Rail POS

RailPOS is a solution developed specifically for the Food & Beverage train industry. We have developed the software whilst maintaining a close liaison within the sector to ensure that the delivered platform fits requirements. We believe we have delivered an all-encompassing solution that no train line should be without. The solution is completely mobile (in the form of tablet and handheld devices) with WiFi and GPRS inbuilt. All aspects of ordering and onboard functionality are catered for - including real time ordering from the train. Most important of all there is no requirement, penalty or cost for fitment onboard.

At a glance

• Improved planning and monitoring of menus and product mix
• " Train-side handshake " - timed and recorded train by train delivery
• Full data capture in First, Standard and at seat
• POS including cashless payment
• Full and part LOB/FOB options
• Messaging functionality
• Supports loyalty schemes
• Sales promotion functionality and prompting
• Support future innovations - Advanced ordering, virtual range / live shopping on-board
• Support for delivery of hot food to seat
• Dashboard data for real time results management
• Evidence for improving product selection and business decisions

The Big Bus Company was formed as a family operation in 1991 by Richard, Eleanor and Desmond Maybury and has operated London's premier open-top sightseeing tour for 17 years. Starting with two buses and with a focus on entertainment, customer service and local knowledge, the company has grown to become one of the world's largest open-top bus tour operators, with 80 buses in London alone. In 2002, the company began an operation in Dubai and today has 46 buses in its Dubai fleet.

In 2003, the company opened in Philadelphia in partnership with Philadelphia Trolley Works.

ECR Retail Systems with the assistance of Intellisys Company have provided the Big Bus Company with a world first: mobile, Chip and Pin enabled, handheld terminals that can be used by street vendors to sell tickets to tourists. The system is the first ever to automate the entire ticket sale and credit/debit card processing for both vendor and card merchant in a single piece of mobile hardware. Having trialed in Dubai, Hong Kong and Shanghaii the company rolled out the system across its entire London sightseeing fleet in 2010.

Ticket sales and credit card transactions are processed on the same mobile device. The device is also equipped with an onboard scanner and printer so tickets can be administered easily. The unit requests transaction approval online via GPRS, allowing a smooth and rapid transaction for customer and operator. Unlike wireless card machines, the terminal handles the entire transaction processing for The Big Bus Company as well as the card merchant. The terminals are owned by the Big Bus Company but are fully compliant and approved by card merchants. The chip and pin system has been rigorously tested with Mastercard, Visa and Barclays Bank to ensure it meets requirements for international payment processing standards. It is currently the only mobile POS unit to gain this online approval globally and that can be used via GPRS networking for card transactions. The control and management information has proved invaluable to the Big Bus company. For example, any of the directors can see exactly what the sales are like in any of the countries worldwide in virtual real time. This allows them to move resource round a locality to meet higher demands and different sites across the network or even add buses to a tour if they are operating at capacity. They have seen a significant upturn in credit/debit card transactions during the first season and the staff are entirely pleased with the additional features that the terminals have given them.

The NAAFI now has a Retail Management System that can meet the ever changing needs of the 25,000 British Forces personnel based in Iraq, thanks to ECR Retail Systems. The NAAFI provides community support to members of the British Forces and their families. The organization managed Retail and Leisure services throughout the world wherever the Navy, Army or Air Force are situated. Run as an association "not for profit", they also contribute to military welfare funds. Annual turnover is 232m in 12 currencies, including the Euro and the organization employs over 4000 staff globally including approximately 200 in Iraq. The NAAFI operates from four bases in Iraq and manages three stores as well as four bars and numerous vending facilities at the two main UK bases. Added to this is a pay as you dine and pre-ordering system for both the shop and the wholesale operation offered to active units. The organization has to be highly flexible as well as reactive to the ever changing needs of the armed personnel. This means that just in time deliveries as well as ad hoc ordering makes the IT needs paramount to the deliverables of the NAAFI. Into this environment ECR were invited to offer an EPoS system that was highly flexible as well as robust to meet the demands of the ever changing requirements and the hostile conditions.

ECR together with Intelliysys developed the multi-site software to provide customized reporting and functionality to fit the NAAFI's specific requirements.

The solution has given the NAAFI complete and detailed management information critical to the business decision making process. The stock control facility made possible the complete management of supply chain into Iraq from a number of suppliers and local wholesalers. Detailed reporting on sales and stock levels has been made available locally and centrally.