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How To Select Point Of Sale Systems. The Problem. There is no “one-size fits all” solution in POS. Nor, unfortunately, is there a single template or criteria list to use when it comes time to make the right selection . Journey. Chinese Proverb. Tip #1: Avoid rush hour .
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The Problem • There is no “one-size fits all” solution in POS. • Nor, unfortunately, is there a single template or criteria list to use when it comes time to make the right selection
Journey Chinese Proverb
Tip #1: Avoid rush hour • insufficient planning is probably the number-one IT mistake when it comes to POS systems
Case Study • Mike Gaston, MIS director for The Copper Cellar Corporation • Easy for waitstaff & managers to learn and use.Compatible with the custom-developed financial application • Uses Microsoft Windows NT operating platform and SQL server database architecture • Is scalable over time as both Copper Cellar company and units grow
Tip # 2: Create a selection team • Create a team from all ladders of the company • Servers • Shift leader • Front office manager • Chef & Purchasing • Accounting
Tip # 3: It is OK to gossip! • Ask them about performance • Transaction speed • Processing speed • Interface problems • Check with multiple vendors’ customers • Ask them about their previous vendor, too • But don’t compare apples to oranges
Tip # 4: Dig deeper, think deeper! Terminal placement and the number of terminals needed primarily depends on: • the layout of the dining area, • volume of business, • average length of a transaction, restaurant theme or concept, • terminal size.
Tip # 5: Prepare a RFP • Request for Proposals will allow you to get what you want! • Not what the vendor offers. • Distribute it to as many as vendors possible • Do a balanced scorecard evaluation
Tip # 6: Know thy vendor • The vendor must provide solid, in-depth training and support throughout the implementation process. • Look at their history. • Do a literature search for them.
Why is the vendor so important? • What if the software company went out of business? • What if they don't give you software updates when you need them? • What if it takes 2 days to get your technical questions answered? • What if you can't print and it takes six hours to get help from a support technician?
Case Study • The sudden dissolution of Sable Technologies in bankruptcy court in 2001 left International House of Pancakes, Lone Star Restaurants, Houston’s and Bob’s Big Boy without POS support or service.
Tip # 7: Do not forget legacy systems • Evaluate compatibility with legacy systems at both the unit level and home office. • Do a scalability study
Tip # 8: Analyze Interfaces • Property Management System • Inventory Control • Purchasing (EDI) • Accounting & Payroll • Labor Scheduling • Credit Card Processing
Tip # 9: Analyze features • Wireless Handheld • Menu Analysis & Cost Control • Retail Module • Bar code scanning • CRM • Table Management • Web Solutions
Features that wows the guests • Handheld terminals • Gift cards • Guest recognition programs • Print recipes for favorite menu items • Tablet PC for wine selection
Use of bar coding • Each time and order is entered • into POS terminal, a bar code • will be printed on the check. • This bar code is then scanned • in the kitchen when the items • are picked up and delivered.
Tip #10: Analyze security • Analyze firewall, encryption and security risks, especially if the system is Web-based or an ASP. • It takes only 5 minutes or less to hack into a non-protected network
Tip # 11: Analyze backup options • Back-up Options • Off-site back ups • Tape back-ups • RAID (redundant array of inexpensive disks)
Tip #12: Analyze legal issues • Data ownership in the case of ASP or Web-based solution. • Read the fine print
Tip # 14 Calculate ROI (if you can)--AFTER • It is not easy to calculate ROI on technology. • Measure before/after implementation
Case Study • A sample ROI audit from GDK Development (which operates 13 Burger King and Bonanza restaurants in Pennsylvania) shows that drive-through times dropped an average of 17 seconds per car, which means more meals sold. • GDK's ROI audit showed a positive return of more than $300,000 annually