StoreTrader
is perhaps the simplest PoS software product to install and use. It
takes only 3 or 4 minutes to install and configure the software for
first use.
However, there are many things to consider before you start. Here are the main ones:
Hardware
You can run StoreTrader on any Windows PC (even Windows 95!) but it’s
usually a false economy to rely on PoS terminal devices over 5 years
old or so. Choose a modern touch screen terminal – there’s a wide
variety to select from and remember that a failure can cost you more in
time and lost sales than the marginally lower cost of cheap terminals
over 5 years. Consider whether you could use an additional
customer-facing display for promotional material. A barcode scanner (if
you use barcodes), receipt printer and cash drawer complete the PoS
hardware setup. You should budget £1,000 or more for an integrated
touchscreen terminal.
Communications
You need broadband internet to get full use from StoreTrader Live.
However, because it’s not a browser-based design, it doesn’t make heavy
use of the communications bandwidth. You’ll have plenty of capacity for
other internet traffic and VOIP calls if you wish. You may have more
complicated needs (VPNs, switchboard integration, and so on) but
StoreTrader Live needs only a simple broadband router.
Data migration
The biggest area to plan for. It’s important your product file is
accurate, with the correct barcodes (if you use them) and categorised
for operation and reporting into meaningful sections and groups.
Similarly, manufacturer, supplier and customer details as well as
employees need to be correct and available. Now is the time to do a
stock take to ensure accurate starting positions in each store. Time
spent here will save days of heartache later.
User training
It takes time to become familiar with even the simplest system when
it’s new. StoreTrader’s users will need to have the basic concepts
explained to them and then time to practise in training mode before the
system goes live.
Installation
There are a number of considerations when the system is being put in. For example:
- Sufficient counter space
- Power and communications cabling
- Cabling and port assignments
- Software installation and configuration (simple with StoreTrader Live)
- Data import and verification
For help with all these tasks and much more you can call on our business partners. Click here for contact details. |
