The iPad POS Hype – Is it really worth it?

There is quite a buzz in the restaurant world right now about the use of tablet point of sale systems, and specifically, iPad POS systems are something we get asked about more and more frequently. So, should you care, and why or why not? The simple answer is that yes, you should care, but not necessarily about an iPad. Tablet solutions can increase ticket averages, reduce make times, and allow service staff to spend more time with tables, but those benefits aren’t exclusive to an iPad POS.

There are a number of benefits gained by using a mobile point of sale application in a restaurant. First, the elimination of duplicate systems – servers no longer write an order down on paper and then transcribe that order into the POS system. Second, a more efficient workflow to the kitchen and bar – orders make it to their destination more quickly, more accurately, and in a more consistent timeline. Third, payments can occur at the point of purchase – customers never have to lose sight of their credit cards, and time spent walking back and forth to a table is eliminated.

Of course, there can be drawbacks to a mobile solution, too. Specifically, companies creating Android or iOS tablet applications are re-creating their entire software. This means that your iOS tablet POS might not be capable of every function your traditional POS terminal does, even if the software is from the same company. Also, for payments, the hardware is still prohibitively expensive - sometimes upwards of twice as much as a traditional receipt printer; and in most cases the interfaces look, feel and behave differently, forcing staff to retrain on a new system, and then maintain proficiency on multiple software applications.

That’s where our new R700 tablet comes into play. It’s windows-based, and runs Dinerware. Not a mobile version of Dinerware, but the same full-version as a traditional terminal. Everything a restaurant owner, manager or staff member is tasked with on a traditional terminal can be performed on the R700 tablet. Also, unlike an iPad, the R700 is only 7”. It fits perfectly into a standard apron. There is no need for a shoulder harness or other uncomfortable and cumbersome holster system – it just replaces the server’s traditional notepad.

The best user interface in the industry, a fantastic workflow tool, a productivity time-saver, and all without having to retrain or retool your existing processes or people.

Rumpf Computer Solutions + Scrambler Marie's + Dinerware = A Winning Trifecta!

Toledo, January 5, 2012: Rumpf Computer Solutions (RCS) has announced today that they have teamed up with Mr. Shain Buerk, to provide all of the Scrambler Marie’s franchise locations in Ohio with a Dinerware Point of Sale computer system.

Scrambler Marie’s is a family owned restaurant concept open from 6:30am to 3:00pm every day. It was begun in 1989 by Shain and Phil Buerk of Toledo, Ohio at its original location on Secor road which continues to operate today. Because it is a family business most of the Buerk family has been involved in the operation at some time. The recipes for the original menu which remains relatively unchanged came from Phil’s background in the food service industry as a multiple unit Wendy’s franchisee, Shain’s experience in the breakfast business, and advice and suggestions from all of the family whose names the menu carries.

Rumpf Computer Solutions (RCS) is an Information Technology company located in Downtown Toledo. RCS specializes in customized technical systems for retailers, manufacturers, and non-profit organizations and is proud to partner with the Scrambler Marie’s franchise.

Google Maps Goes Indoors

Earlier this week, Google released an update to its popular mapping program that can help you find your favorite store in the Mall of America, or figure out the quickest way to zip through terminals during a layover. In short, the new indoor maps will help you determine when you are, where to go, and even what floor you're standing on.

The new feature is only currently accessible on android mobile devices running 2.2 or greater, but Google expects to roll out on other mobile devices soon. While the current list of indoor locations is small, (see the list below), more are on the way, and for those with an free-standing store or building, Google is already accepting floorplans to add into the system.

For a hands-on demonstration of the new system, just head on over to the Google Maps help pages: http://maps.google.com/help/maps/starthere/index.html#indoor

Current US locations are:

• Akron-Canton Airport (CAK)
• Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL)
• Boise International Airport (BOI)
• Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
• Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW)
• Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
• Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
• George Bush Houston International Airport (IAH)
• Indianapolis International Airport (IND)
• Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
• Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL)
• Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS)
• Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
• Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
• Portland International Airport (PDX)
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
• Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
• William P. Hobby Airport (HOU)
• DDR Corp. shopping centers in Puerto Rico, including Plaza del Atlántico in Arecibo, Plaza del Sol in Bayamon, Plaza Rio Hondo in Bayamon, Plaza del Norte in Hatillo, Plaza Palma Real in Humacao and Senorial Plaza in Rio Piedras
• Vallco Shopping mall in Cupertino, CA
• Brixmor Property Group including Eagle Rock Plaza in Los Angeles, CA
• Mall of America
• Macy's*
• Bloomingdale's*
• Home Depot*
• Ikea*

*Various locations

Why Computers Slow with Age

Computers age slowly, until one day the lack of performance becomes unbelievably noticable. In that regard, they are sort of like small children – over a year or two, they grow many inches, yet we don’t notice unless we stop and take a step back and have that eye-opening experience. There are a number of factors that contribute to the slow decline in system performance – hard drive fragmentation, increased system requirements, and automated programs make our short list. If you ever wondered this for yourself, here are a few tidbits to tickle your “why are things the way they are” curiosity.

Hard Drive Fragmentation – files stored on your computer are put together in blocks of data. A single word document could have many hundreds or thousands of blocks. Since hard drives are a mechanical device, a physical arm has to traverse across the drive, reading each of these blocks to open programs or perform actions on your machine. If those blocks are located far from each other, or fragmented, the hard drive takes longer to perform its intended action. By defragmenting a drive, those blocks stack neatly together, and allow the drive to read files in one continuous flow, much like watching the needle of a turntable.

Automated Programs – Each software you install (read: printer drives, gaming software, coupons, etc) has a feeling of entitlement. Once installed, they position themselves to load automatically each time your computer starts. Many of these programs are used very infrequently, and even the ones that aren’t don’t necessarily need to load automatically upon system start (why not just start them manually when you need them?). If your system feels like you need a coffee break after a restart, this could very well be the culprit.

Increased System Requirements – A few years ago, many system manufacturers were battling for business with price wars. A good deal may have been had, but even so, a trade-off for that rock-bottom price may have occurred at the expense of system resources. And as Operating System creators (Microsoft, etc) release service updates (Think Windows XP Service Pack 3) more of those system resources are needed to just start your computer system, leaving fewer and fewer resources for your other programs.

All three of these issues, for the most part, can be remedied. Of course, much like surgery after an accident, it may not be that spring chicken you once enjoyed, but it will function noticeably quicker and to your satisfaction. Our technicians here can always assist you with a system tune-up.

Debit Card Fees and The Durbin Amendment

This week ushers in some very important changes for businesses that accept electronic payments, as new rules from the Durbin Amendment take effect. Beginning October 1, 2011, the Federal Reserve has set new limits on interchange fees for debit card transactions.

What you need to know as a business owner:

First, there is always a middle-man. You process through a processing company. Those folks take a little cut each time you process a card, and then they send off the transaction to an interchange where it routers to your customer's account, pulls money, and then pushes it back through your processing company and into your bank account. Scratching your head yet? What you should know about this is that the interchange rate is figured based on card type and risk type (keyed transactions are more expensive than swiped ones because they're riskier). No matter who you process with, those interchange fees are the same for any given card type. In short, all processors pays an interchange fee to issuing banks, and they are all on a level playing field.

So, what are Interchange Fees? Interchange Fees are fixed costs (per swipe transaction fees) and variable costs (percentages) that banks charge processing companies (who then charge you as a business owner) to accept electronic transactions.

Second, what are processing fees? Your processor (see, First Data, Heartland, United Bank Card, Sterling, etc) tacks on a little profit for themselves on top of the interchange rate that the bank charges them. It's how they stay in business, and that's fine as long as that markup isn't outrageous. It's important to know that these processor fees are not being regulated based on the Durbin Amendment - only the fees that processors pay to the issuing banks are being regulated here.

What does this all mean?

If you're processing with an above-board company, you'll see your processing rates for debit cards drop by about 40%. The federal reserve estimates that an average debit transaction is $38. Based on current rates, your interchange fees (not including processor fees) would run you about $0.44 per transaction. As of October 1, 2011, that amount would drop to about $0.24 per transaction. Credit card transaction are not changed by the Durbin Amendment.

In short, make sure you are on an interchange pricing plan with your merchant processor. If not, it's most likely time to find a new processor or renegotiate your rates. Questions? Our office can help decipher your merchant statement - just contact us!

If you're interested in seeing the actual language from the federal reserve, here is the direct link:

http://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/press/bcreg/20110629a.htm