Transcript for the Microsoft Dynamics POS 2009 Chat for Microsoft Dynamics RMS
Product: Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS)
Topic: Migrating to Microsoft Dynamics POS 2009
Date: August 6, 2009
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Migration
Q: Is there a migration path direct from RMS 1.3 to POS 2009?
A: Because of database changes, the supported migration path is from Microsoft Dynamics RMS 2.0 SP2 to Microsoft Dynamics POS 2009.
An RMS customer that is using RMS 1.3 (database version 1.2) would have to follow these steps:
1. Upgrade the database from 1.2 to 2.0.
2. Upgrade the database from 2.0 to 2.01.
3. Run the migration script.
Q: Am I okay to run the migration from RMS 1.3 to RMS 2.0 to POS 2009 on a SQL Server 2008 box? Or what SQL environment will work?
A: SQL Server 2008 is the most common version used to test the migration script. It will work just fine.
Q: I thought SQL server 2008 does not support RMS 1.3? How can I migrate from RMS 1.3 to RMS 2.0 to POS 2009 all on one box?
A: If you have SQL Server 2008 and RMS 2.0 installed on the machine, you should be able to upgrade an RMS 1.3 database to 2.0 through RMS Administrator.
Q: After installing POS 2009 with the skipsql=Yes option and starting the program, you are asked to create a new database, you are asked about the Customer Experience Improvement Program, and then the installation errors out when the connection with the store database is lost.
A: You can try this... In the POS 2009 installation directory, try to open RmsSecured.config file using Notepad.exe as an Administrator. Then, modify the data in [serverName] and [instanceName] to point to your SQL Server. After this, start POS 2009 again and see if this will work.
Q: Do I have to create the instance or will POS 2009 create it?
A: The short answer is no. Essentially, if you set skipsql=Yes, the POS installer will not install a SQL Server Express instance as part of the install. If you choose to do this, usually it suggests that you already have a SQL Server instance installed on the local machine, or on a remote machine. In this case, you will just need to modify the settings I mentioned earlier in the RmsSecured.config file to point to your SQL Server instance.
Q: How many hours do we need to budget to upgrade each register to POS 2009? We would be upgrading from a previous version of RMS, either 1.3 or 2.0.
A: The time needed will vary, based on your previous version, size of the database, any customizations, and POS hardware support (RAM, processor speed, and operating system). See the Help file, POSTools.chm, that is installed with the Rapid Implementation Tools. This describes preparing the RMS database. If you’re using RMS 1.3, you need to upgrade the database to RMS 2.0 SP2. Finally, we have found that the actual migration script can be quite quick; for example, a 2GB database can be migrated in less than an hour. I hope this helps.
Q: I have a client that would like to upgrade to POS 2009 from RMS. They are in a restaurant setting and the way that RMS handles credit cards is awful. Is there going to be a change?
A: Can you provide more information about the issue your customer is experiencing?
Q: Do you have to run the migration script on your RMS 2.01 database before you attempt to connect to the database in POS 2009?
A: The key concept about the migration script is that it is a data migration script. It does not change your RMS database. The way it works is that you will need to create a blank POS database using POS 2009. The migration script will then be able to import all the data from the RMS database into the POS database.
Q: Does upgrading from Microsoft Dynamics - Point of Sale 2.0 or Microsoft Dynamics 2.0 RMS Store Operations to POS 2009 involve additional cost or will a maintenance plan provide the upgrade?
A: If you are current on a qualifying maintenance plan, POS 2009 would be provided as part of the plan.
Q: How much of an existing clients RMS 2.0 data will migrate to POS 2009?
A: All of the item, customer, and supplier records in RMS are migrated to POS 2009. There are a couple of cases where POS 2009 does not have the same features as RMS and some settings are not migrated; for example, buy-down pricing.
For a complete list of what’s not migrated, see the Rapid Implementation Tools, which includes the migration script. In the POS 2009 program folder, start the Help file, POSTools.chm. In ”Appendix B: Migration details,” scroll down to “What's not migrated.”
Q: Is there a phone support option that we can use to help with migration issues?
A: You can contact Microsoft Dynamics Retail Technical Support to open a support request for assistance with migration questions. On the Web: https://mbs.microsoft.com/support/newstart.aspx Or by phone: 1-888-477-7877.
Q: If a single store location upgrades to POS 2009, then later decides to expand and needs an HQ, what are their options? Will they have to downgrade back to RMS and is a downgrade even possible?
A: There are a number of partners who are developing HQ solutions for POS 2009. One is POSitive Technology, which has developed a hostable, multi-store HQ for POS 2009 called OpSuite. There is not a downgrade option to RMS.
Q: We are having trouble getting a sample database from RMS 2.0123 into POS 2009, let alone a customer database. Are there better instructions on how to do this than the ones that came with the download?
Q: The main error we get is that the RMSDB database doesn't exist. What is causing this error?
A: Try this. In the migration script, RMSDB and MSPOSDB are placeholders. You need to do a string Replace All (Ctrl+Shift+h) to replace RMSDB and MSPOSDB with the actual database names you have.
Q: We have followed the procedures to a T and still cannot get one database to migrate. Whether you change the database name place holders or keep them, it does not work?
A: Make sure your RMS and POS databases are on the same SQL instance.
Features
Q: In RMS, the tender screen can show a num pad. How do we turn on the number pad in POS 2009.
A: In POS 2009, the touch screen keyboard includes a standard number pad. You can use the toggle keyboard button in the lower left corner of the screen to show and hide the touch screen keyboard.
Q: Can we get a G/L distribution report from POS 2009 so we can integrate sales and COGS information with Microsoft Dynamics GP? I read that the only accounting integration would be with QuickBooks.
A: The Microsoft Dynamics POS 2009 SDK can be used to create an add-in that will write account data to a file. You can then move the accounting info from that file to Dynamics GP or other accounting software. You could also contact support who may be able to assist you with writing a custom report. You can also post a suggestion here: https://connect.microsoft.com/site/sitehome.aspx?SiteID=855
Q: What will be included in the feature pack for RMS?
A: Details will be in the next statement of direction planned for later this month. At a high level, there will be reporting KPI improvements around things like GMROI, global vouchers, centralized purchasing, and support for landed cost.
Q: Is there a way to use custom buttons at the bottom of the screen instead of the keyboard?
A: Unfortunately, you can only display the custom task pad buttons at the left or right side of the screen. The touch screen keyboard and function buttons are the only things that can be shown at the bottom of the screen.
Q: Is there anything that will not be in POS 2009 that was in RMS 2.0?
A: There have been some changes between RMS and POS 2009. Discuss these with your partner or look for the online training which should be available this month as part of the POS 2009 launch.
Q: A previous answer said, “The Microsoft Dynamics POS 2009 SDK can be used to create an add-in that will write account data to a file." Will this change at some point? Seems like you'd also want integration with GP or Peachtree.
A: The answer is, yes. Using the POS 2009 SDK, you can create an add-in that integrates with any accounting software.
Q: About the keyboard in the tender screen, is there a way to create a pop-up numeric only screen when the tender screen is called?
A: No, the entire keyboard is always shown. This is important for some of the tender scenarios that require additional customer information, such as a billing address for AVS.
Q: Has the matrix feature been updated at all in POS 2009? I have not moved from RMS 1.3 to 2.0 because in all my testing, the matrix setup is clearly better in 1.3 especially for clothing.
A: The matrix feature in POS 2009 has been enhanced considerably. Managing matrix Items with lots of components is much easier with new sorting and filtering. You can also create custom views to work with the columns that are most important to you. In POS View, you can view quantities across the matrix in a touch-friendly table view.
Q: Does POS 2009 support Pin and Chip features of the latest debit and credit cards in Canada?
A: POS 2009 does not support pin and chip out of the box. However, the SDK does support payment processing add-ins, so you may want to look for partner solutions.
Q: Will EBT card processing be included in next releases?
A: POS 2009 does not support EBT card processing out of the box. However, the SDK does support payment processing add-ins, so you may want to look for partner solutions.
Q: Can we import into the purchase screen? This is very important to some clients who use a hand-held data collector to order with?
A: There is no built-in import feature for the sale transaction screen in POS 2009. However, the SDK exposes the current transaction so a 3rd-party add-in can modify the in-progress transaction. Essentially you would need to build an add-in to talk to the hand-held data collector and add the items to the current sales transaction via the SDK.
Q: Is there an import tool for building products, including matrix building in POS 2009? Or will I need to keep using QSC import utility as I do now with RMS 1.3?
A: POS 2009 does include an Import Wizard to import items and matrix dimensions, as well as customers, suppliers, and physical inventory counts.
Q: Can purchase orders be imported in POS 2009?
A: No, POS 2009 does not include the ability to import purchase orders.
Q: Has running end of month statements been improved in POS 2009? In RMS 1.3, I still print statements and mail them. Some of them are over 15 pages long. I have found no way to remove the “Paid” transactions from the statements’ XML files.
A: While POS 2009 supports purchases and payments on account, it relies on either QuickBooks or a 3rd party add-in for finance charges and billing. The QuickBooks integration has been enhanced to support a bi-directional customer sync. POS 2009 will also create invoices and post payments to QuickBooks.
Availability
Q: Where can I get a demo version of POS 2009? My reseller says it's not available. Also, where is migration information available?
A: You can use the installer to use the product as a trial version. Contact your Dynamics Partner to request the installer.
Q: Is POS 2009 a new product or an upgrade to RMS 2.X? If not, when will there be an upgrade to RMS 2.X? Does the RMS product line have a statement of direction?
A: Microsoft Dynamics POS 2009 is an upgrade option for single store customers running Microsoft Dynamics - Point of Sale 2.0 or Microsoft Dynamics 2.0 RMS Store Operations. Customers using Microsoft Dynamics RMS 2.0 HQ in a multi-store environment will have a feature pack made available mid-2010 to enhance that solution.
Q: When will Service Pack 1 (SP1) for POS 2009 be released?
A: SP1 for Microsoft Dynamics POS 2009 is planned for October 2009.
Q: How long after POS 2009 is released will you continue supporting RMS 2.0?
A: Microsoft Dynamics RMS is an important solution for the Dynamics roadmap and will continue to be offered. There is no date to end support at this time.
Q: Where in PartnerSource can I find information on how much it will cost my clients to renew their maintenance plan if they want to upgrade to POS 2009?
A: You can contact Sales Operations at 800-456-0025.
Q: How long after POS 2009 is released will you continue supporting RMS 2.0?
A: The following support ending dates can be found at the following Web site: http://support.microsoft.com/lifecycle/
Microsoft Dynamics RMS 2.0 Mainstream Support ends on 7/10/2012.
Microsoft Dynamics RMS 2.0 Extended Support ends on 7/11/2017.
Q: Will there be an HQ option for POS 2009 at a later date, or will that only be developed by partners?
A: With the POS 2009 SDK, we will rely on partners to develop HQ options for POS 2009.
Q: Why should we trust 3rd party developers versus Microsoft to offer an HQ solution?
A: Microsoft's business has been built, in part, on the strength of great partners that build solutions to extend Microsoft’s products. For example, To Increase offers robust HQ features in Retail Chain Manager (RCM), while New West offers mobility. Partners can participate in the Microsoft Dynamics certification program that helps ensure the quality of their solutions.
Q: Where can I find training for using the POS 2009 SDK?
A: There are references to the SDK in the upcoming online training. However, I am not aware of any SDK specific training offerings. The SDK itself contains comprehensive documentation, including how-to and reference topics.
Q: We use RMS 1.3 with HQ. Will we still be able to buy this version with the release of POS 2009, or is it going away?
A: New and existing sales of Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System 1.3 will be discontinued 45 days after the general availability date of Microsoft Dynamics POS 2009, which was 8/3.
Q: Why is Microsoft fragmenting the RMS/POS line so much? One POS system (store registers and store operations) and one HQ system seems to be logical.
A: I recommend reviewing the product roadmap on PartnerSource. Additionally, I will forward your feedback.
Q: I was in the TAP program, and although promised, we never received the option to download the POS 2009 SDK. Now that the TAP program is over, can we get the SDK as end users?
A: I apologize for any confusion about this. Please contact the POS 2009 TAP Administrator regarding this issue.
Q: Can someone point me to the CustomerSouce page to download POS 2009? The POS page link sends you to the RMS page. Searching for POS 2009 download only points to a PartnerSource link?
A: Currently the distribution channel is through partners; and as such POS 2009 is only available for download via PartnerSource.
Q: Will a POS 2009 demo be available for download on CustomerSource? If yes, when?
A: POS 2009 is distributed only through partners. Please contact your Microsoft Dynamics retail partner for a demonstration copy of POS 2009.
