Chat Transcript - May 2009
Product: Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS)
Topic: RMS Service Pack 3 (SP3)
Date: May 7, 2009
On This Page
RMS Service Pack 3 (SP3)
Q: We would like to have purchase histories in the HTML status pane. Can you provide a sample?
A: We are unable to provide a sample, but you could check with your Partner to see if they have developed an HTML status bar showing the information you require.
Q: Will the payment processing function in SP3 replace the need for 3rd party credit card verification like PCCharge?
A: It is an alternative to the services provided by EDC providers like PCCharge. You will need to weigh your requirements against the features provided by PCCharge and other EDC providers and determine which best meets your needs.
Q: Is the process for acquiring RMS SP3 the same as it has been for all previous service packs?
A: Yes, the process for obtaining Service Pack 3 is the same as previous service packs. They can be obtained via the following links:
On CustomerSource (login required)
On PartnerSource (login required)
Q: For Web orders, the piece of code for the 'Buy X Get Z' discount is present, but for the Mix & Match discount, it is not. Are there any plans on introducing this for RMS in any service packs?
A: Mix and Match discounts have to be manually applied for Web Orders. If you would like to submit a suggestion about how this can be improved please use one of the following links.
On CustomerSource (login required)
On PartnerSource (login required)
Q: With previous service packs there has been a specific procedure to follow in Administrator to upgrade the current database. Will this be the case with SP3, as well?
A: There is no need to upgrade the database when installing SP3. However, a prerequisite to installing SP3 is that SP2 is already installed and SP2 does require a database upgrade.
Q: Will SP3 be the last update before POS2009?
A: Sustained Engineering will continue for RMS as we continue to provide the best retail solution to our partners and customers.
Q: Can we assume that any features that are in RMS will be carried forward to the forthcoming POS 2009 release? I'm trying to determine if I can recommend POS 2009 to my clients as an upgrade to RMS, but I need to ensure that all of their familiar standard features will be carried forward, particularly sales schedules.
A: Microsoft Dynamics POS 2009 is the next generation of RMS Store Operations and is focused on usability, easier workflows, and streamlined user interface. It has not been made public yet so we are unable to discuss specific features. However, Microsoft Dynamics POS 2009 is a migration for RMS single-store customers (note that Microsoft Dynamics POS 2009 is not multi-store). Note also that customers current on their support plan will be eligible to receive Microsoft Dynamics POS 2009. You might find the Microsoft Dynamics Retail Store Management Statement of Direction (published on PartnerSource) helpful to understand the upcoming features. For more information, you can also contact your Partner.
Q: I understand that you are not able to discuss POS 2009 features and release schedule. As a partner, what would be the correct way to find out this information?
A: The best place for you to check would be on PartnerSource.
Q: Is there a release doc that explains any new or improved features in RMS SP3?
A: The Microsoft Dynamics RMS 2.0 SP3 download page includes a list of the improved features and fixes that are included in the service pack. This service pack is only available for customers currently enrolled in a RMS Maintenance Plan and can be downloaded from the following CustomerSource Web site:
On CustomerSource (login required)
Q: Have there been any improvements in Headquarters connectivity? Large updates of items that cause more than 5000 records to be passed in a Request Data Upload worksheet have consistently timed out, regardless of our HQ client settings.
A: Nothing was done in SP3 related to Headquarters connectivity. Headquarters connectivity improvements are being considered for upcoming hotfixes.
Q: In addition, our HQ Client often gets caught in a loop when performing a Check Stores lookup, and the only way to break the loop is to shut down and restart HQ Client. Any fixes for this?
A: This issue was addressed in a previous hotfix and should be resolved by installing Microsoft Dynamics RMS 2.0 Service Pack 3. Note - You must have Microsoft Dynamics RMS 2.0 Service Pack 2 or higher installed before you can install Service Pack 3.
Q: It's my understanding that SP2 must be installed before installing SP3. Is that correct?
A: Yes, that’s correct. This prerequisite is listed in the Requirements section of the Service Pack 3 download page.
On CustomerSource (login required)
On PartnerSource (login required)
Q: What maintenance procedures should be put in place to keep the database operating at peak performance, such as db shrink, db check, reindex, delete logs, etc?
A: We generally recommend that you follow Microsoft SQL Server best practices for database maintenance. You can find a wealth of information on MSDN. Do a search for SQL maintenance plans.
Q: Are there any implications for third party add-ins?
A: Any 3rd party add-ins should be tested by the vendor to verify compatibility with SP3 and we recommend contacting the vendor of the add-i to address any issues.
Using macros with RMS and Windows Vista
Q: With RMS installed on Windows Vista, the macros recorded don't always play back correctly, or in the right order. Is that a known problem?
A: I am unable to find anything on this. Can you please post what you are trying to accomplish via a macro?
Q: We use macros to set package components on the sales screen by changing prices on existing components and adding other items to the package. On Windows XP, recording and playback works great, but with Windows Vista the playback looks like it gets out of order, then stuck.
A: Thanks. I just created a macro on my Windows Vista machine that added 2 items and changed the price on both. I made sure that I did not use the number keypad when entering the item numbers and prices. Would it work to have the 'Must enter price at the POS' for the items; and then enter the price when recording the macro?
Q: Usually the macro gets stuck where there is a popup window to set the reason code for a price change.
A: In testing, on Windows Vista, I was able to record a macro using the arrow key to select the 2nd discount reason code in the list for the price change. The macro ran without error.
Q: Good suggestion with the number keypad. I probably used it in the recording. I will try setting the macro without using the number keypad, thanks.
A: Hopefully it helps.
