Mandy Malam, Head of Retail Operations
South Cheshire College.

"Supermarkets, naturally enough given their massive resources, were the first to deploy pos systems. At the time this represented a massive financial outlay way beyond the rest of us who could only look on with envy. Later, after large independents embraced similar technology, it was our turn with the likes of IBS offering an affordable and realistic epos investment for forward-thinking educational establishments like South Cheshire College.

We jumped at the chance to take advantage of pos technology because we knew the benefits would be immediate, long-lasting and help us meet strategic objectives. Our ambition is to create first class onsite retail, leisure and hospitality facilities to encourage students to stay on campus. After all, it's tough for students to learn anything and participate in social activities if they're not in college! If everything they want - refreshments, college materials, places to relax and socialise with their friends - is readily available there is less temptation to look for it elsewhere.

It's hard to imagine for first-time visitors but when I first managed the shop it was just a basic hole-in-the-wall facility. It has been transformed in the decade or so since I've been here. Now the shop is an integral part of Student Street. We operate and manage it along commercial lines with the same management information and reports that you'd find in any high street retail operation. For instance, at the start of the school year, the shop can turn over £30,000 per week. Our complementary facilities are equally as impressive with, for instance, our on-site ABTA-bonded travel centre attracting many non-student clients who book their holidays direct with us.

Naturally if we're emulating the high street with our approach to retail and hospitality we want to do the same with our pos systems and management controls which is why we work in close partnership with IBS.

Throughout our association IBS has been first class with senior project manager Mark Bagnall and head of development Mike Ball carrying out a lot of bespoke work to meet our specific requirements. They've always been willing to understand our needs and recommend appropriate solutions. From my point of view they are extremely flexible and always prepared to listen. For example, recently introduced pc-based terminals ensure we don't lose data if our network goes down.

Previously if the network crashed it could take a lot of information which we could never get back. Likewise, our welcome pack to new students includes £25 worth of complimentary vouchers. This is designed to act as an incentive to use college facilities and part-fund equipment and supplies for their education. Initially we used 'paper money' with all the obvious problems, including the inability to give change.

Thanks to IBS this scheme is now fully automated. We manage it via a loyalty package where all the relevant information is stored on the individual student's ID card. When they start they are credited with £25. The money is deducted as and when they spend it. The system allows us to top up the credits to reward good attendance for students.

Equally important, should a student finish at the college or leave before the end of term, we can instantly stop them accessing the college's cash. One of the great spin offs with StockLink is students in our hospitality and catering faculty using the software to gain realistic hands-on experience processing data front of house and in the back office. This is great news as our return on investment through the IBS system not only saves us money, time and resources but also helps train the next generation of hospitality professionals. Walking around campus, I'm reminded daily of the prowess of IBS's contribution to the smooth running of our facilities when I notice how quickly our queues shift. Unlike the popular myth, our students don't see a big queue and immediately join it.