NCR CounterPoint SQL V8.4.6 New Features
Point of Sale
Importing freight
In this version, when you import tracking numbers from a file generated by your shipping software (e.g., Worldship), you can now specify which field in the import file represents the freight amount for each order number in the file. This feature allows you to import freight charges directly into the corresponding orders , preventing you from having to manually add freight to each order before releasing it.
New Point of Sale device framework
In this version, CounterPoint's Point of Sale device framework and device-configuration functionality have been completely redesigned to improve the overall performance of Point of Sale devices and simplify the process of setting up and managing devices across multiple workstations. The new device framework allows CounterPoint to communicate with each Point of Sale device independently, using a high-level interface that is tailored for each device. Thus, the new framework provides faster device response times and greater stability, while ensuring that CounterPoint can still run if a configured device is disconnected or inoperable for any reason.
In addition, device configuration data has been removed from the Windows registry and is now stored in the CounterPoint database, which allows you to configure Point of Sale devices for all of their workstations simultaneously, instead of requiring you to visit each workstation. The new Device Management configuration tool allows you to easily assign devices to multiple workstations using a simple, drag-and-drop interface. To configure a Radiant-certified device, simply drag it to a workstation and specify the port to which it's connected. Since CounterPoint "knows" about certified devices, the appropriate settings (e.g., Keep connected, Keep claimed, and so forth) are pre-defined and set automatically when you assign the device to a workstation.
To streamline the configuration of workstations that use the same set of devices, you can create custom device "bundles" (or choose one of several pre-defined bundles), and assign them to all workstations that are similarly equipped. You can even set up "non-certified" devices as generic OPOS devices.
CounterPoint's new device framework supports the following Point of Sale devices:
Receipt printers (using the new Radiant receipt format)
Multiple MSRs per workstation (excluding keyboard wedge MSRs)
Multiple line displays per workstation
Signature capture devices
Printer-driven and POS-driven cash drawers
MICRs
Scales
The older device configuration interface is still available for merchants who need to use OPOS or Crystal receipts, customer displays, custom Ingenico forms, or the Ingenico i3070 Secure Pin Entry Device (SPED) from Moneris.
Radiant receipts
This version of CounterPoint supports the new Radiant receipt format (.rdlc), which is fully compatible with OPOS receipt printers and includes most of the functionality of Crystal receipts, while offering superior performance over both previously-available formats (i.e., .xml and .rpt). Further, you can create or modify Radiant receipts using the built-in, WYSIWYG receipt editor, without requiring you to purchase the Crystal Reports Designer. This editor provides all of the capabilities of the existing OPOS Form Editor in an easy-to-use, drag-and-drop interface. The new receipt format and editor also allow you to:
Add images or company logos to your receipts
Use formulas to modify ticket data and print the results
Print individual grid cells or serial numbers under the corresponding item
Include or exclude data based on any number of criteria
Include aggregated data (e.g., number of items sold, subtotals, and so forth)
Print barcodes anywhere on a receipt
Print captured signature anywhere on a receipt
Embed special characters to trigger special functions (e.g., opening a cash drawer) without requiring the use of cryptic printer codes
Radiant receipts offer a simple, integrated, and comprehensive receipt solution that is suitable for most merchants, eliminating the choice between functionality and ease-of-use.
Sending receipts via e-mail
You can now send receipts to customers via e-mail, allowing you to offer your customers the convenience of electronic receipts while reducing consumption of receipt paper. You can create new customer records to capture e-mail addresses "on the fly" or add an e-mail address to an existing customer record during ticket completion, helping you stay more connected with your customers by ensuring that you obtain their contact
information for future communications.
Using the system beep as the open drawer alarm
In this version, if you have configured CounterPoint to sound an alarm when a cash drawer is open and the specified .wav file cannot be played for any reason (e.g., the file cannot be found or the workstation lacks a sound card), the workstation's internal "system beep" is played instead. This feature enables workstations that are not equipped with sound cards, such as the Radiant P1515 POS terminal, to alert users when they have left their cash drawers open after completing a ticket.
Printing Radiant receipts outside of Ticket Entry
In the V8.4.3 Service Pack, if your store is configured to use the device management framework, you can print Radiant (.rdlc) receipts and forms outside of Ticket Entry. This enhancement allows you to reproduce live (i.e., unposted) and historical (i.e., posted) Point of Sale documents in the Radiant receipt format from various Point of Sale and Sales History views.
Sending receipts and reports to multiple e-mail addresses
With the V8.4.3 Service Pack, you can send receipts and reports to multiple e-mail addresses, instead of just a single e-mail address, by separating each address with a comma.
NOTE: A/R customer statements can only be sent to the corresponding
customer's Email 1 address.
Updating e-mail addresses "on the fly"
The V8.4.3 Service Pack allows authorized users to update e-mail addresses that are on file for customers, users, and vendors "on the fly" while sending reports or receipts via e-mail.
When you send a report via e-mail or you send a receipt to a customer who does not have a default e-mail address on file, you can select E-mail
1 or E-mail 2 from the E-mail Parameters dialog, and then enter or
update the e-mail address in the corresponding field.
Validated returns in offline mode
Previously, users could not process validated returns in offline mode. In the V8.4.3 Service Pack, thanks to the Data on Demand architecture, a workstation that is running in offline mode can now process validated returns for tickets in the local (i.e., offline) database, the corresponding
server database, or (in a Multi-Site environment) the Hub database. As in non-offline mode, validated returns can be applied to unposted and posted tickets in offline mode.
Accepting validated returns from other stores
In the V8.4.3 Service Pack, you can specify whether users at each store can process validated returns for other stores, allowing you to exert more control over your return policies.
Device Management: Scale support (V8.4.4)
You can now use the Device Management window to configure OPOS scales for use with CounterPoint's new device framework.
NOTE: Currently, the Mettler Toledo Viva/8217 countertop scale has
been certified for use with CounterPoint. Additional OPOS scales may be tested and certified in future release.
Device Management: Void Line and Void Ticket line display events (V8.4.4)
The new device framework now includes line display events for Void
Line and Void Ticket events. This feature allows you to define messages
that will appear on your line displays whenever a user voids a line or a ticket in Ticket Entry or Touchscreen Ticket Entry.
Validated returns: Automatically applying refunds to original credit cards (V8.4.4)
Previously, when a user processed a validated return, to refund the credit card the customer originally used for the purchase, the user was required to either swipe the customer's credit card or enter the card number manually.
In this version, if you retain full card numbers in ticket history, users will be prompted to automatically apply the refund amount for a validated return to the original credit card. This enhancement prevents the user from having to request the original card from the customer, saving time and improving customer service.
NOTE: The Retain full card numbers in history setting is fully PCI
DSS-compliant, as detailed in the CounterPoint SQL PCI DSS Compliance Guide.
Drop-ship orders (V8.4.5)
process drop-ship orders. With drop-ship orders, the merchant does not need to keep items in stock; instead, the merchant sends the customer's shipping information to the vendor, who ships the ordered item(s) directly to the customer, reducing the merchant's inventory and labor costs.
CPOnline orders cannot be drop shipped.
When a customer orders drop-ship items, an authorized user creates a drop-ship order in Ticket Entry or Touchscreen Ticket Entry. When the order is saved, CounterPoint automatically creates a drop-ship purchase request for each primary vendor from whom items are to be drop shipped.
Drop-ship items must be paid for in full when they are ordered. An authorized user can review and edit a drop-ship purchase request before posting it, which creates the corresponding drop-ship purchase order for the vendor. When the vendor receives the drop-ship purchase order, the vendor ships the item(s) to the customer and notifies the merchant.
When one or more drop-ship item have been shipped, an authorized user receives the corresponding purchase order (without affecting the quantity on hand for those items). Posting a drop-ship receiver creates a release ticket for the item(s) and completes the drop-ship order process.
Drop-ship orders can be entered in offline mode, but they cannot be edited. Further, drop-ship purchasing requests or drop-ship receivers cannot be processed in offline mode.
Printing X-Tape/Z-Tape via the new device framework (V8.4.5)
You can now print the X-Tape, Z-Tape, and other reports that are designed to be printed to a receipt printer through the new device framework. This enhancement eliminates the need to configure a legacy Crystal receipt printer to print these reports.
Refunding loyalty points (V8.4.5)
Previously, when a customer returned an item that he or she paid for with loyalty points, you could not refund those points. Instead, CounterPoint required you to refund a different payment type (e.g., cash or store credit).
With this Service Pack, CounterPoint allows you to manually refund loyalty points for returned items. In addition, when you perform a validated return for one or more items that were originally paid for with loyalty points, CounterPoint automatically refunds the appropriate amount of points for the returned items.
This feature allows merchants to ensure that loyalty points are not converted into actual currency.
Allowing validated returns for customers not on file
In this Service Pack, CounterPoint allows authorized users to process validated returns for customers who are not on file, either because their customer records have been deleted or they are stored in a different database (e.g., another Remote server).
Validated returns: Returning items with tax overrides (V8.4.5)
Previously, when you performed a validated return against a ticket for which a tax override was in effect, CounterPoint did not take the tax override on the original ticket into account, which could result in too much tax being refunded to the customer. In this Service Pack, CounterPoint calculates the amount of tax to be refunded for each item based on the tax override amount.
Allowing non-managers to unlock others' stations (V8.4.6)
Previously, users who were authorized to unlock other users' stations could only do so if there were also designated as Point of Sale managers. In this Service Pack, you can allow users who aren't Point of Sale managers to unlock other users' stations.
User ID cards (V8.4.6)
NCR Counterpoint now supports User ID cards, which are specially-encoded magnetic stripe cards that allow users to log in to Ticket Entry,
Touchscreen Ticket Entry, and various drawer-related functions, as well
as to record timecard events and to perform security overrides, without entering a user ID and password. This enhancement can save your users considerable time over the course of your daily operations, particularly if the Login for each ticket setting is enabled for your store(s).
User ID cards cannot be used to log in to Counterpoint itself or to Order
Management.
Each User ID card is encoded with a unique, encrypted identifier and an eight-digit card number, which is also printed on the card itself. Contact your NCR Retail Partner for more information about obtaining properly-encoded User ID cards from Card Marketing Services or another card vendor.
Unposted Sales Analysis report (V8.4.6)
This Service Pack includes the Unposted Sales Analysis report (Point of
Sale > Reports > Unposted Sales Analysis), which allows you to
review and evaluate unposted (i.e., "live") tickets and orders each day. This report is designed to assist you in analyzing your daily sales quickly and dynamically, enabling you to make immediate and informed
merchandising, marketing, and promotional decisions throughout the day. The Unposted Sales Analysis report does not include historical data. However, you can use this report in conjunction with the Sales Analysis by Group report (Sales History > Reports > Sales Analysis by
Group)to compare your daily sales to historical trends.
Swiping payment cards before ticket completion (V8.4.6)
In this Service Pack, if you are using an Ingenico i6550 or iSC250 payment terminal with the integrated Ingenico driver, the customer can swipe a credit card, debit card, or other type of payment card at any time during a sale, even before the ticket is complete.
Order Management
Order Management
This version of CounterPoint includes comprehensive Order
Management functionality that allows merchants to process multiple
orders simultaneously—instead of one at a time—using a single, centralized interface. Order Management provides an efficient, task-oriented workflow that is designed to streamline order processing for structured, high-volume operations, including mail-order, telephone-order, and ecommerce merchants.
The Order Management window includes separate tabs for each stage that an order typically goes through (i.e., Pick, Pick verify, Pack,
Release, and Completed), as well as a tab for order lines that have been Backordered. These tabs display orders that include lines in the
corresponding stage, filtered by location, customer, date, and other user-defined criteria.
Individual orders can appear on multiple tabs, making it easy to see which lines on each order have been backordered, entered, picked, verified, invoiced, and released. For convenience, the All Orders tab lists all orders that match your filter criteria and indicates which stage(s) each of those orders is in.
Each tab on the Order Management window allows you to select multiple orders and perform one of the following tasks:
Fill backorder lines
Print picking tickets
Verify picked quantities
Generate invoices
Release invoiced lines
Completing a task moves the selected orders into the next stage of the process. For example, the Pick tab allows you to print picking tickets for selected orders, moving them to the Pick verify stage, while the Release tab allows you to move orders to release tickets, marking them as
Completed.
The Order Management window also allows you to view detailed information for each order—including billing and shipping addresses, deposits, notes, and so forth—and to add, edit, or delete order lines, as necessary.
This feature will be delivered in a V8.4 Service Pack.
Processing partial orders
In the V8.4.3 Service Pack, you can process partial orders in Order Management, as opposed to entire orders. This enhancement allows you to pick, verify, and release individual order lines, leaving the remaining order lines on the original order. You can also modify the quantity to pick or verify on each order line, leaving the remaining quantity unaffected.
Processing special order lines
In the V8.4.3 Service Pack, CounterPoint allows users who are
authorized to access Order Managament to process Special order lines on the Order Management window.
When you select an order that includes Special order lines, they appear on the Order lines tab, along with any normal Order lines on the selected order.
Security settings
In the V8.4.3 Service Pack, CounterPoint uses Point of Sale Security Codes settings to determine whether users are allowed to edit orders, enter order deposits, pick orders, release orders, and view order history from Order Management.
Inventory
Merge Items utility
CounterPoint now includes the Merge Items utility, which allows you to consolidate multiple item records that may have been inadvertently created for an item. The Merge Items utility combines all duplicate item record data, including inventory quantities, barcodes, vendor item records, and so forth. This feature can help you reduce the amount of redundant data in your database, speeding up sales, LookUps, and
Zooms.
This version includes numerous enhancements that round out and expand CounterPoint's physical count functionality, making it more versatile and useful to a wider variety of merchants.
You can now freeze on-hand quantities by Quantity on hand or
Quantity available, allowing you to choose whether to consider unposted
inventory transactions in the frozen quantities and the resulting physical count transactions.
When you enter or import physical count quantities, you can now identify who counted each item and include free-form comments for each count quantity (e.g., which section of the count area the count quantity came from).
To better support serialized items, you can enter or import serial numbers for Sometimes serialized items when you enter or import count quantities. You can also include a Unit of measure in physical count import files, allowing you to import an alternate unit (e.g., BOX or CASE) for each count quantity instead of a unit-specific barcode.
In addition, you can now save physical count import parameters, preventing you from having to redefine the necessary parameters each time you import physical count quantities.
Finally, a number of improvements have been made to the available physical count reports, including the addition of subtotals by category on variance reports, and the ability to filter variance reports to only include items with variances greater than user-specified amounts.
Price sheets
In previous versions, CounterPoint only allowed you to modify prices for a single item at a time, which made effecting price changes for a entire group of items a time-consuming process.
This version includes comprehensive price sheet functionality, allowing you to select a group of items and apply price changes to all of the items on the price sheet simultaneously. Price sheets accommodate common price change scenarios, such as raising prices by 10% for all items you purchase from a particular vendor, or setting the prices for items in a particular category that haven't sold in the last 90 days to $1.00. You can create a price sheet for all locations, a single location, or a location group, and then add items to the price sheet using a variety of filtering criteria—including category, sub-category, vendor, last received date, last sold date, unit, grid dimension, and so forth.
Once you have added a group of items to the price sheet, you can modify their price values (i.e., Price-1 through Price-6)—including cell-specific, unit-specific, and location-specific prices—by editing them directly or by calculating price changes automatically. Prices can be increased or decreased by an amount or percentage, based on a specific profit
margin, or set to a fixed value.
When your price sheet is complete, you can apply the price changes or save the price sheet for later use. Applied price sheets are stored in history, allowing you to reuse them for recurring price changes. You can even automatically print labels for items whose prices have changed when you apply a price sheet.
Price sheets let you quickly and easily change multiple price values for multiple items simultaneously using a single, unified interface, without requiring you to edit each item record and modify its price individually.
Creating item number barcodes for merged items
In the V8.4.3 Service Pack, when you merge two item records using the Merge Items utility (Inventory > Utilities > Merge Items), CounterPoint automatically creates a barcode for the From item # in the merged item record.
For example, if you merge the item GOLFSHIRT into the item SHIRT, a barcode with a value of GOLFSHIRT will be created in the SHIRT item record.
This feature allows users to enter (or scan) the old item number to find the merged item.
Inventory Availability report enhancements
In the V8.4.3 Service Pack, the Inventory Availability report (Inventory
> Reports > Inventory Availability) has been updated to allow users to display gridded items in a table, as well as in the list format that was previously available.
In addition, if you generate the Inventory Availability report for All locations, you can choose to display location quantities and the total quantity available for each item in a table.
Finally, if only one location is on the report, the Qty available value for each non-gridded item appears on the same row as the Item #, saving space on the report.
Prices report in landscape format
Previously, each item on the Prices report (Inventory > Reports >
Prices) required two report lines, due to the number of columns on the
report.
In the V8.3.4 Service Pack, the Prices report has been redesigned in landscape format, allowing each item to appear on a single line and making the report easier to read.
Customers
Sending customer statements via e-mail
You can now send statements to A/R customers via e-mail, allowing you to offer your customers the convenience of electronic statements while reducing your consumption of physical supplies, including printer paper and ink. This feature also helps you stay more connected with your customers by ensuring that you obtain their e-mail addresses for future communications.
Opting out of CustomerConnect messages
If you are registered to use CustomerConnect, all customers are automatically included in CustomerConnect mailings by default. With the V8.4.3 Service Pack, if a customer does not want to receive
CustomerConnect messages, you can select the Opt-out from
marketing emails check box to exclude the customer from all
CustomerConnect mailings.
Collecting card data for customer records (V8.4.5)
In this Service Pack, CounterPoint allows you to swipe a customer's credit card through an MSR while you are entering or editing a customer record on the Customers window (Customers > Customers). This feature allows you to easily collect the card number and expiration date of the customer's preferred credit card.
To comply with PCI DSS requirements, card numbers and expiration dates are encrypted as soon as they are recorded in CounterPoint. Full
Credit card # values cannot be viewed on the Customers window; only
masked card numbers are visible.
Recording mobile phone numbers for customers (V8.4.6)
In this Service Pack, Counterpoint includes fields that allow you to record mobile phone numbers for your customers. If you are using NCR Customer Connect, the mobile phone number(s) you record for your customers can be used to send text messages to those customers automatically.
Purchasing
Adding items on customer orders to purchase requests
You can now add items from customer orders to a purchase request directly from the Purchase Requests Enter window. This feature simplifies the process of creating a single purchase request that includes the items you need to fulfill customer orders from a particular vendor, as
well as the items you need to replenish your inventory.
Generating allocated purchase orders using forecasts
Previously, you could only create forecasts, and the resulting purchase orders, for a single location at a time. This version allows you to create a forecast for a location group that includes multiple locations and create an allocated purchase order from the forecast to fulfill the stocking
requirements for all locations in the group.
This feature makes forecast-driven replenishment more useful for merchants who order merchandise for multiple stores for delivery to a regional warehouse, and then transfer the necessary quantities to each store.
Improved interface for forecast-driven replenishment
This version includes a number of enhancements to CounterPoint's forecast-driven replenishment functionality that make creating forecasts and generating purchase advice from those forecasts simpler and more intuitive.
Forecasts are now based on months, instead of seasons. This enhancement requires fewer configuration steps, as merchants are no longer required to define seasons for each calendar, and ensures consistency in forecasts, as the length of each season could vary between calendars. Further, when you update min/max quantities, you can now only select a month that is actually in the forecast.
Also, the Forecast window has been redesigned to be easier to use, allowing you to choose the beginning and ending months for the historical period on which you want to base your forecast, followed by the month through which you want to generate the forecast. In addition, forecast lines now appear on a larger, separate tab that allows you to view many more lines than before.
Sending purchase orders via e-mail
You can now send purchase orders to vendors via e-mail, allowing you to instantly notify a vendor of a new purchase order, instead of having to print the purchase order form and send it via fax. You can add or edit vendor e-mail addresses "on the fly" or specify a "one use" e-mail address when you send a purchase order.
Viewing customer orders from Change Purchase Orders window
In the V8.3.4 Service Pack, the Lines tab of the Change Purchase
Orders window (Purchasing > Purchase Orders > Change Purchase Orders) includes the Customer order button, which allows you to view
originated.
Importing receivings using vendors' item numbers (V8.4.4)
Previously, when you imported a receiving, each item in the import file had to be identified by an Item number value or a valid barcode. However, many merchants receive import files from vendors that identify items using the vendor's own item numbers. To accommodate these files, CounterPoint now allows you to import line items for receivings based on
Vendor's item number values.
Purchasing discounts (V8.4.4)
CounterPoint SQL now allows authorized users to apply discounts to item costs on purchase requests and recevings. This feature allows you to record cost reductions that vendors may offer on specific items, either when you order them or when you receive them.
Authorized users can apply a single line-item discount to each item on a purchase request or receiving. A line-item discount can be a flat amount or a percentage of the item's Default cost.
Users can also apply a single document discount to a purchase request or receiving, which can also be a flat amount or a percentage of the total
Default cost of all items on the document. Users can also mark lines as
ineligible for document discounts, excluding it from the discount
calculation. Line item and document discounts "stack," allowing both
types of discount to apply to a single line. If a line-item discount and a document discount are in effect, the line item discount is applied first, followed by the document discount.
Viewing customer orders from receivings (V8.4.4)
The Lines tab of the Receivings Enter window and the View
Receivings History window include the Customer orders button, which
allows you to view the original customer order(s) from which a specific purchase order line originated.
Warning users of significant cost discrepancies (V8.4.5)
In this version, you can configure CounterPoint to warn the user if he or she has entered a Unit cost on a purchase request or a Received cost on a receiver that differs from the item's Last cost by more than a specified percentage. CounterPoint warns the user first by changing the color of the cost field on each line with a significant discrepancy, followed by a warning message when the user attempts to save the purchase request or receiver. The user can accept the entered cost or return to the purchase request or receiver to correct the discrepancy.
discrepancies that they may have entered inadvertently.
Specifying costs for purchasing discounts (V8.4.6)
When you apply a document-level or line-item discount to a purchase request or a receiver, Counterpoint automatically bases the discount calculation on the default cost for the item, which is either the Unit cost from the vendor item record or the Last cost from the item record. Previously, however, if you specified a different cost for an item on the purchase request or the receiver before applying the discount, Counterpoint discarded the cost value you entered, reverting to the default cost for the item to calculate the discount amount.
In this Service Pack, when you enter the cost for an item on a purchase request or a receiver, and then apply a discount, Counterpoint retains the cost you specified as the basis for the discount calculation. In addition, Counterpoint now displays the net cost for each item, after the discount is applied, on the Lines tab of the Purchase Requests Enter and
Receivings Enter windows, allowing you to easily see the result of the
discount.
Ecommerce
Adding and deleting lines on CPOnline orders
CounterPoint now allows you to add and delete lines on orders that have been imported from CPOnline and on the corresponding release tickets (i.e., CPOnline invoices). This enhancement makes it easier to
accommodate customers who place an order in your CPOnline store, and then contact you to order additional items or cancel part of the order.
Sales History
Dashboard displays items by Description
Previously, items were indicated on Dashboard pages by Item number, which could be difficult to associate with the corresponding items, particularly if those item numbers were auto-assigned.
Items are now identified on Dashboard pages by Description, making the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that include items (e.g., the Top
20 Items list on the MarketBasket page) easier to read and evaluate at a
glance.
New inventory metrics on Dashboard
The Key Indicator graphs on the Company and Store Dashboard pages now include inventory-related metrics that allow you to compare Turns,
GMROI, and Retail value for the indicated periods to the previous year.
These metrics can help you assess the performance of your inventory across your company or for a specific store, letting you see where you
need to increase your turn rate and GMROI or reduce the retail value of your on-hand inventory.
Sales Analysis by Discount code
The Sales Analysis by Group report now includes grouping options that allow you to track and analyze your sales by document or line-item discount code.
These options indicates the number and percentage of sales to which each discount code applied, along with the profit amount and percentage that was generated by sales that included those discount codes. This report can help you determine which discounts helped drive sales and which ones were less popular, enabling you to further refine your discount codes.
This feature was released in a V8.3.9 Service Pack.
Today page on Dashboard
The CounterPoint SQL Dashboard now includes the Today page, which displays Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for the current day's sales, including the total number of tickets, total dollars in sales, the average number of items per ticket, the average dollar amount of each ticket, and the amount and percentage of profit generated so far.
The Today page differs from the Day page, which displays KPIs for a specific date, in that it is based on posted and unposted transactions, providing a real-time snapshot of all transactions that have occurred thus far on the current day. This means that merchants don't have to wait until the day's transactions are posted to gauge how well sales are going at any particular moment.
Printing Radiant receipts outside of Ticket Entry
See Point of Sale.
Viewing sales history by month
The V8.4.3 Service Pack includes the View Sales History (By Month)
window, which allows you to view sale and return quantities—along with
other relevant inventory quantity values—for your items by month. This feature allows you to easily see sales and returns for each month and to compare the performance of individual items between months.
NOTE: To use this feature, you must aggregate your historical data using
the Data Aggregation tab on the Server view of the Radiant Management Console.
Timecards
Clocking in and out from the status bar (V8.4.5)
If the Show timecard status setting is in effect for a user's system security code, the status bar that appears on the main menu, the Ticket
Entry window, and the Touchscreen Ticket Entry window indicates
whether the user is clocked in or not. With this Service Pack, users can click the status bar indicator to display the Clock-in/clock-out window, making it easier for users to clock in or out.
Accounting
Microsoft Dynamics SL v7.0 export interface
This version includes an export accounting interface for Microsoft Dynamics SL v7.0 (formerly Solomon IV), which allows you to transfer distributions and voucher receivings using a pre-defined Data
Transformation Services (DTS) package.
Export interfaces for Solomon IV 5.0/5.1 and Dynamics SL v6.5 are still supported.
This feature was released in a V8.3.9 Service Pack.
QuickBooks 2010 direct interface
This version of CounterPoint includes a direct accounting interface to QuickBooks 2010, allowing you to transfer distributions and voucher receivings to your General Ledger and Accounts Payable modules. You can also use this interface to import accounts from your General Ledger into CounterPoint and to exchange vendor information between Accounts Payable and CounterPoint.
Direct interfaces to QuickBooks 2003 through 2009 are still supported. This feature was released in a V8.3.9 Service Pack.
QuickBooks 2010 export interface
This version includes an export accounting interface for QuickBooks 2010, which allows you to transfer distributions and voucher receivings using a pre-defined Data Transformation Services (DTS) package. Export interfaces for QuickBooks 2000 through 2009 are still supported. This feature was released in a V8.3.9 Service Pack.
Sage Accpac 5.6 export interface
This version includes an export accounting interface for Sage Accpack 5.6, which allows you to transfer distributions and voucher receivings using a pre-defined Data Transformation Services (DTS) package. Export interfaces for Sage Accpac 5.1 through 5.5 are still supported. This feature was released in a V8.3.9 Service Pack.
Sage BusinessWorks 2010 direct interface
This version includes a direct accounting interface for Sage BusinessWorks 2010, which allows you to transfer distributions and voucher receivings to your General Ledger and Accounts Payable modules. You can also use this interface to import accounts from your General Ledger into CounterPoint and to exchange vendor information between Accounts Payable and CounterPoint.
Direct interfaces to BusinessWorks 5.0 through 2009 are still supported. This feature was released in a V8.3.9 Service Pack.
Sage MAS 90 and 200 v4.3 direct interfaces
CounterPoint SQL now includes direct accounting interfaces for Sage MAS 90 and MAS 200 v4.3, which allow you to transfer distributions and voucher receivings to your General Ledger and Accounts Payable modules. You can also use this interface to import accounts from your General Ledger into CounterPoint and to exchange vendor information between Accounts Payable and CounterPoint.
Direct interfaces to MAS 90 and 200 v3.x and v4.2 are still supported. This feature was released in a V8.3.9 Service Pack.
QuickBooks 2011 direct interface (V8.4.4)
This version of CounterPoint includes a direct accounting interface to QuickBooks 2011, allowing you to transfer distributions and voucher receivings to your General Ledger and Accounts Payable modules. You can also use this interface to import accounts from your General Ledger into CounterPoint and to exchange vendor information between Accounts Payable and CounterPoint.
Direct interfaces to QuickBooks 2003 through 2010 are still supported.
This version includes an export accounting interface for QuickBooks 2011, which allows you to transfer distributions and voucher receivings using a pre-defined Data Transformation Services (DTS) package. Export interfaces for QuickBooks 2000 through 2010 are still supported.
Sage BusinessWorks 2011 direct interface (V8.4.4)
This version includes a direct accounting interface for Sage BusinessWorks 2011, which allows you to transfer distributions and voucher receivings to your General Ledger and Accounts Payable modules. You can also use this interface to import accounts from your General Ledger into CounterPoint and to exchange vendor information between Accounts Payable and CounterPoint.
Direct interfaces to BusinessWorks 5.0 through 2010 are still supported.
Sage MAS 90 v4.4 direct interface (V8.4.4)
CounterPoint SQL now includes direct accounting interfaces for Sage MAS 90 v4.4, which allow you to transfer distributions and voucher receivings to your General Ledger and Accounts Payable modules. You can also use this interface to import accounts from your General Ledger into CounterPoint and to exchange vendor information between Accounts Payable and CounterPoint.
Direct interfaces to MAS 90 v3.x, v4.2, and v4.3 are still supported.
Peachtree 2012 export interface (V8.4.5)
This Service Pack includes an export accounting interface for Peachtree 2012, which allows you to transfer distributions and voucher receivings using a pre-defined Data Transformation Services (DTS) package. Export interfaces for Peachtree 2005 through 2011 are still supported.
Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 R2 (V8.4.6)
This Service Pack includes a direct interface to Microsoft Dynamics GP 2010 R2 (formerly Great Plains), allowing you to transfer distributions and voucher receivings to your General Ledger and Accounts Payable modules. You can also use this interface to import accounts from your General Ledger into CounterPoint and to exchange vendor information between Accounts Payable and CounterPoint.
Direct interfaces to Microsoft Dynamics GP v9 and v10 are still supported.
QuickBooks 2012 direct interface (V8.4.6)
This version of CounterPoint includes a direct accounting interface to QuickBooks 2012, allowing you to transfer distributions and voucher receivings to your General Ledger and Accounts Payable modules. You can also use this interface to import accounts from your General Ledger into CounterPoint and to exchange vendor information between Accounts Payable and CounterPoint.
Direct interfaces to QuickBooks 2003 through 2011 are still supported.
QuickBooks 2012 export interface (V8.4.6)
This version includes an export accounting interface for QuickBooks 2012, which allows you to transfer distributions and voucher receivings using a pre-defined Data Transformation Services (DTS) package. Export interfaces for QuickBooks 2000 through 2011 are still supported.
Sage BusinessWorks 2012 direct interface (V8.4.6)
This Service Pack includes a direct interface to Sage BusinessWorks 2012, which allows you to transfer distributions and voucher receivings to your General Ledger and Accounts Payable modules. You can also use this interface to import accounts from your General Ledger into
CounterPoint and to exchange vendor information between Accounts Payable and CounterPoint.
Direct interfaces to BusinessWorks 5.0 through 2011 are still supported.
Credit Cards
Requiring ZIP Code only for address verification
Previously, if you enabled address verification services (i.e., AVS/AAV), you were required to supply a street address and ZIP Code to authorize each manually-entered credit card transaction. In this version, you can configure CounterPoint SQL to require only a ZIP Code for address verification purposes.
This feature is available for all processors and card types.
Support for partial authorizations and reversals
To better support prepaid credit and debit cards, CounterPoint SQL can obtain an authorization for an amount that is less than the amount due for a ticket or order via CPGateway. For example, if the Amount due for a ticket is $30.00 and the customer presents a prepaid credit card with a
balance of $25.00, CounterPoint will obtain an authorization for $25.00, and then prompt the user to tender an additional payment for the remaining amount due.
In this version, partial authorizations are available for merchants processing with Radiant Payment Services, First Data North, RBS Lynk, or TSYS, as well as for AmEx Direct transactions.
Partial authorizations are not currently supported for merchants processing with Paymentech, First Data South, or Moneris Solutions. In addition, CounterPoint supports full reversals of credit card
authorizations for Visa, MasterCard, and Discover transactions, allowing authorized credit and debit card payments to be deleted from a ticket or order before the document is complete.
In this version, full reversals are available for merchants processing with Radiant Payment Services, First Data North, RBS Lynk, or TSYS. Merchant-initiated reversals for AmEx transactions are not supported. Full reversals are not currently supported for merchants processing with Paymentech, First Data South, or Moneris Solutions.
Using card identification services without address verification
Previously, you could not use card verification services (i.e.,
CVV2/CVC2/CID) if you were not also using address verification (i.e., AVS/AAV). This requirement meant that you had to verify a customer’s address in order to verify the security digits on the back of the customer’s credit card.
In this version, you can enable card verification services without first enabling address verification, allowing you to verify each credit card’s security digits without requesting the customer’s address.
This feature is available for all processors and card types.
Moneris eSELECTplus certification (V8.4.4)
CounterPoint SQL V8.4 is now certified to process card present
transactions via the Moneris eSELECT plus platform using Moneris 7800 Secure PIN Entry Devices (SPEDs). This certification allows merchants processing Canadian credit and debit transactions to accept EMV (i.e., Chip and PIN) cards.
To process Canadian transactions through eSELECT plus, you must use the Device Management window to configure your Moneris SPEDs for use with CounterPoint's new device framework.
Merchants processing Canadian debit cards through Moneris can now issue refunds to debit cards in Ticket Entry and Touchscreen Ticket
Entry.
NOTE: To continue using Moneris to process Canadian debit cards, you
must use the Device Management window to configure your Moneris Secure PIN Entry device for use with CounterPoint's new device framework.
System
Case-sensitive passwords
CounterPoint passwords are now case-sensitive, which strengthens their effectiveness, providing additional security against unauthorized access to your company data.
If you are updating from a previous version, your users' existing passwords will be reset during the update process and each user will be prompted to create a new password the first time the user logs in to V8.4. Refer to the CounterPoint SQL Update Guide for more information about updating from a previous version.
Data on Demand
CounterPoint SQL now supports the ability to provide "data on demand" to Remote servers and offline workstations on an as needed basis. This new architecture means that Remote servers (in Multi-Site environments) and offline workstations will be able to access up-to-date inventory, customer, and sales data that resides on their "parent" servers in real time, eliminating the need to replicate and store that information on each workstation or Remote server.
Only essential data that is required to perform routine operations will continue to be stored on each Remote server or offline workstation, significantly reducing the size of each local database and the amount of data that needs to be replicated.
The data being replicated remains under the merchant's control, but as the capability to provide Data on Demand expands, Radiant will encourage reducing the amount of redundant data replicated to Remote servers.
The initial V8.4 release includes Zoom improvements that were made possible by the new Data on Demand architecture. In subsequent releases and Service Packs, additional features will be introduced that take full advantage of this architecture.
DBISAM 4.29
Data Dictionary settings, resource locks, and various other system settings. CounterPoint now includes DBISAM 4.29, which provides increased stability, reliability, and compatibility with more recent operating systems.
When you update from a previous version, your Data Dictionary files will be updated to the new format automatically. Data Dictionary files from previous versions are not compatible with this version.
File Sync
CounterPoint V8.4 includes File Sync, which is a new component of CounterPoint Services that automatically synchronizes the content of the top-level directory on your Hub server to all Remote servers and offline workstations. Top-level directory synchronization occurs automatically as a background process during the night and can be initiated "on demand" for any server or workstation.
By automating the distribution of top-level files, File Sync allows you to modify data dictionary setting, create custom reports, update item or customer images, or make other top-level directory changes without having to manually copy top-level files to all of your servers and offline workstations.
Radiant Management Console improvements
The Radiant Management Console has been significantly enhanced for V8.4. In previous versions, it was primarily used to manage and monitor offline workstations. In this version, the Radiant Management Console has been expanded to allow you to manage server relationships, initiate top-level directory synchronization (i.e., File Sync), configure
CounterPoint's new e-mail capabilities, and aggregate data used by Dashboard, forecasting, and certain reports.
Sending reports via e-mail
You can now send back office reports to user, customers, and vendors via e-mail, allowing you to easily share reports while reducing your consumption of physical supplies, including printer paper and ink. You can create new user, customer, or vendor record to capture e-mail addresses "on the fly," add an e-mail address to an existing record, or specify a "one use" e-mail address when you send a report.
Zoom improvements
Zooms have always been a useful feature in CounterPoint SQL.
However, in previous versions, all data displayed on Zoom windows had to be stored in the local database, which limited the data that was available for zooms in offline mode. Further, in order for users at a remote site to see sales history or inventory levels for other locations, all sales
history and inventory data had to be replicated to the Remote server. In this version, thanks to the new Data on Demand architecture, CounterPoint obtains zoom data from the most complete database in your network and displays the results in the Zoom window. This means that Zoom windows can display data from the local offline database, the Remote site server, or the Hub server, allowing you to "zoom" across your organization without having to store all data everywhere.
Blind carbon copying e-mailed receipts and reports
In the V8.4.3 Service Pack, you can blind carbon copy (Bcc) reports and receipts to one or more e-mail addresses that will be hidden from the other recipients. This feature allows you to retain and archive e-mailed reports and receipts, which you can later re-send to the original recipients, if necessary.
NOTE: A/R customer statements cannot be blind carbon copied.
Designating default e-mail addresses
For each customer, user, and vendor record, you can designate the default address for receipts and reports (but not A/R customer statements) that you send via e-mail.
When you send a receipt to a customer, the default e-mail address you specify will be used automatically. When you send a report to a customer, user, or vendor, the specified default e-mail address will appear on the
E-mail parameters dialog by default.
NOTE: A/R customer statements will only be sent to each customer's Email 1 address.
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Express
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Express is now certified for use with CounterPoint SQL, in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
Sending receipts and reports to multiple e-mail addresses
See Point of Sale.
Updating e-mail addresses "on the fly"
Caps lock warning for password entry (V8.4.4)
When you log in anywhere in CounterPoint, a message appears for the
Password field if caps lock is on, warning you that you should disengage
the CAPS LOCK key before entering your password. Since passwords in CounterPoint are now case-sensitive, this enhancement helps prevent password entry errors.
This message also appears on the Change Password window if the CAPS LOCK key is engaged when you enter a new password.
CPMobile support (V8.4.4)
CounterPoint SQL V8.4.4 supports CPMobile, the mobile retail application for the iPhone and iPod Touch.
CPMobile integrates with CounterPoint to provide essential Item Lookup and Point of Sale functions that you can access from anywhere. Visit www.counterpointpos.com/cpmobile for more information about CPMobile.
Command Center agent (V8.4.5)
When you install CounterPoint SQL V8.4.5, either as a new CounterPoint system or via the Service Pack installer, the Command Center agent (CmcAgent.exe) will be installed automatically. The Command Center agent will allow you to take advantage of the Radiant Command Center, which allows for PCI-DSS-compliant remote support and troubleshooting of servers and workstations, when the service is made available to CounterPoint merchants.
Gradient button style (V8.4.5)
This Service Pack includes a new Gradient button style that requires fewer resources than the Gel button style, but still provides a clean, modern look and feel. You can apply the Gradient button style to CounterPoint's main menu and Touchscreen Ticket Entry.
RMSA Export Utility (V8.4.5)
This Service Pack includes the RMSA Export Utility, which allows you to export data from CounterPoint for use with RMSA’s Merchandise Planning solution and Retail Intelligence software, which combine powerful merchandise analytics and forecasting to help retailers increase sales and profitability.
Use the RMSA Export Utility to create export files that include all of the data RMSA needs to provide a thorough analysis of your inventory and to
generate strategic markdown and open-to-buy recommendations.
SQL Server 2008 R2 Express included with CounterPoint (V8.4.5)
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2 Express (SSE 2008 R2) is now included with CounterPoint SQL. SSE 2008 R2 replaces SQL Server 2005 Express Edition (SSE).
When you install CounterPoint on a server or workstation that does not already have a default instance of SQL Server 2005/2008, you will be prompted to install SQL Server 2008 R2 Express.
Configuring CPServices purge day and time (V8.4.6)
By default, 24 hours after CPServices starts on a server or workstation, it automatically purges old transactions logs, Data Sync files (i.e., offline data) that have been successfully transferred, and—in Multi-Site environments—Point of Sale history that is older than the specified number of retention days.
In this Service Pack, you can specify the day and time at which
CPServices purges these files each day by modifying the parameters of the <Schedule> setting in the CpSvcs.exe.config file in your
Counterpoint installation directory (e.g., C:\Program Files\Radiant
Systems\CounterPoint\CPSQL.1).
Management Console renamed (V8.4.6)
In this Service Pack, the Radiant Management Console (Start > Programs > CounterPoint SQL > Utilities > Management Console) has been renamed the "NCR Counterpoint Management Console."
Restricting workstations to a single instance of CounterPoint (V8.4.6)
By default, users can start more than one instance of CounterPoint SQL on a workstation. In this Service Pack, you can configure each
workstation (or each terminal server in a Windows Terminal Services environment) to prevent users from starting multiple instances of CounterPoint.
Suggested Service URI for Management Console (V8.4.6)
When you start the Counterpoint Management Console, the Server Connection dialog appears, prompting you to connect to your
Counterpoint server by specifying the appropriate Service URI value. In this Service Pack, if you haven't already connected to your
Counterpoint server, the Server Connection dialog automatically displays the suggested Service URI for your server.
Support for 64-bit workstations (V8.4.6)
As of this Service Pack, you can install Counterpoint on workstations that are running the 64-bit version of Windows 7.
System database (V8.4.6)
When you install or update to NCR Counterpoint V8.4.6, data that is primarily used by CPServices will be removed from your company database(s) and moved to a separate, system database (CpSystem), which will be created automatically. Because this database segregates system-level data from application-level data, CPServices can function above the company level, allowing it to service multiple companies without the risk of exposing business data from one company database to another.
The creation of the system database also fosters scalability, preparing the NCR Counterpoint architecture for forthcoming enhancements that will allow CPServices to efficiently distribute its workload across multiple servers, which will be particularly useful for larger merchants.
UAC administrator privileges required to restart CPServices (V8.4.6)
As of this Service Pack, if you are using Windows User Account Control (UAC) on your workstations, users must have administrator privileges to run Counterpoint utilities that stop, and then restart, CPServices.
PCI DSS Compliance
PCI-DSS-compliant passwords required
In previous versions, the use of passwords was optional, allowing merchants to decide whether to require users to enter passwords to log in to CounterPoint. In this version, to better protect sensitive cardholder data, the use of PCI-DSS-compliant passwords is no longer optional for merchants who are processing credit card transactions.
All users must log into CounterPoint with a unique password that meets the minimum PCI DSS requirements for password length and complexity (i.e., passwords must include a combination of letters and numbers).
Passwords are not required for merchants that are not processing credit cards or for Demo mode.
Other password settings—including the number of days passwords are valid, the number of unique passwords each user must create before re-using a particular password, and the number of unsuccessful login
attempts allowed before a user is locked out of CounterPoint—must also meet minimum PCI DSS requirements.
Multi-Site Option (Enterprise)
DataXtend Replication Engine v8.2
The DataXtend Replication Engine (DXRE) facilitates the replication of changes between multiple databases in Multi-Site environments to synchronize data across the CounterPoint SQL network.
This release includes DXRE v8.2, which is compatible with 64-bit servers running Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 and offers improved reliability and performance in all Multi-Site environments.
If you are updating an existing Multi-Site environment from a previous version of CounterPoint, DXRE v8.2 will be installed automatically on your Hub and Remote servers when you install the CounterPoint SQL prerequisites during the update process.
Automated work set subscription for Remote servers (V8.4.5)
Previously, when you installed CounterPoint on one or more Remote servers, those servers were not subscribed to any replication work sets by default, requiring you to manually subscribe each Remote server to the appropriate work sets for the related store(s) and location(s).
As of this Service Pack, the CounterPoint SQL installer will prompt you to automatically subscribe each Remote server to the appropriate store and location work sets, based on the workgroup you select. This
enhancement saves you time and effort, streamlining the process of setting up a Multi-Site environment and ensuring that Remote servers are subscribed to all of the necessary work sets.
Offline Ticket Entry Option
Offline Ticket Entry improvements
The Offline V2 Option has undergone significant improvements in V8.4, allowing us to phase out the old Offline Ticket Entry Option.
Consequently, Offline V2 has been renamed "Offline Ticket Entry." For increased numbering flexibility, CounterPoint can now auto-assign user-defined Next number values to new records created in offline mode. CounterPoint also allows offline users to modify customer records, including any value they are allowed to edit (e.g., address, phone number, ship-to address, and so forth).
In addition, CounterPoint includes tools that allow you to compare the actual data that was received from an offline workstations to the data that was expected and to re-send data from an offline workstation without the
risk of duplicated sales or credit card records.
Recalling local holds in offline mode (V8.4.4)
Previously, the Offline Ticket Entry Option allowed offline users to place tickets on hold, but did not allow users to recall hold tickets in offline mode.
Now, when you are operating CounterPoint in offline mode, you can recall hold tickets that were placed on hold at your offline workstation. In addition, you can now view, print, and delete hold tickets in your local offline database.
Clocking in and out in offline mode (V8.4.5)
Previously, users could not clock in or out while using CounterPoint in offline mode. With this Service Pack, users can now clock in and out in offline mode, allowing you to accurately track their time, regardless of which mode they are using.
Credit Cards Option
Automatically determining pay codes from card numbers (V8.4.6)
In this Service Pack, Counterpoint can automatically determine the correct pay code for a payment from the swiped card number. This enhancement saves at the register, as the user is no longer required to manually select a pay code for payment types for which a magnetic stripe reader (MSR) is used, including credit cards, debit cards, SVCs, store credits, and gift cards.
Kits/Bills of Material Option
Prompting for grid cells in kits
CounterPoint can now prompt users to choose the cell (e.g., Red/XL) for each gridded kit component automatically at the time of the sale, which means that users no longer have to manually change the default cell for each gridded kit component. This feature streamlines the process of selling kits, saves time at the register, and requires fewer steps for the user to remember.
Prompting for serial numbers in tag-along kits
Previously, when a user sold a tag-along kit that included a serialized component, the user was not prompted to specify the serial number for that component, requiring the user to specify the serial number manually. In this version, CounterPoint prompts the user to specify the serial
number for each serialized component automatically at the time of the sale, ensuring that serialized components are assigned the necessary serial numbers.
Serialized items in miscellaneous kits
Previously, serialized items could not be components of miscellaneous kits. This restriction has been removed from this version, allowing you to include Sometimes serialized and Always serialized items in
miscellaneous kit definitions. This feature makes miscellaneous kits more versatile, allowing merchants to more easily bundle serialized items with other items.
When a user sells a miscellaneous kit that includes a serialized component, the user is prompted to specify the serial number for that component automatically, ensuring that serial numbers are assigned to all serialized components.
Customization
Allowing custom forms in offline mode (V8.4.6)
Previously, certain types of custom forms, including custom maintenance forms and custom document maintenance forms, could not be used in offline mode. In this Service Pack, you can configure NCR Counterpoint to allow offline users to access any type of custom form, including custom maintenance forms, custom document maintenance forms, custom view forms, and custom add-on-the-fly forms.
Hardware
IDTech SecureMag MSR (V8.4.5)
This version of CounterPoint SQL supports the IDTech SecureMag MSR for use with the new device framework.
Currently, the IDTech SecureMag MSR can be configured as a standard magnetic stripe reader via the Device Management window (Setup >
Point of Sale > Devices). A forthcoming release of CounterPoint SQL
will allow the IDTech SecureMag MSR to be used as an encrypted MSR.
Ingenico iSC250 Payment Terminal (V8.4.6)
This Service Pack supports the Ingenico iSC250 payment terminal for use with the new device framework.
The Ingenico iSC250 is a secure, high-performance payment terminal that combines signature capture, PIN entry, and MSR functions and features a color touchscreen and recessed keypad. The Ingenico iSC250 is EMV and PCI PTS certified and supports DES, TDES, RSA, DUKPT,
and Master/Session encryption.
Integrated Ingenico payment terminal driver (V8.4.6)
This Service Pack includes an integrated driver for certified Ingenico payment terminals, including the i6550 and the iSC250.
This driver allows you to configure Ingenico payment terminals for use with Counterpoint without installing (or updating) separate drivers. Also, the integrated Ingenico driver allows you to set up the payment terminal as a single device, instead of having to configure each function (i.e., the MSR, signature capture, line display, payment display, and PIN pad) separately.
Finally, the integrated Ingenico payment terminal driver supports swiping payment cards before ticket completion.
You must use the Device Management framework to take advantage of the integrated Ingenico payment terminal driver.
