1. How To Select Point Of Sale Systems

2. 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

3. Journey Chinese Proverb

4. Tip #1: Avoid rush hour insufficient planning is probably the number-one IT mistake when it comes to POS systems

5. 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

6. Tip # 2: Create a selection team Create a team from all ladders of the company Servers Shift leader Front office manager Chef & Purchasing Accounting

7. 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

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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.

11. 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?

12. 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.

13. Tip # 7: Do not forget legacy systems Evaluate compatibility with legacy systems at both the unit level and home office. Do a scalability study

14. Tip # 8: Analyze Interfaces Property Management System Inventory Control Purchasing (EDI) Accounting & Payroll Labor Scheduling Credit Card Processing

15. Tip # 9: Analyze features Wireless Handheld Menu Analysis & Cost Control Retail Module Bar code scanning CRM Table Management Web Solutions

17. Features that wows the guests Handheld terminals Gift cards Guest recognition programs Print recipes for favorite menu items Tablet PC for wine selection

18. 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.

19. 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

20. Tip # 11: Analyze backup options Back-up Options Off-site back ups Tape back-ups RAID (redundant array of inexpensive disks)

21. Tip #12: Analyze legal issues Data ownership in the case of ASP or Web-based solution. Read the fine print

22. Tip # 13: Do a Cost/Benefit Analysis--BEFORE

23. Tip # 14 Calculate ROI (if you can)--AFTER It is not easy to calculate ROI on technology. Measure before/after implementation

24. 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