| n — overview for programmer | | | | data in the HQ |
| Microsoft Retail Management System serves retail | | | | - Store Level Web Services. Yes — they will |
| single store as well as retail chains clientele. The | | | | enable you to communicate with store database and |
| customization scenarios, described in this article deal | | | | have transaction data updated over there. The other |
| with the chains, when Microsoft RMS has multiple | | | | way is having all the stores as linked servers from |
| stores databases and Headquarters. Microsoft RMS is | | | | Headquarters MS SQL Server Enterprise Manager |
| SQL Server-based application, so we will consider | | | | - Integration with Great Plains or other SQL Server |
| SQL programming — SQL queries, views and | | | | Accounting package. RMS normally replicates |
| stored procedures. Also Microsoft RMS could be | | | | transactions from the stores to Headquarters upon the |
| integrated on the SQL level with other applications, | | | | store business hours close. At this time they are ready |
| such as Microsoft Great Plains, Microsoft CRM and | | | | to be integrated with such accounting system as |
| non-Microsoft applications, such as Lotus Notes | | | | Microsoft Great Plains. Here we are talking about |
| Domino | | | | custom integration, which you can create as a stored |
| - Microsoft RMS Architecture and data flow. As it is | | | | procs set. |
| POS automation application, it assumes that all the | | | | - Gift Card puzzle. There are few funny things in MS |
| POS transactions are originated at the store. The | | | | RMS you should be aware. Imagine — you issue |
| mechanism used is worksheets. When store is closed | | | | Gift Certificate. It exists on the Headquarters level and |
| — Headquarters pulls its transactions via | | | | each store knows about the balance on the card. |
| worksheet. There are some exceptions — | | | | Customer uses card in store A and then walks in to |
| global data, such as global customers are updated on | | | | the store B. If worksheet mechanism didn’t play |
| the headquarters level and updates propagated to the | | | | during this time interval — store B gift card |
| stores. | | | | balance will show incorrect value. To fix the issue you |
| - Data Update. If you need custom logic work with the | | | | need to trigger worksheet creation and launch on the |
| POS transaction — you have to update store | | | | headquarter level to replicate new balance to all the |
| database data. If you try to update Headquarters | | | | stores. |
| database — the chances are that it will be rolled | | | | Good luck with customization and if you have issues |
| back by the next worksheet, because original data sits | | | | or concerns — we are here to help! |
| on the store level and is different from your altered | | | | |