Microsoft Retail Management System serves retail single store as well as retail chains clientele. The customization scenarios, described in this article deal with the chains, when Microsoft RMS has multiple stores databases and Headquarters. Microsoft RMS is SQL Server-based application, so we will consider SQL programming ? SQL queries, views and stored procedures. Also Microsoft RMS could be integrated on the SQL level with other applications, such as Microsoft Great Plains, Microsoft CRM and non-Microsoft applications, such as Lotus Notes/Domino

? Microsoft RMS Architecture and data flow. As it is POS automation application, it assumes that all the POS transactions are originated at the store. The mechanism used is worksheets. When store is closed ? Headquarters pulls its transactions via worksheet. There are some exceptions ? global data, such as global customers are updated on the headquarters level and updates propagated to the stores.

? Data Update. If you need custom logic work with the POS transaction ? you have to update store database data. If you try to update Headquarters database ? the chances are that it will be rolled back by the next worksheet, because original data sits on the store level and is different from your altered data in the HQ

? Store Level Web Services. Yes ? they will enable you to communicate with store database and have transaction data updated over there. The other way is having all the stores as linked servers from Headquarters MS SQL Server Enterprise Manager

? Integration with Great Plains or other SQL Server Accounting package. RMS normally replicates transactions from the stores to Headquarters upon the store business hours close. At this time they are ready to be integrated with such accounting system as Microsoft Great Plains. Here we are talking about custom integration, which you can create as a stored procs set.

? Gift Card puzzle. There are few funny things in MS RMS you should be aware. Imagine ? you issue Gift Certificate. It exists on the Headquarters level and each store knows about the balance on the card. Customer uses card in store A and then walks in to the store B. If worksheet mechanism didn't play during this time interval ? store B gift card balance will show incorrect value. To fix the issue you need to trigger worksheet creation and launch on the headquarter level to replicate new balance to all the stores.

Good luck with customization and if you have issues or concerns ? we are here to help! If you want us to do the job - give us a call 1-866-528-0577! help@albaspectrum.com

Andrew Karasev is Chief Technology Officer in Alba Spectrum Technologies ? USA nationwide Microsoft RMS, Great Plains, Microsoft CRM customization company, serving clients in Chicago, California, Texas, Florida, New York, Georgia, Arizona, Minnesota, UK, Australia and having locations in multiple states and internationally ( http://www.albaspectrum.com ), he is CMA, Great Plains Certified Master, Dexterity, SQL, C#.Net, Crystal Reports and Microsoft CRM SDK developer. You can contact Andrew: andrewk@albaspectrum.com