Network - Additional back office clients or POS stations are installed on each machine from the CD over the network.  All other files are copied from the server making for a quick installation.

Multi Store - A standard installation is performed on the main machine at each location.  The new location is created on the head office machine and the database for that location is automatically generated.  This database, which contains all of the inventory information, is then copied to the new location machine.  Any changes to the head office machine (new inventory records, price changes, etc.) are exported to the output directory awaiting communications with the new location. The first time the new location logs in, it is updated with any changes that have taken place since it’s database was created. 

Software Upgrades

Minor Upgrades - All program code is stored in two separate databases, one for the back office and one for the POS.  This allows for upgrades to be made by simply replacing these databases.  These updates can be sent to each location and stored until the upgrade is initiated.

Major Upgrades - These updates can be sent to each location and stored until the upgrade is initiated.  These updates usually involve changes to the data structure, and as such, must be performed in unison with a head office update, to ensure that the data structures match.  A rollback feature allows you to return to the previous version if for any reason the upgrade fails.  All upgrades automatically update all machines at a location.

Minor upgrades are available at our web site for downloading.  These updates automatically install themselves on all machines at a location. 

Backups

Each night the databases are compressed and stored in a backup sub directory on a rotating basis, one for each day of the week.  A journal copy of each sales transaction (this is an image of the actual receipt) is written outside of the database. This image can be written to either the hard drive or the floppy drive.  If written to floppy, this image can be archived in place of a journal tape.

Utilities

Repair/Compact - In the event of a power failure this utility performs a Scandisk operation, followed by a repair and compact of the databases.  This utility provides the store personnel with an easy to use method of recovery which handles the most common type of failure.

Restore - If the database is corrupted and not repairable, this utility will restore the back up from the previous night or any other backup within the last wee.  Any POS transactions will automatically be uploaded into this database.

Recover - In the event that all backups of the database are corrupted, this utility will recover the data in the damaged database and put it into a new empty database.  In most cases, this utility can recover the data but loss of data can occur. 

Stand Alone Design

Each POS has been designed to be able to operate even if the main machine or network is down.  This includes such items as being able to create new customers and to handle layaway pickups.  Once the main machine becomes available, all transactions which have not be sent to the main machine get transferred.

Polling

The polling process can be initiated by either the remote store or head office.  This process is self recovering the following night in the event that polling does not occur or an error exists in transmission.  Transactions will not upload at the head office location unless each journal is in balance, thus preventing contamination of the head office database with invalid data.  Manual polling can be initiated at the store level if polling failed and the data must be made available to that store immediately.  Manual polling can be running while the store operates its POS.  Polling can either be direct dial or through our internet server. 

Replication

The remote databases are fully replicated in the head office database.  Each set of transactions (sales, receiving, adjustments, etc.) belongs to a journal which is applied at both ends in the same manner.  This ensures that not only are the quantities identical, but the value at cost of both database is identical.  Sophisticated recovery mechanisms are in place to handle such issues as a store doing a sales transaction the same day that the head office deletes that SKU. 

Recovery

Both the head office and the remote stores have the capability to export any database file in the event that the databases get out of sync.  Because of the unique journalizing process, a database can be reset, and all journals can be reprocessed, to correct a database error. 

File Conversion

An Excel spreadsheet is provided to import inventory data into the Merchant database.  This spreadsheet data is validated and has an option to generate missing departments, classes, categories, etc.  An Excel spreadsheet is also provided to import Customer data into the Merchant database. 

CIF (Common Interface Format)

If a link is required to an existing home office system, it can easily be implemented by creating or importing these files.  Information from the home office system such as new products, price changes, and customers can be sent to the remote store locations.  Sales information from the remote store locations can be sent to the home office system. 

Security

Each function can have security attached to prevent unauthorized access.  As many levels of security can be defined as necessary. 

Tailoring

Most functions can be tailored to individual preference without requiring programming.  As new options are added, they will also be included in the Tailoring feature. 

Reports

All reports contain detail parameters allowing reporting down to any level of detail desired. Reports can be preset to run after the end of day process, allowing reports to be available the first thing next day. 

Hardware

Use of industry standard PCs and peripherals allow choice of best of breed components. Device table allows addition of new printers and cash drawers without requiring special programming.  Use of enclosures provide a clean look by hiding all cabling and wiring. 

Training Aids

Back Office - A complete on line help facility, down to the field level, is provided.

POS - Training registers allow training without affect inventory or sales figures.  All transactions have been designed to have the same flow making it easy to learn new functionality.  Graphical presentation makes it easy to identify the various functions. 

Support

The main machine at each location has PC Anywhere installed.  This allows for complete control of each machine and the easy distribution of software updates.