Durham University, one of the world's top establishments, makes MCR and AURES its new POS platform

RUNCORN, U.K. - March 24, 2015 - PRLog -- Durham University, ranked as one of the UK’s top three universities, 17^th in Europe and 83^rd in the world, provides an exceptional educational experience to a student body of 17,500.

In the field of inhouse catering and retail management, Durham is known for its forward-thinking approach.  Extending its commitment to excellence in education to its business operations, the University reveals how it has implemented the latest point-of-sale technology campus-wide to rise to the challenge of new customer demands.

In 2010, the University installed an EPoS system.  By 2013, disappointed in its functionality, strength of reporting and support, it issued a tender for new EPoS and Stock Control solutions.  In 2014 at the end of lengthy evaluation process, Durham awarded the contract to MCR Systems, solution leaders in Higher Education.

David Naylor, MCRS’s Business Development Manager for Education, explains:  “This time, Durham was intent on finding a functionally-rich solution backed up by great service from a partner who could future-proof its investment and deliver new technologies.  With 90 University and College clients - a ‘roll of honour’ that includes Sheffield, Bristol, Kent, Portsmouth, Southampton and Warwick - we were able to demonstrate our industry understanding, expertise and proven solutions.”

To manage its catering, hospitality and retail operations, Durham University upgraded to SymPOS and Symphony Enterprise software from MCR Systems running on PC-based touchscreen terminals from AURES Technologies.  The new solution has rolled out across coffee bars, student shops and convention catering, provoking positive stakeholder feedback.

Whilst originally intending to retain its existing 18 tills, Durham decided to replace them with 31 of the latest terminals and peripherals from MCR’s partner AURES Technologies (incorporating J2 Retail Systems).  MCR put forward the J2 225 (now branded ninô) and the Durham team was impressed with the machine’s compactness, performance and reputation for reliability.

Project timescales were tight; only 8 weeks to install new hardware and software estate-wide.  MCR managed the entire project, from consultancy, to implementation, to training, and completed it on time ready for the start of the summer term.  “We fulfilled all our commitments in a challenging timeframe, including coping with changes.  We did everything when we said we would and always communicated well with the client,” says MCR’s David Naylor.

The scope of the contract included:

Implementation of 31 J2 225 touchscreen terminals and peripherals
Re-use of 18 existing touchscreen terminals
Multi-user licences for Symphony Enterprise to control the day-to-day EPoS management of promotions, pricing, products and menus combined with real- time reporting.
Multi-location full Stock Management with Symphony Stock Manager
Integrated Chip & PIN using Verifone Vx820 contactless units
Integration with the University’s Oracle Financials system
Integration with the existing e-Commerce system for real-time stock updates and two-way transmission of sales and product information
Full system project management and onsite training
Seven day a week online and onsite support and maintenance

Jim Macura, IT Project Manager, Durham University, concurs:  “Rarely, in my experience, do supplier installations go exactly to plan without some changes being necessary to accommodate delays or adjustments to specifications.  In this case, though, MCR did exactly what they said they would do at the times they promised to do it.  Information required by our network team was faultless and attention to detail in the implementation planning was impressive.  I look forward to a lasting relationship between Durham and MCR.”

Today, real-time reporting from MCR’s software suite gives Durham University accurate and detailed data.  Business intelligence is derived by item, department, outlet or group, at all levels.  The teams now operate with a better understanding of their best and worst sellers.  They have clarity on pricing and margins in terms of products being sold at the right price and margin across the estate.  This improved understanding of the sales mix means they can generate proactive promotions to better satisfy client demand.  “Live data is giving them business visibility and control to a degree they did not have before,” observes Naylor, “and makes it a lot easier and faster to identify potential issues.”

He adds: “On the hardware side, staff they like the modern appearance and small footprint of the J2 225, and find it a very reliable machine. The IT team particularly likes the J2 225’s solid state drive, which eliminates moving parts, increases robustness and can be replaced in minutes.”

Concludes David Naylor: “The new system works properly for Durham University every time.  They are now spending time managing their business rather than managing a system.”

About AURES Technologies - www.aures.com

Founded in 1989 and listed on Euronext since 1999, the AURES Group manufactures EPOS systems and related peripherals. Its PC-based hardware and open-system equipment provides management and check-out functions to all points-of-sale and points-of-service including specialist food and non-food stores, retail outlets, superstores and catering and hospitality.

With corporate sales over €64 million for 2014, the AURES Group has global presence, with its head office in France, subsidiaries in the UK, Germany, Australia and the USA - and a network of distributors and resellers in 50+ countries.

About MCR Systems - www.mcr-systems.com

MCR Systems has over 30 years’ experience in providing hospitality, catering, universities and leisure organisations with enterprise management solutions which directly improve the efficiency of their business operations. This is achieved by combining high-quality software, cutting-edge EPoS technology and experience in providing the best installation, customer training, support and consultancy services.

MCR has a track record with large organisations of being able to meet the demands of rapid mobilisation. The web-enabled Symphony suite of software delivers real-time information that allows management to see which products are selling and to take advantage of trends in consumer purchasing.