EPOS System - Recommendations?

[mconridge]

Hello All,

We are looking to upgrade our EPOS system to cover four (and soon more) stores. I'm keen on a Cloud based system instead on the conventional systems around. We have all of the equipment so it's simply the software we are after.

Does anyone have any recommendations?

Matthew

 

[cirrusbusiness]

Hi mconridge,

If you're looking for software in a multi-site solution- there's a few options out there for you!

Firstly- many small business go with a company called EPoSNow. Their software is web based, and they have had some good feedback from customers. Interestingly however, we often receive calls from customers looking to switch away from them as their businesses have grown beyond the capabilities of the system. So, in my opinion, they're better suited for small(ish) businesses with up to 3 sites.

There's also another software provider on the market called ICR Touch. They don't sell to the public (like EPoSNow), instead they sell through a variety of resellers. A simple Google search will help you turn up a long list of companies offering it.
Once again- ICR Touch offer a cloud based solution. Except, this time, it's a bolt-on to their existing software. For larger businesses, ICRTouch tends to be a little costly- as things like integration with Sage, back office and the cloud solution all cost extra.

Both ICRTouch and EPoSNow charge a monthly or yearly fee (depending on what you're asking of them), to use their software. Failure (or forgetting) to make a payment will result in you being unable to access your system.

Personally, I'd feel uneasy about storing all my business critical data in a third parties hands. Especially when some of them expect the customer (you) to back up your data, and therefore take no responsibility for loss of data (so for example, if their datacentre is attacked, or blows up).

Without sounding too salesey- we offer a software solution that is very powerful (called Fidelity - do a Google search for Fidelity Systems PLC for some info on the software developer), and offers connection to multi-site arrangements. Data can be accessible over the internet, and backups can be scheduled automatically (if you wish). The software is installed locally on your machines and talks to a backoffice server or master terminal (we can host the data for you, if required) If you want more info- send me a PM.

My advice: whoever you choose, make sure that the provider can ensure the following:

• The software offers some form of resiliency if the internet connection dies.
• If your business data is hosted:
  • your data is encrypted in transit (whilst on the move between the server and your systems)
  • and encrypted at rest (so, even if someone breaks into the datacentre your data is stored in and steals the hard drive- they can't make head nor tail of it).
  • The datacentre has failover redundancy controls and procedures in place, in the event of system disaster at their end.
  • The datacentre has adequate security measures in place to prevent theft, intrusion and damage from third parties.
  • You can still download your data / transfer it, in the event that you no longer wish to continue using them.
• Polling happens automatically at intervals or in real time.
• You understand exactly what the monthly fee covers, if any; including any clarification on SLAs .etc

Hope this helps. Let me know if you need any more information.

Regards,

 

[Geoff T]

Personally, I'd feel uneasy about storing all my business critical data in a third parties hands. Especially when some of them expect the customer (you) to back up your data, and therefore take no responsibility for loss of data (so for example, if their datacentre is attacked, or blows up).

Sorry - but this bit causes me a problem... every business has statute requirements for data storage, and no kind of "cloud cover" removes that responsibility IMO... so the notion of "passing the buck" that I get from this bit doesn't stack up IMO...but isn't that the point of the "cloud"? you'll have the data 'out there'???

 

[solent66]

@Geoff T data protection legislation only kicks in when you're storing customer data. If all the system has is records of your sales (i.e. n units of product x) then you can do whatever you want with your data.

My experience of playing with cloud based systems is that they're too basic to get involved with end user data, so it's probably not an issue for them.

Also, if you're storing data required for transactions (name, address etc) then you may not even need to register with the data commissioner (excluding credit card data obviously). I've sold software online for years and the customer information comes to me from my resellers in plaintext emails.

 

[RWLGYM99]

We use a company called intelligent retail. They were a lot cheaper than epos now have a sage link, multi site and can be cloud based.

Hope this helps

Jack

 

[snowboo]

We purchased a system from Epos Now last year. The system has never worked properly and for the last 3 1/2 months the system hasn't worked for longer then a few days and in my opinion Epos Now have been awful. I would not recommend them to anyone. Its been a constant battle trying to get it working and we have to just use our old till. Wish we had never purchased anything from them. They also dont tell you anything about how to work the system, you have to pay £30 a month if you want any help or know how to use it.Steer clear!

 

[bovine]

Snowboo, that is how their business model works. The headline price is low because you are not paying for support past 30 days. Similar thing with Marty and his airpos packs - you are paying for the hardware, but you need to pay the monthly fee to use the system. So upfront costs are lower than a traditional system but you are paying an ongoing fee.
In my opinion you shouldnt leave the customer in the lurch with a system that doesnt work, but also the customer needs to be aware that they need to pay for support somewhere. Thats why when I sell a system, I just tell people this is the cost, which includes 1 year support and warranty. But then Marty will say we're expensive rip-off merchants
But really different people need different things. Our very It literate customers need different support from our not so IT literate ones.

 

[chipandpincards]

I would recommend EPoS system from PaymentSense - 3 Year Warranty, On-going support, engineer call outs, chip & PIN integration, 36 month contracts (after 3 years - system will be yours), our EPoS systems were used during 2012 London Olympics by Visa (next big destination for our EPoS - World Cup in Brasil soon)

 

[bovine]

Now now, lets not be quite so blatant with the self promotion. It actually harms the credibility of your post. Personally I would sort out my pos requirements and then add on the card stuff, rather than base my buying decision purely on the card provider.

 

[Christrab]

I am looking for an epos system for a greetings cards/gift shop and am only aware of intelligent retail connect being specifically set up for this. Does anyone know of any other sector compatible epos system?

 

[chipandpincards]

Hi @Christrab - yes , we (PaymentSense) can. Pls PM me

 

[Positivesystems]

Have a look at a program called Vend. It covers a lot of the bases that you want.

 

[RCSEPoS]

Hi Matthew,

Is there a reason why you're:

...keen on a Cloud based system instead on the conventional systems...

Is it to do with being able to remotely access your system? If so, as Cirrus says, most multi-site arrangements can be accessed over the internet and back-ups can be set to run automatically.

Personally, I'd feel uneasy about storing all my business critical data in a third parties hands. Especially when some of them expect the customer (you) to back up your data, and therefore take no responsibility for loss of data (so for example, if their datacentre is attacked, or blows up).

My advice: whoever you choose, make sure that the provider can ensure the following:

• The software offers some form of resiliency if the internet connection dies.
• If your business data is hosted:
  • your data is encrypted in transit (whilst on the move between the server and your systems)
  • and encrypted at rest (so, even if someone breaks into the datacentre your data is stored in and steals the hard drive- they can't make head nor tail of it).
  • The datacentre has failover redundancy controls and procedures in place, in the event of system disaster at their end.
  • The datacentre has adequate security measures in place to prevent theft, intrusion and damage from third parties.
  • You can still download your data / transfer it, in the event that you no longer wish to continue using them.
• Polling happens automatically at intervals or in real time.
• You understand exactly what the monthly fee covers, if any; including any clarification on SLAs .etc

Good advice there. I'd use it as a check list for every company you talk to with regards to a system. Especially the EPoS resiliency if your internet dies, the last thing you want is for the internet to go down and it stops you trading.

we often receive calls from customers looking to switch away from them as their businesses have grown beyond the capabilities of the system. So, in my opinion, they're better suited for small(ish) businesses with up to 3 sites.

Growth is also something you need to keep in mind. Not just as you add more stores to your chain but also as in terms of functionality. You'll probably find that the requirements you have now will develop and expand 12 months or so down the line - e.g. more powerful back office/head office functionality as your number of stores increases, new reports or even a loyalty system that ties into both your PoS and eCommerce etc.

So having a system that's flexible enough to grow with your requirements is a good investment - though I guess you're seeing that now as you're looking to upgrade to a system that can handle 4 and more stores.

I wish you all the best with the search and if there is anything we can help with then please feel free to get in contact. We build multi-site retail systems tailored to your business' exact requirements and have been doing so for the past 25 years.

All the best,

 

[allsquare]

Can you update us Matthew with which EPOS system you decided on and how it is performing?

Currently looking at intelligentpos www.i-pos.co.uk
and it looks to cover everything we need. Just need to double-check Chip n Pin integration...

 

[dev99]

snowboo

What business are you in and what is it you are unhappy about Eposnow, perhaps I might be able to help. We have epos systems for the hospitality sector. We are currently working on retail software but are probably about 2-3 months away from launching.

 

[Chris Marsham]

I'm really surprised to see the comment here in regards to EposNow.
We have over 10,000 active customers using our solutions and over 100 new customers joining us every month. We have a great mix of businesses within the retail and hospitality industry and our versatile solution means that we are ideal for small businesses with one solution all the way through to multi site locations with over 90 devices in place. Our website shows a number of case studies to demonstrate this.
We have a Trust Pilot score of 8.9 with 232 reviews posted from a variety of industries and business sizes. Please visit the site to see these reviews for yourself.
With the launch of our App store and the pay monthly option of our software as a service there are very few businesses that we are unable to cater for.
I would be very happy to discuss all of the available options we provide so you can cover any concerns you may have.
Please call 0800 2 945 945 and ask for Chris Marsham.