Jumping on the Linux POS (Point of Sale) Bandwagon - Finally a Choice for Retail & Hospitality

For many retail & hospitality operators, having a choice in operating systems is key

In a never ending battle to ease costs, many businesses today are looking at Linux as a server operating system. Issues such as cost and flexibility make Linux an attractive choice. However, just as many operators may be asking, “what exactly is Linux anyway?”

Linux is a free Unix-type operating system originally created by Linus Torvalds. Developed under the GNU General Public License , the source code for Linux is freely available to everyone. According to IBM, Linux is currently the fastest growing server operating system.

Once businesses have chosen their operating system, the next task is usually sourcing out a POS (point of sale) system. At the best of times, sourcing out a POS system for your business operation can be a confusing, time consuming and arduous task. Throw in the added obstacle of having to select point of sale software that can actually run on your operating system, and it’s easy to see why business owners shy away from this difficult and often expensive task.

Research has shown that the number of POS terminals running Linux in North America has increased 80% since 2002. The reason why is simple; Linux, as an operating system, is more cost effective, flexible, and allows for greater freedom of choice in software than more mainstream operating systems. Linux is also very cost effective in regards to licensing, installation, administrative and support costs. Linux can offer all these features without sacrificing functionality. For retailers and restaurant/hospitality operators alike, cost and ease of use are king, and reasons such as these can make the difference between a business that succeeds and a business that fails.

POS software providers have been slow, however, to jump on the Linux bandwagon. Currently, there are few well-known or enterprise-wide POS software packages available for Linux. One company, however, has seen a niche in the market and has embraced it head on. Volanté POS Systems, of Toronto, Canada and Hong Kong, offers a POS solution that has been developed entirely in Java. Java is cross platform compatible and operates in multiple environments – this gives the user freedom to choose Linux, Windows 2000/XP, or Windows and Linux. For many operators, having a choice is key.

Not only does Java provide cross platform compatibility, but like Linux, using Java POS solutions can be cost effective as well, as Java allows users the opportunity to save on additional Windows license fees, as an example. Java’s open standard architecture allows the entire system to be compatible with third party industrial applications. Users are free to choose their operating environment and are not bound to costly proprietary restrictions.

Volanté also offers integration with Windows-based back office applications. This flexibility is rare in the POS industry. For more information on Volanté’s Linux & Java POS solutions, visit their website at http://www.volantesystems.com or in Asia, at http://www.volantehk.com, or simply email them at sales@volantesystems.com.

From a retail perspective, Linux is definitely catching on. Burlington Coat Factory, for instance, has already rolled out Linux in all of their locations, both as a desktop and POS system. Other retailers/restauranteurs currently using Linux in their stores include: Papa John’s, Garden Fresh, Mark’s Work Wearhouse, Home Depot, and Gap, to name a few.

The push for Linux isn’t just in North America, either. Asian governments are looking closely at Linux, hoping it will lead to the development of a domestic software industry that isn’t hostage to foreign licenses. According to Linux Insider International, “Asia is emerging as a key battleground for the open-source movement. The Japan-China-Korea (JCK) partnership, announced last month in Osaka, is the latest in a string of initiatives to promote Linux. Two weeks earlier, Singapore hosted the second annual Asia Open Source Symposium, where 20 Asian countries discussed closer collaboration in standardization, localization and interoperability of Linux software.”

So, when choosing an operating system and subsequent point of sale system, consider Linux. Discover for yourself why Linux is the fastest growing server operating system.

Derek Meade is a writer, webmaster, and owner of Meade Internet Services in Ottawa Canada, an internet marketing, website promotion and website design company. http://www.meadeinternet.com

Point Of Sale Marketing

Point of Sale marketing is the economic process by which goods and services are exchanged between the producer and the consumer and their values determined in terms of money prices. Much of marketing is concerned with the problem of profitably disposing of what is produced.

Marketing originates with the recognition of a need on the part of a consumer. Marketing terminates with the satisfaction of that need by the delivery of a usable product at the right time, at the right place, and at an acceptable price. There are five distinct concepts related to Point of Sale marketing. First is the exchange concept, which, as the very name indicates, holds that the exchange of a product between the seller and the buyer is the central idea of marketing.

While exchange does form a significant part of marketing, to view marketing as a mere exchange process would amount to a gross undermining of the essence of marketing. Exchange, at best, covers the distribution aspect and the price mechanism involved in marketing.

Second is the production concept. In organizations that practice this concept, production and technology dominate the thinking process of the key people. The concept holds that consumers would, as a rule, support those products that are produced in great volume at a low unit cost. Thirdly, there is product concept, which seeks to achieve the same result via product excellence – improved products, new products and ideally designed and engineered products. It also places the emphasis on quality assurance.

At this stage, it would be appropriate to explain the phenomenon of ‘marketing myopia’. Excessive attention to product or selling aspects at the cost of the customer and his actual needs creates this myopia. As more and more markets became buyers markets and the entrepreneurial problem became one of solving the shortage of customers rather than that of goods, the sales concept became the dominant idea guiding Point of Sale marketing.

Point Of Sale provides detailed information about point of sale, point of sale displays, point of sale hardware, point of sale marketing and more. Point Of Sale is the sister site of Fulfillment And Distribution

Point Of Sale Software

The growth and survival of the business in the dynamic environment as of today depends upon the development of new software. Organizations must be always in the lookout of new opportunities and exploiting the opportunities by creating new software and services. Therefore, it is needless to say that new product development holds the key for the survival of an organization.

With so many new companies entering into the fray these days, it?s no surprise that there is a huge demand for Point of Sale Software. But sadly most folks that go into this venture don&39;t realize the importance of choosing a good piece of Point of Sale Software.

New software does not come about on its own. They are the result of the ingenuity of creative people in the organization. As such, it is obvious that point of sale software is the function of organizational creativity. In other words, it depends upon how creative an organization is in respect of new ideas because any organization can be as creative as its people.

Point of sale software just doesn&39;t cut it to use a pencil and paper to keep track of sales and expenditures. It will help you keep solid tracking of everything between what products are moving to how much you are spending on them. Point of sale software provides information and tracking that can define the path your business should take.

When talking about point of sale software, creativity is the buzzword. It may be viewed as new insights, which points to better ways of dealing with reality. It involves a departure from conventional thinking to non- conventional thinking. It entails establishment of a relationship between the hitherto unrelated things, ideas or concepts.

Point Of Sale Displays provides detailed information on point of sale, point of sale displays, point of sale hardware, point of sale marketing and more. Point Of Sale Displays is affiliated with Affordable Point Of Sale Systems.

Switching from a cash register to a computerized point of sale system was my best business move ever!

I had been putting off changing from my trusty old cash register to a computerized point of sale system, as I was intimidated and daunted by the task. I kept telling myself, changing to a new system would not really benefit my business that much, and in any event, I don't have the time.

A friend of mine, who had gone through the process a year earlier, was kind enough to sit down with me and share how he had handled the changeover process, and some of the tremendous benefits this had provided for his business. Now, two years later, I would like to pass on, how your business could also become more efficient and profitable, by switching to a modern computerized point of sale system.

Here are some of the great benefits I have come to appreciate after installing a computerized point of sale system in my business.

Isn't a point of sale system just like a cash register?

A POS software system does more than just replace your cash register. Showing your cash flow for the day is principally all a cash register does. It is unable to provide any information about profit margins; products sold or best/worst selling lines. On the other hand, a computerized POS system, can on demand instantly report on how much money is left in your cash drawer, and how much of that money is in fact profit. Product specific reports can also show how many were sold today, how many are left on the shelf and when that product needs to be re-ordered.

Helps prevent theft by just being there.

Studies have shown computerized point of sale systems typically, reduce theft by around 2.5%. That means an average small business with a turnover of $750,000 per year, could be losing approximately $18,750. This amount could be reduced or eliminated completely by simply installing a point of sale system. Inventory is watched much more carefully, because your employees know that stock is being monitored. All involved are more alert.

Reduce inventory shrinkage.

A computerized POS system monitors obsolete and broken inventory more carefully and in greater detail. Shelf inventory stock on hand counts are easily and accurately compared with computerized stock on hand counts, further reducing losses by an additional 2.5%.

Better manage your inventory.

Using detailed product reports, the flow of inventory can be managed much more carefully by monitoring increased sales. Historical product data helps in the prediction of future inventory needs. Orders should be based on what you know you sell, not on what you think you sell.

Watch your margins.

Examination of your product reports may indicate you have sold 9000 products that cost 48 cents, for 50 cents each. Or, that you have sold 200 products that cost $1.90, for $9.95 each. Correct use of your reports will help you stock more of what delivers greater profits, and fewer of what produces lesser profits.

Keep your customers happy.

Computerized POS systems, with touch screens, fast barcode scanners, fast thermal printers and many other tools, make the checkout process efficient and much quicker. This results in happier customers.

Pricing accuracy.

Completely eliminate the guesswork associated with manual pricing of your products. Using a computerized point of sale system ensures every product in your store has an associated and accurate price. Your sales staff will have no need to guess prices anymore.

Build a customer list.

Possibly, the most important and beneficial aspect of switching to a computerized point of sale system, is the ability to build a customer list and track your customers purchasing habits. Analyzing your best, worst, high profit, low profit, high frequency and infrequent customers becomes as easy as reading a report. Predicting when customers are about to stop patronizing you store means you are able to directly target market these customers with special offers or gift vouchers, in an attempt to win them back. You can use your POS system to market to a group of customers in a particular region or just to get to know your most loyal customers on a first name basis.

A computerized point of sale system has been one of the best investments I have made for my business. My business has become more efficient, more profitable and a better place for my customers.

Any doubt I may have had 2 years ago has been replaced with absolute amazement for what a computerized POS system has done for my business.

Raymond D of MELBOURNE VIC - POSActive Customer

POS (Point of Sale ) Cash Register Systems- They May Be The Best Investment You'll Ever Make

The Slope Report read, ?excellent conditions?. It was cold but sunny and the slopes were full of skiers and snowboarders. The powder? Perfect. I could see out the window a group of skiers were headed toward the lodge bar. Inside the bar they waited patiently as the bartender keyed in their seating numbers, drinks and bar tab. It took over four minutes for them to get their drinks; the same amount of time it took for them to decide on dinner at another pub.

Capturing the skiers during a weather-perfect season is simple. Capturing their food and beverage business isn?t always so easy. It requires not only need a customer-friendly environment, but also a user-friendly POS (point of sale) cash register system for efficiency. Today?s technology provides this?and more. POS cash register terminals that continuously synchronize with each other, endless report options, alcohol inventory controlled by bottle weights and computerized tap monitors, staff time and attendance, ski, school, and guest database management, and so much more are available. Let?s face it. It takes more than cooperative weather to run a ski resort.

So, when choosing a POS software system, be certain to explore all the options. Cost is always a factor, but unless the software gives you all the management tools you need and is fully supported, an initially less expensive system can end up costing you much more. There are as many point of sale cash register systems available as there are skis and choosing the right one can be confusing and time-consuming. Aside from meeting technological requirements, your POS system must remain easy to use, with speed and accuracy. Customers, Employees, Managers and Sales Staff are all affected by a point of sale system. So, imagine first what you would like the ideal computer cash register system to do for your resort; make a list of features you hope to find. Chances are you?ll find all of them on today?s market.

One software company that stands out above the rest is a Canadian-based company called Tesoro Technologies, Incorporated. Wired or wireless, Windows or Linux, networked or independent terminals, their Volant? POS System is up for any challenge. Since 1993, Volant? System developers have been designing equipment that is ?cash register tough and computer smart? to serve some of the biggest and best.

Snow Valley Ski Resort, located in Barrie, Ontario, wanted a POS system that could produce ID cards and time passes, manage a client database and ski school, as well as handling all their food and beverage and retail services. The geographical location had Director, Peter Haney, concerned at first. ? Like most ski resorts, we are very remote. We needed a satellite tower and wireless system. We also looked at a lot of providers and found that most of the companies didn?t offer the hospitality end we needed. Volant? is hospitality.?

Tesoro had to install a fail-safe, independently running system for the remote summit area that could also be integrated with the high volume operations below. Using both wired and wireless network topology, their system has operated without software failure despite the unstable power and network issues. Snow Valley Ski Resort also utilizes the database of guests and 5,800 pass holders to generate email broadcasts, which enhances their marketing plan. ?We?re real pleased with Volant?. It?s an entity that grows and evolves along with our business,? says Haney.

In fact, Volant? has revolutionized the wireless POS industry. Their creative approach to wireless mobile computing makes Volant? the perfect POS software choice for not only ski resorts, but for other venues as well, such as stadiums, trade shows, casinos, arenas, race tracks and outdoor sales areas where conventional POS cash register systems aren't practical nor feasible.

Tesoro Technologies, Inc. may be at the forefront of a new generation of guest management technology, but they?re still producing. Recent breakthroughs in point of sale development are allowing a full range of services and back office capabilities never before considered.

So, when you?re looking for a more efficient POS cash register system that can create ?excellent conditions? for your business, spend the extra time researching your options ? it may turn out to be the best investment you?ll ever make.

For more information on how Tesoro and Volante POS systems can help your business, contact them through their website http://www.volantesystems.com/ or email them at sales@volantesystems.com.

Restaurant Business Plan Software Considerations

Whether you are an entrepreneur looking to start your first restaurant, or you have been working in the service industry for a long time, restaurant business plan software can help you create a streamlined business plan that will improve your chances of funding. Here are few things to keep in mind when comparing various packages.

Your needs - Various business plan software packages are geared toward different sizes of restaurant business and different levels of funding needs. Make sure the software does what you need it to do. Dont go overboard on a program that offers more than you need.

Feedback - Make sure to get in touch with other people who have used the software before and get their feedback. The more reputable restaurant business plan software vendors will provide testimonials and contact information of previous customers. Make sure to compare. Keep an eye out for positive comments about ease of use.

If you have been in the restaurant business already, you probably have a number of contacts you can network with for information. Ask other restaurant owners you trust if there was a software program they used or have heard good things about. Word of mouth recommendations can often provide valuable leads.

Support Make certain your software vendor offers full support for their programs. Many top vendors offer 24/7 online and toll free support for their programs. When weighing benefits, this is an important factor to take into consideration. You want to be assured you can get the software to work.

Cost Once youve narrowed your choices down by the above benefits, it is time to consider costs. Check different vendors, as there can often be a large difference in prices between vendors for the same title. Make certain to factor in shipping and handling costs and delivery time of your restaurant business plan software when comparing prices.

Once youve chosen and installed your software, its time to get to work creating the business plan for your restaurant. If you have any trouble, be sure to get in touch with the vendors support as soon as possible. Good luck with your new business venture!

Angie Noack is a business strategist with a sharp edge for technology. With her unique ability to combine these two skills, she's able to help businesses save time and increase profits. You can find her online at http://www.softwareworkz.com