Adding a second sales station was a natural expansion of the existing system. Two additional functions were added to increase system speed... bar code scanners and a dedicated file server for the Novell network. The server has an automatic tape backup, data protection system, and uninterruptible power supplies to prevent a single failure from shutting the system down.
What happens when a town which has been "dry" for 100 years suddenly votes "wet"? This business owner, a really sharp lady who knew exactly what she had to do, phoned a systems dealer on a Friday, and announced, "I want a sales register system and I need it next week. What have you got?" When he fully understood her needs, the systems dealer suggested two sales stations with bar code scanners networked to a back office system.
Standard components (cash drawer, receipt printer, mini keyboard and 9 inch monitor) were used as the sales stations, to save space. The 3 inch roll receipt printer, display, keyboard and cash drawer fit in a space about the size of a small television. The computer connected to it is out of sight, under the counter. The small network cable connecting each station runs along the floor by the wall.
The back office is Mama's domain. She has always kept the books. A summary of front counter sales is always available at the back office station.
Within seconds after the state official arrived with the still wet permit, huge trucks of beer, representing every major brewery, began sliding to a halt outside the back door. Case upon case of beer, wine and liquor were unloaded and entered into the computer system. Sales began immediately.
Since clerks were using laser bar code scanners, each item description and price magically appeared on the POS screen as its label was scanned even though some had been entered only moments before.
This was really trial by fire and proved the soundness of PCs, networks and good software.
They did have a backup power supply (UPS) at each station. This was called upon within the first week when the electricity went off for a few minutes (power in this area fluctuates frequently).
Because liquor was brand new to their convenience store, the owners were anxious to know how they were doing. The systems dealer showed them how to get a sales and profit summary with just a keystroke. The response was something like, "You mean we can get the profit at any time?" Their grins filled the small back office.
Scanning bar codes is a natural choice for liquor stores. Most items arrive with bar code labels. Management simply verifies the price and cost. The clerk's job is simpler since no numbers have to be typed... work is virtually error free. Even voided receipts are recorded in the sales history, making theft at the register and of inventory much more difficult.