StateWays is the only magazine exclusively covering the control state system within the beverage alcohol industry, with annual updates from liquor control commissions and alcohol control boards and yearly fiscal reporting from control jurisdictions
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Control state administrators have multiple options. By Melissa Niksic he retail environment in the beverage alcohol industry is an ever-changing environment, and point-ofsale (POS) systems are evolving right along with it. Selecting the right POS system for your state store operation is crucial, and a number of factors should be taken into consideration when choosing a program. The number of agency stores, your state's specific needs, any restrictions imposed by your locations' retail space, and your department's preferences are all things to think about before settling on a new POS system. And when the time comes to explore the different available options, you'll have no shortage of systems from which to choose. T Virginia ABC Sales Associate Brittany Harris uses the POS system to assist a customer at the Front Royal, VA store. The Virginia ABC is planning on a variety of upgrades to its system beginning in 2014. OS providers are constantly rolling out new options in an effort to keep up with the latest technological advances. As a result, cloud-based tablet systems are currently all the rage. Many POS companies have developed tablet-based options as an add-on to existing systems. Other new POS providers have emerged in the market focusing solely on this new tablet-centered trend. Cloud-based systems have become increasingly popular in the beverage industry over the past several years due to their efficiency, ease of use, portability, and affordability. Tablet-based platforms also offer the added perk of taking up less room than traditional large systems, saving coveted counter space that can be used for additional merchandise displays. ShopKeep is a cloud-based iPad POS system that was invented by a small business owner. When Founder and CEO Jason Richelson was running his two stores, he became fed up with his company's POS system and sought out a cloud-based alternative. Unable to find one, he created one himself, and now ShopKeep has more than 7,000 clients. A major benefit of using ShopKeep's iPad-based POS system is that built-in software updates are automatically installed via the cloud, so users need not concern themselves with manually updating their own systems. Realtime sales information is readily available and can also be accessed by administrators via a downloadable mobile app, so store information can be managed at anytime from anywhere. Importing existing data into the system is a simple process, allowing states that are interested in finding a new POS system to easily make the switch to ShopKeep. The system also allows users to turn on additional tablets during peak times during the year when additional cashiers are needed. "We have a wine shop client that keeps two iPads in the store," Richelson states. "During the holiday season when things are busy, they can activate the second handheld register for a couple of months, and then deactivate it in January. You won't be charged for the additional system unless it's in use, saving you money." Deb Filkins opened Cougar Run Winery in Concord, New Hampshire, back in 2012. ShopKeep was recommended to her by her merchant service provider, and although she was instantly attracted to its low price, she didn't decide on a POS system until she had thoroughly researched multiple options. "No one going into business is going to buy the cheapest option just based on price, she explains. "It has to be functional." Filkins appreciates ShopKeep's ease of use and personalized technical support. Describing herself as "not very computer literate," she was amazed and impressed with how easy it was to download the program onto her iPad and get set up. She also utilizes ShopKeep's mobile app so she can keep an eye on the winery when she's 32 StateWays I www.stateways.com I September/October 2013 Cutting-edge solutions P