Multiple connections to one hosted client database enable integrated modules to connect and use real-time data. Within a few seconds of data being stored either to a table or cashed off, it is available on the server.

Already clients using StockLink.net have been really impressed by the operational and management flexibility and freedom of our cloud-hosted solution.

For example, they like the fact StockLink.net means you no longer need to log-off at the till or terminal when you’re updating prices or reprogramming. Simply make the changes and the system instantly updates itself. Or alternatively, set a time and day for the changes to go live, which could be the more likely scenario.

Another great example is real time clocking on and off for staff.  Head office and operational managers can be notified exactly when your staff are starting and finishing their shifts. The system can also round staff hours if required.

Similarly an extensive ledger and deposits module benefits from the real-time access so you can see how this aspect of  your business is performing at any single moment in time.

We’re currently piloting our comprehensive business intelligence module with a couple of clients before making it more widely available later this year. Again, feedback from clients is very positive. One has already highlighted dramatic time saving benefits thanks to the business intelligence module.

What makes this new module, populated by real-time StockLink.net data, really stand out is the fact that it produces bespoke reports based on the criteria that you want. It is your choice to define the criteria and the most appropriate key performance indicators.  You can also decide how, where and when you want the information presented and delivered.

We are creating something unique for the hospitality market. Business intelligence can be viewed and digested in numerous different formats, including league and data tables, pie charts and graphs.

What’s more, the reports can be viewed on a number of different devices, such as terminals, personal computers and tablets like iPad, so they can be easily accessed on the move, in the office or at home.

We’ll be releasing more information about StockLink.net and the business intelligence modules in the near future.

Visitors to the award-winning exhibition can see the full IBS EPOS technology portfolio, including StockLink.net, online shopping, loyalty & promotions, kitchen videos and POSLink touchscreen software.

The EPOS specialists will be appearing on stand L14 and will be launching its new business intelligence module.

Although only established in 2008, Lunch! is recognised as the definitive trade event for the £11.3 out of home food and drinks sector.

Last year Lunch! attracted 4,310 hospitality industry professionals with an increasing number from overseas.

This Autumn’s event is being held at a new venue, London’s Business Design Centre in Islington.

“Lunch! is a great chance for us to showcase what’s new within our IBS portfolio – and highlight how the food-to-go industry can benefit from our product offerings and expertise, both in terms of how they run their operations and the business intelligence our systems provide.”

“We are particularly excited by the forthcoming launch of our business intelligence module. This has been successfully piloted with impressive results. Clients have reported time saving benefits and noted that easily digestible business intelligence helps improve performance and team communications,” said IBS commercial director, Dee Powell.

Intelligent Business Systems, currently celebrating its 21st anniversary as one of the UK’s most innovative providers of EPOS technology, has a food-to-go client list that includes EAT, POD, Vital Ingredient, spudulike, Pasty Presto and Baxter Storey. Other hospitality clients include Revolution, GBK, Peach pubs and Geronimo Inns.

Following the completion of the trial, the solution will be rolled out to the entire 110 plus EAT estate over the coming months.

“Online ordering and deliveries is a fast growing market in our sector. Demand has been led by our customers, who want the convenience of ordering online and having food and drink delivered to their door, whether it is for meetings, special occasions or the sheer comfort of eating in,” said EAT head of IT, Rene Batsford. “Working closely with IBS, we believe we have created a service that is second to none.”

“Customers only have to register themselves and their payment details once via our secure web interface. Whenever they next order online, payment screen prompts ask for three random password letters prior to swiftly processing the transaction.”

The online ordering menu features a selection of sandwich and baguette platters as well as other popular EAT products. They can be delivered on the same day if they are ordered before 10.00am.

“EAT has worked hard to build an enviable reputation for excellent in-store service. It is essential our delivery service matches these exemplary standards, not just in terms of delivering orders but also how they are processed. IBS has proven an invaluable partner and shown a deep understanding of the fast food market and the prowess to develop secure, reliable and easy-to-use systems.”

“Throughout, IBS’s flexibility to take our specific requirements and customise its ordering platform accordingly sets them apart from the vast majority of businesses involved in the EPOS industry,” said Rene.

“Our online customer ordering solution, one of several plug-in modules based around a POSLink touchscreen technology and StockLink.net internet platform, has enabled EAT to expand its sales channels with an added value, same day delivery service for customers,” said Gareth Powell, managing director of Intelligent Business Systems.

“Increasingly the top end of the EPOS market is about adding value to the core solution and giving clients visible bottom line benefits. From EAT’s perspective, this makes selling to customers so much easier, widens the scope of its market and encourages brand loyalty. From our point of view, it shows how good transparent partnerships with like minded professionals produce the best results,” said Gareth.

Upgrading to POSLink will improve the speed, accuracy and ease of sales to GBK customers allowing staff to focus on enhancing the complete guest experience.

Combined with StockLink, POSLink will also give the GBK management team unprecedented business control across the national estate.

At the same time, POSLink will provide the platform to enable GBK to introduce additional technology tools to grow the business and boost sales.

“We are pleased to have upgraded all tills to POSLink, which has enabled us to speed up our customer service at the point of sale,” said Nick Wong, GBK Restaurants Ltd’s financial director.

GRA has upgraded its EPOS solution to improve the guest experience and enhance  business efficiencies at its race meetings held in Manchester, Birmingham, Oxford and Wimbledon.

In addition, GRA sees its EPOS solution as a key business tool to help develop its conference and banqueting business.

The five race venues in the chain will be upgraded over the coming months to help operate 100 catering point-of-sale outlets, which range from restaurants and bars to executive boxes and trackside food-to-go.

“With POSLink pre-booked tables and deposits are recorded on the StockLink head office system within seconds, giving the GRA management team real time information and business intelligence,” said IBS project manager, Justin Atkinson. “Equally, POSLink’s loyalty and promotions modules power a huge range of offers, promotions and incentives.”

GRA is using IBS’ StockLink head-office system to give the management team, led by GRA financial director Mike Stapley, the necessary real-time business intelligence to drive decision making at individual venues and as a business as a whole.

“The combination of POSLink and StockLink gives us the tools to drive sales and footfall while controlling costs to a far greater degree than ever before,” said Mike Stapley.

New additions to the existing POSLink functionality include pre-booking and holding tables identified by customer name, setting spend limits on tables and joining tables together on a table plan for ease of managing customers in the same group but at different locations within the serving area.

In addition, operators have the ability to use table course recognition and food waiting time features.

POSLink also has the capability to be networked to kitchen video systems, handheld terminals and handheld pads or tablets.

Additional reporting facilities are now available too, ranging from email reporting direct from the terminal where there is an internet connection to chip’n'pin reporting. Wastage can also be entered directly on to the terminals.

“POSLink is all about improving the guest experience and making it easier for operators to manage their businesses. These enhanced table functionality features highlight our drive to constantly improve our client offerings,” said Gareth Powell, IBS’s managing director.

Using a Windows 7 platform, the multi-touch CL900 Tablet PC links into all the component parts of an EPOS solution via WiFi.

It has been carefully selected and road tested by IBS to ensure all aspects of its performance meet the exacting standards of busy hospitality and retail environments, where robustness has to be compatible with aesthetic appeal and speed.

The durable, lightweight tablet runs Mobile POSLink touchscreen technology at three times the size of a 3″ screen of a PDA-style device and is available from IBS with a docking station, leather case and optional thermal belt printer so bills can be printed at the point of sale.

“The launch of the iPad has revolutionised what hospitality professionals want from a mobile device as selling from a 10″ screen is so much easier than a 3″ – and really looks impressive. However, iPads are really not designed for commercial use in hospitality environments – where as the CL900 is rugged, robust and features a fast Windows 7 platform and delivers crisp, colourful HD videos and graphics,” said Gareth Powell, IBS’s managing director.

High performance features of the CL900 include up to eight hours battery life, resilient Corning Gorilla Glass known for its lightweight strength and durability and built-in wireless connectivity (such as mobile broadband with GPS, Bluetooth, WLAN).