Aloha Spy

[lkfrt]

We are about to upgrade old AlohaSpy system (aloha spy is Aloha module for transaction monitoring from terminals/registers to text console on server/BOH).

Do you know any solutions (software or hardware) that we can use? I know about one (flex watch manager with module) but I would like to also consider another options.

thanks for any information

 

[Riccahet]

I am also looking to install Aloha Spy. Was wondering what you were able to figure out. It seems that Aloha has partnered with Flexwatch and will only support flexwatch systems with the aloha software.
Were you able to get something else to work with Aloha at a better price?

 

[AdamDR]

Aloha spy will work with most camera systems, granted that the company has developed an interface with Aloha. Many of them have. When I have more time later today, I can look up a couple for you, but the easiest way is to call local companies and ask if they interface.

IMHO, flexwatch has been the easiest to work with. The interface is software and takes about 10 mins to setup. With a couple of other systems that I have worked with, it takes a PCI cards, cords, and a very old school screen overlay.

 

[lkfrt]

just small details (but it may be important)
flexwatch is able to show transactions on the screen for several registers in same time.
we used older type and it was able to show transaction from only one register/foh in real time.
it depends how you will use spy system. some managers use historical logs to see voids or something; some managers may watch cameras and logs in real time.
i don't know any others dvr's that work with aloha spy other than flexwatchmanager (but it has to have adds-on for aloha)but i'd like to know.

to AdamDR: let us know if you know systems working with alohaspy.
reason whay it is easy to set it up is that flexwatch works over tcp/ip; others works over serial port connection (thats why pci cards, cords etc)

 

[AdamDR]

As far as I know, all dvr's have to utilize aloha spy. In older versions, the aloha spy was a seperate module. In newer versions, it's added in and all it takes is a check box in aloha manager.

If you already have the alohaspy module, do yourself a favor and buy flexwatch, it's superior to the old school ways of overlay and search.

There is another program that works like this and it's called "Remote Eyes". I've never used it, but the demo I saw was promising.

The guys I go through are at iqvideo.com

Adam

PS I'm not a salesman!! I just hate the old serial cameral crap with a passion!!

 

[DTSMAN]

I believe that when you check use alohaspy and identify the serial port it will be using, any dvr interface that accepts serial text insertation works. Could be wrong, but I think that is how it works. Alohaspy is just the alternative to a dvr company having to put a serial splitter behind every printer. Does that sound right Adam??
I have only worked with Flexwatch also, but heard of others that work.

Bo

Kentucky phone support-
"Mash the Kentrol key and hit scape."

 

[alohaakamai3]

I couldn't find the link for it, but I really like the Talon DVR (Oregon based company). As Adam says, Flexwatch is OK--I think the Talon interface is a little better though.

Aside from that, one big problem I have with Flexwatch is yet another "closed network" of dealers who have gone the way of the big company philosophy, just like Aloha. A client of ours simply could not get a hold of his Flexwatch dealer... not that he didn't like them, not that he had unpaid bills and was therefore denied service... but he was lucky if the dealer EVER called him back (who by the way also sold Aloha).

Now, I wouldn't neccessarily hold the conduct of the dealer against the product (though they do bear some responsibility), but the Flexwatch people were completely unwilling to help and thoroughly unresponsive when contacted directly.

Sorry for editorial here--but there are plenty of other DVRS with text inserts that will work with Aloha. Make sure you check 'em out before you jump in.

 

[Riccahet]

I am having such a dificult time getting a straight answer from different DVR Reps. They all insist that they work with Alohaspy. Non of them can say for sure that All the features will work. My BIGGEST concern is that I want to be able to see History transactions, ESPECIALLY "VOIDS". The Reps say you can see any history by keyword that shows up on the register ticket, which is cool. If I want to see all Burgers sold that day and who sold them I just put in the Keyword, BUT, the Register ticket does not show when the "VOID" or "No Sale" button are pressed. These buttons do not print anything to the register receipt. Aloha says that the Flexwatch system will show you Void, Cancel & No Sale transactions on the video. THATS WHAT I NEED!. Anyone know about this?

 

[AdamDR]

DTSMAN:
You are correct that Alohaspy's function is to allow information to be passed onto anything wanting the info. The DVR companies still have to put in a pci card on the file server and uplink that to the camera server.

alohaakamai3:
I understand some dealers really suck at returning phone calls, however, iqvideo is a national flexwatch dealer and you do not have to go through your aloha dealer to get it. Call Bill Heilmann at that website. He always answers. His IT department is really helpful.

Riccahet:
That's the thing that I hate about serial interface DVRs. If you want to search clock outs, voids, comps, etc. you need a search that will search for anything in the trans.log. Flexwatch and Remote Eyes do this. The others only see what has bee printed up, which I think is completely useless in this day of technology. I would have thought that was cool in the 90's but nowadays people expect more.

 

[DVRGuy]

I have heard of another DVR company that interfaces with Alohaspy.

http://www.insightcommander.com

dvrguy