CAM Commerce Solutions — Retail ICE

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From the Nov. 2007 Issue -- Exclusive Online Content

Retail ICE from CAM Commerce, is a single-user point-of-sale product designed for small retailers. Available for the cost of shipping, Retail ICE is the precursor to the more comprehensive Retail Star, which is designed for larger entities with multiple locations.

EASE OF USE -- 5 Stars
The Office interface is where new users will get started. The Getting Started Wizard eases users through the system setup process including Store Setup, Licensing, Tax Setup, Department Hierarchy, Vendor and Product Setup, along with POS register and hardware setup. When setup is complete, users can access the POS module to set up a register profile. The register profile allows users to choose the register options and provides extensive printing and hardware options. The POS register interface contains several option tabs at the top of the screen, including Store, Register, Receipt, Products, Package and Customer. Clicking on a tab provides access to the functions found within that section.

Sales entry is easy, with the UPC or style number entered or scanned. The quantity field defaults to one but can be updated as needed. Sales receipt information is displayed in the lower, right-hand corner. Discounts can also be applied by clicking on the receipt button. Data-entry screens for other modules are also easily navigated with lookup screens available throughout.

MODULES/SCALABILITY -- 5 Stars
Along with the POS module, Retail Ice includes Inventory, Purchasing, Maintenance, Sales Order/Invoice, AR, AP, GL and Job Tracking modules. Also available is i.STAR, an e-commerce software product that will link a business’ POS software to its web store for a complete solution. As previously noted, Retail ICE is a single-user, single-location system that can be easily upgraded to the more comprehensive Retail STAR, which runs on SQL database technology.

FEATURES/FUNCTIONALITY -- 5 Stars
Both Retail ICE and Retail STAR allow users to utilize the keyboard for sales register entry. Product information can be entered utilizing the UPC Code, by Style, or via a search for each specific product. Multiple pricing levels can be utilized for inventory, and pricing levels can be specified for each department. Discounts can be applied using a percentage, a flat rate or by overriding the current amount with a new figure. Layaways, special orders and holds can be processed from the same user interface screen. Retail ICE also handles voids, returns, exchanges and gift certificates. Multiple tenders are acceptable, and notes can be attached to customer files for future reference. Sales receipts can be re-opened if necessary, and gift registry items can be sold and tracked. Photos of products can be attached to an inventory product description to have it appear when the cashier accesses that particular item.

Retail ICE and Retail STAR include an excellent Inventory module that interfaces with the POS module. The Inventory module allows users to categorize products by classes and subclasses, and contains numerous sub-categories, including Vendor, Location, Season, Category or Color.