Retail Software and Training Advice: John's Blog

J.C. Penney's Changes Pricing Tactics

2012-01-27T23:13:09Z

J.C. Penney's Changes Pricing Tactics

J.C. Penney's recently announced that it is permanently marking down all of it's merchandise by at least 40 percent. This new marketing tactic it intended to get rid of the need to run hundreds of sales promotions that the retailer normally runs each year.

This includes a three-tiered strategy that offers:

Every Day low pricing (Designed to be both more consistent and more competitive).
Monthly Value pricing (Discounts on select merchandise).
Best Price (Clearance pricing that is tied to coincide with special dates such as pay days, slow business days, and holidays).

While this pricing structure may not make it an even par competitor with retail giants such as Wal-Mart, it may prove to bring in shoppers that would not ordinarily think of going to Penney's because of their normally higher prices. As an example, a close friend recently indicated that he never shops a Penney's unless they are having a sale (which is normally the everyday price at stores like Wal-Mart) or if it's something that he needs and he can't find elsewhere.

The above mentioned changes would also be tied in with the following:

New Color Coded tags when a price drops.
Simpler pricing rounded to whole numbers (i.e, $14, $20)
Direct mailing campaigns to existing customers with Monthly Value Pricing.
New product lines and marketing campaigns at targeting both middle class families (Penney's core customers) and the younger crowd.
Down-sizing some locations to what is referred to as "Mini-shops". The main intent here being to decrease costs and increase sales per square foot.

If you are interested in creating a similar pricing structure as above, please contact the CCS Retail Systems Support Department.

Automating End of Day Procedures

2012-01-24T23:02:47Z

Automating End of Day Procedures

Sometimes relying on new staff members to properly execute daily closing procedures can be a hit or miss proposition, especially if you have a high turnover rate.

In the past, I have seen situations were users have failed to settle Credit Card transactions for periods as long as (3) three weeks. Not only can this kind of situation cause cash flow problems, it can be very expensive,
especially if any of the transactions fail to settle due to issues with the card holders account, or because the processor rejected the transaction do to it being outside of their required settlement time frame.

If Sales are not posted on timely basis, it could affect stocking, purchasing, and other managerial decisions.

Often, In these kinds of situations, there is no one doing follow-up, and no notification given to management that there is any open issue at play. A feature in CounterPoint SQL now allows the ability to schedule automated Credit Card Batch Settlement and End of Day Sales Posting.

The System Configuration Utility gives you the capability to schedule both Credit Card Settlements and POS End of Day posting during off hours when is more convenient, such as when all users are off the system, and/or after a backup has been made.

You can set-up a single schedule per Store or for all Drawers per day, or you could have separate schedules set for individual Drawers at a location.

As an example:

If Drawer #1 was always used by the morning shift, and it was normally closed down for rest of the day, say by 1:30 PM, you could create both a Credit Card Settlement and End of Day posting operation around this event.

Some of the other features include:

Posting Drawers that have a specific status, such as "Active", "Counted", or "Reconciled:
The ability to send process status notifications to multiple email addresses.

If you would like more information on this or desire to have these tasks scheduled, please contact the CCS Retail Systems Support Department.

MS SQL Server Performance Tuning

2012-01-11T00:29:23Z

MS SQL Server Performance Tuning

An often neglected, but important area of database management involves factors that can affect MS SQL Server Performance. The most common factors are:

Whether or not the application server is dedicated to MS SQL functions. - Running MS SQL on a Domain server, Terminal Server, or an Exchange Mail Server is not recommended.
The version of MS SQL that you are running. - Some lower priced versions of MS SQL Server limit both the size of the database and may restrict the total number physical processors that can be used with MS SQL processes.
The Servers CPU processor. - Running MS SQL on older a single core processor could result in poor overall query processing. You should have beefier server for this task.
Server Ram - The amount of physical RAM that the computer has and how much of it is dedicated specifically to MS SQL. - Most newer 64 Bit servers support much higher amounts of RAM. This is a critical element of MS SQL performance tuning.
The amount of swap space dedicated to the server. - While this is often set dynamically, I have seen situations where this has been set too low especially when there are situations that involve low amounts of physical RAM being installed in the computer, or where more RAM was installed, but the swap space on the server was never increased.
Utilities - Whether or not there is a routine to Rebuild Indexes, Reorganize Data and Index Pages, Update Statistics, and how frequently these utilities are run.

For more information you can also review my previous blog entitled "Creating MS SQL Maintenance Plans." Also, see Maintenance Plans and Automating Administration Across an Enterprise in the MS SQL Help and/or contact the CCS Retail Systems Support Department for further assistance.

Self Sanitizing Keyboards

2012-01-07T03:31:32Z

Self Sanitizing Keyboards

Recent studies have indicated that some computer keyboards have more virulent germs than most bathrooms or kitchens. Various factors in your workplace could contribute to this, especially if you work in hospital or a retail environment where large numbers of people are involved in handling various pieces of equipment. ATM and Pin Pad keyboards are known to be the worst offenders, and while you may find it unquestionably gross, you may not have thought about other options to completely resolve the issue.

Basic things such as routinely vacuuming your keyboard and carefully wiping down your equipment are a good idea. However, one must also be careful that any chemical cleaners being used will not short-out or damage equipment in any way, or that whatever is being used does not void the manufacturers warranty.

Another issue has always been convenience. When being cleaned, all equipment should be powered down and preferably unplugged from a power source in order to prevent static discharges, or other issues with the computer. Obviously, in a fast paced retail environment, this not only inconvenient, but sometimes not practical.

Enter self-sanitizing keyboards...

Recently, a start-up called Vioguard announced that it received FDA approval for a device the company claims can kill up to 99.9 percent of pathogens using ultraviolet light.

Vioguard, launched by a couple of former Microsoft hardware designers, has been selling the self-sanitizing keyboard to consumers for around $900.

Now, with the FDA approval, it is pitching the keyboard for use in hospitals, which are known to be one of the most infectious places know to man. Most Hospitals tend to be filled with people sick, among other things, with bacteria, viruses, prions and other invisible pathogens that are far more successful at making humans sick than those that infect people who don't end up in the hospital.

A recent British study found that keyboards in office buildings were shown to host more than five times as many bacteria as the average toilet in the same building. This includes common objects such as keyboards, computer mice and elevator buttons that are commonly infected with a variety of pathogens, including particularly virulent antibiotic resistant staph infections such as MRSA.

Vioguard's self-sanitizing keyboard ships with a box into which the keyboard can withdraw into in order to be bathed in the germicidal ultraviolet-C light from (2) two 24-watt fluorescent lamps.

The box, with has a mechanized drawer into which the keyboard retracts automatically, which keeps the keyboard hidden until a user waves a hand to activate an infrared motion detector, which sends the keyboard out of its germ-free environment.

There are also other UV products:

VirWall Systems - a UV-lit cover that is put over phones or keyboards.
Germ Genie - Looks like a desk lamp, but emits UV to kill germs left by your fingers as you type.

If you would like more information product such as this or reconditions for sanitizing your equipment, please contact the CCS Retail Systems Support Department.

$41+ Billion in unused Gift Cards

2011-12-31T03:32:41Z

$41+ Billion in unused Gift Cards

Recent retail industry research company "Tower Group" has reported that there are in excess of $41 billion dollars worth of unused Gift Cards still out there since they started keeping track in 2005. In 2011, Gift Card transaction volume exceeded $100 billion dollars for the year.

Some other interesting statistics are:

Approximately 85 percent of issued cards are used within 60 days.
The remaining cards are either lost, stolen, or expire due to date restrictions or reduction fees. Even though many fees are down and some states no longer allow expiration dates, based on this years numbers, this still means a potential $15 billion dollar windfall for the retail industry.
The average value of a closed loop card (retailer specific) purchased in 2011 rose more than 70 percent, from $34 in 2010 to $58 in 2011.
The average value of an open loop card (not retailer specific) saw a drop of 5 percent in 2011 compared to 2010.
The average number of gift cards purchased, both closed loop and open loop, remained relatively flat year over year, however, due to the increase in the average value per closed loop card, and the total value spent when using these cards, saw a tremendous increase in 2011, going from $161 to $291.

What all of this says is...

If most cards are sold during the start of the year end holiday shopping season, the retailer is essentially guaranteed an 85% return revenue stream over the next 60 days. This could be a bonus for the retailer into the first quarter of the new year when most retail sales are typically flat.
While many consumers like the flexibility of using gift cards, a percentage will never be used or never be completely be used, thereby giving retailers an excellent profit center, especially when considering sales made on closed loop cards.
Other than the cost of the physical cards, closed loop cards cost the retailer nothing, as opposed to open loop card fees and conventional credit card fees. This means lower overhead for the retailer.
Consumers will spend more money when a Gift Card is used than they might spend otherwise, resulting in higher than average ticket sales. Often Gift Cards are redeemed for regular priced items, meaning higher profit margins.

So if you aren't using Gift Cards now, you should seriously consider contacting the CCS Retail Systems Support Department regarding your options...

WiFi Setup Flaw May Lead To Cracked Router Security Pins

2011-12-29T03:41:16Z

WiFi Setup Flaw May Lead To Cracked Router Security Pins

Today US-CERT has issued a warning regarding a newly discovered flaw in the WPS (WiFi Protected Setup Standard). The flaw causes too much information on the PIN being returned to a brute force attacker, which subsequently results in making the PIN vulnerable to being cracked. This flaw could put the security of millions of WiFi routers and access points at risk.

Common routers known to be at risk include D-Link, Netgear, Linksys, and Buffalo, however, the issue is not limited to just these specific brands.

In summary, the flaw deals with communication messages sent back during a failed connection attempt where the messages are sent in such a way that the attacker could determine if the first half of the PIN number is correct. Subsequently, the last digit of the PIN is can be determined because it is actually a checksum of the PIN.

This vulnerability can lead to a successful brute force attack, especially with a router that has no lock out policy. Typically this means that open, loosely secured public Wi-Fi networks are at an even greater risk of
being compromised.

US-CERT has recommended disabling your WPS PIN on your router, and only turning it on when adding a new device to the network. Disabling it altogether is highly recommended as some wireless routers can respond by locking-up when hit with a surge of unsuccessful attempts, requiring a reboot of the router.

If you have questions of concerns regarding this topic, please contact the CCS Retail Systems Support Department.

Who's On First On Project Management.

2011-12-24T01:32:26Z

Who's On First Project On Management.

When implementing the configuration of an application software program it is important to have a central point of control to configure it. This is true regardless of whether this is a new installation or an upgrade.

Problems can occur when individuals, or groups of persons, set-up and configure in a way that conflicts with what the company or location is doing as a whole. This can result in contradictory requests for changes that conflict with another location, that are against company policy, or against management directives. This often happens in organizations with loose management styles where various locations or departments have been left to their own devices. This can results in everyone wanting to be in charge, but no one willing to take final responsibility for the changes.

If there is no central person who is "In Charge" of configuration changes, this can results in our support department being bombarded with contradictory requests for changes. Examples of this would be areas like:

Security Levels, and menu access.
What an application defaults to or prompts for.
Form and Report Changes.
Where Receipt forms print to, and how many copies print.
When automated events occur.

The main issues here are that there should be one central project manager available, there should be a clear policy on how software configuration changes are applied, and who they should be applied to.

If you need assistance with organizing your project, please contact the CCS Retail Systems Support Department.

The Passport "Breakout" Option

2011-12-02T19:50:00Z

The Passport "Breakout" Option.

Passport has an internal software feature called "Breakout", which allows a user to set individual default values for most fields that are accessed in any part of the software. This can include defaulting preset values (Including special keys such as the ENTER, ESC, and various function keys), or by having it skip normally prompted fields altogether.

However, since these fields are defined and saved by Passport user, it is also possible to have the software behave differently in one area for one user than it does for all other users. While some users may not know about this feature, I have seen some recent examples of users accidentally turning this on and setting values without being aware of it. Often this is accomplished by a user accidentally typing a combination of keystrokes that toggle the feature on, set a value, and exit the feature.

As an example...

Recently, I had one end-user accidentally toggle this feature on while in the Cash Application portion of the Cash Receipts input screen. What they managed to do was toggle it on, type in an invalid default value, and then turn on the "skip" field feature. This caused subsequent use of Cash Application portion of the program to lock-up the software. This made it impossible for the user to properly abort the transaction, including not being able to get out of the screen. However, when I used the CCS user ID, the software behaved normally.

If you would like more information on how you can utilize the Breakout feature correctly, please contact the CCS Retail Systems Support Department.

The Importance of Reviewing New Technical Documentation

2011-12-01T02:13:21Z

The Importance of Reviewing New Technical Documentation.

When you are looking at upgrading any of your application software programs it is important to review ALL documentation related to the installation and configuration requirements, BEFORE attempting to install any new software. This is especially true because of recent changes in both software and hardware technology.

When this isn't handled properly various problems can arise.

Some examples of this are:

If moving from a 32 Bit to 64 Bit Operating system environment, any or all of the following
may be present:

The software application may require an updated 64 Bit compatible run-time. - Assuming that this is available, it may require re-installation of the core software application. If you are using a Client Server application, the workstation clients will most likely need to be re-installed as well.
A supporting application that is used by the core application may be incompatible with the new 64 Bit Operation System, or require the purchase of new licenses for the new environment.
The new operation system or application may not have drivers for some of the existing peripheral devices that you intend to use with the new update. This may require purchasing new equipment.
So ideally, the should be known in advance.

What the above clearly points out is:

Technical Documentation is only as good as the ability or willingness of a person to follow it.
Project documentation should be reviewed ahead of time, during, and afterward in order to confirm
the completeness of the project at hand. - Having a poor plan is sometimes worse than having no
plan at all.
Have a test environment is preferred, so that you can have a good idea what to expect when the live
update is done.
When a project is complete, changes made to the overall configuration should also be reflected in
the documentation. - Most of us are not going to remember details, months (or perhaps years) later.
Considerable time, frustration, and expense can be incurred by not properly documenting, or
considering things.
There is a need to ave sufficient backups and documentation that will allow you to go backwards
in the event the update process fails due to some yet as known issue. - Time is money. If either you or CCS has to spend more time on something, this results in increased support costs. This is especially critical for you the issue involves recovering a system that is down.

If you are contemplating any major projects involving your systems, please contact the CCS Retail Systems Support Department for a review.

Fake Alert Trojan disguised as a UPS Quantum View Notification

2011-11-16T03:28:52Z

Fake Alert Trojan disguised as a UPS Quantum View Notification

There is a new variant of the Fake Alert Trojan making the rounds that is disguised as what appears to be a legitimate UPS Quantum View shipping status update Notification.

While the spam associated with it appears to be random, it may be targeting primarily email addresses with business extensions. Rather than having the more common infected attachment, this email has an embedded URL link, that when clicked on, takes you to a web site that installs the Trojan virus on your computer.

If you have up-to-date Anti-Virus software, it should be picking-off the virus. Depending on your settings, it should either be quarantining or deleting the email. This should be considered your first line of defense. However, if you normally receive legitimate UPS Quantum notifications, you can also do the following to help further protect yourself against an infection:

You can set your mail client to not automatically open any mail when viewed. This means that you would have to double-click on it to open it and actually read it..
You can set-up a separate email folder and establish mail rule that allows routing of all UPS source mails (including spoofed mails) to this specific folder.
If you suspect that the mail may not be legitimate mail, you can access your custom folder, and then do a single left-mouse-click on the mail entry, and then view the properties (to determine if the sources is actually spoofed). If desired, the suspect mail can then be deleted without having physically opened it or having clicked on the embedded link.

If you need assistance with configuring the above solution, or if you need assistance with updating your Anti-Virus software, please contact the CCS Retail Systems Support Department.