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Top 10 Reasons You Should Consider ASP Based POS Software

By Jeff Haefner , December 13th 2006

You might not realize this but ASP and Web Based Point of Sale Systems are becoming more and more popular in the retail business world.

So what's the buzz about? And more importantly, should you consider an ASP system?

To help you decide if this is good route for you, here are the top 10 reasons that many retailers adopt ASP-Based POS systems:

Reason 1 - Save time by simplifying software installation

New product installation can be filled with frustration and hours on the phone with customer support. With web-based POS software, users don't have this problem. ASP software is hosted, which means that all software is supported and maintained on the provider's end, and there is almost nothing to install on the user's computer.

Reason 2 - Improve your cash flow

Instead of paying a potentially large fee up-front, like you could with a standard POS Software company, costs for web based software are usually based on a monthly fee. This subscription generally includes software updates, maintenance, and technical support. This "pay as you go" monthly fee can free up valuable cash flow.

Reason 3 - Save money by reducing IT costs

Web based systems also mean that you won't have to deal with the time consuming and potentially frustrating nightly back ups and back up failures, software upgrades, re-configurations, and technical issues that can arise with any non-web based software product. All of the IT tasks are handled by your provider. It not only saves money but it frees up your time and allows you to focus on doing business and making sales.

Reason 4 - Save money by reducing hardware costs

ASP users save money because the software has extremely low hardware requirements and systems can run on basic and often inexpensive computers. All the processing is done on the server and not the workstation. In fact, all you really need is a computer that can access the internet. This means that you could save money up front, since you may not need to buy a new POS computer system. It also means future savings because frequent hardware upgrades are not required.

Not to mention, you save money because you don't need to pay for back up software, back up drives, cartridges, or even a server. This can save you several thousand dollars!

Reason 5 - Instant Information for Multi Store Solutions

Web-based software usually means that polling is no longer a necessary task to gather single or multi-store information. Real time databases allow users to have immediate access to all information from all stores. Instant access from any location on sales numbers, customer information, inventory, pricing updates and more.

Reason 6 - Better Inventory Information and Reduced Costs

In a multi-location environment, inventory costs can be significantly reduced because real time tracking can prevent over or under buying and it allows you to have access to on-hand, in-transit, and on-order items. A web based POS inventory system allows you to more accurately forecast and maintain inventory needs. Inventory can be received anywhere and purchase orders can also be created from one location.

Reason 7 - Better In-Store Operations

Information about purchases at other stores allows easier returns and exchanges at any location and makes for better in-store operations and potentially happier customers due to faster and more efficient transactions. Gift Cards, usually a problem with multi store operations, now become easy to use at any location and the information easy to track.

Additionally, if one store is out of a requested product, sales associates can immediately find the item at an alternative location and put the item on hold for the customer or have it shipped right to their door. Instant access to inventory and sales numbers can also significantly reduce retail shrinkage.

Reason 8 - Better Customer Service and Selling Opportunities

Web based software gives sales associates immediate access to customer information at other stores. This information can give valuable insight and data regarding a customer's preferences and purchase history. This knowledge enables sales associates to provide excellent customer service and greatly increases cross selling and up-selling opportunities.

Reason 9 - Ability to Access Store Information Off-Site

Off site access to your store information means that selling at trade shows becomes as easy as opening your laptop and getting on-line. Imagine the increase in your company's visibility, and your bottom line, when you're able to sell products easily and efficiently from your booth.

It also means that whether you're at your store, at a distributor's office or in a meeting with business associates, you can access the information that you need to make effective business decisions.

Hosted POS allows you to access your company information from anywhere there is an internet connection. Access your sales from the coffee shop, update pricing from your couch, and access customer information for your newest marketing promotion from your printer's office downtown.

Reason 10 - More Flexibility

ASP based software gives you more flexibility by allowing you to use almost any type of computer including MACs and PCs. Not to mention, you can use almost any version of Windows, MAC OS, or Linux - as long as you have internet access.

So no matter where you're at or whose computer you're using, you don't have to worry about compatibility issues!


What You Need To Know
Most ASP providers operate with a monthly fee or subscription to their software. When weighing your options, consider not only the monthly fee and how it fits into your budget but weigh the features and reputation of the company against the costs and your return on investment.

Web-based software is just that, web based. You need an internet connection and you need a reliable internet service provider. An option for preventing ISP interruptions is to also have a dial up service for backup.

Like traditional point of sale software manufacturers, ASP providers also offer a variety of POS features. Not all products will provide all the features that you need or desire. Take the time to investigate and compare POS software providers and what they have to offer.

Jeff Haefner has been working with computers, retailers and POS software since 1993. He is the author of The Point of Sale Software Buyers Guide, The POS Software Comparison Chart and Retail Technology Newsletter, and he runs a retail technology consulting and software selection service. For more information, articles and comparison charts, visit his Web site, www.possoftwareguide.com.

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RunIt & Yahoo Store Direct Connect - The Ideal Brick & Mortar / E-Commerce Web Solution

Nov 14, 2005

RunIt Systems, a leading provider of point of sale and inventory management solutions for the small to medium size independent retailers, announced today, that they have custom developed their WebIt integration tool to seamlessly connect with Yahoo’s®, Merchant Solutions, a suite of online tools for creating and managing e-commerce web sites.

"Our goal was to provide our joint customers with the ability to fully integrate their brick and mortar stores with their Yahoo’s® E-commerce websites." said Robert Marcus, company president. "Retailers want new business channels but need sophisticated and easy to use tools to manage their growth." The Yahoo® -RunIt web integration benefits retailers who want a complete solution from Yahoo® e-commerce basics including online payment processing, shopping cart and order management, to advanced RunIt solutions that provide sophisticated marketing and merchandising tools such as coupons, buyers clubs and much, much more..

The Yahoo® -RunIt web unique integration allows on-line customers to immediately know current availability on selected merchandise – WebIt’s innovative programming design lets retailers choose a specific e-commerce location, alternative store, warehouse or the entire chain for instant checking of on-hand status. Moreover, WebIt’s live connectivity provides retailers with instant updates between their e-commerce and their store front business; ensuring that customer service, inventory management and backend operations are always in-synch and accurate.



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RunIt Introduces WebIt - ECommerce Merchant Solution

Sept. 23, 2005
RunIt Systems today announced the launch of WebIt, a real time e-commerce integration tool designed to meet the varying needs of those merchants that require a seamless connection between their e-commerce web sites and their in-store retail software.

"RunIt’s WebIt is the latest example of our ongoing commitment to provide retailers with easy to use retail management services they need to reach new customers and increase sales," said Robert Marcus, company president "Our clients want a smart and simple way to integrate their e-commerce business with their retail businesses. Their on-line store brings opportunities with its exposure to millions of buyers while their brick and mortar store successfully serves local customers in a way the e-commerce site can never do." Both of these retail channels offer unlimited revenue but to maximize potential profits they must successfully manage the information from each these businesses.

WebIt advanced real time features allow on-line customers too immediately know their selected merchandises’ current availability – the tool’s innovative programming design lets retailers choose a specific e-commerce location, alternative store, warehouse or the entire chain for instant checking of on-hand status. Moreover, WebIt’s sophistication provides retailers with a direct and live connection between their e-commerce business and their retail operation; ensuring that their sales and inventory numbers are always in-synch and accurate.

 

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RunIt Partners with Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS-Lynk) to provide instant credit card processing at discounted rates

Our agreement with RBS-Lynk Systems, means that you now have access to terrific rates and innovative programs to process your electronic payments. Since Lynk processes virtually every major credit and debit card and provides supportive online activity reporting, using their merchant account processing solutions will allow you to improve management of electronic payments and significantly improve your bottom line.

Lynk powers the payments for more than 80,000 businesses across the United States. They have a powerful, reliable processing infrastructure with backup data centers in Atlanta and Philadelphia. Lynk is a leader in the processing industry, with more than 12 years of experience. Most importantly, Lynk has the determination to do things right – the first time.

High Speed Internet support for Credit Card and Pinned Debit Includes:

  • Runit Integrated with High Speed DSL, Cable or Satellite.
  • Pinned Debit transaction support for reduced fees.
  • Factory-direct pricing. We have negotiated special pricing for our customers
  • Batches can be released at the time you close your register.
  • With Lynk as the processor – we eliminate unnecessary multiple points of contact for various merchant needs. You accept the method of payment – Lynk handles the rest, from card processing and settlement to your bank account, statements to answering statement questions.
  • Experts that work for Lynk answer the phone quickly, 24/7 x 365.

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Don't Send Customers Away Empty Handed

October 28, 2003
Excerpt for case study published in Integrated Solutions for Retailers November 2003 Issue

Taking care of customers with kind words and other pleasantries is only part of the equation. You need to add 'fast service' to the equation to be effective. Pacers Sports & Entertainment (PS&E) (Indianapolis) knows this truth as well as anyone. PS&E operates the Conseco Fieldhouse, a facility that seats 18,345 guests and is home to the Indiana Pacers as well as many events such as circuses, concerts, and theatrical productions. The retailer sells souvenirs, clothing, sports memorabilia, and other merchandise at its main store within the field house as well as at a nearby mall store.

After doing an Internet search for a replacement POS, PS&E discovered RunIt Systems (New York). RunIt Systems offered a POS suite with inventory management, purchase order, and reporting modules that met PS&E's criteria. Besides upgrading its POS, the vendor also recommended changes be made to other hardware and software components. PS&E replaced its cash drawers and printers with IBM touch screen units and Epson printers. Additionally, PS&E installed new credit card transaction software.

Read the entire case study on how RunIt speeds up POS helps increase sales 15% at the Indiana Pacers.

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Lilly Pulitzer Signature Stores select RunIt Real Time

January 8, 2003

Cloister Collection has selected RunIt Real Time solutions for their 14 users. These are Lilly Pulitzer Signature stores as well as Evelyne Talman. The stores are located in Georgia and Florida resorts island including Amelia Island and St. Simons. RunIt Real Time solution is replacing a 10 year old legacy system. The selection was awarded to RunIt because of the Real Time hosted benefits and ROI analysis.

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RunIt Systems Announces the Formation of new ASP division

Thin Client ASP offering will enable retailers to gain greater control while reducing costs
New York, NY, May 30, 2000

RunIt Systems has formed a division focused on building and delivering thin client solutions to it’s national and international customers. The ASP or Application Service Provider division is headed by Robert Marcus, President and CEO. Robert Marcus explains: “We can now deliver real time access to all of a retailer’s locations. With the proliferation of low cost DSL communication we have been able to leverage true and tested technologies, bringing together real-time enterprise-wide management and transaction processing systems. Whether a retailer has 4 stores or 100 stores, this product can scale to meet the needs of both.” The offering is titled “RunIt-RT" Real Time.

RunIt Real Time offers retailers a true thin client solution which can significantly decrease the resources and large initial capital investment needed to deploy a retail automation system. The application will be hosted by RunIt Systems reducing the technical knowledge and startup costs incurred by the retailer. RunIt Systems also offers retailers the option of an affordable monthly plan.

This new product offering from RunIt Systems provides retailers with advantages, including:

  • Reduced internal IT costs, no need to administer the central server
  • Reduced technical overhead costs
  • All back end infrastructure including the server, SQL databases and RunIt software provided as part of the monthly service plan
  • No need to ever upgrade existing computer hardware or computer terminals
  • RunIt software upgrades are included into monthly service plan
  • Technical support services are bundled into monthly service plan
  • All patches and software enhancements are included at no cost
  • Backups are performed daily and with our backup subscription program are available to the retailer VIA tapes, CD ROM or FTP download.
  • Instant access to real time data enterprise wide

RunIt Systems is a leader in delivering enterprise wide retail solutions and the company’s products include touch screen transaction processing, inventory management, purchase order control, employee tracking, accounts receivable and payable management. Products from RunIt Systems are supported by a suite of services including planning, training, and maintenance. Headquartered in New York City, . For more information visit www.runit.com.

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RunIt Systems Expands International Distribution Channel - To Mexico and Latin America

New York, NY - September 23, 2004

RunIt Systems, a leading supplier of Retail Management Systems to the independent retail market, today announced from the SAPICA Trade Fair in Leon, Mexico the expansion of its international distribution channel and its first channel partner for Mexico; RunIt-Mexico. RunIt software will be the only retail management solution offered, with exclusive rights to the software portfolio throughout Mexico.

"The architecture and reliability of our retail management software provides the opportunity to introduce development and support partners into our channel mix. The need for highly reliable, feature rich software is not unique to the United States and Canada, and we are pleased that our new partner Run It-Mexico will bring the power of Run It to the spanish market place," said Robert Marcus, President of RunIt Systems.

"We are looking forward to helping drive the commercialization of RunIt's highly innovative software in Mexico," said Franco Arrequin, Executive Officer of Run It-Mexico. "Being able to offer a world-class industry standard solution allows us to migrate our existing customers onto to a scalable platform while insuring that new customers will not be technology-limited in the years to come."

MaxMara Chooses RunIt Real Time Software to Integrate Retail Operations

June 20, 2004

New York, NY (PRWEB) June 20, 2004 - MaxMara, one of the world's largest retail organizations, has selected RunIt Systems Real Time Retail Management suite, to integrate and align the company's U.S. retail stores with executive and manufacturing facilities in Italy.

RunIt Real Time provides MaxMara with both in-store and above-store POS and inventory functionality to collect and manage data in its entirety across the enterprise in real time. The applications provide seamless integration between the checkout, back office, and executive offices allowing for immediate information flow throughout the organization. The open solution supports MaxMara's Apple-based technology infrastructure providing considerable savings while maintaining their highly visible upscale customer image.

RunIt has worked closely with MaxMara over the last several months to integrate U.S. and Italian operations via the Real Time application. Both companies are now working together to deploy the solution in all of MaxMara's 35+ U.S. stores by the end of August.

"RunIt's Real Time system allows for efficient store operations while providing management with immediate visibility into cost and sales information", said Robert Marcus, President of RunIt Systems. He added, "We are proud to be associated with a retail operation the likes of MaxMara and are pleased that we are able to contribute to its success".

About MaxMara

MaxMara is one of the largest manufacturers of women's fashion in Italy with retail and distribution networks spread over 100 countries and 1,200 outlets. The company's brands include Max Mara, Max & Co., Sportmax, and Marina Rinaldi. MaxMara-USA, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of the MaxMara Group, is based in New York.

Blackout 2003 - All Systems Go

August 18, 2003

RunIt Systems, a leading retail software provider is proud to announce that our premier data center was up an running without interruption, providing service to our real-time retail customers. The blackout of 2003 which lasted several days and effected 50 million people in the United States and Canada proved the reliability and uptime that RunIt Real Time service provide.

Gift Card Program

July, 10, 2003

RunIt Systems, a leading retail software provider of real-time retail management systems has introduces gift card programs to it's customers.

Full Feature custom gift card programs provided by RunIt Systems "Will strongly increase our retailer's value and expand their marketing capabilities toward their customers. We are excited to bring our clients the growth and business opportunities presented by this segment." -
Robert Marcus, President Runit Systems

Merchants will be able to activate their gift cards in real-time directly through their point-of-sale system. This will greatly reduce the transaction time associated with paper-based gift certificate programs, and increase accountability and effectively eliminate fraud and duplicate use. Real-time redemptions, increments, voids and balance inquiries will also be supported.

RunIt Gift cards are superb traffic generators, because people like buying (and receiving) them as gifts for birthday, anniversaries and holidays. They also make a smart back-to-school idea for parents who want their children to make their own purchases, but on a set budget. And because cardholders keep the gift card in their wallet along with their other bank cards, it's handy to use and harder to lose.

RunIt Systems Announces our "Instant-Charge" IP Solution

January 1 2002

RunIt Systems bring another innovation to the retailer with our Instant-Charge credit card approval solutions. Utilizing IP connectivity the retailer can approved credit cards instantly with no wait time. This will allow our fast paced single and multi lane operation to increase the number of customers that can be check out per minute. Instant-Charge allow the retailer to utilize any payment processor or banking institution they choose. Reconcile all stores over the web from your main office. Manage one or 1000's of locations from any web connection anywhere.