Microsoft Retail Management System (RMS) SQL Customization ? Overview for Programmer

Microsoft Retail Management System serves retail single store as well as retail chains clientele. The customization scenarios, described in this article deal with the chains, when Microsoft RMS has multiple stores databases and Headquarters. Microsoft RMS is SQL Server-based application, so we will consider SQL programming ? SQL queries, views and stored procedures. Also Microsoft RMS could be integrated on the SQL level with other applications, such as Microsoft Great Plains, Microsoft CRM and non-Microsoft applications, such as Lotus Notes/Domino

? Microsoft RMS Architecture and data flow. As it is POS automation application, it assumes that all the POS transactions are originated at the store. The mechanism used is worksheets. When store is closed ? Headquarters pulls its transactions via worksheet. There are some exceptions ? global data, such as global customers are updated on the headquarters level and updates propagated to the stores.

? Data Update. If you need custom logic work with the POS transaction ? you have to update store database data. If you try to update Headquarters database ? the chances are that it will be rolled back by the next worksheet, because original data sits on the store level and is different from your altered data in the HQ

? Store Level Web Services. Yes ? they will enable you to communicate with store database and have transaction data updated over there. The other way is having all the stores as linked servers from Headquarters MS SQL Server Enterprise Manager

? Integration with Great Plains or other SQL Server Accounting package. RMS normally replicates transactions from the stores to Headquarters upon the store business hours close. At this time they are ready to be integrated with such accounting system as Microsoft Great Plains. Here we are talking about custom integration, which you can create as a stored procs set.

? Gift Card puzzle. There are few funny things in MS RMS you should be aware. Imagine ? you issue Gift Certificate. It exists on the Headquarters level and each store knows about the balance on the card. Customer uses card in store A and then walks in to the store B. If worksheet mechanism didn't play during this time interval ? store B gift card balance will show incorrect value. To fix the issue you need to trigger worksheet creation and launch on the headquarter level to replicate new balance to all the stores.

Good luck with customization and if you have issues or concerns ? we are here to help! If you want us to do the job - give us a call 1-866-528-0577! help@albaspectrum.com

Andrew Karasev is Chief Technology Officer in Alba Spectrum Technologies ? USA nationwide Microsoft RMS, Great Plains, Microsoft CRM customization company, serving clients in Chicago, California, Texas, Florida, New York, Georgia, Arizona, Minnesota, UK, Australia and having locations in multiple states and internationally ( http://www.albaspectrum.com ), he is CMA, Great Plains Certified Master, Dexterity, SQL, C#.Net, Crystal Reports and Microsoft CRM SDK developer. You can contact Andrew: andrewk@albaspectrum.com

---

Antivirus Software ? Get The Bugs Before They Get You!

You turn on your computer, and it doesn't look quite... Read More

These Items Are A Must Before Making The Decision To Purchase Any Off-The-Shelf Software

1. What determines the software price? Is it Per Seat... Read More

Passwords Used In Microsoft Word Documents

You would like to protect your documents, wouldn't you? Reasons... Read More

Microsoft Great Plains: If You are Orphan Client ? What to Do and FAQ

Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains, former Great Plains Software eEnterprise,... Read More

Crystal Reports For Microsoft Navision - Overview For Programmer/IT Specialist

Let us give you - developer some hints in the... Read More

Microsoft CRM Integration with Microsoft Retail Management System (RMS) ? Overview

Microsoft Client Relation Management system (Microsoft CRM) and Microsoft RMS... Read More

Microsoft Great Plains Implementation ? Overview for IT Director/Controller

What is installation in the language of technology? Installation... Read More

Microsoft Great Plains PM: Payables Management

Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains is marketed for mid-size companies... Read More

CRM and Customer Life Cycle

Customer Relationship Management or CRM is a combination of enterprise... Read More

Oracle Development: JDeveloper 10G ? Java, J2EE, EJB, MVC, XML - Overview For Programmer

In 2004 Oracle, Inc. made its new step toward J2EE... Read More

Accessing XML Using Java Technologies

The most important benefit of XML is its simplicity. Though... Read More

Linux Vs. Windows

This article will not attempt to advocate the use of... Read More

Theres Gold in Your Websites Server Log

Many Webmasters have never bothered to view their website's server... Read More

Corporate ERP Selection: Microsoft Great Plains

In our opinion, traditional approach when you select ERP/MRP system... Read More

Microsoft Great Plains Upgrade ? Version 8.0 Overview for IT Director/Controller

If you have Microsoft Great Plains as main accounting and... Read More

Microsoft Navision Customization and Reporting ? Tips For Programmer/IT Specialist

C/SIDE (Client/Server Integrated Development Environment) - The core of... Read More

Crystal Reports For Microsoft RMS ? Overview For Developer/Report Designer

If you are software developer or database administrator - we... Read More

How To Make Good Use of Spreadsheets

Most computer users use spreadsheets software such as Microsoft Excel... Read More

Blind CC (Bcc): Master Its Use When E-Mailing

If you use Microsoft Outlook (or similar applications) for e-mailing,... Read More

Resume Software ? Advantages Revealed

The various resume software offered, particularly on the internet, can... Read More

Basic Tips and tricks for Windows XP

Running Applications in Compatibility Mode With Windows XP, you can... Read More

It?s Back!! WordPerfect?s Amazing Comeback

Have you noticed WordPerfect is gearing up for a comeback... Read More

Manufacturing Outsourcing: Microsoft Great Plains Implementation, Customization & Reporting

Manufacturing in the USA is far away down from mid... Read More

Intro to UNIX Shells

A UNIX Shell is in simplest terms, a command line... Read More

How a Bug Challenges to a Software Professional

It is really interesting that a bug can create problem... Read More

RFID: Strengthen the Position for SAP; United States

SAP Inc., a global leader in client/server enterprise application software... Read More

Unwanted Files

A LOT OF UNWANTED FILES.When you uninstall an item of... Read More

Do You Want Your Own Fully Programmable ERP? - Part 1

We are in a transition phase in the Managerial Administration... Read More

Change Your Word Docs in Record Time!

Anyone who has ever used Microsoft Word knows that it... Read More

Kick-Ass Performance For Your PC? Its Easy

Is your PC is slow and wimpy? Then you need... Read More

A Guide To Purchasing Professional XP Icons Online And Enhancing Your Applications

Icons are used everywhere; right from software applications, to internet... Read More

Microsoft Great Plains Food Processing ? Implementation & Customization Highlights

Microsoft Great Plains might be considered as ERP platform to... Read More

Managing Stress in the Computer Industry - Five Steps to a Stress-free Life

It would be easy to think, like most people apparently... Read More