales and service void left by the closure of DirectPOS and RVP Businesses Systems when it comes to a local company providing point of sale systems for retail stores and museums.  There are a few local companies in these areas that offer some retail point of sale solutions but it is not a primary part of their business.

To early to say for sure but it appears that a well respected  national retail point of sale solution provider is considering some level of expansion to offer sales and support to retail stores and museums located in Idaho, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Northern Nevada, Eastern Oregon, and Eastern Washington State.

I will pass along further details as they become available as this would be welcomed news to retail stores and museums located in these areas!

Please visit my contact page for information on how 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

Onsite Installation and Training Options

Due to feedback from calls and emails received via this blog site, I wanted to pass along that there are some options related to onsite setup/installation and training with the purchase of the Bindo POS solution. The initial focus for the area that I cover will be Southern Idaho. Since I have former clients in the states of Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming, I may look at expanding the onsite setup and training service based on client needs.

The cost for this will depend on travel time and complexity of the setup and training. In most cases this will fall into the $99 to $199 price range.

Since this is something fairly new, you can always contact me at kevinantosh@gmail.com or 208-340-5632 (email preferred as I have limited availability during normal business hours) for more details.

Free Micros e7 Classes

The DirectPOS e7
Sessions will be held
June 4th 101 9am-12pm
102 1pm-4pm
At our DirectPOS Boise office  
6429 W Interchange Ln
Boise, ID 83709
Space is limited
Please RSVP to
Adam R. or Jason A. at (208) 376-8121

Some information on two free Micros e7 classes being held in Boise, Idaho:

Owner and Manager micros e7
Q & A Session
You’ve got the Micros e7, you like it,
Now what else can it do for you?

DirectPOS office is offering a Micros e7 owner and manager Q & A session. This is to provide our e7 clients the opportunity to ask e7 questions in an open forum free of charge. Our goal is to allow e7 users the chance to dig deeper into the e7 and it’s capabilities.

This class is FREE!