University of British Columbia Enterprise POS
The University of British Columbia implemented Volanté Enterprise POS, a flexible and reliable system integrated with student cards, to efficiently manage over fifty campus food and retail venues by streamlining meal plans, reducing errors, supporting real-time processing of thousands of transactions, and enabling comprehensive features like inventory control, credit card authorization, and centralized menu management.
About University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is Canada’s second largest university, with over 50,000 students on a 402 hectare (1.5 sq mi) campus. The campus features dozens of food and beverage and retail venues, requiring a powerful system to support its complex technological needs.
The Need for a Flexible System
UBC required an efficient and flexible enterprise POS system to streamline operations. The university previously used various technologies and POS systems that were unreliable, lacked interoperability, and were inefficient in data reporting and payment processing. Employee errors often went unnoticed due to poor data management, and accommodating complicated meal plans was challenging with the existing software.
The goal was to implement a single software system to save money, generate revenue, and effectively manage the school’s numerous residence meal plans. The POS system needed to be reliable and functional in real-time, especially given the need to process 2,500 students in an hour and a half without database overload.
Volanté's Robust Solution
Volanté Enterprise POS was built around the UBC student card, supporting both Windows and Linux topologies, and accommodating wired and wireless solutions. Since implementation, the POS solution has supported meal plans in over fifty restaurants, pubs, cafeterias, and retail shops on campus, enabling mass cross-marketing. Key features include:
- Encapsulated student information tracking
- Multiple meal planning (free, reduced, or any combination)
- Access card usage, club member, gift card, and reward points tracking (individual, family, and team)
- Integrated and centralized menu management and planning
- Integrated scale usage at POS
- Credit/Debit Card authorization
- Recipe costing
- Inventory control
- Kitchen display
- Beverage monitoring
A Powerful Transformation
Error Reduction
Volanté’s reliability is evident through its robust error reduction features. The system compiles precise data on demand, making it easy to spot employee errors such as discrepancies in customer balances. This helps managers identify common mistakes and adjust training procedures accordingly. The integrated debit and credit feature increases productivity by processing payments quickly and reducing errors, resulting in more accurate daily totals.
Enhanced Efficiency
Volanté’s solutions have reduced potential errors and increased efficiency. By monetizing existing ID cards, UBC can manage its residence Meal Plan program more effectively. Students can simply swipe their ID cards to pay for meals at various venues. The system supports efficient meal tracking, planning, and ordering, helping to reduce food shrinkage and waste. Best-selling and underperforming items can be identified at any time, allowing for efficient food preparation and menu updates. IT staff can respond to problems quickly, and the system supports special promotions and line busting.
Profit Growth
Volanté’s Enterprise POS payment features have enhanced profitability. Student ID cards can now be loaded with funds at any POS terminal, increasing buying potential. Gift cards have been integrated, replacing inefficient paper vouchers and increasing revenue. ID cards and gift cards can now be used in retail outlets, opening new income sources. Expenses have been reduced by eliminating the need for multiple support contracts from outside vendors.
Conclusion
Volanté offers cutting-edge POS solutions that help institutions like UBC unlock their full potential. The software is customized to meet specific needs, aiming to reduce errors and create efficient, profitable solutions.
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