CAM Commerce Solutions — Retail ICE

The POS register interface features several quick access tabs that allow for
lookup of store information, access to various register options, lookup of product
information and the undertaking of a customer search. Sales transactions can
be entered manually or by scanning UPC codes. Retail ICE handles very simple
transactions as well as more complex transactions such as layaways, holds, special
orders, coupons, returns and on-account payments. Users can easily search for
products while entering sales information. Vendors, products, and customers
can all be added on the fly, and data-entry screens are easily navigated with
lookup screens available in all modules.

MODULES/SCALABILITY – 5 Stars
Retail ICE offers an excellent selection of modules alongside the POS module,
including Inventory, Purchasing, iSTAR, Job Tracking, Maintenance, Reports and
a completely integrated accounting function that includes GL, Sales/Order Invoice,
AR and AP. When necessary, Retail ICE can be easily upgraded to the more comprehensive
Retail Star, which provides retailers with more options than the single-user
Retail ICE.

FEATURES/FUNCTIONALITY – 5 Stars
Retail ICE allows for the creation of multiple sales types, and also accepts
multiple tender types for each transaction, including cash, checks, credit cards,
store credits, ATM cards, gift certificates and coupons. Sales information can
be entered via the keyboard or a touch screen monitor. Sales receipts can be
easily modified, allowing users to change quantities, tax rates and totals.
Product Information Lookup provides access to additional product information
while sales transactions are being entered. Multiple pricing levels can be assigned
for inventory products, and users can add special pricing based on specific
criteria such as department, customer or quantity sold. Sales discounts can
be applied using percentages, flat rates or by using the manager override function.

When processing voids and returns, specific lines on a sales receipt can be
voided or the entire receipt can be voided. Along with layaways, users can also
create special orders, hold tickets and exchanges. The Register Balance feature
allows user to count down their drawer, enter the information on the Register
Balance screen, and then print the Balance Report for their records. An excellent
Inventory module integrates with Retail ICE and allows users to quickly add
products to the database, search products by UPC code, and set different pricing
levels for similar products. For instance, larger sizes can be priced higher
than the same product in a smaller size.

INTEGRATION – 5 Stars
Both Retail ICE and Retail STAR are fully integrated, offering a front/back
office solution for small to mid-sized retailers. Retail ICE also integrates
with X-Charge payment processing software, the iSTAR Internet Storefront, and
the External Accounting module, which provides an interface to MAS 90 or QuickBooks
by providing the ability to manually import or export data. Retail ICE also
integrates with all necessary hardware peripherals including touchscreens, barcode
scanners, card readers and pole displays.

TRACKING/REPORTING – 5 Stars
The Customer Management module is a must for those looking to track customer
buying habits. Users can easily keep track of customer buying history, the date
of their last visit, YTD purchase totals, prior year purchase totals and e-mail
addresses. This allows for tracking of a business’ best customer as well
as the business’ best selling products.

Numerous reports are also available, including the Advertising Effectiveness
report that reveals just how effective various advertising campaigns have been.
The Management Overview report displays a summary of sales for specific departments.
The Sales Audit report provides management with an excellent tool for reviewing
sales activity. In addition to standard system reports, custom reports can also
be created using Report Star.

RELATIVE VALUE – 5 Stars
Retail ICE is available for the cost of shipping and handling; approximately
$20. CAM Commerce offers this excellent single-user system to small retailers
in hopes of gaining their business when they look to upgrade to a more powerful
system. Not a limited use program, Retail ICE is a fully functional product
that can easily provide single-user, single-location retailers with all of the
features they would expect to find in a more expensive product.

2008 Overall Rating: 5 Stars