Microsoft RMS Adds Functions with Release of New Feature Pack

Recently, Microsoft released Feature Pack 1 for Retail Management System, the Point-of-Sale (POS) System supporting Diamond’s customized ComicSuite. After thorough testing, Diamond’s POS Specialists have confirmed that ComicSuite functionality is unaffected by installing the Feature Pack.

The Feature Pack includes components that further enhance purchasing via Purchase Orders (POs) and inventory transfers, plus better tracking, accounting, and redemption of vouchers, as well as new reports that feature GMROI (Gross Margin Return on Investment) and inventory valuation.

While none of the additions directly affects ComicSuite functionality, there are a few notable additions that at least some Diamond Retailers will find appealing. Features ComicSuite clients (and other Diamond retailers utilizing RMS) would be additionally interested in their day-to-day use include:

♦ Purchase Order has an added button at the right side of the contents tab to look at item details and ordering guidelines (such as committed, available, on order, restock levels, etc.)

♦ Additionally, RMS now supports SQL Server 2008. The advantage of this is that the maximum database size with the 2008 Express edition is 10GB, whereas it was only 4GB maximum with 2005 Express.

Current RMS users should consult the ComicSuite User Forums for more information on how to obtain the feature pack. Anyone interested in buying a POS system (Microsoft RMS and/or ComicSuite) should contact Diamond Customer Service Manager – Technical Support Cheryl Sleboda at 800-45-COMIC, ext. 847, or via email to scheryl@diamondcomics.com.

ComicSuite is Diamond’s customized, add-on package of software options for Microsoft Dynamics Retail Management System (RMS). Together, ComicSuite and RMS enable retailers to communicate more effectively with Diamond – resulting in more efficiency, less stress and greater profits for the store. Besides offering all the great functions of RMS (which is utilized by over 30,000 small businesses worldwide), ComicSuite has been designed from the ground up to interface with Diamond’s product information and item code structure, a feature that facilitates both initial orders and reorders through a Web-based interface. Retailers also have access to the latest data from Diamond, including PREVIEWS descriptions and graphics, as well as specific ordering information. Furthermore, ComicSuite takes into consideration numerous tasks unique to specialty market retailers, offering in-store subscription service (“pull-and-hold”) programming, easy importing of weekly Diamond invoices, cycle sheet generation and more.