Multi-Store is a group of stores using Positive for windows point of sale software and sharing information between each other. The type of information to be shared is controlled by a master store. All other stores are known as remote stores.

The means of communicating data between stores is via the Internet, or more specifically, by controlled e-mails, ftp, SQL. As each store in the multi-store group conducts day-to-day business, Positive software is automatically generating packets of information to be sent and received. These packets of information are distributed at timed intervals or on demand.

There are four types of information that can be exchanged. The master store dictates what each store will receive.

• Stock Updates - to know stock counts in each remote store. This includes the transmittal of inventory definitions, purchase order transfers, and pricing of inventory.
• Customer Updates - to gather customer information from remote stores and allow
customers to patronize each store
• Customer AR Information - to gather customer accounts receivable history and store credit information facilitating central billing and multiple site invoicing.
• Sales Info - to know the total sales, items sold, and profits of each remote store

Stock Updates - Multi-Store Inventory

It is anticipated that multi-stores will be selling much of the same inventory, but there may be some items unique to remote stores. By design, the master store dictates the overall operations of the multi-store group. But there is considerable flexibility about what information will be shared between stores.

Dept/Category

The master store defines departments and categories and all stores which will be sharing inventory must use the lists created by the master store. This should not pose any problems for remote stores because they assign inventory to any category and may maintain inventory independent of the master store.

Inventory

Only inventory defined at the master store is transmitted to each remote store. This is usually done in the setup process. The remote store can modify or overwrite this initial inventory and, if warranted, not receive any inventory from the master store..

If the remote store already has inventory items defined, those with a common SKU will be overwritten by the data from the master store. Those with a common SKU will also be reassigned to the dept / category as set by the master store.

If the remote store has inventory items defined which are not common to the master store, the remote store can order and sell those items independent of the master store. These items will not be reported to the master store and will not be subject to stock transfers.

Whenever the master store adds new inventory, then all designated remote stores will be updated with the new items. Items created at the remote store will never be transmitted to the master or any other store; only the master store can create items common to all stores.

Stock Counts

If inventory stock counts are to be reported among multi-stores, each remote store sends an initial stock count of its inventory. This transmission updates the master store and all other stores simultaneously. Once stock counts are known for each store, then the master store and even the remote stores can initiate stock transfers as needed. Stock is transferred between stores through a special stock transfer process and are received and processed as normal purchase orders.

Local stock counts are automatically reduced when items are sold to customers or transferred to other stores. Local stock counts are increased as purchase orders of transferred goods are received.

Customer Updates - Multi-Store Customers

Each multi-store maintains its own customer list. However, customers are assigned account numbers which are unique to the originating store. Customer information is shared among designated stores. This allows a customer to shop in multiple stores without having to be added again to the customer list. And, as appropriate, stores can use this information for marketing campaigns.

Tax Liability

Special provision has been made so that "non-resident" customers, i.e., customers added at the other stores, will be charged taxes at the local store rate wherever they choose to shop.

Customer Setup

The only changes required when installing Multi-Store is to re-number customer accounts of existing customers in the store's database. This is a very simple step.

Customer AR Information - Multi Store Customers

If desired, the customer's accounts receivable information can be shared among stores, allowing the master store to do central billing and remote stores to apply use store credits when tendering invoices and take AR payments.

A customer's purchase history is NOT transferred to other stores, but information about what was purchased will be available in each store.

Sales Info - Multi-Store Sales Reports

The master store designates which stores will receive sales information. Daily sales information from each store is transmitted and consolidated in a Daily Sales Summary table. You may scroll through the data or you may print reports for further analysis.