The story behind the DataXstream Point of Sale Solution began in 2010 with an SAP Implementation for a Fortune 500 client in the specialty retail industry. Once the implementation was on track, our team was asked to manage phase II of the project, the configuration of SAP Retail.
In the process of configuring SAP Retail, it was brought to our consultants’ attention that some of the client’s specialty retail needs were not being met. They needed a Point of Sale system with the ability to address complex functionality such as large orders with partial payment, partial delivery, partial returns and exchanges. In addition, the retail representative on the sales floor needed access to this information to offer optimal customer service.
…They needed a Point Of Sale system with the ability to address complex functionality such as large orders with partial payment, partial delivery, partial returns and exchanges.
Also important to their needs was visibility of real-time inventory for all transactions., This included the need to check product availability across retail locations as well as order/back order information. The retail representative also needed to be able to provide customer service by offering to look up the customers previous orders, the items sold, how much of the order had been paid for and how much had been delivered.
When asked what he thought the most important part of the DataXstream Point of Sale Solution was, Blake Vinson, a DataXstream consultant answered, “Connectivity and Customer Centricity.” By Connectivity he means from parts and manufacture, to in-store inventory, the story of the product is visible and connected in real time. Customer centricity refers to today’s consumer’s expectation that their merchants be able to provide customer specific customer service. Retail representatives can look up a customer’s order a number of ways and provide better customer service based on the information available to them in the system.
Michael Champion is one of the team members working on tracking payments. He explained, “For a specialty retailer, a large order may not be paid for in one payment. For these clients tracking payments is a required aspect of the Point of Sale.” In addition, Champion pointed out that by tracking payments, the system can require that any refund be given only in the original form of payment. The system controls goods delivered to ensure that delivery is made only for goods for which payment has been received.
Currently DataXstream is implementing an updated Point of Sale Solution for “Fruit Growers Supply” as announced in April. FGS IT Director Alex Perlovich was quoted as saying “We were looking for a POS solution that could handle multiple types of payments (cash, credit, credit cards, EMV), as well as down payments with balance due at delivery, along with refund and return capability. We also wanted to have the POS solution that was flexible enough to handle complex order processes such as order on account with delivery over time directly from the POS terminal.”
“We were looking for a POS solution that could handle multiple types of payments (cash, credit, credit cards, EMV), as well as down payments with balance due at delivery, along with refund and return capability.”
The Point of Sale Solution is designed and sold by DataXstream as an SAP Retail add on. It is built on SAP NetWeaver and provides traditional POS functionality as well as advanced order management options. DataXstream recently showcased the updated version at “Sapphire Now” 2014 in Orlando. This demonstration included gift card capability as well as conversations regarding the upcoming chip and pin requirements for 2015.
For more information regarding the Point of Sale Solution please see the video below, the Features and Functionalities page here, or contact our sales department.
