New information system lets small grocers manage multiple stores, kiosks

SYDNEY, Australia — A comprehensive new information system offering real time multi-store management is providing independent and small operators with the tools to compete against the major supermarket chains.

In a two-year fixed priced project, Bali-headquartered software developer Mitrais undertook the design and development for long-established Sydney retail systems specialist, National POS Systems.

It is being joined by natPOS Fresh, for delicatessens and fish markets, natPOS a la carte for the hospitality industry and natPOS Retail which will target the broader retailing sector.

The development also ushers in a new era in which National POS Systems internal software resources will, if required, be backed up by Mitrais to support users of the system.

The key features are in the detail of the operation but notably are its web based Back Office & the natPOS Mobility suite. This is a hand held back office application which operates in real time with Back Office.

The system also supports multi-media kiosks located in each retail outlet. Customers can use these kiosks to highlight specials, access recipes and monitor their membership of retailer loyalty schemes.

Sales director of National POS Systems, Ray Mallos, said because natPOS was designed and written from scratch, the company is able to incorporate functions aimed at revolutionizing how smaller retailers can operate.

"Mitrais undertook the entire development project. The new applications will enable us to expand our systems in four different areas of retailing. The discipline and professionalism of Mitrais staff ensured that natPOS was well designed even before it was written," Mallos said.

National POS Systems considered other methods and resources for developing the new applications including the use of in-house staff, developers in Australia and developers in other offshore locations, but all had shortcomings, said Mallos.

Mitrais CEO David Magson said this was one of the bigger fixed-price projects Mitrais has undertaken.

"Fixed-price projects are both most challenging and rewarding. We are gaining considerable satisfaction as each natPOS application goes into production," he said.