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Keystroke POS Helpful Hints of the Month

December 2007
Welcome to Helpful Hints for Keystroke POS, a monthly communication from Specialized Business Solutions.

2007 Year End Procedures

The end of the year is near and here are a few topics that you may want to review. While most of these procedures are optional, some may be necessary steps to maintain your data and maximize the benefits you receive from the Keystroke POS system in the coming year.

Data Backup

Perhaps the most important task you should perform annually is to review your normal data backup process and make a separate backup copy, in addition to your normal procedure. If you do not already have a regular backup procedure in place, now is a good time to start.

Inventory Quantities

The Keystroke system maintains inventory on a real-time basis. In a perfect world this would result in you always knowing exactly how many of each item is in stock at any given time. However, there are two issues you must periodically address when using a real-time perpetual inventory system.

  • First, the inventory levels in the system do not reflect unrecorded inventory changes such as theft, damage, spoilage, entry errors, etc. In Keystroke, we use the Variance module to record these changes. While New Year's Eve is probably not when you want to count your entire inventory, the Variance function allows you to take a snap shot of inventory levels on that day.

  • Second, since inventory levels are real-time, if you need to know the value of your inventory on a particular date such as the last day of the year, you will need to make a record of the inventory levels on that date. You can print a totals report (in Report Manager, Inventory menu, Database function) or make a special data backup to access whenever necessary.

Accounts Receivable

Just like inventory, Accounts Receivable balances in Keystroke are real-time. If you need to know year end Accounts Receivable balances, record the information by printing a Receivables report or saving a backup copy of your data.

Sales Tax Rates

January 1 is often the date when new sales tax rates take effect. In Keystroke, you can define start and end dates for Sales Tax formulas so there is no reason not to put in the new tax formulas as soon as you are notified of rate changes. When configured properly, new rates will automatically become active when they should, and old rate formulas become inactive.

Use Keystroke POS to its fullest!

The beginning of a new year may be a good time to review how effectively you’re using Keystroke. While the system includes many features you probably don’t use, one of the most overlooked and valuable benefits is the integrated payment processing capabilities built-in to Keystroke POS. Stand-alone credit card terminals are simply no longer the best solution for most merchants.

Switching over is surprisingly easy, and the benefits are many – faster sales, easier training, better customer service, automatic settlement, real-time web reporting, added reliability, and FREE gift card processing. Plus you’ll reduce clutter and will very likely save money at the same time!

For more information, speak with your local dealer or submit a simple Business Profile form to our CISP certified payment processing partner, Mercury Payment Systems – 800-846-4472. Mercury offers rate-matching merchant accounts, with no application fee and no long term contract, plus FREE gift card processing!

Are you on the latest Version of Keystroke POS?

Keystroke POS Version 6.20 was released in the fall of 2007. SBS also periodically releases interim updates to provide minor program changes and corrections to our customers. The latest software is identified by a Version and Build number (e.g., Version 6.20 Build 40).

To check the Version and Build you are using, select About Keystroke from the Help menu. Free software updates are available to all customers who subscribe to a Software Maintenance Plan. If you have questions, contact your local Authorized Dealer or SBS.




Helpful Hints Archive

January 2007 Helpful Hints

February 2007 Helpful Hints

Year End Procedures Helpful Hints

Variance Helpful Hints

Tax Rate Helpful Hints


To request more information or to share a Helpful Hint, email us at HelpfulHints@KeystrokePOS.com or call 800-275-4727.

Brought to you by Specialized Business Solutions, developer and publisher of Keystroke POS.



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