ECR’s contract to deliver an Interactive Retail Information System for Midland Main Line trains called for an industry leading, on-board customer service solution. The end-to-end catering management system includes on-board point of sale equipment and software , integrated with the MML system through an ECR head office solution. The system uses GPRS technology to transfer information in real time between the train and MML’s head office.

Following a previously failed EPoS venture, in January 2005 MML looked for an EPoS company who could supply them with an off the shelf solution for their on board catering.

ECR extensively tested their system for compliance with Rail Operations Standards. The system includes an on board touch-screen terminal with a fixed thermal receipt printer including credit card facilities.

So how does this innovative solution work? Each train is stocked and its manifest loaded via the touch screen. Retail transactions are logged on the system and all sales, stock, tender and operator information is then sent back to MML’s head office server. MML catering analysers can then access in excess of 350 + tailored reports, using the ECR Reporting Tool.

The benefits of the system include: -
Monitoring of ‘On Train’ catering performance, enabling MML to tailor products to customers by journey and time of day. Cost reduction through management of stock flows. ‘On Board’ set up enhances customer service and presents a professional image. Allows real time replenishment prompts.Reduces the need for manual completion of paperwork, allowing the catering bars to stay open longer.

Electronic transfer of data means less paperwork making data more timely and accurate. Management information to help make business decisions.

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Implementation of the ECR System will occur over the following 10 weeks; this staggered approach will provide time for Midland Main Line to assess effectiveness of the training programme, processes and initial information provision. This contract emphatically demonstrates ECR Systems ability to work in strategic partnership with its clients.

Odyssé: Re-inventing the world of PoS

In total contrast to the classic and all-similar ‘black box’ terminals found at most sales outlets, Odyssé opens up new horizons in the world of Point of Sale IT systems. This new POSligne® 2006 collection brings new opportunities in terms of integration, decoration, and customisation of POS IT equipment.

Odyssé is a symphony of colours and harmony, any time, thanks to a clever modular and interchangeable clip-on system, enabling it to adapt to any environment, expressing its unique personality and style!

Odyssé's elliptical curves, together with its soft and silky texture, highlights the contrasts and harmonies between colours and materials and contributes to the ergonomic user-friendliness of the range.

With its new INTEL M (mobile) processor, its optional 2nd hard-disk and 14 communication ports, it deals with all POS applications. Similarly, the cleverly concealed Compact Flash socket is accessed via a quick-opening hinged cover.

Odyssé affords optimal visual comfort when reading the built-in customer display, which is mounted at eye level and blends perfectly into the overall design concept of all shop, retail, supermarkets, hotels & restaurants environments.