HELIOS V10 - a overview - tanTALK

Andy · 03-30-2002, 12:49 PM

Tony invited me down to Indy this last week to take a detailed look at V10 and to discuss future enhancements to the Helios Program.

I believe that the Las Vegas show will be logical timing for the official release of Version 10.

I thought I would share some of the highlights, some were seen at Nashville and some are new since.

1. Database Engine upgraded to Access 2000

2. Using Personal Web Server for Web Based Browser reports

3. The ability to Suspend a sale, deal with an additional client and return to the suspend sale (but not once a client is put in a bed - that way you can not forget to collect monies due)

4. Redesigned Client Profile screen
- ID # (assigned by User) in addition to the Client # (assigned by the System)
- 2 eMail Addresses added to the Client Table
- User Defined fields all increased to 50 characters
- Snapshot is moved to the Check-In screen

5. POS Data split between current session, POS History and F8 History

6. F6 - Void Sales limited to transactions in current session
- All prior sales (including today) consider now to be "Old Sales"

7. Helios will now handle up to 64 beds (increased from 51)

8. Handling of Bonus Bucks and Prepaid dollars related to giving change in a Split Payment - corrected

9. The Database Structure has undergone significant change:
- addressing future WAN considerations
- control growth in audit tables
- the current 3 primary MDB's will be 6 MDB's

I also saw a new Star Thermal Receipt Printer (2 color) with Cash Drawer interface and a new wide mouth BarCode Scanner. Both are exciting peripheral enhancements.

I am looking forward to continuing my BETA testing of Version 10 and giving my feedback on the system and new enhanced user manual to the Tech Support and Program Development departments

Chippp · 03-30-2002, 06:55 PM

is it easier to use ?

Chippp · 03-30-2002, 06:56 PM

is the data file it creates for back up compatable with helios ver 9 ?
looks like a NO!
_________________
TanTalk Tanning Booth MODERATOR

Tanning Booths, for people that want only the very best.
Fast, Comfortable, Dark Tanning and Hygienic.[ This Message was edited by: Chippp on 2002-03-30 19:02 ]

Chippp · 03-30-2002, 06:57 PM

what about the dongle? is it history?

What about back date lock up?

Chippp · 03-30-2002, 07:07 PM

What are they using for copy protection?
I hope its done away with...i hate the dongle, try printing something and start helios at the same time.

And I dont want to pay and wait on hold if i need to reinstall or problems if I want to install it on my home computer as a safty back up system.

Andy · 03-31-2002, 05:40 AM

The operation of Helios V10 is very similar to prior versions. I have always found Helios easy for POS staff to work with. I believe that the Helios Sales Code function is extremely powerful and flexible - with these advantages come a longer learning curve.

Chippp, I am not understanding your question regarding "data file compatible with Helios ver 9" in backup. There is a conversion from V9 to V10 (Difference Database Engine and difference Database structures). Once a user converts to V10 and continues processing, they will not go back to V9.

The back date security function will continue in Version 10. As with V9.4 it does not lock the system - it prevents a transaction from being created with a prior date. If an operator attempts to move the date back the system will not allow a transaction to be recorded. Change the date back to today - all is fine. I have suggested that forward dating should be a little more flexible, some operators closing over a long weekend have experienced a problem (but the solution is very simple - not posted here for security reasons).

The Dongle is alive and well with Version 10. All registered users with a Software Maintenance Plan in force will receive a letter from Helios outlining the conversion process from V9 to V10.

Copy Protection is a required element for all valuable software products. Compared to the prior "Activation Code" the "Dongle" approach is a dream.

The Dongle will conflict with 2 way communications on the Printer Port. I suggest NOT connecting your report printer to the same port as the Dongle (LPT1). Connecting a simple receipt printer to LPT1 works fine. For your Report Printer I suggest either a second parallel port (LPT2 - $30 Cdn) or using a printer with USB connection.

You are able to install Helios on your home computer or any other system you wish. ALL functions in Helios are active and operational WITHOUT a dongle attached EXCEPT (with 25 or more clients in your database) you can not add a client and you can not process a POS transaction. All report and system maintenance functions work OK without a dongle.

Chippp · 03-31-2002, 08:25 AM

thanks you answered my questions.

what is the pos screen like? is it much like the ver 9 pos screen? same layout?

_________________
TanTalk Tanning Booth MODERATOR

Tanning Booths, for people that want only the very best.
Fast, Comfortable, Dark Tanning and Hygienic.[ This Message was edited by: Chippp on 2002-03-31 08:26 ]

Andy · 03-31-2002, 12:09 PM

The Photo Image is moved off the main Client Profile screen to the Check In Screen.

The 5 User Defined Fields move to a new "More Info" screen which is a name change of the current "Summary" screen with additional info.

The Name, Address, Phone Number area is unchanged but with the addition of the new ID# to the right of Client # and the addition of the 2 new eMail Address fields. The PIN # field is moved to the More Info screen.

At the time of my visit last week the ID# was a 10 Character Numeric field. I suggested that it would be even more useful, if it was 16 character Alpha/Numeric field. That way, for example (in many provinces and states) you could use the clients Drivers' License as a Membership card. Here in Ontario our DL has both a Barcode and Mag Stripe of the DL#. Helios Development Team is considering this minor modification.

The Accumulators / Membership fields move to the left side of the screen below Name / Address etc and only appear if any value is present in any field. The Client Balance info (Prepaids, Bonus Bucks, Account Balance) also move to the left and also only will appear if values are present.

2/3ths of the Client Profile is POS data. At the top the Enter Sales Code area, followed by a section displaying the transactions in the current POS session (6 transactions with scroll), and below that the POS History section with about 10 transactions and again scroll (last ~ 30 transactions in this POS History area) - F8 History is unchanged (except that you will Void/Delete Old Sales (before current session) from the F8 display.

Below the POS History area are the Functions Keys.

Functionally the POS activity is very similar to V9, except much improved display of POS info and POS History.

F4 - Bed Status is functionally the same but with 64 beds and also the ability to Clear a name from a bed (if you wish).

Teresa · 03-31-2002, 07:40 PM

You said that all sales become "old" sales once completed. Does this mean once a bed is set you cannot go back and change it???? Seems like several times a day we have clients change their mind on how many minutes they want to go once they get to the room or the employees make a mistake in setting the time and it need to be voided and reset for the proper time. If this becomes an old sale and cannot be voided could cause us big problems.

Andy · 03-31-2002, 08:17 PM

riotanmanager:

I raised that same point during my visit last week. I believe they will give further consideration to this change and the planned approach.

I understand what they are trying to do - further improve the control around "Voiding Sales" and related theft.

I will make sure that the Helios Development Team see your comment - you may also wish to make a comment directly to Tech Support (make sure they understand you are talking about the new approach in V10)

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03-30-2002, 12:49 PM	#1 (permalink)
Andy Join Date: Jan 25 2000 Location: CT Posts: 1,768 Rep Power: 25	Tony invited me down to Indy this last week to take a detailed look at V10 and to discuss future enhancements to the Helios Program. I believe that the Las Vegas show will be logical timing for the official release of Version 10. I thought I would share some of the highlights, some were seen at Nashville and some are new since. 1. Database Engine upgraded to Access 2000 2. Using Personal Web Server for Web Based Browser reports 3. The ability to Suspend a sale, deal with an additional client and return to the suspend sale (but not once a client is put in a bed - that way you can not forget to collect monies due) 4. Redesigned Client Profile screen - ID # (assigned by User) in addition to the Client # (assigned by the System) - 2 eMail Addresses added to the Client Table - User Defined fields all increased to 50 characters - Snapshot is moved to the Check-In screen 5. POS Data split between current session, POS History and F8 History 6. F6 - Void Sales limited to transactions in current session - All prior sales (including today) consider now to be "Old Sales" 7. Helios will now handle up to 64 beds (increased from 51) 8. Handling of Bonus Bucks and Prepaid dollars related to giving change in a Split Payment - corrected 9. The Database Structure has undergone significant change: - addressing future WAN considerations - control growth in audit tables - the current 3 primary MDB's will be 6 MDB's I also saw a new Star Thermal Receipt Printer (2 color) with Cash Drawer interface and a new wide mouth BarCode Scanner. Both are exciting peripheral enhancements. I am looking forward to continuing my BETA testing of Version 10 and giving my feedback on the system and new enhanced user manual to the Tech Support and Program Development departments

03-30-2002, 06:55 PM	#2 (permalink)
Chippp Join Date: Apr 19 2001 Posts: 2,262 Rep Power: 24	is it easier to use ?

03-30-2002, 06:56 PM	#3 (permalink)
Chippp Join Date: Apr 19 2001 Posts: 2,262 Rep Power: 24	is the data file it creates for back up compatable with helios ver 9 ? looks like a NO! _________________ TanTalk Tanning Booth MODERATOR Tanning Booths, for people that want only the very best. Fast, Comfortable, Dark Tanning and Hygienic.[ This Message was edited by: Chippp on 2002-03-30 19:02 ]

03-30-2002, 06:57 PM	#4 (permalink)
Chippp Join Date: Apr 19 2001 Posts: 2,262 Rep Power: 24	what about the dongle? is it history? What about back date lock up?

03-30-2002, 07:07 PM	#5 (permalink)
Chippp Join Date: Apr 19 2001 Posts: 2,262 Rep Power: 24	What are they using for copy protection? I hope its done away with...i hate the dongle, try printing something and start helios at the same time. And I dont want to pay and wait on hold if i need to reinstall or problems if I want to install it on my home computer as a safty back up system.

03-31-2002, 08:25 AM	#7 (permalink)
Chippp Join Date: Apr 19 2001 Posts: 2,262 Rep Power: 24	thanks you answered my questions. what is the pos screen like? is it much like the ver 9 pos screen? same layout? _________________ TanTalk Tanning Booth MODERATOR Tanning Booths, for people that want only the very best. Fast, Comfortable, Dark Tanning and Hygienic.[ This Message was edited by: Chippp on 2002-03-31 08:26 ]

03-31-2002, 12:09 PM	#8 (permalink)
Andy Join Date: Jan 25 2000 Location: CT Posts: 1,768 Rep Power: 25	The Photo Image is moved off the main Client Profile screen to the Check In Screen. The 5 User Defined Fields move to a new "More Info" screen which is a name change of the current "Summary" screen with additional info. The Name, Address, Phone Number area is unchanged but with the addition of the new ID# to the right of Client # and the addition of the 2 new eMail Address fields. The PIN # field is moved to the More Info screen. At the time of my visit last week the ID# was a 10 Character Numeric field. I suggested that it would be even more useful, if it was 16 character Alpha/Numeric field. That way, for example (in many provinces and states) you could use the clients Drivers' License as a Membership card. Here in Ontario our DL has both a Barcode and Mag Stripe of the DL#. Helios Development Team is considering this minor modification. The Accumulators / Membership fields move to the left side of the screen below Name / Address etc and only appear if any value is present in any field. The Client Balance info (Prepaids, Bonus Bucks, Account Balance) also move to the left and also only will appear if values are present. 2/3ths of the Client Profile is POS data. At the top the Enter Sales Code area, followed by a section displaying the transactions in the current POS session (6 transactions with scroll), and below that the POS History section with about 10 transactions and again scroll (last ~ 30 transactions in this POS History area) - F8 History is unchanged (except that you will Void/Delete Old Sales (before current session) from the F8 display. Below the POS History area are the Functions Keys. Functionally the POS activity is very similar to V9, except much improved display of POS info and POS History. F4 - Bed Status is functionally the same but with 64 beds and also the ability to Clear a name from a bed (if you wish).

03-31-2002, 07:40 PM	#9 (permalink)
Teresa Join Date: Dec 29 2001 Location: Davenport, IA Age: 60 Posts: 2,432 Rep Power: 25	You said that all sales become "old" sales once completed. Does this mean once a bed is set you cannot go back and change it???? Seems like several times a day we have clients change their mind on how many minutes they want to go once they get to the room or the employees make a mistake in setting the time and it need to be voided and reset for the proper time. If this becomes an old sale and cannot be voided could cause us big problems.

03-31-2002, 08:17 PM	#10 (permalink)
Andy Join Date: Jan 25 2000 Location: CT Posts: 1,768 Rep Power: 25	riotanmanager: I raised that same point during my visit last week. I believe they will give further consideration to this change and the planned approach. I understand what they are trying to do - further improve the control around "Voiding Sales" and related theft. I will make sure that the Helios Development Team see your comment - you may also wish to make a comment directly to Tech Support (make sure they understand you are talking about the new approach in V10)

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