POS Application

[rashv]

Hi,
I need to develop a POS(point of sale) application for a client who has an IBM machine with a touch screen.
I have never worked on anything like this before and don't know where to begin.
I am assuming that VB 6.0 and SQL 7.0 is suitable for this kind of an application as that is my field of work.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[MichaelRed]

POS systems are among the most demanding of all programs. It includes both real time transaction processing and perpetual inventory. Reporting is generally quite extensive. Each retail sector has specific additional requirements which can really only be identified by experts in the SPECIFIC field. A drugsoore operator will not be helpful for a system intended to be used in a department store. Chain stores, franchises, and mom-and-pop oerations are so radically different they may as well come from different planets. Typically, sales of custom products do not suppoprt the maintenance products, nuch less the development. Maintenance itself is literally never-ending if only because of the tax tables.

One operation I know of required a staff of 5 just to maintain the product. And that was after ten years of operation. They just recently ceased operations. After loosing the single largest customer (Franchise operation) who decided that they wowuld "In-Source" the POS system. I have 'seen' their system from the inside - it is well over 200K lines of vb code, contains in excess of 60 tables and over 100 seperate forms. One nice feature was the ad-hoc capability for reporting. The 'owner' remarked to me that this was TOTALLY indespensible. "Keeping up with the report requirements of customers is just not possible, you HAVE to be able to have them do their own reports!"


Personally, I would be quite cautious in accepting an assignment for a POS system. I would ONLY do it on a T&M basis - NO Fixed price work in this arena!
MichaelRed
redmsp@erols.com

There is never time to do it right but there is always time to do it over

 

[chiph]

Rashv -

It sounds like the touch-screen interface might be a problem. I'd investigate it and see if it can work with VB.

Other than that, Michael is right. Don't accept a fixed-price contract on this.

Chip H.

 

[jmarler]

Both MichaelRed and Chip are correct. A fixed price contract would be a bad idea. - Jeff Marler B-)

 

[Guest_imported]

Hi,
The touch-screen interface is no problem as you can get a fully operating till, one good system is the EPSON IR310,I am trying to design a pos as well and plan to use this system. I am using Acess 2000 with vb at the fount end.A good start would be

http://www.databasecreations.com

where you can find a program "Yes! I Can Run My Business" I am making this program for my own business.maybe we could help each other on this ??
regards

Aiden
aduffy@eircom.net

 

[peekay]

I am also busy with a POS system and wanted to incorporate a touch screen as well as a barcode scanner. Although I have most of the normal code running I still need some advice on the touch screen and barcode scanner. If you get any help please let me know also.

PK Odendaal
pko@mweb.co.za

 

[chaimUsa]

Hi all
A Touch Screen only needs the driver from the maker the Windows will define it as a mouse I have a Elo (

http://WWW.EloTouch.Com)

i have no problem it has a alighn for the screen.

For a Scanner I use a keyboard wedge type it acts just like a Keyboard entery (Of Course you can program The Brand Name Scanners To hit enter when it decodes a scan or disable the check digit)

The Point Of Sale Software I am using is from
Visual Retail Plus Inc

http://WWW.POSPLUS.COM

I am verry Happy With Them

Good Luck
Cgj

 

[cconis]

I have used touch screen in a few VB projects and they are totally independent. I am not sure if all touch screens are the same but the ones I have used do nothing more than mimic a mouse click. You just need to set your screen up with big buttons plug in your touch screen and go.

 

[TheTuna]

Anybody notice the date range on this thread besides me? LOL

No Dolphins were harmed in the posting of this message... Dolphin Friendly Tuna!

 

[Error7]

Tuna, it looks like something fishy is going on. At least it isn't April 1st.

 

[YoshiCD]

My God, is this thread really two years old?

I was planning on replying to the threadstarter... maybe not....



¥oshi

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"There is No Spoon.."
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