POS Lite - Is Good Enough For a Farmers Market, Good Enough For You?

Over the past year several different inexpensive and mobile systems have cropped up in the point of sale arena. The title “point of sale” has been given, which is technically an accurate statement but may conjure the wrong meaning in a retailer’s mind.

Point of Sale is defined as referring  to a “POS terminal or more generally to the hardware and software used for checkouts, the equivalent of an electronic cash register.” Technically Square, Paypal Here, Google Wallet are all point of sale solutions. The question is, does that mean that they could fit your retail technology needs? Could a system that appears to cost mere pocket change really be the tool of your dreams? Much like many other “too good to be true” options, cost does represent
quality. There is a definite market for POS Lite but a retailer must be careful to avoid the allure of the upfront price tag, especially with several of these systems stating they are a “full POS system”.

Can it handle your quantity? Per reviews it looks like these systems are best for low quantity (example: flea markets, fairs, concert sales booths and the like) transactions. The average weekly gross sales that fit for these products appear to fall around the $1,000-$4,000 a week mark. Be sure to avoid being boxed into an uncomfortably low ceiling.

Is this really going to cost less? With a set %2.75 on transactions (many charging for both credit and debit) you may end up paying more in processing fees than with a system set up with another processor; you will also be locked into that pay arrangement for the duration with no options to change to a lower rate. Research processor charges and how blanket charges on both credit and debit may affect your bottom line.
http://banking.about.com/od/checkingaccounts/a/debitvscredit.htm

Do you need/want inventory tracking and control? These systems are designed for low quantity; how many products can it properly and effectively track and monitor?

Scalability is key.Consider, you may not be able to transfer all of that data over to a future system should you have your eye on expansion. This could cause enough of a shift in your marketing
efforts and client retention that you experience long term negative side effects.

What does it integrate with/what are its features? Is it compatible with, for example, your accounting software? Also consider security systems, security cameras, open to buy, etc.

Will your information be secure? Additional concerns to fully investigate are PCI compliancy and overall security for both yourself and your customers. How secure is the system, what happens to your clients data and how often/easy is it to hack? Check reviews, and review what your responsibilities are when you are taking financial information. Many POS Lite systems don’t focus on security, this responsibility will fall on you to ensure your clients credit card data
is safely handled.
https://www.pcisecuritystandards.org/security_standards/getting_started.php

A safe rule of thumb is to spend  2% of your annual gross sales on POS. If 2% comes out to over a few thousand dollars you should consider a system that also handles inventory tracking/control, has increased reporting features and is scalable. This will save you in man hours, waste, loss, hackers, theft and costly errors. The right system could very easily make or break your store. Be sure to make the decision that will move you into the long-term.

Reviews
http://www.cardpaymentoptions.com/credit-card-processors/square-review http://www.cardpaymentoptions.com/credit-card-processors/google-checkout
http://www.cardpaymentoptions.com/credit-card-processors/paypal

 

*Lite is used loosely to represent a version of software that is an abbreviated version or has limited features. It could also be referred to as POS Diet but I thought that might be a stretch.

One Step Retail Solutions is a leading retail technology consultancy company and reseller of 5 leading retail technology management/ POS systems for small to medium sized retail chains
nationwide.
To Get a Free Retail Technology Review

*Please note, this article was updated 5/14/2012 to correct the processing pricing statement from $2.75 to %2.75. Apologies for the typo.

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New 2D Barcode Imagers & Wireless Scanners at IDAutomation

by Nate Schubert

Earlier in the month, we announced the availability of some new linear barcode scanners we feel our customers will benefit from. This week, we are going to focus on some of the most recent corded and wireless barcode imagers on the market today. Following are some of the recent 2D Barcode Imagers and Wireless Scanners available from IDAutomation.

Wireless Scanners & 2D Barcode Imagers
Wireless scanners are generally a high-demand item because their ability to communicate wirelessly with a base connected to a computer can offer up a great deal more flexibility than scanners that must be tethered to the computer. These scanners can traditionally read linear and 2D barcodes alike, which is important for processes that may see multiple barcode types.

• Socket Bluetooth Cordless Hand Scanner
• Long and dependable battery life on a single charge for extended scanning projects.
• Wireless communication up to 330 feet from the cradle.
• Long-range scanning up to 48", even in sunlight.
• Compatible with Windows, Apple, Android, Blackberry, iPhone and more with Bluetooth enabled.
• Dependably reads many linear barcodes in addition to 2D barcode types such as Aztec, Data Matrix, PDF417, QR and more.
• Priced from $245.00 with Free Ground Shipping.
• Xenon 1900 General Purpose Area Imager
• Ideal for use in retail, pharmacy, manufacturing and clean-room environments.
• Wireless option enables a communication range of up to 33 feet from the cradle.
• Reads many linear and two-dimensional barcode types including Code 39, Code 128, Data Matrix and PDF417 in addition to OCR and postal barcodes.
• 5-year Manufacturer Warranty.
• Priced from $350.00 with wireless models starting at $889.00.
• Motorola RFID DS9809 Hybrid Presentation 2D Barcode Imager
• Standard range model reads barcodes up to 10.5" away while long-range model reads up to 18", making it ideal for environments such as retail check-outs.
• Audible and visual alerts ensure awareness of a successful scan, even in the busiest retail environments and in sunlight.
• Quickly and effectively reads many linear, postal and 2D barcodes, and is the first combination handheld / hands-free RFID reader.
• Priced from $1,365.00 with Free Ground Shipping.

Purchase of these products also allows a license to the Free Barcode Font, Barcode Label Software and Barcode Scanner ASCII String Decoder. These free products support medium size Code 39 barcode generation. We also offer a range of other affordable, high-quality 2D barcode imagers and wireless barcode scanners to suit your needs in the event that these do not.

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Hate Your Job? Yeah, I can tell.

I recently visited an affiliate of ours and I was struck by how solid their
customer service and care factor was. Their business is consistently very
busy and expanding. Every single member of their team understands and
is able to help a customer with any of their needs, they are seem
geniunely happy to be there. A day or so later, I called Expedia to book
some travel and again - helpful, friendly and he seemed happy to be there
and helping me!
I was struck by the "good customer service" fairy again this morning
when picking up a bagel at Starbucks - busy but very friendly and cheerful
(as usual).

Service with a smile.

This brought be back to a recent article I read on the importance of a
focus on employees, as compared to being strictly customer satisfaction
oriented. I am excited to see this concept expand.

“Your employees will treat your customers as they have been treated
by their leaders,” http://www.businessknowhow.com/marketing/hugging.htm

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Meet Andrew, the Mind Behind Brandspank

We were excited to get a more in depth view into the mind of full-service
retail marketing guru, Andrew Sharpe.
Founder and Senior Brand Strategist for Brandspank located out of
Vancouver (Canada).
www.brandspank.net
Twitter: @BRANDSPANKshop 

Are there any retail trends that you find to be of particular interest?

Shopper marketing and in particular, user experience for in-store.

"Shopper marketing" further defined: Shopper marketing is brand
marketing in retail environment. Including category management,
displays, sales, packaging, promotion, research and marketing.

What is your favorite thing about working with retailers?

They are at a crossroad and (some) are very open to exploring and

embracing new ways of connecting with their customers. Unlike a CPG

(packaged good), a retail brand is not relegated to package design…it is

experiential in every sense of the world. So the strategy and execution

need to be able to cohabitate in every touch-point.

What would you say is the most helpful thing about your product

or services for a retailer?

Our approach for developing a branding platform and persona. This

enables us to provide our clients with a way to differentiate themselves

AND introduce relevant support elements into every part of their brand

experience.  

How long has your company been in business? 10 years

If you could offer any advice to retailers out there, what would you say?

When the marketplace changes, be prepared to evolve. And, listen to your

customers and potential customers before implementing what you think is

the solution.

What do you think would be your favorite part of being a retailer?

Establishing and maintaining relationships with my customers.

What do you think would be your least favorite part of being a retailer?

Hiring and training staff.

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Gateway Monitoring in SAP

This article answers the following queries :

ü  What is SAP Gateway ?

ü  How to monitor SAP Gateway ?

ü  What is the transaction code to monitor SAP Gateway ?

ü  How to monitor SAP Gateway from the OS  level ?

ü  What are the different processes of a SAP Gateway?

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Gateway is a service which enables SAP systems and external programs to communicate with one another. Each SAP instance has a gateway.

Gateway consists of 2 processes. They are

• Gateway Read Process
• Gateway Monitor

Gateway Read Process :  Gateway read (gwrd, gwrd.exe) is the main process of the gateway system. It is started  by dispatcher of the application server and it is checked by it periodically.

Gateway Monitor : This is used to analyze and administer the SAP Gateway. If the gateway is running in an application server ABAP, you can monitor this with the gateway monitor.

Transaction code SMGW is used to monitor the gateway.

Please login to ABAP stack of SAP system and go to transaction SMGW.

A screen similar to below will appear.

It is the responsibility of basis administrator to make sure there are no errors or old requests in Gateway monitor. Please perform following checks in SMGW.

1)    Please check for red entries in the list above which indicates errors. Consider deleting them if they are no longer required.

2)    Please check the “Last Request” column and identify old requests among the list. Consider interrupting or deleting those old requests if they are no longer required.

3)    Open the log file (Goto -> Trace -> Gateway -> Display File ) and check it. In case of any errors, please troubleshoot accordingly.

Please repeat this process for each and every application server that is present in an SAP system.

For example, in the below screen, have identified a connection whose last request date is old

There are 2 things that can be done to this long running active connection. As shown in the above screenshot, either “Interrupt connection” or “Delete connection” can be done. If Interrupt connection is done, the active connection becomes interrupted and its status changes accordingly. But this connection will be visible in the listing of connections in SMGW.

If you would like to delete this connection, please proceed as shown in above screen.

i.e navigate to Goto -> Active Connection -> Deletion connection which results in below screen

Please click on Yes button in the above screen to delete this connection permenantly. After this this connection will no longer be visible in SMGW active connections.

If we check in SM21 system log, we can find out that this particular connection was terminated by the administrator at that particular time stamp.

How to monitor SAP Gateway from the OS  level ?

Gateway can also be monitored at the os level (in particular if the gateway is running in a system without AS ABAP) using program gwmon (.exe) 

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How to use Microvision ROV Bluetooth Barcode Scanner

Dealing with a Microvision ROV barcode scanner can be quite tricky. Of course, the device is scanning bar-codes immediately. But the data is sent in a special format and requires a confirmation by the receiver. That's the reason for this blog entry.

By default the ROV scanner (in our case a MS2200-BT) buffers all scanned bar codes internally. The receiver (e.g. your PC or smartphone) is required to confirm each received bar code to delete it from the ROV's memory. If such a confirmation is missing the ROV scanner sends the same bar code over and over.

The ROV scanner appends a 4 digit serialization number to each scanned bar-code. This serialization number is sent (along with the barcode data) to the receiver. The receiving device is required to acknowledge the bar-code by sending back the serialization number along with an appended ACK character (hex 06) to the ROV scanner.

Now let's demonstrate how to configure TEC-IT's software wedge TWedge to work with a Microvision ROV scanner.

Use a Microvision ROV Scanner With TWedge

TWedge is a software solution for reading data from RS232, USB (via virtual serial ports), TCP/IP and Bluetooth devices. The built-in scripting capabilities enable you to process the received data (e.g. send the data to any application by simulating keystrokes) or to implement the confirmation scenario outlined above.

Use this JavaScript snippet for the OnData section in the script editor of TWedge (you may also download the TWI).

TWedge OnData Script for Microvision ROV MS2200-BT

var myData;

var SerializationNumber;

myData = DATA.replace (/\x02/g, "");        // remove {STX}

myData = myData.replace (/\x0D\x0A/g, "");  // remove {CRLF}

// Microvision's documentation says the following:
//
// The serialization number are represented by the last four digits of the bar code.

// Send the serialization number with an ACK (hex 06) character to the

// scanner to acknowledge and delete the bar code. If the scanner has bar

// codes buffered then it sends the first stored bar code, deletes that

// bar code after it is acknowledged, and then sends the next stored bar

// code. This process continues until all bar codes have been sent.

SerializationNumber = Right (myData, 4);

WriteToDevice (SerializationNumber + "\x06", 500);  

// Prepare the read data to simulate keystrokes (remove Serialization Number)

myData = Left (myData, myData.length - 4);

SendKeyStrokes(myData.replace (/\x00/g, " "));

SendKeyStrokes("{ENTER}");

Give it a try!

Download and check out the software wedge TWedge for free. The finished configuration file (TWI file) for this blog post is available here.

Comments and suggestions regarding this article are welcome. Please feel free to contact us via MSN or email if you are facing any problems.

Update

The post How to use a Microvision ROV bar-code scanner with Android explains how to configure the scanner to work without serial numbers, buffering or special protocol requirements.

About TEC-IT

WWW.TEC-IT.COM

TEC-IT Datenverarbeitung GmbH provides high quality software in the areas of bar-coding, barcode extensions for ERP systems, label and form printing, reporting and automated data acquisition. TEC-IT products are available for all major platforms, thus customers benefit from complete and versatile software solutions for all possible requirements. The company is located in Austria / Europe and can be reached via www.tec-it.com.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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TSC joined BlueStar Technology Summit in Frankfurt

TSC joined and sponsored the BlueStar Technology Summit in Frankfurt on April 19th. The main competitors met there and listened to the presentations, checked the latest portfolios and discussed with guests and company representatives of the ID branch.

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Associate member feature: Mary Gillogly of The Retail Life

Meet Mary Gillogly, North Carolina based Social Media Strategist and Community Manager for The Retail Life. We are happy to feature Retail Professional Associate member Mary from The Retail Life and to learn about her experience in and love for retail (she had me at a pup named "Gucci").

Mary’s favorite color:  Gray
Mary’s favorite meal: Toss up, Indian or Thai Curry
Mary's personal design style: Mary describes her style as eclectic. Pulling pieced from stores such as Free People, Anthropologie, TJ Maxx and a handful of local boutiques. She liked to mix classic with bold prints and patterns and can be found playing with bohemian looks from time to time.

What is your favorite thing about working with retailers?
I love being able to relate personally to retailers since I worked in retail for 10 plus years. It’s fun to connect and share stories with retail workers.  As we all know, retail is not the easiest career path one can take and you have to truly have a passion for it.  I enjoy finding those passionate individuals who love their jobs and helping them to continue to excel in their careers.

What would you say is the most helpful thing The Retail Life offers to retailers?  The most helpful thing about The Retail Life is the direct connection that we provide.  Not only can you find jobs but I am personally there through out the entire day to use as a resource if you need assistance with applying for jobs or have any specific career questions that you are unsure about.

How long has The Retail Life been in business?
The Retail Life is fairly new and has been launched within the last 6 months.

If you could offer any advice to retailers out there, what would you say?  When working with customers, especially those that are unhappy with you, you have to be tolerant and understanding.  Try your hardest to see their side of the story. Also be genuine!   No one wants a plastic or sales person who is just going through the motions.  Try and befriend your customers to make lasting relationships.

When you were a retailer, what was your favorite part of the day?
My favorite part of the day would definitely be the merchandising and artistic part.  I love the set up of the store and making a visual display that acts as a silent seller. Whenever you have down time when customers are not around this is a great way to pass the time and lead into future sales.

When you were a retailer, what was your least favorite part of the day?
Closing time is never fun, cleaning up from a busy day and getting things in order for the next day can be a daunting task.  However it’s a great feeling coming in the next morning and knowing everything is ready to go!

Do you have any hobbies?  I love dogs!  I help a local rescue by fostering one dog at a time.  I love getting to know the dogs personality and matching them up with the right family.  I’ve placed over 10 dogs now.  I also participate in a dog therapy program with my personal pooch Gucci and usually I can bring the foster pup along as long as their personality complies.


Gucci with Mary's current rescue pup, Taco

What is your favorite thing about retail? I love the real connection with customers and making friends through the process. Some of my best friends today are from when I am working in retail or promoting a retail establishment.  It’s fun because you can relate to each other because we like the same thing like great fashion!

What is your favorite thing about fashion? I love that your sense of style can be seen everyday and it doesn’t cost a lot of money to have a specific look. Once you have established the type of style you want to have you can achieve it in various ways and brands without having to spend an exorbitant amount of money.  I feel in many ways fashion is like art that you can wear on your body everyday. 

The Retail List is a online community for retailers and prospective employees.
www.theretaillife.com
mgolligly@headwaycorp.com

The Retail Life is a part of the One Step Retail Solutions Retail Professional Association. For more information please visit our website http://onestepretail.com/OSD/OSD_rpa_program.php or contact Amy Hanson at ahanson@onestepretail.com

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How to publish logon page message in SAP ?

 This article answers the following queries :

• How to publish logon page message in SAP ?
• How to customize SAP logon page ?

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Sometimes it is required to publish some informational message at the logon page of
the SAP (eg: To inform end users about the system details like SID, system refresh date, system availability, Basis support window, clients available, welcome message etc). Please follow below process to achieve the same.


Please login  to ABAP stack of SAP system and go to transaction code SE61.

A screen similar to below appears.

Please provide “ZLOGIN_SCREEN_INFO” as the data element in the above screen.

Click on Change button to modify the existing login screen information. If it is not already defined, please click on create button to create one.

It results in a blank screen as shown below.

Please type in the text that you wish to be displayed in the login page of the SAP system and save.

Once you log off from SAP system and check whether you are able to view the information message in the login page of the SAP system as below.

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How to update SAP Splash screen?

This article answers the following queries :

ü  How to update SAP Splash screen?

ü  How to personalize SAP system via splash screen?

ü  What is SAP Splash screen in SAP ?

ü  What is the Tcode used to maintain SAP splash screen ?

ü  Why is it required to change SAP splash screen ?

ü  How to upload a .gif file in SAP to update Splash screen ?

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SAP Splash screen is a .gif file containing a picture which is used to personalize an SAP system.

It is often required to personalize an SAP system for informational reasons  by uploading logo (.gif file) of SAP Project name or SAP system details etc. Usually this will be done after a new SAP system installation or after a system refresh activity.

Please find below process on how to update SAP splash screen:

Execute transaction SMW0 and select “Binary data for WebRFC applications” as seen below

Click on highlighted button, which results in below screen

Click on execute button which results in below screen

Select the create button as shown above which results in below screen

In the above screen, please make sure you enter object name and its description. Please note the Object name should begin with Z to indicate this belongs to customer name range. Once these details are provided, please click on import button, which results in below screen

Please navigate and select the appropriate  .gif file (i.e. logo ) which you would like to personalize and  display. Once this is selected, it results in below screen.

Please click on highlighted “local object” button.

Once this activity is performed go to transaction SM30 to maintain a table SSM_CUST

Select Green check which results in below screen.

As shown above, please set new value to the START_IMAGE and save. This will prompt for a transport request as below.

Select create button and please make sure to indicate this is splash screen related  screen and do not transport this.

Now the splash screen updation settings are completed. Please log off from the SAP system and login again to view the personalized screen in the home page

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How to check table size in SAP?

This article answers the following queries

ü  How to check table size in SAP?

ü  How to check view size in SAP?

ü  How to find out number of rows in a table in SAP?

ü  How to view indexes on a table in SAP?

ü  How to view index statistics of a table in SAP?

ü  How to find out on what columns indexes are built on a SAP table?

ü  How to find out on which date index statistics are last run for a SAP table?

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Please login to SAP system and goto transaction DB02 or DBACOCKPIT

Please navigate to Space -> Single Table  Analysis, It results in the screen similar to below screen

Please provide the Table/View name for which you would like to determine the size.

In this example, am checking the size of a table RSBERRORLOG. Please provide the table name and press enter which results in below screen

As visible in the above screenshot, from the overview tab, we can view following details:

Reserved size(KB) -  Total size of the table allocated in KB

Data size (KB) – Current data size of the table in KB

Index  size (KB) – Current size of the indexes of the table in KB

Unused size (KB) – Amount of space unused in the table in KB

Rows  - Number of rows present in the table

Please  click on indexes tab of the above screen, to view a screen similar to below screen

It displays Index names and the columns on which indexes are built, size of index and the last update statistics for the indexes

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