Simon Vardy, owner of nine Costa Coffee franchise stores across Greater Manchester and Cheshire, has selected Datasym.POS software with Toshiba hardware, implemented by WRS Systems as its electronic point-of-sale (EPOS) system for improved customer service and management efficiencies.
The decision to install the Datasym/Toshiba system was made following a demonstration of the POS solution by WRS Systems, who were recommended to Simon by an existing restaurant chain. WRS and Datasym worked closely with Costa Coffee’s Franchise Association to design a tailored solution to meet the needs of the franchisees businesses, but also one which would be approved by Costa themselves.
Commenting on the reason for the selection, Simon said, “I was impressed by the flexibility of the system and the fact that it could be tailored for small to medium sized businesses. WRS were able to demonstrate a system that could meet all my needs, providing live data, whilst being low-cost and easy to use”.
The robust, reliable and spill-proof design of the Toshiba hardware is ideal for a café operating environment, and, with its stylish aesthetics, ‘picture frame’ POS and small footprint the terminal fits very well into the stylish counter space.
With the Datasym/Toshiba solution in place, Simon now has remote access to live data enabling him to remotely monitor the performance of any of the nine sites. Fingerprint ‘sign-on’ at the Toshiba POS terminals ensures staff can not sign on using another staff member’s card, whilst CCTV cameras means that Simon can easily monitor transactions at the till.
Datasym’s back-office Stockade software provides full stock control, resulting in greater stock reliability, accuracy and operational efficiencies. For example Yield Reports are used to identify whether the correct level of stock is being ordered.
A full suite of management reports allows top level reporting as well as detailed analysis of sales, facilitating frequency and trend analysis. Quick and easy reporting enables monitoring of the sales, by store, by product, by cashier, even by till, if required – information which store managers can use for staff planning in busy periods. Such information has proved invaluable, for example the Cheadle store identified a particularly busy period and changed staff shifts to an hour earlier which, due to quicker customer throughput, significantly increased sales. Cashier Reports monitor staff attendance times to ensure stores are opened on time.
Financial reporting has also been greatly enhanced: an automated tax analysis has replaced the previous manual system – saving a great deal of time and effort, whilst the banking reconciliation has been greatly improved.
With the Toshiba tills now linked to the EFT terminals, transaction times have been greatly reduced, resulting in quicker customer service and a reduction in input errors. Commenting on this aspect Simon Vardy said, “We aim to serve customers as quickly and professionally as possible. Before the new solution our maximum sales in one hour was £300 in 40 transactions. Since the installation of the Datasym/Toshiba solution by WRS Systems, we have increased this to £450 in 60 transactions”.
The Toshiba tills with the bright screen touch and intuitive customised layouts make it easy for staff to use, making staff training easy. Staff Managers are also impressed with the reliability of the Toshiba tills.
Speaking about the overall solution, Simon Vardy said “I am very impressed with the Datasym/Toshiba solution and the service and support supplied by WRS Systems. Together, they have provided us with a low-cost tailored system that has enabled us to improve business efficiencies and speeded up the transaction at the till, allowing us to serve customers faster and increase turnover. I would happily recommend the solution to prospective franchisees”.
