Need a BETTER automation solution for your retail business?
Are you in the process of looking at a new computer system? Regardless of whether you are looking at a system for your office or retail business, there are a couple of things you must keep in mind when installing systems that will help run your operations and store all of your critical data.
1. Network cables. Most systems are computer-based, designed to run on MS Windows technology. All parts of your POS system will communicate over data cables. Although wireless communications have been the talk of the town these days, the preferred method is to “hardwire” as many of the stations as possible. Some vendors include this service in their bid; others specify that cabling must be contracted through a third-party vendor.
Regardless of who will work on the cabling, it will need to be completed and tested before installation of the equipment. Each component part needs to have a cable drop. A cable drop is the cable that connects a device to a network, like your computer or remote printer connecting to a networking source.
For a retail business POS system, the retail business should be wired with CAT 5 or 6 network cabling that runs from every conceivable POS workstation, remote printer or KDS, office computer, hostess station, delivery order desks, cashier stations and network server to a “home run” area such as a central patch panel, preferably located in your telephone or electrical room or closet. Cabling routes need to ensure that cables are at least 24 inches from fluorescent fixtures, neon transformers and electrical motors, as these devices can sometimes cause communications interference.
2. Electrical. Install dedicated and isolated circuits that all of your POS, computers, network devices such as hubs and routers, and phone systems can share. No other equipment should be on the same circuit. Preferably, your network, phone, and electrical service will be near one another. An isolated circuit means that the circuit has a ground separate from that of the rest of the electrical circuits in your business. This helps prevent spikes and surges that can disrupt motherboards and hard drives. Note, however, you may still want to use surge protectors at each workstation.
3. Well thought-out workspace. When it comes to designing the workstation area, be sure to leave some extra space to comfortably fit your needed equipments. Tabletop space for server stations should be large enough to place your computer monitor, guest check printer, and possibly a credit card terminal if you plan to use separate credit card equipment. There should be enough space directly underneath the counter to hold the computer, surge protector, power strip and a battery backup (UPS).
If you plan to place your workstations on millwork surfaces such as granite or woodwork, you may want to have your contractor pre-drill holes if needed to run cables or power cords beneath the surface. A 2-inch hole would be enough space for cords and cables on most POS systems.
For your cashier and bartender stations, tabletop space should also be ample enough to perfectly fit a cash drawer and an order confirmation customer display. Most cash drawers have a footprint (space requirement) of 15- to 17-inch depth; 16- to 20-inch width; and 3.5- to 4-inch height. Be sure to get the drawer specifications from your supplier in advance if you are building a custom countertop so that the drawer is recessed into or underneath the counter.
4. Service Plans. Most vendors will offer some type of maintenance plan as part of the original agreement. The fact is, business grade systems are composed of hardware that are not built to last forever especially in retail businesss. POS printers will eventually break, fans will slowl fail, and hard drives will crash. How often depends on the environment that the retail POS system operates. Dirt, dust, heat and moisture are not friendly allies to office and restaurant POS equipment.
I’ve seen some systems that rarely experience problems while others deal with them constantly. The best thing a retail business owner can do is to invest in good equipment and maintain it to prevent future damages. Many retail business POS solutions provider will offer ongoing service plans that are basically extended warranties. The annual cost for these services usually ranges anywhere from 10 percent to 20 percent of the original purchase price.
Computer systems represent a sizable investment. But if you dedicate the time and planning required to properly put in place and maintain the system, you are more apt to be rewarded a return on your investment by getting the most from your system in cost reduction, labor savings, and ensuring that you can account for all cash.
The Author is the Vice President of Customer Relations at Retail-POS-Solutions.com. With almost 25 years of retail business experience, Retail POS Solutions.com helps ensure that your retail POS system is more efficient and your business more profitable.
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