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June 2009
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SIDEBAR
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The Z Report
is looking for your ideas and suggestions for future issues.
If you have an idea and want to share, contact us at:
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Loss Prevention
Solutions
- Reduce Employee Theft
- Reduce Liability for
Accidents, Slip-and-falls
- Reduce Vendor Fraud
- Increase Efficiency in
Video Investigations
- Increase Productivity of
Employees
- Increase Accountability
of Customer Service
- Make Business
- Decisions Based on
Fact Not Assumptions
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Greetings!
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The new issue of The Z Report talks about the latest view of where our industry is headed.
It appears there are new signs of economic recovery but that consumer buying habits have changed and may never return to the "old days".
With all these new changes and current challenges, North Country Business Products offers a wide variety of services, solutions, and advice that can help your restaurant adapt to the new economic landscape.
We are here to help you and your staff navigate through this economic period, increase market share, and avoid pitfalls. Technology is only part of the story....how to use it effectively is the key.
Leverage our company to help yours...call us to set up a free consultation to find out how to increase the value of your existing technology.
We hope our newsletter sheds some new light and you will forward it on to others on your staff.
Sincerely,
Dean
North Country Business Products
866-819-7403
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Brighter Future for Restaurants???
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 Two new surveys released in late May indicate that the end of the restaurant industry downturn may have finally arrived. The NRA's Restaurant Performance Index and the RBC Capital Restaurant Spending Survey both showed marked improvement.
The NRA index was up for the 4th consecutive monthly gain and shows increases in sales, traffic, labor, and capital expenditures. It is now at its highest level in eleven months.
The RBC Capital Survey showed its best monthly improvement since November, 2006. Of the 1000 consumers surveyed, the number who said they would spend more money at restaurants in the next 90 days rose 10% up versus 6% reported the previous month.
The reports also indicated that consumers are eating out more often because of increased "travel...have more special events planned... and restaurants are offering better value" value according to the NRN article.
Get the whole story:
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This is a hot topic as restaurants try to maintain their market share.
In a recent Wall Street Journal article, one of the nation's most successful operators, Danny Meyer, talks in detail about coping with discounting.
His philosophy is NOT to discount "15% off the same veal chop" but rather create a whole different meal (with a different cost structure) to offer more value for customers who are looking for a better deal. Mr. Meyer goes on to say that customers want choices, sometimes smaller courses, that don't require them to "spend a fortune" to get a complete meal.
In order to make critical changes, operators need detailed data...your POS system offers many reports including ones which could help measure popularity, profitability, and trends in your current menu offerings more effectively.
For help in this area, contact us for a consultation. Our POS experts are available to help you.
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Exciting New Capabilities From MICROS
There are a number of new advances from MICROS for new and existing users. MICROS enhances their software, adds features, new applications, and hardware options on a regular basis. While it is not possible to detail all of the latest changes here, simply contact our offices for more information at ncbpsales@ncbpin.com
Here a just a few of the latest developments from MICROS:
iCare- Enhanced Customer Relationship Marketing (CRM) is now available to help restaurants reach out to their base of customers using effective email initiatives. The application allows restaurant owners to target specific customers or groups with relevant "offers", leverage the MICROS customer database and most importantly track conversion rates, frequency, and revenue increases.
Curbside To Go- This new functionality helps restaurants improve their take out operations by allowing customers to place orders, identify their make/model of vehicle, so that their order can actually "meet" them as they drive up "curbside" to the restaurant. For added convenience and efficiency, customer payments can be expedited quickly by presenting a portable handheld device directly to the driver for secure and quick payment. procesing.
Digital Signage Integration- With the cost of large flat panel displays dropping and the ability to add and re-price menu items automatically, MICROS has added functionality so that digital signage is always "synchronized" with the point-of-sale database. Imagine being able to add new specials, change a price during the day or at happy hour, and add marketing content so that it appears automatically on crisp, clear, flat panel displays.
Want to compete on the same level as the chains? Contact us, we can show you how. The benefits far outweigh the costs and your existing MICROS system is an integral part of the solution.
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| Steve Halverson
866-505-0540
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Want a "Secure" Restaurant...Look in the Mirror
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We are not talking about your appearance but rather the Self Assessment Security required for independent restaurants who process credit cards which includes just about everybody.
There is a requirement for most restaurants to utilize the Level 4 Merchant Compliance Program.
This relatively new program requires acquirers
to develop and submit a formal written compliance
plan to Visa, which "identifies, prioritizes and
manages overall risk within their Level 4 merchant
populations," according to the CISP Bulletin.
Many of the requirements go above and beyond making sure that your POS system is installed with the
latest version of compliant software. There is a 12 step recommendation for the program which includes maintaining a secure network when wireless capabilities are employed, the best practices for password security, and a whole host of other considerations. The self assessment process is important to understand and follow.
As your POS provider, our office is not allowed to perform the assessment on your behalf. The good news is there are companies who, as qualified assessors, can provide self assessment and audit services to help insure your restaurant is compliant. We can also provide a number of "security" solutions which will monitor POS systems on a 24/7 basis to help prevent hacking and breaches.
Self Assessment and precautions should be taken on a regular and scheduled basis. Breaches, fines, card holder security, public relations, are just a few of the real dangers of not paying close attention and following the guidelines properly.
Your restaurant needs to pay close attention
and can do so with the help of MICROS which
has dedicated an area of their web site
for PCI information:
MICROS Security Web Site
Or course, our office will be glad to point you in the right direction.Remember credit card security is not just an event but an ongoing process.
Contact our Support Team for additional advice:
Contact Us for Help with Security
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