CMS Professional POS is an ideal fit for smaller retailers that desire a complete front/back office integrated system. Although available to be purchased as a stand-alone product, CMS Professional POS operates at a higher level of efficiency when used with CMS accounting products.
EASE OF USE - 5 Stars
All Cougar Mountain Professional modules contain a
similar user interface, and the POS module is no
different. A drop-down menu bar offers access to
various system functions including File, Sales
(where all POS functions can be accessed), Reports,
Period End, and Options (where system preferences
can be entered). A series of colorful icons sits
directly beneath the toolbar with quick access to
various modules. After signing into the sales entry
screen, double-clicking on the customer field will
allows users to locate an existing customer or add a
new customer. Lookup options are also available for
locating item information. Users can utilize either
a regular computer keyboard or an item scanner to
enter items.
A series of tabs at the bottom of the register interface provides quick access to vital functions such as customer information, tender, paid-outs, on-account and drawer functions. Customers and items can both be added on the fly. CMS Professional POS accepts multiple tender types for single transactions, and discounts can be easily entered at the time of a sale.
MODULES/SCALABILITY - 5 Stars
As previously noted, this product can be used as a
stand-alone product but works much better in
conjunction with other CMS accounting products. In
addition to the POS module, CMS Professional POS
includes Inventory and Data Exchange modules. For a
complete POS solution, the CMS Professional POS with
Back Office be purchased, including GL, AP, and AR.
Numerous add-on modules are also available that can
be purchased, including Bank Reconciliation,
Payroll, Purchase Order, Job Cost, Multi-Level
Inventory,
Credit Card Authorization, BarTender Label
Generator, GL Report Generator, and specialty shop
options. Through its SinglePoint Server, CMS
Professional POS can handle multiple locations, and
smaller shops have the luxury of growth without the
need to switch software products.
FEATURES/FUNCTIONALITY - 5 Stars
CMS Professional 2009 POS offers several new
valuable features, including the ability to
automatically block any new charges on past due
customers. Outstanding balances on customer
statements can be displayed to better track past due
amounts, and unique identifiers can be assigned for
groups of stock items needed for Lot Tracking. The
addition of the PDF Blaster Lite (included free)
allows users to create PDF files of customer
invoices and reports and easily e-mail them to
recipients.
Excellent customization capability is also
available in CMS Professional 2009 POS, allowing the
register interface to be customized to better suit
employee needs. Various setup wizards can be
utilized when adding customers and items. If selling
age-restricted items such as alcohol or cigarettes,
a warning prompt can be set up to flash on the
screen for age verification.
