Want to Learn More About Access Contr...
by VENDIREX on 02/26/2015 - 02:04 pm |
Whether the access you are concerned with restricting is to a location, your data, or a person, Access Control Systems are commonly used today in most industries. An electronic screening process is used to make certain your resource is protected from unauthorized persons; a valuable security consideration. Pricing is based upon number of users, and the features which are included.
The more typical control points for an access control system will be a door, elevator, electronic gate, or other barrier which allows entry to be controlled electronically. At the minimum there would be an electric lock which could be unlocked by an employee from inside the building or offices, once they verified the person desiring access.
If an in-person operator is not an option, the intervention can be accomplished with a card or biometric reader which sends the number to a control panel; verifying it against the list of approved users. Though leaving an area is not always controlled, it is easily provided with a reader on the inside of a door to be authorized prior to exiting. This is the more commonly used type of access control available, especially in areas where there is 24/7 use of a facility - and the labor savings can be substantial.
Reader Types and Functions
A variety of readers are available, and some may have LCD or buttons providing functions like data tracking (as in clocking in and out for attendance), speakers for verbal recognition, as well as cameras.
Intelligent Readers - this type of reader has full control over the access door, but they additionally have both memory and processing power which allows independent decisions. They are routed through the control panel as well.
IP Readers - these newer systems will communicate through a PC host instead of the usual control panel. Some IP readers will offer a built in web service to make them easier to use.
Semi-Intelligent Readers - these have all the input/outputs to control the door hardware such as the lock, door contact and exit button - however, these readers do not make access decisions. The card or number is entered and sent to the main controller (generally the control panel) for the appropriate response.
Non-Intelligent (or basic) Readers - your PIN, ID number or card number is read and approval checked against the approved master list via the control panel. This is the most commonly used reader.
POS Systems: The New Cash Register
by VENDIREX on 02/26/2015 - 12:31 pm |
Tag: Merchant Services
Essentially a Point of Sale (POS) System is an electronic network which is installed on and operated by your main computer, and can be linked to several terminals throughout your place of business. Allowing your customers easier checkout at multiple locales is just one of the many advantages of owning a POS. Running a business which has a very large number of person-to-person transactions daily (such as restaurants and hotels) will almost certainly result in lost sales in today’s busy world without an onsite POS System.
If you have ever watched the television shows Hotel Impossible or Bar Rescue, you’ve noticed that the end of show makeover ‘reveal’ always includes the installation of a POS system - to bring the floundering establishments out of the dark place in which they were mired, and into the light of day. With good reason. Not only does a POS ring up your sales, it tracks inventory and line item usage, and the newer software can even monitor changes in unit dollar costs.
The Added Value of Peripherals
Your checkout stations can be enhanced to include computerized cash drawers, credit and debit card readers, barcode scanners, and print out receipts and invoices. Most POS packages also feature modules which will handle your accounting - complete with general ledger, and accounts receivable and payable, expenses and inventory.
Essentially your POS system can replace the manual paperwork you’ve been burdened with since opening your doors - allowing you to access real profit and loss numbers, and to make future purchase decisions wisely.
The Benefits are Endless
Reporting is particularly important in retail, and a POS system can break down the data into so many categories that it will provide you with phenomenal insight into your operations. For instance, you can easily review one product or service - detailing its cost and profit, and break it down further by salesman and category by day, month or year. Of course, reporting includes one of retail’s most important functions; that of end-of-day cash reconciliation.
There are POS packages available for many specific industries - and these may more easily additionally handle processes unique to the type of business you own. From beauty salons to auto repair shops, specialty software can simplify your transactions even more.
Use Merchant Gift Cards to Build Your...
by VENDIREX on 02/26/2015 - 12:28 pm |
Tag: Merchant Services
Whether your company is comprised of one local store, or has regional or national branches, private label gift cards can be a great solution to promote your brand and increase your customer base.
When gift cards first appeared on the market, we regarded them as a quickie alternative to someone taking the time to find out what we really wanted; i.e. paying attention to us and listening when we verbalized our favorite things. Times have changed, both parents are typically working these days - keeping up with daily tasks, the kids, and their careers - leaving little time for painfully slow shopping mall trips to locate an elusive item which may or may not be just the right fit.
In today’s world, consumers love to buy gift cards rather than purchasing a present their friends or family members may end up hating, or returning. On the receiving end, getting a gift card means we can make a purchase online or at the store, choosing something we truly need or desire.
It’s a perfect match for merchants as well, allowing you to capitalize on this ever growing trend. Branded cards are popular, trusted, and can easily be displayed near the checkout lanes for last minute shopping decisions. Better than a client referral, the purchase is directed right back to you, effectively cutting your cost of customer acquisition to the transaction fee of processing the card!
Types of Private Label Cards
Start Up Programs - can range from 100-500 cards, including card holders, an acrylic display, training and a user guide. Flat fee pricing may cover up to 4000 transactions per location per year.
Bundled Programs - can include merchandising tools for marketing the cards to your customers.
Custom Card Programs - will usually start with higher minimums, such as 1,000 cards, and should include the option of per transaction pricing or a flat monthly fee.
Promotional Cards - these can be designed around special events or holiday offers, with tracking built in which will monitor the success of your sale.
Loyalty Cards – usually these are high quality or custom designs to give your customers the VIP treatment. Customer registration and reporting availability will let you stay in touch with their buying trends.
Merchant Check Services
by VENDIREX on 02/26/2015 - 12:24 pm |
Tag: Merchant Services
As a merchant, you want to be able to accommodate any and all potential customers, and if they are not paying in cash the transaction is going to involve an expense of some kind. Cost of doing business is an expense you should be happy to absorb. Not every customer is going to use debit or credit cards, and those service fees may not be transferrable - depending on state laws or regulations set forth by the associated bank.
Accepting checks has always been a bit of a sore spot for merchants, though local customers are especially inclined to write personal checks, as are those of the older generation. After all, writing a check at the point of sale involves showing your driver’s license, which protects the consumer as well as the merchant, right? Credit cards - on the other hand - can be stolen, along with online identities. It’s not exactly the age of private information security. However, with the Check Services available today it is much less of an inconvenience and the risk is minimized.
What is a Check Conversion?
The check conversion system turns a personal POS check into an electronic transaction (just like a credit card). You swipe the check, then return it to your customer; eliminating the need for a bank deposit. State of residence, driver’s license number and a phone number are generally required for identification.
Benefits of Electronic Check Services
Automated Clearing House (ACH) is an electronic network in the U.S. for financial transactions. This network handles large batches of debit, credit, and e-checks. Converting a check into an ACH reduces labor cost by saving time and eliminating paperwork. Utilizing verification and guarantee services minimizes the occurrences of bounced checks. If there are insufficient funds, the Check Services partner will re-submit twice as needed. The computerized data is stored and can be accessed instantly, and reports and statements are regularly generated as well.
Levels of Service
Check Conversion with Guarantee - the check is turned into an electronic transaction. All required information must be obtained from the customer, and funding is guaranteed. The merchant assumes no risk for approved and transactions. The need for paperwork and collections is completely eliminated.
Check Conversion with Verification - transactions are routed for verification through the participating bank service and submitted via Automated Clearing House (ACH). If your company very seldom has a bad check, the verification service (also known as predictive risk decisioning) may be adequate as it does check the customer’s history for check fraud.
Check Conversion with Verification & Collection - as above, with collections handled by the service.
Check Conversion Only - the check is turned into an electronic deposit, but the merchant takes on any risk of return.
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