POS software question

Create a Post
P

paraisoframes

Grumbler
Joined
Aug 26, 2008
Posts
41
Loc
Bristol, TN
My wife and I purchased a frame gallery that has been in business 25 years. We are still learning but I am interested in updating her software. She is currently using FulCalc software. I feel that there might be other software that would work better for us. The problem is that she has all of her work order history on FulCalc and she hasn't been able to find anyone to be able to convert it to a new software program.

Any ideas from you experienced folks?
 
Welcome to the Grumble.

You will not find a conversion. To keep the old records you have to keep both programs. Many Grumblers have gone through this. After you select another POS program, you will only have to access the older files when a customers wants to duplicate something. As time goes by, this will be requested less often.

Might I suggest a new, latest and greatest computer and have the FullCalc installed on it, under their guidance. This will give you the greatest chance of keeping the program operational (hard drives do fail). After that, you can take your time and find what you like as a replacement.
 
The conversion you want to do is not unlike moving from handwritten orders to a POS, which i did a couple years ago. I had about 6 years of frame orders the former owner had archived. I had an employee (who was at home recuperating from surgery) enter all the main workorder data into a spreadsheet which I keep on my design computer. So if anyone does ask to match previous work (which is rare) I can access the data. Keeping the old software available is probably your best bet.
 
Have you talked to any of the software companies?
They might be able to do this for you for a small fee.
 
Most companies (LifeSaver, etc) will convert your customer database over, for a small fee. For some conversions, it also brings over statistics for each customer such as the # of orders and the total $ spent per customer in the past.

Details of old transactions, however, do not get converted. The formulas and calculation methods are very different, so the previous totals would not be accurate between the two programs. (accounting/audit nightmare)

As Jerry said, it's usually best to bring over your customer database and move forward with the new program from that day on. If you need to look up an old order, you can still refer back to the old system. It's OK to have both programs installed on the same computer.

Since you won't need price updates for the abandoned program, you probably won't need to maintain support on it. As long as you keep it backed up, you should be fine for years into the future.

Jerry also suggested starting with a new PC, while your support with the old product is still valid. This is a very good idea, too.

Best regards
Mike
 
Last edited:
Been there, done that. Converted from FullCalc to FrameReady in 2000.

It was a lot of work, but well worth it. We still refer to an occasional old order in the now-dormant Fullcalc program, which resides on two of our computers.

If I had it to do over again, I would also consider LifeSaver and SpecialtySoft, as well as FrameReady. Not that I'm disappointed -- FrameReady is a very reliable program. It has never crashed in the 8 years we've been using it, it's user-friendly and easy to navigate, provides all the reports we want, and allows us to modify the program for our own purposes. Above all, their tech support is nothing short of amazing.
 
I have been with Specialty Soft and I would check with Olivia there about converting the files. If you need the number let me know i will ge tit for you. They have been great for the past 6 years we had the store.
 
Create a Post
Back
Top