Expanded POS System Buyer’s Guide

NOTE: This version of the buyer’s guide contains twice as many listings as the one that ran in the September/October issue of Beverage Dynamics.

 

ACCUPOS

Advertisement

AccuPOS provides award-winning point-of-sale (POS), inventory-management, and time-clock software for the retail and restaurant industries. The AccuPOS family of products is designed to be faster and easier than a cash register and to streamline the sales process while significantly simplifying the back-end. AccuPOS products, based on open standards, expand the capabilities of an existing accounting program and allow users to grow and change over time, without being locked into proprietary vendor products. Specializing in end-to-end integration, AccuPOS allows a business to view and manage sales and inventory details within the most widely used accounting packages: QuickBooks, Sage 50 (U.S. and Canadian editions), Sage 100 ERP. The system is Gold Developer Certified by both Sage and Intuit. Bundled POS solutions are available via fully supported hardware partnerships. AccuPOS also offers a wide range of discount Merchant and Gift Card Services through its simple and fast onscreen interface. AccuPOS is headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, with regional offices in 13 countries. Retail store packages are available starting at below $2,000. For more information, visit www.accupos.com.

 

Advertisement

ATLANTIC SYSTEM INC. (ASI)

Atlantic Systems, Inc. has offered POS computer systems for beverage alcohol retailers since 1980. The company provides complete systems including hardware, software, installation, training, and long-term support. Spirits 2000 is a Windows-based software package that provides inventory and financial control for one store or a multi-store chain. The most recent version includes an updated graphical interface, new formats, touchscreen capabilities, and the ability to e-mail customers directly from the system. High-speed integrated credit/debit card processing is done via the Internet. The system can identify a customer at the register using a bar-coded card or by entering the customer’s name or account number. Its Frequent Shopper Program can collect information on customer purchases and provide the retailer assistance in rewarding customer loyalty. Automated age verification and storage of results is available in most states. Targeted marketing can be done automatically by selectively filtering customer sales history and then contacting them via a mass e-mail. Gift card processing can be done through the retailer’s credit card processor or internally in the system, which eliminates processing fees. A Web interface is available for e-commerce. Spirits 2000 can integrate with security camera systems to overlay text that displays the sale information on images at the time the sale is rung up. Spirits 2000 also includes tasting notes for products that the user can input and print out. A handheld wireless scanner with a mobile printer can be used for inventory counting, price changes, price labels, stock checks and line busting. An updated version of the system, Spirits 2000 3.0, is currently in beta testing and will be released by the end of 2014. The company also offers Spirits Express, a complete POS solution for retailers that only have one or two registers. For more information and pricing, visit www.asi-nj.com.
BIGCOMMERCE

BigCommerce is a pioneer in e-commerce, focused on enabling small businesses to “Sell More” online. Its all-in-one marketing and e-commerce platform boasts SEO, tools to create beautiful online stores, and more than 100 built-in marketing tools that make it easy to sell on iPhones, Facebook, and eBay. More than 30,000 businesses in 70 countries are using BigCommerce, including Gibson Guitar, Pandora Jewelers, and Willie Nelson’s shop. BigCommerce was founded in 2009 by two Aussies turned part-time Texans with a vision to make selling online easy. Pricing begins at $29.95 per month, with several packages available. For more information, visit www.bigcommerce.com.
BREADCRUMB
Powered by Groupon, Breadcrumb is an iPad based POS system that offers an offline mode and promises seamless integration with Groupon vouchers. The basic app is available for free, and the Breadcrumb Pro version features plans starting at $99 per month. Learn more at https://breadcrumb.groupon.com.

 

CAP SOFTWARE

CAP Software’s store-management system, Sellwise Pro 8, provides POS, inventory control, extensive reports, CRM and marketing tools, tag printing, pricing, and promotion management. Additional features include secure cash handling with customizable cash drop alerts, age verification log, and built-in digital signage player. To learn more and watch a demo, visit the company’s website at www.capretail.com.
CASHIER LIVE

Cashier Live is an affordable, easy-to-use, web-based POS system designed for independent retailers. The company offers a 14-day free trial of its system, which can function from a computer, iPhone, or iPad. Cashier Live is currently in use at more than 1,000 retail locations. Basic plans start at $20 per month. For more information visit www.cashierlive.com, download their Cashier app from the App Store, or call 877.312.1750.

 

CHOICEMASTER DIGITAL SIGNAGE (CMDS)

CMDS has teamed up with leading digital-signage partners to provide beverage-alcohol retailers with a customer service system that can also be used to show paid advertising from other businesses. CMDS is a complete system that has an all-in-one computer featuring a 15-inch touch screen, a scanner and a printer. It runs a 42 LCD screen that is mounted directly above the touch screen to catch the attention of shoppers. CMDS ties into the POS system and provides information on the products carried in that store. The advertising and promotional revenue can be shared with the retailer. Available least options will cost the store approximately $100 month before ad revenue. Sources of ad revenue can be national or local. Retailers can display store specials, current events like wine tastings, or advertise local businesses. The system can be used to educate customers about new products.  For more information call 410.745.8137 or e-mail jgreaves@choicemaster.com.
DSMART

DSmart Technologies offers retailers a free point-of-sale system, in order to buy advertising space from them on that system. On the cashier side, the DSmart Register is a fully functioning POS system. A second monitor, facing the customer, allows the customer to see the transaction being rung and also to see ads, matched to what the customer is purchasing. If a customer likes an ad, he or she can click on the screen and the promotion being offered will print at the bottom of the sales receipt or even buy the product right there at the check-out. All of the store’s data is kept in the in-store system and is also backed-up on DSmart’s servers. The free offer includes one register with the software; hardware for additional registers costs $2,000. DSmart can also be used by multi-store operations. For more information, visit www.dsmartinc.com or call 877.601.9192.

 

FIRST DATA

First Data, a global leader in electronic commerce and payment processing, serves more than 6.2 million merchant locations worldwide. It offers a range of point-of-sale terminals as well as complete point-of-sale systems, including its Payment Essentials™ Solution, which bundles comprehensive payment services, state-of-the-art hardware, and 24/7 customer service into one easy-to-manage bundle. For more information, visit www.firstdata.com.

 

HARBORTOUCH

Harbortouch offers both a touchscreen point-of-sale system to retailers and also provides merchant services such as credit/debit and gift-card processing. The POS system and all technical support is provided to retailers free of charge: Harbortouch’s only cost to retailers is a merchant processing fee collected during credit card transactions. For more information, visit www.harbortouch.com or call 800. 201.0461.

 

INNOVATIVE COMPUTER SOLUTIONS (ICS)

ICS has provided solutions specifically for beverage alcohol retailers for more than 30 years and has systems installed in more than 1,000 stores nationwide. The company’s Vision system, a scalable application for stores ranging from a single register to multiple locations, can run on Windows, LINUX, and MAC/OS. The POS module within Vision is designed to provide full register capability, including price look-ups, discounts, customer-special pricing (and history), periodic sales, and frequent-buyer or award points tracking. Tasting notes and coupons can also be generated from the register. The Vision POS can be operated on a standard PC or a touch-screen system. A 2-D scanner can identify under-age purchasers and add customers to a store’s mailing/special pricing list. The back-office module provides inventory control, extensive reporting, sales analysis, purchase history, FIFO inventory level tracking, and physical inventory. Cashier accountability features allow a retailer to track all transactions down to the keystroke, both on the POS and in the back office. Vision is turnkey and includes hardware, installation, and training at the store location. The system is already PCI 3.0 complaint. Complete systems start at $5,000, including hardware which can also be purchased separately. Call 732.223.0909 or visit www.winepos.com.

 

KEYSTROKE
Keystroke is a sales management and inventory control POS system offering extensive reporting and employee management tools. The latest version features electronic forms, an updated mail module, vendor catalogs, multi-store purchase orders, customizable appearance settings, and more. For pricing details and additional information, visit http://keystrokepos.com.

 

LIGHTSPEED RETAIL

Lightspeed Retail is a Mac-based POS system for small to medium retailers. The system can be outfitted to use iPads and iPod Touches as registers. The company offers an open application program interface (API) to allow end-users to build their own custom add-ons to the system. Two different versions, Lightspeed Pro and Lightspeed Cloud, can be accessed via free trials. For more information, call 866.932.1801 or visit www.lightspeedretail.com.

 

MICROSOFT DYNAMICS

Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail is a global, end-to-end solution for retailers that offers multichannel management, store operations, merchandising, and enterprise resource planning capabilities. Unlike retail software built to solve the problems of the past, Microsoft Dynamics AX for Retail delivers role-tailored, omni-channel scenarios seamlessly through a modern, unified technology offering. To learn more about the solution and see real product demos, visit www.microsoft.com/dynamics/ax/retail.

 

mPOWER BEVERAGE SOFTWARE

mPower Beverage is designed specifically for beverage-alcohol retailers. The Windows-based system can be used for single or multi-store operations and offers integrated credit cards, remote access, touchscreen capability, e-commerce integration, and PCI compliance. Also, mPower Beverage can be installed on Windows 7 tablets for functionality such as inventory adjustments, ordering/receiving, or line-busting. For states that require it, a wholesale module is also available for tracking back office orders and providing the needed reports to the state. The software costs $2,000 plus $1,500 for each additional register. For more information, call 877.396.0141 or visit mpowerbeverage.com.

 

NCR CORPORATION

NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) is a global technology company leading how the world connects, interacts, and transacts with business. NCR’s assisted- and self-service solutions and comprehensive support services address the needs of retail, financial, travel, healthcare, hospitality, entertainment, gaming, and public sector organizations in more than 100 countries. NCR is headquartered in Duluth, Georgia. For more information, call 866.431.7879, e-mail retail.contactus@ncr.com, or visit www.ncr.com.

 

NETSUITE FOR RETAIL

Netsuite is a cloud-based, multi-channel retail management system that integrates POS, ecommerce, CRM and marketing, merchandising, warehouse management, and finances. Learn more at www.netsuite.com.

 

PROPHETLINE

Prophetline is a POS and retail management system for small- to mid-sized specialty retailers, including beverage retailers. Its systems include IP credit card processing, integrated web shopping, and fully integrated accounting. It can handle operations ranging from one store to multiple sites with centralized purchasing. Prophetline is a four-time winner of the Microsoft Retail Application Developer of the Year Award. To learn more, call 800.875.6592 or visit www.prophetline.com.

 

RITE (Retail Information Technology Enterprises)

This company is an award-winning provider of Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS) and works with some of the largest liquor retailers in the country, with clients in over 40 states. RITE has molded the Microsoft RMS product to meet the special needs of beer/wine/liquor retailers, including the ability to integrate with their suppliers (invoicing and pricing /EDI), integrated age verification via drivers licenses, profit-margin monitoring, advanced purchasing tools and web site integration. For information, visit www.rite.us or call 888.267.RITE.

 

SAGE NORTH AMERICA

Sage North America specializes in business-management software and services for small- and mid-sized businesses. Its latest release, Sage 50 Accounting 2015 for small businesses, has features including automated purchasing and shipping options, cash flow monitoring, various invoicing formats, and multi-user options. For more information, call 800.228.0068 or visit http://na.sage.com/sage-50-accounting-us.

SAP TRANSACTIONWARE

SAP Transactionware General Merchandise (SAP TGM) is a POS system specifically designed for client-server environments. Primary features include an enhanced security strategy, real-time access to consumer information, mobile POS inventory and transaction capabilities, and support for centralized transaction services. To learn more, call 866.681.6121.

 

SHOPKEEP POS

Developed by a wine retailer, ShopKeep POS is a complete iPad point-of-sale (POS) system designed for independent retailers. Subscription prices start at $49 per month for a basic system with one iPad register. A new feature allowing seamless QuickBooks integration is available for an additional $30 per month. A 30-day free trial is available. For more information, visit www.shopkeep.com.

 

SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY GROUP

Systems Technology Group (STG) offers a customizable POS system that focuses on securityand support. State-of-the art technology, modern interfaces, full PCI compliance, and 24/7 customer support are just some of the features offered by STG, which is an appropriate system from small individual retailers to large, multi-store chains. For more information, visit www.stgpos.com.

 

WINDWARD SOFTWARE

Windward Software’s Liquor Store POS is a fully integrated liquor-industry-specific business-management software package. Windward has been built to be fast, easy to learn, and offers unique functionality to meet your liquor store needs. It includes capabilities for integrated video monitoring, real-time accumulation of sales, customer relationship management, product tracking, case breakdown, 2D scanning for ID clarification, touch-screen capabilities, cost controls, and reporting. The system is meant handle every aspect of a single- or multi-store business, from the cash register, to the back office, to ecommerce. Call 800.663.5750 or visit http://liquorstorepos.wws5.com/.

 

WOLF TRACK SOFTWARE

Wolf Track’s Liquor POS Software is available as software-as-a-service (SAAS). Though the system runs entirely on a store’s computers, the software can be downloaded from Wolf Track’s website. The software, which can run a touchscreen system, costs $35 per month per register. Updates to the software and support are free. Automatic database back-up is available for an additional fee of $20 per month, per store. For more information, call 800.908.7654 or visit www.wolftrack.com.

1 COMMENT

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here