SAM Company Summary
SAM Company Summary At SAM Group, we provide fast and flexible point-of-sale systems, customized to fit your needs and backed by a team of technology professionals you can count on. We offer the very best hardware, software and support for your retail POS applications, from IBM 4690 Remote Management Tools, to troubleshooting and improving help desk issues and IT efficiency. Our services include system integration, software development, staging, installation and training. Our relationship with the SAM Group starts with their unmatched responsiveness. They continue to under-promise and over-deliver, and we always get the feeling that the SAM Group will do whatever is needed to help us be the best we can. - Joe Myers Winn-Dixie Most of all, we listen to you. We build systems according to your needs, and we don t waste resources on speculative R&D. In fact, according to an IBM Customer Satisfaction Survey, our average Customer of 82%. We have extensive, hands-on knowledge of all retail environments. Our team brings that unique insight to the table to customize innovative, big-picture solutions for your operation. Satisfaction Rating is an unparalleled 97%, compared to the industry standard 1
SAM Portal Product Suite The SAM Portal software product suite is a group of products that functions on the IBM 4690 Operating System with IBM SA, GSA, CDSA or ACE. They are non-invasive, with minimal integration required, so they re ready to go without additional cost and time delay. SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS ARE TARGETED TO BENEFIT THE FOLLOWING GROUPS IN THE ORGANIZATION: Store Operations, to reduce business interruption and adverse impact on customers. Loss Prevention, to strengthen PCI Compliance Initiatives and augment other LP programs already in place. Help Desk, to accelerate response and prevent escalation of store issues. IT, to enable tighter control of store systems and speed up problem analysis. Stakeholders, to reduce hidden inefficiencies and improve store controls, increasing the organization s value. When you can avoid or limit business interruption, the entire operation reaps the benefits. That means greater ROI for you. Overview of the modules that comprise the SAM Portal Product Suite: SAM Health Explorer Health Explorer monitors activity on the in-store controllers and alerts HQ staff of events critical to POS functionality. This includes monitoring EFT status, background applications and other functions critical to ensuring smooth POS operations. Additional features include reporting PIN pad status, equipment serial numbers and important terminal statistics. Alerts can be viewed via a terminal or emailed to designated staff. The optional Command Manager module allows remote commands, such as rebooting terminals or resetting system dates, to be scheduled and executed from HQ. 2
SAM Portal Security Manager Designed to enhance system security and PCI compliance initiatives, Security Manager provides two key capabilities: Most IBM POS users either have or are planning to deploy IBM s 4690 Enhanced Security as part of their PCI Compliance plans. Security Manager facilitates complete management of passwords and associated attributes across the chain, all from HQ. IBM 4690 permits the use of a Command Line to execute instructions on store controllers. This includes deleting, copying or modifying files, and much more. IBM tracks such events in a Command Log, and Security Manager enables users to review all Command Line Log entries at HQ. SAM Portal Audit Explorer Enables IT Groups to more finitely manage store systems, as well as augment PCI Compliance Initiatives. This product is unique in the industry. It uses patent methods, and it is being deployed as an important element in PCI Compliance initiatives. Additionally, it enables IT to gain greater knowledge and control of deployed store controller files and settings. Sample features include: Comparing selected store system files (those not subjected to regular change) with Gold Lab copies across the entire chain, a region or on a store-by-store basis. Comparing store personalization, select item records, background applications, hidden files and much more. Comparing files using CRC hashing methodology. Reporting discrepancies on an exception basis. Detecting and reporting orphan files files that exist in one or a limited number of stores. Monitoring specific groups of important files using Security Audits. For example, this may include a group of key executables program files, defined as key elements of a PCI compliance program. Monitoring these files continually at store level and sending alerts via email in the event that changes are detected. 3
SAM Sales Explorer Provides sales/general ledger reporting to authorized HQ users. Optional capabilities include: Viewing sales accounting information directly provided by the IBM store application, not re-computed from T-Logs. Enabling hourly review. Exporting to Excel for further reporting/analysis. Interfacing to a data warehouse or an accounting package for further processing. SAM Sales Explorer (Cashier Points & Transaction View) Optional module of SAM Sales Explorer reports cashier activity based on customized preferences and provides key information to the Loss Prevention Department for further action based on suspect activity. Transactions can be viewed electronically. SAM Portal Products are licensed by module and include unlimited client (seat) licenses. SAM Refund System An IBM 4690 Application Enhancement that ensures a real-time validation of returned items at point of sale to ensure that refunds and exchanges are only granted for previously sold items. It provides for returns with and without a receipt. The T-Log data collected by the refund system can also be used for stand-alone inquiry and reporting using Crystal Reports or other SQL database reporting tools. 4
SAM Group Installation Service Highlights New and existing store installations, including: Registers and terminals PIN Pads PCs Routers Switches Controllers Network printers Most in-store hardware devices Rollout services. We have been involved in many major rollouts: POS printer and keyboard rollout Terminal upgrade rollout (memory and motherboard) as well as PC and network printer rollout (loaded software on PCs, installed network printers, and did on-site configuration and testing) for multiple stores across the nation Back office reorganization project (completely rebuilt and labeled entire back office computer rack to make all stores standardized) for 130+ stores Controller upgrade rollout Flat panel rollout (installed flat panels and configured terminals to run full screen displays) Router replacement for 750+ stores Pharmacy rollout (installed and configured rack-mounted servers and re-configured pharmacy PCs) for 300+ stores System configuration (controller build, setup and personalization) Register/terminal setup and configuration Router setup and configuration PC setup and configuration Software upgrades and migrations (IBM 4690 OS, IBM SA, IBM ACE, Self Checkout software) Remodels (check stand swaps, accounting office relocation, etc.) Project management (coordinate with other vendors on various projects) We have performed software upgrades (OS and Application) remotely via a VPN connection for many customers, saving on time, travel, and living expense charges. I appreciate the do whatever it takes attitude that all of the Sam Group associates have. Sam Group listens to our needs and works with us to create or suggest solutions. Their years of experience gives them a greater advantage when reaching out to other business areas for solutions. - Mike Hawkins Piggly Wiggly 5
SAM Group Development Services IBM Supermarket Application/ACE Exit development We have our own suite of available enhancements, as well as the expertise for custom engagements. Available for custom engagements related to virtually any part of the IBM Retail ecosystem. Customized EFT solutions (EFT provider integrations). Extensive IBM Store Integrator experience Experience creating/customizing SI-GUI screens. Experience integrating third-party solutions into terminal applications via AEF/POSBC such as Mobile POS Solutions. Experience integrating third party solutions via DIF incorporating T-LOG trickle and external web service calls. Experience developing kiosk applications that integrate with the point of sale (price checkers, etc.). RF Solution RF Suite including price audit, shelf tags, inventory and more. Integrates with several legacy RF hardware solutions, as well as the latest technology. PIN Pads Extensive experience with VeriFone PIN pads, including form development and support expertise. LEARN MORE For more information on the SAM Store Portal Suite or any other SAM Group products and services please contact: SAM Group, Inc. Gary Griffin Office: 864.286.7802 Vice President Customer Relations ggriffin@samgroup.com samgroup.com 6