Point of Sale Programs
For Automotive Repair Shops

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POINT OF SALE PROGRAM
A Point of Sale (POS) program is a computer program (software) that is used at the counter (point of sale) to make and track sales. The point of sale program tracks the sales information on the invoice. Different POS programs will have different features. The features of a good point of sale program can be seen below. I do not think you will ever find a POS program that will have all the features you want. Also you have to consider what features you will want in the future. Having a POS program custom written debugged and functioning may be a nightmare.
Things To Look For In A POS Program
  1. Customer Support
    Any POS program is only as good as its customer support. You will probably need some help to get started.
  2. Time Tested
    I think programs should be used for a while to get the bugs out before we start using them. Ask your POS provider for history of the version.
  3. Import & Export of Data
    It is important to be able to export your data in case of catastrophe or in order to transfer your data to another program.
    It is important to be able to import so you can upload data from your vendors, from groups and from sources like mine. The particular format for import and export will vary,
    see the page on text files.
  4. Multiple Vendors For Part Items
    I need my program to be able to order different part numbers (order numbers) for each item number. There can be no duplicates of item numbers in the data base. How ever the same order number can be referenced to different item numbers. The General Store allows me to attach 5 vendors with there vendor order number to each item number. When I place a purchase order to a particular vendor number, my POS program uses the vendors order number that I have entered.
  5. Network Ready
    The program should be able to be used on a network, or be able to be upgraded to a network version.
  6. Simple To Use
    A good POS program should be easy to learn and use. It should have a main menu with all choices available on the screen of the different functions. Each sub menu should also have choices and commands listed on the screen. The parts of the program should be able to be learned separately. A counter person should be able to learn the basics of their part (sales desk function) in a mater of hours. After that they should be able to write invoices with minor help. The forms (invoice, purchase order, ect.) as displayed on the screen should be in the same format as printed. The format should be simple like you have seen on hand written invoices.
  7. Security
    There should be different security codes to enter different functions of the program.
  8. Be Able TO Print On Plain Paper
    I like to be able to print on plain paper.
  9. Evaluation Copy
    A evaluation copy or demo should be available.
  10. Referal To Other Customers
    The company should provided you with a list of other customers to whom you can ask questions.
  11. Reports Ect.
    The program should be able to print day end closings, month end closing, statements, year end closing as well as reports of current status of customers, vendors, inventory and purchase orders. The purchase orders, the statements and the invoices should be able to be put in window envelopes.
  12. Chart Of Accounts
    Having flexibility in your chart of accounts allows the program operate similar to the way you already do.
  13. Charge Cards
    Point of sale programs should be able to process credit cards. Ask which credit card processors the program supports. Alos ask about how it interfaces with credit card magnetic stripe readers.
  14. Bar Code
    Having the program being able to use bar codes is a feature to consider.
  15. Check Verifying
    Ask if the program is able to verify checks through ICVerify.

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