Purging Distributions

Posted on by ccsretail

Purging Distributions

As you use your Counterpoint SQL system, you will accumulate data. Sales history, purchasing, and receiving, all of the history is accumulated, and these tables can grow to be quite large.

One table that can grow very fast, is the distributions table. Everything that is posted will create distributions. Depending on the settings used, it can be many records for a single posting. In a short time, this can build into thousands, or millions, of records. Moreover, most people do not need most of the data in this table. If your interface to another accounting system, once the distributions are sent to that other system, one really has no need for them in Counterpoint. Also, many do not use the accounting function, either within Counterpoint, or interfaced to another accounting system. In that case, those records are never used and are just taking up space.

Fortunately, distributions are one of the areas that Counterpoint has a purge function. From the main menu, it is under System -> Accounting -> Utilities -> Purge Distributions. Under the event tab, select the Post Date range that you want to purge. You may have to use the customize function to find the post date option. Make sure that you select a range that will leave any records that you may want. In a lot of cases, leaving 30 days of distributions is appropriate. However, that will vary, depending on your use of these records, and your needs. You may be able to purge all records (for example, if you do not use any of the distribution information within Counterpoint).

Once you have selected the purge range and selected the purge option, you will get a report of the records that will be purged. Also, you will be asked for confirmation that you actually wish to purge the records. Once you confirm that you want to purge, the records will be removed. This can take several minutes, depending on how many records you are purging at a time. That is all there is to it.

Dave.

NCR Ranked #1 in Global POS Software by RBR in Second Year of Market

Posted on by ccsretail

NCR Ranked #1 in Global POS Software by RBR in Second Year of Market Report

New RBR “Global POS Software 2017” report identifies NCR as leading point-of-sale software provider in the retail and hospitality industries for the second consecutive year

Duluth, Ga. – October 31,2017 – NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR), a global leader in omni-channel solutions, remains the leading point-of-sale (POS) software provider for the retail and hospitality industries according to a study published by the strategic research and consulting firm RBR.

RBR’s research “Global POS Software 2017” is an in-depth international study of this dynamic market, analyzing more than 1,400 projects, by more than 60 vendors. The report shows that major retailers and hospitality operators account for 7 million POS installations worldwide, with NCR as the market leader for the 2nd consecutive year.

Additionally, nearly 300,000 new POS installations occurred from June 2016 to June 2017, and NCR led this growth with 14% global share.

“Retail and hospitality businesses are increasingly turning to our Omni Channel Decision Support Solutions and capabilities as NCR delivers proven value to our customers as a critical partner in shaping the customer experience,” said Dirk Izzo, senior vice president and general manager Industry Solution Group, NCR Corporation. “Our point-of-sale software delivers a consistent consumer experience across all touchpoints.”

The NCR software portfolio is leading transformational change across the entire retail and hospitality ecosystem, as these markets will increasingly rely on omni-channel platforms that can capture and provide actionable customer insights. NCR’s cloud-based infrastructure and APIs, combined with NCR point-of-sale software, will enable integration of third party applications and various types of data analysis to drive smarter, faster business decisions. This enables businesses to select and easily integrate different types of technology with their current systems, ultimately helping to save them money, time to market and helping them future-proof their business and transform at their own pace.

About NCR Corporation
NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) is a leader in omni-channel solutions, turning everyday interactions with businesses into exceptional experiences. With its software, hardware, and portfolio of services, NCR enables nearly 700 million transactions daily across the financial, retail, hospitality, travel, telecom and technology industries. NCR solutions run the everyday transactions that make your life easier. NCR is headquartered in Duluth, Ga., with about 30,000 employees and does business in 180 countries. NCR is a trademark of NCR Corporation in the United States and other countries. NCR encourages investors to visit its website which is updated regularly with financial and other important information about NCR.

Website: www.ncr.com
Twitter: @NCRCorporation
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ncrcorp
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/ncr-corporation
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/ncrcorporation

Are You Ready For EMV Security?

Posted on by ccsretail

 

Are You Ready For EMV Security?

Before you start taking chip cards (EMV) with your NCR Counterpoint System there are a few thing that need to be done.

  • First, you must be on at least NCR Counterpoint version 8.4.6.18, although this version of the software will work with EMV, it is recommended that you upgrade to the latest version of 8.5.3 so you may benefit from any fixes and new features.
  • With 8.5.3 in mind, it is also necessary that your operating system is at least Windows 7, as of 8.5.2, Windows 10 is supported. Windows 7 and above support the latest encryption protocols to help keep your data safe. Windows XP does not have these updated protocols and will not be updated by Microsoft to include them.
  • If you are already taking credit cards but have not updated to NCR Secure Pay, that will need to be done as well. With NCR Secure Pay, it will protect you and your customers data as it is no longer kept on your system and is tokenized to further protect the data. You may also need to update your merchant account to support NCR Secure pay. CCS can work with you and your merchant services rep to get your account ready for NCR Secure Pay and EMV processing.
  • You must be using an Ingenico ISC250 Pin Pad that has the correct version of firmware to work with your software AND NCR Secure Pay EMV processing. Firmware will vary depending on NCR Counterpoint version. CCS can help find your current firmware version and update (if necessary) to the correct version.
  • Pay codes (Touchscreen and Regular ticket entry) – the following pay codes must exist and be assigned to the store setup (but do not necessarily need a button) VISA, MC (or MasterCard), DISC (or Discover), AMEX (or American Express). Also there must be an EMV pay code button to activate the chip reader when processing a chip card. Note – If a card has a chip, it must be inserted into the reader, if a card does not have a chip it may be swiped just like before. In the case of a chip that will not read, a Manual EMV button can be setup to allow the customer to manually type in their card information securely through the Pin Pad.
  • Once the above has been complete, CCS can test the setup in a test environment to be sure that all settings both on the bank and the software side are correct. Once confirmed working, CCS can setup a time to implement and go through a test transaction so you can see the flow of an EMV chip card transaction.

If you need help with any of the above, please contact the CCS Retail Systems Support Department @ 800.672.4806 or send us an email to get you started on your way to EMV processing

-Bryan

NCR Counterpoint API Release

Posted on by ccsretail

NCR Counterpoint API Release

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NCR Counterpoint API
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Great News! NCR is pleased to announce the release of version 2.0 of the NCR Counterpoint API, which includes several new features and resolves a number of issues in the initial v1.0 release.

If you are updating the NCR Counterpoint API from v1.0 to v2.0, you can install the new version over your existing installation by downloading NCRCounterpointAPI.exe from the Partner Portal and running it on your NCR Counterpoint API server. All existing settings, users, and endpoints will be retained when you update to v2.0.

Detailed information about the functionality and use of the Counterpoint Rest API is maintained on GitHub. Please visit https://github.com/NCRCounterpointAPI/APIGuide on GitHub for more information about the Counterpoint Rest API.
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Migrating To NCR CPSQL

Posted on by ccsretail

So you have decided to update your V7 Counterpoint to CPSQL. CCS Retail Systems is here to help!

One of the first steps to a successful update, is to make sure CCS has all the data from your current version.

We will usually ask for a complete backup of your entire V7 Counterpoint installation. This can be from a tape backup, a USB flash drive, or even a copy of the installation directory to a Dropbox or Google Drive account.

Once we have the backup, we can start with a test upgrade that will give us a more complete picture of how much time it will take when the final cutoff date is agreed upon.

The test upgrade is an important part of the upgrade process. Not only does it give us a complete picture of what it will take to get you upgraded efficiently, it will also allow you to review the data and test your equipment and infrastructure.

For example, let’s say you have older receipt printer, this is the time to test them out to be sure your receipts look professional, your cash drawer opens, and the performance of this equipment is optimal for your business.

This is also the time to put the new system through its paces to iron out the little tweaks and changes that may need to be made so when the final upgrade is complete, we have all the settings that were made in the test to transfer over to your live database so you are ready to go on your first Live day of use. When I say “put the new system through its paces”, I mean do everything you would do in a normal day. Put a few tickets in the system, if you use orders, put a few of those in as well, test your printers, all of them, print/review the different reports offered, create a PO and receive it, add a new item, new user, new category. I think you get picture. Test, test and test some more until you are satisfied that everything is working as expected.

In the many upgrades that CCS has done, I find that the more people test the different function of CPSQL, the more the learning curve lessens, less issues with hardware and everything is in place for happy customers and a successful first day using the new system.

Are you planning on updating your V7 Counterpoint to CPSQL?

CCS has done many migrations to CPSQL, it is not an easy tasks and requires a significant amount of time to properly upgrade.

If CCS Retail Systems is helping you with your upgrade, we have plans in place to help make the process easier for you.

Part of our plan is to do a test upgrade and let you (our customers) see the end result and check that the all data that has been upgraded is there and settings are set for the way you do business.

This test upgrade is the time when you should test every part of your business in the new software, to be sure work the way you expect.

This would also include testing your hardware and your environment to be sure all your devices, network, and report printers will work.

Bryan

Getting ready to upgrade Counterpoint SQL

Posted on by ccsretail

Getting ready to upgrade Counterpoint SQL

With many people getting ready to upgrade Counterpoint SQL to the latest version, I thought I would talk about what can be done to prepare. One needs to confirm that the systems have the required prerequisites, as well as clearing any data that can be.

On the systems side, the biggest requirement is that SQL Server be version 2008 R2, at the minimum. Version 2012 is also supported, but later versions are not recommended. They may work without issues, but we are not recommending using versions above 2012 at this point. If you need to upgrade your SQL Server software, you can purchase a 2016 license, and install 2012 as a downgraded install, using that license. That way, you can upgrade to 2016 under the same license should it be necessary, or desirable, at some point in the future. That is the only issue that we have been seeing as far as system requirements for upgrading Counterpoint SQL.

As to the data, purging old data will speed up the upgrade process. In particular, purging the ticket history can make a big difference. Many times purging old ticket history is something that has not been done in a long time, if ever. With many interconnected tables making up the ticket history, the number of records that even a small store can generate overs years can be amazing. During the upgrade of Counterpoint SQL, the ticket history tables will updated with new fields. On very large history tables, this can be very time consuming.

In order to lessen the impact, the upgrade process does not perform the actual ticket history table upgrades. Rather, the tables are move, and empty tables with the changes to the schema are created. These tables are then populated from the data in the old tables, by means of a scheduled job. This job will migrate a number of records each time that it runs. In most cases, it will be scheduled to run frequently, and process a fairly small number of history records, starting with the latest tickets. Thus, over time the entire data set is migrated, and the records most needed for functions such as purchasing based on sales, or replenishment, are migrated first. Then, older tickets, which are usually not needed as much, are migrated later.

By purging the ticket history prior to upgrading, the migration process will obviously complete sooner. Every company is different in what they need for history, so some time should be spent in determining how much history to preserve. Two to three years seems to be the most common, but some wish to retain more, and some less. Once the cutoff date is determined, then the history should be purged up to that date. However, if you are using multi-site, I strongly recommend purging only one or two months of data at a time, and letting those changes replicate to all sites. If several months, or years of data are purged at once, it can severely impact the replication and even bring it down.

Those are the main points to address in preparing to upgrade Counterpoint SQL. Once they are done, it is simply a matter of scheduling a time and doing the upgrade, which usually takes a few hours at each location.

Dave.

NCR Announces Counterpoint 8.5.3

Posted on by ccsretail

NCR has released Counterpoint 8.5.3.  It comes with a great new user interface that adds some new features.  As well as new Windows 10 UI look, there is a recent pages visited, favorites, and a search feature on the home page.  Please contact me to see a short demo of it and then schedule an update. More information …

CP New IF

 New NCR Counterpoint Release Features
                  New User Interface

  • Remembers Recently Opened Applications
  • Ability to add Favorites
  • New Search Capability
  • New icons and updated look
  • Windows 10 UI Style
  • Program Navigation Panels
                       New Features

  • EBT Support for NCR Secure Pay
  • Ability to Turn Off Scrolling Receipts
  • Moneris iPP320 Support
  • Sage 50 2017 Certified
  • QuickBooks 2017 Certified
  • Microsoft SQL Server 2016 Support and E-mail Format Validation 
 CP New Menus

What’s is CashPoint?

Posted on by ccsretail
PBS CashPoint Accounting

What’s is CashPoint?

CashPoint-sml.pngCashPoint is the latest offering from Passport Business Solutions that is designed to integrate with the NCR Counterpoint software.

 

Accounting

CashPoint offers the NCR Counterpoint user the best back-office accounting solution available.  Fully integrated with NCR Counterpoint, the CashPoint PBS Accounts Payable, Check Reconciliation, General Ledger and exclusive interface to NCR Counterpoint, allows you to manage your cash flow like never before. An optional Payroll solution may be added to complete your needs.

Accounts Payable

Keep accurate information on vendor, supplier, and standard costs by tracking payment due dates, available discounts, and money owed to creditors.

Check Reconciliation

Maintains checkbooks, tracks deposits, and reconciles checking accounts. Provides instant access  to account information and eliminates manual reconciliation procedures

General Ledger

Categorizes and summarizes accounting data. Provides comprehensive information for financial analysis and control. Custom-designed financial statements show profit or loss, assets, liabilities, and equity.

Optional Payroll With Direct Deposit

Passport Software’s Payroll module may be optionally added to your CashPoint solution. Maintains employee data, calculates taxes, handles deductions and prints payroll checks.  Eliminates the process of manually preparing tax information. Passport works hard to provide  you with tools that keep up with both Federal standards, as well as state and in some cases,  local Payroll tax laws.

NCR Counterpoint Integration

No other accounting system provides as tight an integration with NCR Counterpoint as CashPoint  does. Passport has eliminated the need for cumbersome manual imports and exports, reduced redundant  data entry, improved efficiency and provided a more secure back office to support a busy  retailers operations. Bottom line: Cashpoint helps reduce errors and save time!

Multi-store and Multi-Company Support

Do you have multiple locations that require multiple profit centers in your financials?  CashPoint provides you with the ability to manage this, and even allows you to create individual companies with a consolidated set of financials if you prefer. In either  case, the flexibility of CashPoint will allow you to run your business the way you need to!

Basic Accounting Upgrade Utility

Passport Software’s Basic Accounting Conversion utility (BACON) allows a user who wishes to  convert their accounting data from NCR Counterpoint Version 7.5 Basic Accounting to the  CashPoint accounting modules.

For more information on the CashPoint solutions, please contact the CCS Retail Systems Sales Department.

– John

Using Counterpoint? Need A Good Accounting Package?

Posted on by ccsretail
Passport Business Solutions
Passport Business Solutions

PBS SQL Integration With CPSQL

If you’ve been looking for an outstanding Accounting Package and one that has been built to work extremely well with NCR’s CounterPoint SQL then wait no longer. 

Customers using both PBS™ SQL by Passport Software and NCR’s CPSQL® can now enjoy an enhanced integration level between the two packages. Prior PBS versions were integrated to CPSQL on an import/export basis, but starting with the release of PBS V12.02, the following direct integration has been added: 

General Ledger valid account synchronization with CP SQL

In CounterPoint SQL when a GL account is added, a Valid GL account will automatically be created in the PBS Valid GL Account File and will show up as “*NEW*” in PBS to alert accounting personnel that a full GL Account File entry is needed. 

The Valid GL Account File is used to validate transactions in sub-ledgers and will provide the perfect vehicle to communicate the need for a new account by the Purchasing Department to the Accounting Department. 

This will facilitate the Create Distributions function in CP SQL when sending distributions to PBS General Ledger, as the account will be recognized and not create an error message for the Accounting Department to handle. They will have known of the new account and prepared the way they choose to handle it, speeding the process of posting distributions. 

Vendor account synchronization with CP SQL

When vouchering inventory receipts in CP SQL, the PBS Vendor File will be checked to make sure that there is a vendor on file and if there is not, a vendor will be added with the basic information from the CP SQL vendor record and the “*NEW*” designation so that the Accounts Payable Department may fully set up additional vendor information needed. 

This will reduce the redundant entry of Vendor information and improve the flow of payables transactions.   

Bank deposits created for CP AR & POS update directly into PBS SQL Check Rec checkbook

In CP SQL Accounts Receivable, the cash receipts for the day will create a deposit total for entry into Check Reconciliation, the PBS checking account management solution that helps track bank account activity and balances. 

CP SQL POS also creates deposit information for the drawer summary totals by pay type which, along with the AR cash receipts, may then be combined to create the deposits to the correct checking accounts. 

This means that if credit card transactions go to one account while cash and checks go to another account, the deposits may be constructed from the appropriate amounts. This feature greatly simplifies the preparation and tracking of deposits and ties back directly to the CP SQL history files and audit reporting.   

In addition to the integration features listed above, PBS SQL tables may now be accessed directly through CP SQL “Views”.  This feature allows drill downs into vendor history to show payments of vendor invoices. Drilling down into GL transactions allows viewing of GL activity by account.   

Can your current software do that? 

Talk to you soon.  ~Norma