Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 7, 2008 Work SessionCITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS DATE: JANUARY 4, 2008 TO: WALT FEHST CITY MANAGER FROM: WILLIAM ELRITE FINANCE DIRECTOR RE: PURCHASE OF NEW POINT OF SALE SOFTWARE, SHELVING, AND CHECKOUTS FOR THE LIQUOR OPERATION With the move to the new liquor store locations it is necessary to purchase new POS software. This software operates and controls the cash register operation and provides historic sales and inventory information. It is a very essential part of the purchasing process. Over the past few years we have had significant problems with our current POS software. The company that sells and supports this software has changed ownership and has had major management restructuring. Along with this change their service and support has diminished greatly. The result of this is that we frequently lose information from our historic files and experience significant down time while attempting to gather sales and inventory-related information. This down time has impaired Larry's ability to monitor sales, history, and project what needs to be purchased on a timely basis. Subsequently, staff is recommending purchasing new software to coincide with the move to the new stores. The new software will utilize most of our current equipment, although several pieces are old and will need replacement in the near future. It is our plan to purchase only the software at this time and upgrade equipment as needed in the future. In preparation for this purchase staff has looked at the four major liquor store POS software vendors and compared the features and functionality of the systems. Staff recommends purchasing a Microsoft Retail Management system from Retail Information Technology Enterprises in St. Cloud. This software package was developed by Microsoft and is used nationwide in a variety of businesses. It works well in conjunction with other Microsoft software products. Retail Information Technology Enterprises is the authorized distributor of the software in this area. Their staff has a significant computer background and appears to be well qualified to support the product. The basic cost for this software for all three liquor stores is $29,717. Staff will also be requesting a change in vendor for the purchase of our wall gondola shelving and checkouts. In November staff presented a recommendation to the City Council to purchase these items from AA Equipment. Since that time staff has found a new vendor, Accent Store Fixtures, in north Minneapolis. Accent has refurbished shelving that is in excellent condition. Utilizing this shelving will save approximately $10,000. In addition to this, Accent has a woodworking shop and can manufacture custom checkout counters equivalent in quality to the ones we were proposing to buy from AA Equipment at an additional cost savings of $4,000. At the next City Council meeting staff will be presenting a recommendation for the purchase of the POS software from Retail Information Technology Enterprises and for the purchase of shelving and checkout counters from Accent Store Fixtures. WE:sms oso ~ oa2cM