Looking to implement a POS Pocket PC system - suggestions welcomed.

[HOLLYWOOD_]

Looking for some advice on hardware and software needed to implement a POS system via Pocket PC in a small retail store. :!: Currently are handling ALL transactions on paper with handwritten receipts. :evil: As I am a frequent visitor to Pocket PC thoughts, I know how savvy you all are and how eager you are to assist. :D

Here are my initial thoughts.

Wi-Fi enabled Pocket PC with CF Bar Code Scanner. Wirelessly transmit data to printer for receipts at POS. Wirelessly backup data to laptop in real-time. Manage inventory through a software capable of establishing min and max points. Your suggestions on the best Pocket PC software to handle this are appreciated. Also, recommendations on hardware as well. I was leaning toward the Dell Axim X5 or the Toshiba line.

[aroma]

Can't remember the name of the hardware right off, but I came across a sleave for an IPAQ that was a retail POS solution, integrating a bar code scanner, a magnetic swipe card (credit card) reader, and a receipt printer all into the sleave... pretty slick.

- Aaron

[PetiteFlower]

Hm, that actually sounds like one case where the ipaq would be a better solution then the Axim. First one I've read about on here so far!

[Steven Cedrone]

Here are a couple - Just did a search in Google for "Ipaq POS":

M-Station
http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=M-STATION
http://www.etact.com.sg/m_station.htm

PixelPoint
http://www.3-zero.com/pos.htm

Steve

[karen]

Here are a couple - Just did a search in Google for "Ipaq POS":
Steve

Had to laugh at that one... Those of us in the retail world know that POS has two meanings, one that starts with "Point of" and the other "Piece of". To do a search on "iPaq POS" means that one might get two different types of hits in a search engine. :P


I'd recommend that the orginal poster look at Symbol Technologies devices, as they are custom designed for commercial environments.

Karen

[msprague]

I'd recommend that the orginal poster look at Symbol Technologies devices, as they are custom designed for commercial environments.
Karen :arrow: Here is a link for you to a Symbol product (http://www.symbol.com/products/mobile_computers/mobile_pocket_sps3000_data.html).

[Steven Cedrone]

Had to laugh at that one... Those of us in the retail world know that POS has two meanings, one that starts with "Point of" and the other "Piece of". To do a search on "iPaq POS" means that one might get two different types of hits in a search engine. :P

I was waiting to see if I would hit any "piece of" links, but I didn't (then again, there were pages of links and I only looked at the first one)...

I'm sure they're there though! :wink:

Steve

I was suprised I didn't get any hits for Symbol (at least on the first page)...

[karen]

I'd recommend that the orginal poster look at Symbol Technologies devices, as they are custom designed for commercial environments.
Karen :arrow: Here is a link for you to a Symbol product (http://www.symbol.com/products/mobile_computers/mobile_pocket_sps3000_data.html).

Having worked with these sorts of devices in a retail environment, I'd think the more rugged versions detailed at

http://www.symbol.com/products/mobile_computers/mobile_ce_ppt2700.html

would be a better investment. They tend to survive rougher handling. The aren't sexy at all, but they will get the job done. In my experience, workers at the retail level (both in-store and in a DC like envirnoment) are not exactly up to speed on how to hand sensitive devices like a regular iPaq with a special sleeve.

Karen

[JonnoB]

I have seen Simply Accounting (small business accounting software) work well with solutions from this company (http://www.beltek.com/index.html).

[HOLLYWOOD_]

Thanks for the replies on hardware! I was leaning away from symbol due to the cost. This implementation is for a small pet specialty items store, so minimizing costs is the number one goal.

Now, how about some suggestions on software. Looking for a fully integrated inventory management tool that integrates with the POS.

[JonnoB]

Now, how about some suggestions on software. Looking for a fully integrated inventory management tool that integrates with the POS.

Depending on size, look at the ACCPAC (http://www.accpac.com)accounting solutions....
very small business = Simply Accounting
small/medium business = ACCPAC Pro Series
medium/large business = ACCPAC Advantage Series

They have inventory control and POS solutions for you.

[aroma]

Thanks for the replies on hardware! I was leaning away from symbol due to the cost. This implementation is for a small pet specialty items store, so minimizing costs is the number one goal.

Now, how about some suggestions on software. Looking for a fully integrated inventory management tool that integrates with the POS.

Not to spoil the fun, but if cost is a big issue, a PPC solution for this environment may not be the best. It would probably be more cost effective to stick to the PC / Laptop solution... Just a thought...

- Aaron

[HOLLYWOOD_]

Not to spoil the fun, but if cost is a big issue, a PPC solution for this environment may not be the best. It would probably be more cost effective to stick to the PC / Laptop solution... Just a thought...
[quote]


You are forgetting about the advantages of an inventory system using the PPC !!! Easily walk around the store and scan items and update inventory!