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- How are sales monitored?
Sales are monitored via the Internet - all point of sale devices are linked via GPRS to the central server and all sales, updates and clearances are monitored over the web.
- What internet connectivity does a company need?
If the servers are hosted in-country then a complete internet infrastructure (including static IP addresses, firewalls, mail servers, decent bandwidth etc) is required. If the system is hosted by us then the extent of the bandwidth can vary slightly but broadband is best and GPRS connectivity is important for access from the devices.
- Does the system need to be on the internet all day?
No, it connects and disconnects when required to - i.e. for reporting and downloading stock.
- What operating system is required?
The client application is web-based and runs on any operating system that supports Internet Explorer or Firefox. The servers require Windows 2003 Server.
- Security?
All numbers received are stored in encrypted format and are only decrypted at the time of sale. We use the most advanced forms of protection and encryption for the receipt and distribution of the voucher pin numbers.
- Can the machines take dual (two) currencies?
No
- How are machines upgraded?
Each machine has an EPROM that holds the application firmware. All text and voucher updates are via GPRS connectivity to the central server.
- How does a company get into the business for a new machine?
Our international partners are carefully chosen and must have a similar company ethos, operating processes and knowledge of the telephony or vending industry. Our success may be attributed to our day-to-day involvement in the telecommunications industry and our knowledge of our customers and their businesses.
- Entry into new markets?
Having identified our potential partners in new markets we jointly undertake a due diligence on the market and assess the market's potential, the growth contributors, the market growth, and then create a preferred business model. This is used to determine whether or not we enter into a new market and the structure of the model to be applied.
- What is the minimum number of points of sale required to start up?
This is largely dependent on the market and similarly the breakeven point for each business and each market varies significantly. The mix of our different point of sale devices assists in determining entry into the market and growth of market presence. A trial is often a good gauge of how the market will respond to the products / services and the anticipated growth.
- What languages does the system currently operate in and how long would it take to add a new language ?
We currently have the machines operating in English, Greek and Hebrew. To convert to a new language takes about 2 weeks.
- Where to buy the Vending Machines, Touch Screens and POS Terminals?
All these products are available from us - we have our own Research and Development division, assembly plant, technical expertise and operations to be able to make the products market specific, design and build the machines, and test before we ship.
- Aside from the point of sale devices what else is needed?
The AMS back end airtime management system has full administrative management and reporting capabilities - customisable for specific needs. Computers to support this infrastructure are a requirement as are high volume line printers in the event of bulk printing.
- Training required?
Training needs to be provided in country and is required for:
i) Technicians: for installation, moving or fault finding of the machines themselves.
ii)Administrative functions: to configure and manage the machines on the AMS system.
- Other staff requirements?
Administration and support personal are advisable for all day-to-day functions - in particular payments and stock management.
- On going costs?
Aside for the standard monthly operating cost incurred by any business other considerations need to be given to internet connectivity, sim card contracts per machine and / or terminal, sim card contracts for office end, consumables (i.e., thermal paper for printers or paper for bulk printing, will be required.)
- Maintenance of point of sale machines?
Due to our core technical capabilities we are able to service and repair the parts of the different terminals / machines and should our partners have the requisite skill sets components can be supplied by our factory.
- How long would it take to set up a new market?
Having completed all preliminary work and finalised the contractual relationship - implementation can take place within 6-8 weeks
- Are all networks operation protocols the same?
No, they differ and sample data files are required to test compatibility. We need sample data from all operators, whose products you intend selling, within each particular market.
- What configuration, aside from language, is required for a new market?
Bill acceptors and coin dispensers require configuring for markets and notes and coins are required to test the equipment.
