Point-of-Sale Software – Top 10 Mistakes To Avoid

read the article : http://www.qualinsoft.com/blog/point-of-sale-software-top-10-mistakes-to-avoid.html

“Independent retailers should approach their technology investment like the large retail chains. Unlike other purchases a retailer will make, the technology decision is one the retailer will live with for many years. The amount of time required to implement a system and become productive in its use will be the largest costs associated with any system.

If a retailer avoids the ten most common mistakes when selecting a point-of-sale system, they can avoid duplicating their efforts and control these costs.

1. Not Understanding Your Needs

2. Not Obtaining Product References

3. Neglecting Due Diligence

4. Insufficient Training

5. Buying on Price

6. Purchasing One Size Fits All System

7. Customizing For Planned Obsolescence

8. Following The Garbage In, Garbage Out Cliché

9. Neglecting Disaster Recovery

10. Choosing The Wrong Partner

These are the guidelines how to avoid mistakes in Point-of-Sales system. When acquiring this kind of system, make sure that as a retailer, you should know and mitigate the risks.  Ask first a questions before doing necessary actions. Evaluate each guidelines and decide whether you need to do a particular tasks.”

posted by: monica hao 00b

i agree to what Francis said. It would not a loss if you follow the guidelines on how to avoid mistakes in the POS system. you should ask some questions that needs necessary actions. you should also evaluate and improve some things.

iTunes ‘biggest US music seller’

““Apple’s iTunes has overtaken supermarket group Wal-Mart to become the largest music retailer in the US, an independent study has said.”

“More than 50 million customers have now used iTunes since it started.While iTunes continues to dominate the music download market, it faces a growing number of competitors.Social networking site MySpace is just the latest to join the market, launching an online music service in partnership with three major music companies – Universal, Sony BMG and Warner.ITunes’ more established rivals include eMusic and Napster.”

It is good to hear the iTunes now has the biggest music teller, and I can say that iTunes has more advantage compare to other music seller, because as far as I concern iTunes is known world-wide.”

Visit the actual article….

I agree to what randee said. I can see that Itunes will become more successful because they offer great services. And I think they would be more popular they have many services and they have good customer service.

Vertical Solutions, Inc. Honored as a Recognized Innovator by Global Service and Support Associations

“Vertical Solutions, Inc. (VSI), a leading developer of Service Management software, announces it has been named a Fall 2008 Recognized Innovator finalist by the Association for Services Management International (AFSMI) and the Service & Support Professionals Association (SSPA). Vertical Solutions, Inc. honored for Innovation in Streamlining Field Service Schedules, was featured at the Winning Service Strategies in a Shifting Global Economy conference today in Las Vegas.

Winners and finalists were selected by a panel of judges, including industry experts, AFSMI and SSPA members and Vice President of Technology Research John Ragsdale.

SSPA and AFSMI Research focused on a topic becoming a common boardroom conversation today: how companies can shrink their corporate carbon footprint through ‘green’ initiatives. While the primary focus of most corporate green projects has been reducing electric consumption, these awards center on processes and technologies specific to support, such as virtual support operations, reducing field service visits, and field service schedule optimization. We’re delighted to honor Vertical Solutions as an industry leader who is embracing green support initiatives,” said Ragsdale.

The Innovation in Streamlining Field Service Schedules finalist designation recognizes Vertical Solutions, Inc. as a provider of innovative technology that streamlines the scheduling and dispatch of field resources, increasing productivity for onsite appointments and ensuring the right mix of parts and skills are included to eliminate return visits.

“Vertical Solutions is pleased to be named a Recognized Innovator by the AFSMI and SSPA,” says Ron Wegmann, Sr., CEO, Vertical Solutions. “It’s important to note that ‘green’ initiatives are good for more than just the environment; they also can help companies with field service teams save money and improve customer service. We’re proud of the ways that our PowerHelp support and service solutions promote high-quality business practices.”

posted by: monica hao 00b

for more info: http://www.crmxchange.com/tmp_pressrelease.aspx?id=15146

I can say that every company must have to launch a new innovation because it will help them become to become a good company.

UPDATE 1-Carphone plans hi-tech store rollout

“* Could open 30-50 larger, hi-tech stores by end 2009

* Could upgrade up to 200 existing larger stores

* Current retail conditions “challenging”

* Hasn’t reached a decision on possible demerger

(Adds more quotes, details, background)

By Mark Potter and Kate Holton

LONDON, Nov 4 (Reuters) – Britain’s Carphone Warehouse could open up to 50 new hi-tech stores by the end of 2009, in addition to the megastores it is planning with U.S. retailer Best Buy, as it looks to extend its reach in electrical goods, its finance chief told Reuters on Tuesday.

Roger Taylor was speaking from the first of the new stores, at the new Westfield shopping centre in London, which he said became the group’s most visited store on just its third day open.

From its roots in mobile phone retailing, Carphone branched into selling laptops earlier this year and its new store format includes areas for gaming as well as convergence technologies that link televisions, computers and other electrical devices.

It is larger than traditional Carphone outlets, at about 3,000 square feet, but smaller than the 30,000 square feet megastores the group is planning with Best Buy, the first of which is also due to open next year, for a big push into the UK and mainland Europe’s electrical goods markets.

“We see the Best Buy environment being very similar … with this dropping right into the heart of it, Taylor said.

He conceded that trading conditions were currently “challenging,” and there was little sign of a near-term improvement, but said the group was investing for the future.

“We’re thinking two, three, four years ahead around what we can provide and how it will change the consumer environment in this space,” Taylor said in an interview.

Carphone is opening four new format stores in the UK as part of a trial, but could rapidly build on that number.

“Across Europe, we could end up with thirty to fifty of this new format from a standing start. I can see that by the end of 2009,” Taylor said, adding the group could also convert up to 200 of its larger existing stores.

“Will we get it all done by the end of 2009, I don’t know. But you’ll see that progress going through 2009 and into the following year.”

For the group’s remaining 2,200 or so stores, Taylor said Carphone could introduce some of the new product ranges, depending on their performance.

SUBSIDISING HARDWARE

Taylor said the group was also extending its model of subsidising hardware in exchange for a customer subscription to its new ranges. So a subscriber to its broadband service could choose a free games console, and a new sign-up to its TV package with Virgin Media could include a new LCD television.

Carphone’s model of subsidising hardware has seen it grab over 10 percent of the UK laptop market already, Taylor said.

He declined to say how much Carphone might spend on the new format stores, but said it would fall within the group’s usual plan to invest a third of EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation) at its retail business.

Taylor said staff would be trained on new product ranges at the group’s new Technology Academy, and that its Geek Squad advice centres for customers would also be prominent in store.

Carphone is Europe’s biggest mobile phone retailer and one of Britain’s largest fixed line and broadband telecoms groups.

Taylor declined to comment on news that rival BSkyB is in talks to buy the UK business of Italian broadband operator Tiscali SpA, which Carphone has also been linked with.

“Sometimes, in harder times … investing in your organic opportunities actually is more exciting and more rewarding,” Taylor said.

Carphone founder and Chief Executive Charles Dunstone has signalled that the group might one day separate its retail and telecoms businesses.

“We run our business as two distinct businesses … but at this stage we haven’t concluded any view on that (a possible demerger),” Taylor said.

At 1125 GMT, Carphone shares were up 5.25 percent at 148 pence, valuing the firm at nearly 1.4 billion pounds ($2.2 billion). ($1=.6322 pounds) (Editing by Greg Mahlich)”

Posted by: Monica Hao 00b

I think that I would be much expensive. But it would be more challenging to the company. I think it will help the company in communicating with their staff.

nokia’s version of iphone.. =)

“nokia is now trying to catch the attention of the market by releasing their own version of the iphone, i dont know but i think they are just trying to copy the iphone but they are concentrating more on the music feature of the Nokia 5800.”

As we can see every cell phone company is trying to copy the apple I phone. Nokia is trying to attract the market by releasing their version of I phone. I think that their interface is much attractive. I agree to what he/ she said about this topic.

http://www.nokia.com.ph/A41277181

posted by: monica hao 00b

A Turn Key Vertical Market Advertising Network Solution

A Turn Key Vertical Market Advertising Network Solution

Posted by vman 28 days ago (http://www.verticalmarketadnetwork.com)
Category: Marketing | Tags: vertical market ad network ad network ad server View profile

“Biz Strategies Inc. announces a new online vertical marketing solution for individuals and companies interested in providing an online ad network solution that can be tailored for ANY vertical market. Vertical Market Ad Network (VMAN) is built on a proven ad server platform that is the engine for our turn key solution.

Andrew Nester, President/CEO, states “While there are several online advertising networks, few focus entirely on one specific market. Today advertisers and publishers, web site owners, are interested in focused marketing solutions to get the best return on their advertising dollars and web site advertising space. Providing a focused marketing solution using our VMAN product tailored to a specific vertical market, coupled with your vertical market expertise, is a winner.”

The Vertical Market Ad Network program offers:

- Private Labeling – Market Specific
- Market Exclusivity
- Turn Key Solution
- Web site designed for your market
- Web Site Management
- Tailored Marketing Programs
- Targeted Marketing

- System Features:
- Flexible Inventory Management
- Multiple Campaign Delivery Options
- Controlled Market Targeting
- High Volume Ad Delivery
- Unlimited Advertisers and Publishers
- Automated Registration for both Advertisers and Publishers
- Comprehensive Ad Tracking and Ad Performance Reporting
- Financial Management and Reporting

Biz Strategies,Inc. can also help with writing a business plan for your market and funding your vertical business solution. All you need to do is pick your market, define your markets application and provide the marketing programs to support your advertisers and publishers.

Vertical Market Ad Network (VMAN) http://www.verticalmarketadnetwork.com/ is a product of Biz Strategies, Inc. http://www.bizstrategies.biz/ , a seasoned team of business management, marketing, technical and financial professionals. Learn more about our team at http://www.bizstrategies.biz/about-us.html”

http://www.newdesignworld.com/press/story/4015

it is an advertising network that offers online vertical marketing solutions for individuals and companies. VMAN built on a proven ad server platform that is the engine for our turn key solution.it means that it an engine where the company helps in providing a solutions for your vertical market. this advertising network has focused for one specific market so it will be helpful to those who are engaged in the specific market because they will really focus on it. they are not just offering a vertical solutions but they also help you in writing a business plan for your specific market.

posted by: monica frances hao 00B

Retail Technology Experts named to 2008 Microsoft Dynamics President’s Club

“Microsoft Honors Retail Technology Experts for Outstanding Customer Commitment and Sales Achievement.

Miami Lakes, FL (PRWEB) July 14, 2008 — Retail Technology Experts has been named to the 2008 Microsoft Dynamics President’s Club, receiving recognition from Microsoft Corporation for its dedicated commitment to customers. This honor reflects Retail Technology Experts success in extending the Microsoft Dynamics platform to drive business advantages in companies worldwide.

This recognition came during the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2008 in Houston. The elite club recognizes the top 5 percent of Microsoft Business Solutions partners worldwide and their constant dedication to delivering solutions that meet their customers’ unique needs, active pursuit of product and technological advancement, and impressive sales performance.

“Microsoft is proud to congratulate Retail Technology Experts on being named to this year’s Microsoft Dynamics President’s Club,” said Doug Kennedy, vice president, Microsoft Dynamics Partners. “Retail Technology Experts only has demonstrated a high level of product expertise, but also has provided a superior level of service and commitment to our Microsoft Dynamics customers, ultimately contributing to the overall success of Microsoft Dynamics and companies worldwide.”

Retail Technology Experts specializes in Microsoft Dynamics RMS and works closely with the teams at Microsoft to maintain a comprehensive understanding of the Microsoft Dynamics platform. This knowledge, combined with a deep understanding of customers’ business needs and the retail market, enables Retail Technology Experts to help customers leverage the full value of their Microsoft investments and achieve the enhanced customer service, productivity and operational efficiency that promote growth and competitive advantage.

“We feel privileged to be part of the Microsoft Dynamics President’s Club,” stated Mahendran Ramanathan, President of Retail Technology Experts. ” We look forward to a continued successful partnership with Microsoft and to providing the best retail technology solutions to our customers.”

RETAIL TECHNOLOGY EXPERTS (RTE), formerly Business Automation Consultants (BAC), with over 17 years of service and expertise in providing Point-Of-Sale (POS) and Inventory Control for retailers, will continue its unmatchable retail technology solutions and exemplary customer service in the US, Caribbean and Latin America. Its future business development growth is in fulfilling the increasing needs of today’s retailers and their demands for tomorrow, increasing their operation and production efficiency through retail technology solutions.”

http://www.informationengineer.org/2008/07/13/retail-technology-experts-named-to-2008-microsoft-dynamics-presidents-club.html

this blog talks about the microsoft giving to these retail technology experts a recognition for a job well done because they have made the microsoft at the top 5 percent Microsoft Business Solutions partners worldwide. they are also trained that they should provide the customers needs. this blog talks about what the retail technology experts have contributed and it can help those who also wants to specialize in the retail technology.

posted by: Monica Frances T. Hao 00B

The role of barcode readers in retail technology

“Barcode readers are used for a huge number of applications nowadays, and are seen in an ever-increasing number of places. In libraries, commercial establishments of all kinds, schools with a large number of students, or a company with many employees, barcode readers are used daily to keep track of goods, books and general inventory. A barcode reader can help you to perform your job better by managing your database in an organized manner, to manage your inventory record, to take care of security within the premises or to monitor all movements of items.

However, all barcode readers are not the same. Barcode readers are available in many forms. Some of them consist of features that are better than others. You have to be very careful during the selection of the right kind of barcode reader. So how do you about choosing the right barcode reader for your organization?

First of all you should be aware of the reason for the requirement of a barcode reader. You should know if the barcode reader is to be used to trade or to save the time of staff members who manage certain processes. For instance, you can use a barcode reader to trace the movement of items to and from storage. It may also be used to track the movement of people within your premises. The choice of an appropriate barcode reader depends a lot on its usage.

You should compare the features of all barcode readers available in the market to make sure it is suitable for the type of use. One type of use that needs careful consideration is industrial use. Barcode readers, which are used in industrial areas such as warehouses, need to be tough enough to stand the working conditions. These types of rugged barcode readers are often encased in rubber to protect them from the inevitable knocks.

Next you need to make yourself aware of the various types of barcode readers. There are essentially three types:

· Laser-based barcode reader

· Charged coupled device barcode reader

· Camera-based barcode reader

To verify and identify the barcode of an item, the laser-based barcode reader uses the laser beam emitted from the barcode reader itself. An advantage of this type is that it can read the barcode from a distance. CCD-based barcode readers use light, which is emitted from light sensors present in the barcode and is used to identify the items. A camera-based barcode reader identifies items by taking a picture of the barcode. Each of these types has advantages and disadvantages. More information on the various types of barcode reader is available at http://www.barcodereadertoday.com

Choose a reliable barcode reader company with a good past record. A good barcode reader should be able to serve your organization for a long time and be able to withstand heavy use if required. As you can see, there are several things to bear in mind when choosing a barcode reader. By keeping in mind the points mentioned above you should be able to find a reader that suits your needs.”

http://technosource.wordpress.com/2008/08/29/barcode/

this blog talks about the role of the bar code readers in the retail technology. It is very important especially when you are engaging more datas like for the schools, groceries and other shops. in this blog it is also said and explained what is the importance of the bar code in the retail technology. it helps the company to work easier because without bar code reader it will be a hard time in saving those datas.

posted by: monica Frances Hao

Retail Technology Trends

by Valerie Lipow
Monster Contributing Writer

“Retail is a cutthroat industry, and success depends on how well your firm does against the competition. To stay ahead of the game, managers are using technology to get better results.

It’s in every retail professional’s best interest to become familiar with retail technology. Whether you work on the sales floor or behind the scenes, mastering retail technologies will help you stay marketable.

If your career plans are in retail, you’ll want to learn the ins and outs of these high tech tools.

Technology in Retail

According to Jim Dion, a Chicago-based retail technology consultant, high tech innovations help retailers stay competitive in four key categories: convenience, price, size and speed.

In stores and on the sales floor, high tech tools help balance inventory assortments, manage ordering and track pricing. Customer tracking tools increase customer satisfaction and promote loyalty by enhancing shoppers’ in-store experience.

On the executive level, technology improves planning and decision making. Various data-mining software help make stocking, pricing and marketing decisions, as well as improve product design and development.

Inventory Tracking

• Electronic Data Interchange (EDI): Direct computer-to-computer transactions from the store to the vendors’ databases and ordering systems.
• Wireless hand-held inventory units: Take inventory and download the data to a database at headquarters.
• Universal Product Code (UPC): Product identification system using bar code and unique numbering.
• Automatic replenishment: Manages restocking of what’s been sold.
• Virtual shelves: Intranets between retailers and vendors that expedite communication and on-time replenishment.

Customer Service

• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software: Allows retailers to track customers.
• CD-ROMs at the register: Let sales associates make special orders on the spot. Also deliver sales training to sales associates on the floor.
• In-store interactive kiosks: Provide customers with product details.
• Smart registers/point-of-sale (POS) terminals: Print coupons and reports, calculate frequent shopper discounts, capture customer profile information, schedule work hours and serve as store-to-headquarters email terminals.
• Signature-capture technology: Used at the POS terminal for credit card transactions. Receipts are retained electronically.
• E-commerce technology: Helps retailers and shoppers interact any time, anywhere.

Data Warehousing

• Executive Information Systems (EIS): Produce graphs of complex data that help retail executives make business decisions.

Become Tech Savvy

If you’re in school, take courses to develop your computer literacy. Learn to use spreadsheets, databases and word-processing software. If you’re already working in retail, much technology training happens on the job. Don’t avoid training opportunities; jump at them. Stay abreast of events by reading trade magazines and business periodicals and attending retail trade shows.

Outlook

Using technology does not guarantee a retailer’s success; it is just one piece of the puzzle. As RIS News, a retail technology publication, points out, a retailer may use technology to manage merchandise flow, but if it stocks merchandise customers don’t want, its business suffers. So learn to combine tech know-how with common sense, interpersonal skills, problem-solving savvy and enthusiasm”

this blog really helps to those who wants or in retail because they got to know what are the technology trends that can help them in the business like balance inventory assortments, manage ordering and track pricing and the customer relations. if they have more technology about the customers relation you can have your customers trust because they knew that you are valuing them.

posted by Monica Frances T. Hao

Target Pays $6 Million To Settle Accessibility Lawsuit

Written by Eric Athas
September 3, 2008

“After a two-year legal battle, Target has agreed to pay $6 million and make its Web site more accessible to the blind in a class action settlement with the National Federation of the Blind.

Quite a few retailers have been involved in site changes to make the Web more accessible to those with vision difficulties, but Target has been the most aggressive in fighting such efforts. As such, Target’s settlement has an especially strong chance of pressuring retailers to aggressively embrace such changes.

The settlement, which was reached on Aug. 27, resolved what began on Feb. 6, 2006, when the NFB sued Target. The NFB said Target’s site violated the American with Disabilities Act because it’s not easily accessible to blind users. The case was certified a year later as a class action suit for legally blind individuals who couldn’t easily access Target.com.

“It puts a monetary value on indiscretion and, in essence, people will pay more attention to the subject as a whole. It’s now been crystallized about what it means, and that’s a good thing,” said Terry Golesworthy, the president of the Customer Respect Group a company that analyzes behavior between corporate Web sites and online consumers. “The thing that’s more troubling to me is the fact that it’s very specific to that case, it’s a very specific thing that takes the access argument potentially into a limited role.”

Golesworthy said the rules put in place by the NFB leave out a lot of other issues regarding people with disabilities and their access to Web sites. For example, this case may not apply to users with disabilities other than blindness.

Still, Golesworthy believes this settlement will motivate corporations to put defense plans into place in preparation for similar lawsuits to follow. He said because corporations now know how much it will cost to implement similar guidelines to Target’s, and how much of a hit they will take if they’re sued, they are probably formulating defense plans.

The settlement requires Target to create a $6 million fund for the settlement class, and it also requires the retailer to abide by the Target Online Assistive Technology Guidelines, a 34-page set of technical design rules that explains how the site should be built. The guidelines are meant to ensure “that blind guests using screen-reader software may acquire the same information and engage in the same transactions as are available to sighted guests with substantially equivalent ease of use,” according to court documents.

In addition, Target is required to achieve NFB nonvisual accessibility certification, which means the company has to make 18 detailed changes to its site by February 2009. The NFB will monitor Target.com with quarterly testing, annual user testing and annual technical assessments by a consultant, and it must be notified of any new templates the retailer develops.

To prepare for all of these changes, the agreement says there will be “periodic one-day training sessions” for employees in charge of coding Target.com. The retailer also has to provide the NFB with a quarterly summary of any complaints it receives from users using the screen-reader technology.”

http://storefrontbacktalk.com/story/090308targetsettlement

i think that the target market has a good idea on creating a website for those blinds so that they can purchase a product more accessible because they would will not go to the mall and have a hard time in travelling.

posted by: Monica Frances Hao 00b