Software Updates

Updates are available at our web site for downloading.  Prior to accepting an update, release notes detailing what is included in the update can be reviewed.  These updates automatically install themselves on all machines at a location.  Should a machine not be on the network at the time the update is downloaded, it will automatically apply the update when it does come back on the network.  Updates are typically released every 3 months.  Patch level updates are typically released monthly.

Backup/Restore

Each night the databases are compressed and stored in a backup sub directory.  At any location where there are multiple machines the backup can also be copied to one of these machines.  During the day all transactions (sales, receivings, etc.) are copied to a usb drive as protection against a catastrophic hard drive failure during the day.

If a database failure occurs recovery can be easily performed from the backup.  Should there be a complete hard drive failure, a copy of the stores database can be generated at the home office, installed on a new machine, and shipped to the store.   Once the machine is received at the store the data from the usb drive can be applied and the database can be recovered completely.

A journal copy of each sales transaction (this is an image of the actual receipt) is written outside of the database to the hard drive and optionally to a usb drive if available.

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.  This design allows for the POS machine to be used at remote sales events and then automatically synchronized with the main database upon its return.

Polling

The polling process can be still be performed by dial up modem although in most cases the internet is used.  The internet process is virtually error proof and allows for a large number of stores to be polled simultaneously.  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.

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. 

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, vendor, and sales data into the Merchant database. 

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.  These reports can also be automatically emailed to a list of recipients.

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.