Having reviewed half-a-dozen point-of-sale software solutions before deciding to go with PixelPoint POS back in 1997, the first thing I noticed was that it is obviously distinguished from others, such as Silverware and Aloha.  In evaluating a potential new POS system, my focus was on functionality and ease of use.  What I found was that PixelPoint POS was doing "out of the box" what I had been doing myself manually with spreadsheets and databases, having to enter the data myself from the reports generated by my current POS.  This alone was beneficial, as it had reduced the tedium of my daily paperwork from hours a day to literally only minutes.  But, the differences didn't stop there.

Recalling the dire experience with my first POS system, crashes, re-indexing databases and such, I was determined to research each solution in detail so as not to make the same mistake twice.  In this, what I found was that PixelPoint was fundamentally different because the authors of the software, as well as most of the key personnel within the company, all come from a background in hospitality management.  Seemingly, the result is a program written from a manager's point of view reflecting a broad knowledge of food service and hospitality operations.  Consequently, the product offerings from this company display a sophisticated nature with a rich feature set to meet the demands of the professional manager, yet is still easy enough to learn for even those with a casual familiarity with the Windows OS.  The result is a robust application that performs well under heavy use without flaw except for the occasional "user generated error," which generally is easily rectified.  For this reason, the employee training and orientation offered by your VAR is strongly recommended for all staff that will be using the POS system.  Your VAR will also ask you to designate one person to be trained as a site expert to gain familiarity with the various back office management functions and general system operation.  Although tech support is readily available, this is recommended so that all managers will have the necessary experience to handle any user questions that may arise.

Stability is a key feature of PixelPoint 2000.  This owes in great part from the company's transition to an SQL-based database back in 1999.  The company's stated goal of a "zero-maintenance" POS system was significantly furthered with this advance, and crashes from software-generated errors are basically non-existent.

As to scalability, the major advantage I found was that all of the company's add-in program modules integrate seamlessly with the POS system.  This modular approach to POS and back office management has significant advantage.  High among these is that no longer is it necessary to install and manage separate systems when additional functionality is needed, such as reservations or inventory management.  Also, PixelPoint allows you to purchase only what you need, and doesn't attempt to sell you the cow when all you really need is the milk.  Additional modules, when incorporated with the existing POS, also have the major advantage of integrating all records into your daily reports.  This will generate useable and actionable information without the need for manual correlation with external sources.  Translation: everything is easy to understand and reporting is centralized for ease of management.

With the release of version 97.52, one of the more exciting features to come out of this company is the ability to enter pay-ins and payouts, such as rent and electricity, directly into the system.  This is handy if you're using the new third-party accounting interface, "GetLinked," which connects directly with over twenty different accounting packages.  Now, instead of waiting for your accountant's quarterly or monthly profit/loss statement, which is history, you can see what's currently happening in near "real-time."  This provides for more timely and relevant business-critical information.  With this said, my rating of PixelPoint2000 POS within the six criteria below is as follows: 

· Ease of Use

This is where PixelPoint shines.  The learning curve for employees, depending upon configuration and your employee's position (wait staff, floor manager, etc.), is anywhere from twenty minutes to a full half-day.  The "How to Make" feature is extremely useful for both bar and kitchen staff, and can help to make even new or less experienced staff work like seasoned professionals.  For those responsible for business decisions within the organization, a virtual treasure trove of professional-grade features will be found indispensable.  Ample documentation and help files are provided.


· Stability

SQL says it all.  Most system crashes, especially in multi-client environments, are due to data packet collisions and the subsequent loss or corruption of data transmissions.  SQL is the traffic cop of the data highway, making certain that the data arrives safely to its destination.  Also, mySQL, which is PixelPoint's particular flavor of SQL, is noted for its speed in benchmark database performance tests.

· Paperwork Reduction

PixelPoint gets an A+ for this.  Just about everything is point and click.  Even inventory can be managed with hand-held PC's (PocketPOS) and uploaded to the POS' inventory manager for reconciliation reports.

· Features

Too numerous to mention in full, but only a few the more useful are: dining room and table management; check by seat number (for easy split checks per table); pay-ins & payouts; tender balancing; coupon & auto-coupon management; member payments; secure GIFT CERTIFICATES (on plastic with magnetic stripe); Scale interface (for inventory and sales); Pixel Links for "GetLinked", beverage dispensing systems interfaces, kitchen displays, etc.; customer loyalty (rewards), and the list goes on …

· Value for the Money

Certainly, there are cheaper systems to be had with even many "shareware" POS programs available.  And, for the mom-and-pop operation, they may want to consider one if a simple bottom-dollar system is the objective.  However, for those who wish to maximize their return on investment (working capital) and consistently advance the level of customer service, PixelPoint more than rises to the occasion.  A good IT solution should make or save you money and time, and PixelPoint is amply capable of both.

· Tech Support Availability

Availability varies between individual VAR's and support packages.  But, the corporation itself backs its VAR's with 24-hour emergency support as necessary and maintains a large searchable database of all known issues.  It's most likely that if you do have a problem it's already been documented and resolved.  Your VAR will likely know about it or can readily find the solution with a quick search of the database.  Systems generally are now supported remotely, and as a result issues are normally resolved quickly.

For more information from an authorized reseller of PixelPoint and a free trial download of their product, visit Advanced Management Solutions, or go to the PixelPoint web site.

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