In 2014 we made the decision to upgrade our POS system from the system we had used for over 20 years.
I knew how the system worked and felt very comfortable in helping others who used the same system when problems would arise.
I did training seminars for many years, teaching our members how the system could help their stores perform better and how as managers they could get the information out of the system to make proper buying and selling decisions.
After many months of analyzing multiple POS systems in 2015 we finally settled on a system we thought would be the best for us now and in the long term.
We had the system installed the end of October at one of our stores and then the other two stores the first week of November.
I would like to share some of my thoughts about the whole process so if and when you make a change this may help your transition go smoothly: - Do your homework and research. Talk to as many retailers as possible to get opinions on their system pros and cons. Remember they are opinions so take it all with a grain of salt.
- Demo multiple systems to see how they operate. Visit stores that have systems you're interested in to see how they work in a live environment.
- Don't make a rash decision. Take your time. It will pay off in the long run.
- Find a system you and your staff feel comfortable with. This should also include the relationship with the vendor and if you feel you are being treated fairly and properly.
- Is the vendor local or out of state? What type of service can they and do they supply?
- Remember, in today's world, most vendors will remote into your system to trouble shoot. Not many will make a house call like they use to do.
- Give yourself enough time to get acclimated to the system before your busy time hits, whether it's the holidays or the summer time.
- Don't pick a system based on the fact so many others are using the same system. Pick a system based on your homework and research.
- If it is all just too overwhelming, ask any of our board members for help as we all have gone through some sort of conversion over the past 5 years or so.
- Make sure you involve all of your city departments that may play some sort of part in switching to a new system.
- Be flexible and adaptable. You will have issues no matter what. So deal with it and fix them. Don't blame the vendor all the time.
- Once you have a new system, learn as much as possible and ask questions. It takes time to understand how a new system works. Just dive in and take the lead. Your staff will appreciate it in the long run.
- Don't take it personally, but some or all of your staff will hate you for making this change. They will get over it and if they don't, you know what you need to do.
- Remember the golden rule- THERE IS NO PERFECT SYSTEM. It is only as good as what you make of it.
Okay I can say it now- boy do I miss our old system!! Now that I have that off my chest I should clarify.
I miss my old system because I knew it so well I could do it in my sleep, just as my staff could.
I am happy and glad we made the switch to s new company, because we made the decision for the right reasons.
The staff and I have learned so much in a short period of time.
I know we made the best choice for our operation based on what I know now.
I hope in a short time that I will be able to share what I have learned on the new system with others who also use it, or with others that are thinking of switching.
Please, if you will be looking at a new POS system in 2016 contact me or others on the board, we are here to help.
I wish all my fellow managers a very blessed Christmas and Happy New Year!!
Steve Grausam Edina |