Posts tagged ‘CCTV’
Can you see everything that’s going on in your business?
With the latest in CCTV, you can.
Is it necessary?
Security systems always sound expensive and you are never sure what the benefits are, but with the new integrated CCTV system from Zenith EPoS, you get a sophisticated monitoring and recording system at a very affordable price.
Connected to as many as 16 tills, using 4 to 64 cameras, the Vigilant Digital Video Recorders are linked to the activity on your tills, providing great control and feedback.
Search for the exact footage you need
If you are experiencing staff problems, whether mistakes due to lack of training or ineptitude or more serious fraudulent activity, then this system will give you the information you need.
If you have to find something specific to resolve an issue, you can go straight to the relevant section easily by searching for keywords on the receipt (refund or credit, for example), for any staff or product name or even for transaction amounts (like ‘less than £20.00’).
The footage will show you what happened at the point of sale and you can determine the cause of the problem.
Or you can record specific point of sale events on a regular basis. So, if you are having problems with refunds, for example, you can set to record all refunds.
Sort out staff training and behaviour issues quickly and easily, before too much valuable income is lost.
Camera control
Control PTZ cameras and set to follow movement, etc. and use the digital zoom to hone in on specific events.
You can also access cameras remotely through your desktop browser (Windows and Mac), or by streaming to your android, i-phone or tablet.
Access levels can be set for different members of staff and all footage can be saved and backed up directly onto DVD.
This control means instant resolution of issues, again saving you time and money. Some situations could even be looked at live and feedback given straight away to staff. This is even more helpful with multi-site operations.
If you would like to see everything that’s going on in your business, then it might be time to consider an integrated CCTV system – it could save you a great deal of time and money.
Call Phil Stackhouse now on 0117 963 2200 to find out what’s happening in your business.
Counting the cost of draught sales – never lose a drop of beer again
As any successful bar operator knows, complete control of all aspects of stock is imperative to keep costs down and maximise profits. But how is it possible?
A 360° view
Searflo simplifies your stock control by providing a live record of all draught sales – beer, wine and spirits. You can literally see what is happening right now, or during a particular period or service, by staff member, by bar, by site. Enter the parameters and take a snap shot, any time.
It can also be connected to post-mix syrup flow and even your coffee grinder.
If two pints are sold, but only one paid for, you will know straight away. If full measures are not being delivered, or over-generous measures are, you have the information at your fingertips.
Want to know how last weeks’ lunch promotion went; or the happy hour sales? Searflo will give you a numeric or graphic analysis that keeps you in control of your business.
Real time analysis
Searflo connects to your lines and your EPoS till, so you have live information on every transaction. It records what happens on the till, when it happens – drinks and food sales are recorded at the time of entry to the bar tab, not when the payment is made, which could be hours later.
You can also access remotely in order to keep tabs on several bars on one site or multiple sites. This means accurate spot checks or regular monitoring of known problems or unresolved issues.
Affordability
With options to purchase, lease or rent, this level of control can be made available to a variety of operations, from independent pubs, to multi-site operations.
Not only will you not break the bank, the return in greater control over stock and profits turns Searflo into an investment for pubs, clubs, hotels and restaurants.
Integration
This system will dovetail into most EPoS systems and can be used for all products. So, all your stock can be added to the software, giving you full financial information on all aspects of your business, not just wet sales and not just draught products.
If you also have CCTV connected to your EPoS system, you can all but eliminate staff errors and fraud.
Are you are looking for more control of your business and increased profits? Then talk to Phil Stackhouse at Zenith EPoS now: 0117 963 2200.
Find out how Searflo can ensure you never lose a drop of beer again.
Five steps to getting the right EPoS system for your business
Electronic point of sale is not just about the cash register, but also the software behind it and how this integrates with your existing business processes. Here we look at the steps you will need to go through in order to make the best decision for your business.
Your business objectives
Why are you thinking about EPoS and what do you need to get out of it?
Will it be a stand alone system, with little integration required, but simply used to improve service? Or are you looking for help with sales information, stock control, accounting or customer relationship management?
Are you looking to integrate with CCTV, website sales or online bookings?
And what are your marketing objectives behind these requirements? Are you looking to increase turnover, profit, reduce staff or other costs, slow churn rates or increase customer base?
System features
What hardware do you need? A cash register presumably, but you might need scanners, mobile PDA’s, wireless router, printers, scales, CCTV equipment, chip and pin.
Do you need customer display, to take payment at table, keyboard or touchscreen?
What software are you looking for? You can integrate with accounting packages like Sage, stock control systems, including supply chain links. You can integrate with customer database software and your website so that online and offline sales are co-ordinated.
There may be industry specific software you can use or you may require something simpler and more generic or more bespoke.
Are you looking for an on-site system or a cloud-based system? This is still fairly new, but it is possible and will not take too long to enter the mainstream.
Support
What support will you get and how much extra will it cost you. If you are operating outside of normal office hours, you will want to be sure you can fix problems as and when they occur.
This can be particularly agonising if you have hardware and software from two different suppliers, each blaming the other over a specific problem.
Also, what training will you get beforehand, so that you and your staff can hit the ground running? No customer likes to see a member of staff agonising over a new till when all they want is their food, item of clothing, hotel room, etc.
The supplier
This leads on to the supplier themselves. Are they reputable, credible and listening to you? In any event you should talk to more than one potential supplier.
Can they supply references? Look at testimonials on their website. Have they a couple of current customers you can ring and chat with? What is their install, warranty and refund policy?
Make sure you have a proper demonstration, all your questions are answered satisfactorily and that you feel comfortable with not just the person you are dealing with but the company as a whole.
Price
Any system is going to represent a significant investment for your business and you will want to ensure you get the best price possible. It is easy to say that price should not be the most important consideration, but when you have pressures on all costs, as most businesses do these days, every penny counts.
Nevertheless, the most important aspect is the suitability for your business. Get that right and the system should pay for itself within two-three years. Make sure it does what you need; it works with your existing set-up; is right for your customers and staff and choose the best supplier for the job.
Often the cheapest supplier may not be the best. Will they give you the equipment and support you need for the money? Will they still be around in two years time? Don’t make savings now that could cost more later.
Resolve mistakes and staff issues at the touch of a button
CCTV is mostly thought of in terms of security, but what if it could increase your profits as well?
Arguably, it does this already. If it is acting as a deterrent to crime, then it is saving you time and money. But what more can it do?
Resolving errors
If your CCTV system is connected to your Electronic Point of Sale system, you can pinpoint and replay the exact moment any given transaction was made. If customers argue they have been given the wrong change, if staff have made an error, all these issues can be resolved, quickly and easily.
Along with the video replay of the transaction, the details of the order also appear on screen, giving you minute by minute, accurate information. As well as by time, you can also search the digital recording by product, e.g. Latte or Steak.
Reducing crime
This level of detail, coupled with the ease of access, means you can check for staff problems. Have two lattes been ordered and paid for, but three served? If there are too many ‘no sale’ items on the cash registers, these can be checked on video to ensure there was no foul play.
This information can even be accessed remotely, via remote computer or Smart Phone, which means you can react instantly to problems, wherever you are.
Night Vision
The CCTV system offers wide angle dome units with zoom lens and automated night vision – this can activate when the light goes below a certain level.
Similarly, the cameras can be permanently on, or activated by motion sensor, with remote back up and easy download to disk or memory stick
Increase profits
With all this control, reducing errors and crime, you will gain valuable time during your day and make sure the money in the till at the end of each shift is what should be there.
It can also help to train staff and encourage correct behaviour in any that may be tempted to cheat the system. A proper CCTV system could not only pay for itself, but add extra efficiencies to your business to give you an even greater return.
All in all, a great boost to your bottom line and a lot less worry.
If you would like more information about CCTV and EPoS, contact Phil straight away on 0117 963 2200 – and start improving your business today!