Welcome to InTheKnow News
We are pleased to introduce to you InTheKnow, a newsletter for our retail customers. It is designed to keep you informed about the latest in Microsoft technology, current and upcoming promotions and events and news about your fellow retailers. We hope you enjoy our first issue!
Microsoft Retail Event
Event Details 
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Discover the future of retail at the Retail Innovation Forum
This is a great opportunity to get an insight into how leading retailers are staying competitive in their industries. The event
will see an impressive array of speakers:
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Richard Evans, Executive Director of Australian Retailers Association
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Brian Walker, Managing Director of The Retail Doctor
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Simon Nankervis, Managing Director of Busbrands Australia (GUESS & ALDO)
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Glenn Elith, Chief Financial Officer of Macro Wholefoods
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Sandana Kichenane, Worldwide Retail Industry Manager, Microsoft
You will hear from a range of industry experts and leading retailers on why they've chosen to invest in technology and how it's positioned their business for the future. You can also discover Microsoft's roadmap for connecting people, systems and information through technology and see a demonstration of Retail Analytics and Merchandise Planning from Professional Advantage.
Windows Embedded POSReady 2009
Announced by Microsoft at this year’s National Retail Federation Annual Convention& Expo in the US, Windows Embedded POSReady 2009 includes updates in three key areas, namely flexibility, connectivity and reliability/familiarity.
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Flexibility: the Operating System can be customised to specific hardware requirements;
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Connectivity: built-in networking, standards-based plug-and-play, and support of a wider range of retail software and peripherals;
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Reliability/familiarity: It supports Microsoft’s .NET Framework 3.5, Silverlight, SQL Server Express
and more.
“Using familiar Windows technologies, Windows Embedded POSReady 2009 enables a connected, rich experience at the checkout counter, which leads to meeting and exceeding shopper expectations and driving customer loyalty,” said Microsoft’s senior director of Windows Embedded Marketing, Ilya Bukshteyn, in a statement.
March to April Promotion – Don’t delay!Big Sale
Save 50% off the purchase price on: Microsoft Dynamics RMS Global Gift Vouchers BREP will be calculated on normal list price. Orders must be placed prior to COB 30/04/2009 |
Value adding products for Microsoft Dynamics RMS
Global Gift Vouchers for Microsoft Dynamics RMS
In standard Microsoft Dynamics RMS, gift vouchers can only
be redeemed in the store where they were issued. What do retailers do when they would like to have vouchers redeemed at any store? They install Global Gift Vouchers from Professional Advantage.
Global Gift Vouchers allow retailers with multiple stores to issue and redeem gift vouchers across any store. When a gift voucher is issued, the information automatically updates the Head Office registry which then gets published to all stores.
If you would like to see what other Add-On products are available to further enhance your Microsoft Dynamics RMS experience click here.
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Customer InTheSpotlight: Mega Pet Warehouse
About Mega Pet Warehouse
Mega Pet Warehouse is a chain of four pet supplies specialists located throughout the suburbs of Melbourne. The family-owned stores are recognised for their commitment to providing exceptional value for money, as well as delivering the best in service and advice.
Challenge & Solution
When in 2004 the Mega Pet Warehouse changed owners, the business consisted of a single shop front. Sam Raso, the new co-owner, could see great potential for the pet supplies warehouse and was keen to quickly expand the brand through the establishment of additional warehouse-style outlets. “When we bought Mega Pet Warehouse it was using QuickBooks. It was a system that was fine for one shop but it wasn't appropriate for the growth we were after.”
While researching alternatives Raso came across Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System at a Melbourne trade show. In addition to managing Point of Sale the software offered comprehensive functionality covering inventory control and tracking, purchase order management, pricing, sales and promotions, customer management and marketing, employee management and reporting.
Benefits
After completing the implementation of Dynamics RMS, Mega Pets noted the project delivered the following benefits:
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Centralised management of retail operations
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New electronic frequent buyers scheme has replaced cumbersome card-based system, improving both customer service and supplier reporting
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Marketing decision-making has been through the ability to query customers and capture specified marketing data at the till
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Consistent systems and processes can be rolled out to new stores with ease
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Tips & Tricks
Speed up the tender process with two easy shortcuts!
To speed up the tender process, when selling multiple quantities of the same item, simply enter the quantity and then type (*). Next, scan the item and the system will automatically populate the multiple quantity field.
Also, if your customer pays the exact amount and no change calculation is required, simply select the “+” key to populate the tender type with the total amount. The same shortcut can be used when your customer pays using mixed tenders. For example, if your customer pays using cash and credit card, enter the cash amount and then type “+” in the credit card field , the system will automatically calculate the remainder correct amount.
Let’s Keep in Touch
If there is a particular topic/product that you would like to see featured in our next issue, we would love to hear
from you. Please let us know by emailing microsoftinfo@pa.com.au
If you don't currently receive this newsletter first hand and would like to receive details on our events, click here and type "subscribe me" in the subject line.
Introducing Professional Advantage Referral Program Receive up to $2000 in Gift Vouchers
As part of the Referral Program, we are offering an incentive for you to refer your customers/suppliers or business colleagues to Professional Advantage.
If you are aware of companies that would benefit from our software and services then you or your company can earn up to $2000 in gift certificates.
Just call marketing on 1800 126 499 or email microsoftinfo@pa.com.au and refer a previously unregistered prospect (i.e. someone that we are not yet working with and is not in our prospect pipeline) and one of our Business Development Managers will contact them.
For details click here.