Stuart Rutty, general catering manager
University of Wolverhampton's City campus.

"At the University of Wolverhampton we've enjoyed a good relationship with Intelligent Business Systems for several years. We're using the same pc-based solutions that can be found in national restaurant, pizza and pub chains and fast food outlets. This technology gives us the same mindset as our high street counterparts and helps us move with the times. That's all part of our obligation to give the 26,000 students of the University of Wolverhampton a service wherever and whenever they are studying. For instance, our day runs from 8.30am to 6.45pm to take into account full and part time students attending lectures and classes during the day and in the evening.

Like many high street hospitality businesses, we're in the process of upgrading many of our tills to pos systems. Hopefully the work will be completed across all five campuses by the end of the financial year. Even though we're having more sophisticated technology at our disposal, the touchscreens remain very easy to use. Our staff can start operating the systems with minimal training, even those who aren't really that computer literate. That's a big selling point to me. Simplicity is key to providing excellent service. The systems also have to be easy for management to use otherwise they'll neglect useful features. I've seen this sort of thing in the hotel industry where they'll ignore something that's too difficult.

Luckily, we're blessed with a strong catering team at the university. We've been together for a considerable length of time and they've responded positively to the new kit and the IBS training. We're using the system for recipe costings, regular sales reports checks and to forecast budgets. It's a great management tool for us at the university as it speeds up our way of working. This is especially important when we're adopting a more commercial perspective. We find we're doing more lucrative extra curricular work during the summer holidays and other vacations.

As far as I'm concerned, IBS are happy to oblige and are always responsive to our needs. Good relationships are key and it's great not to have to call our pos supplier and have someone sounding miffed at the end of the phone because there's an issue. It also builds confidence when you know your supplier is in it for the long term and can provide on-going quality, professional support. The pos market is a cut-throat business and is relatively easy to enter - though it's more difficult to attain and maintain top-end status. Technology within the catering industry is very exciting and is changing the way that we approach our business. IBS has helped us compete on a level playing field with commercial operators with the use of their new pos systems. I'm looking forward to seeing where they take the technology in the future."