ALLENTOWN, PA (9/29/11) – Harbortouch is pleased to announce the release of an integrated caller ID module for use with its Hospitality software.

The fully integrated caller ID module will allow merchants to view incoming calls directly on their POS screen. If the call coming in is recognized as an existing customer, the system will automatically display that customer’s information and then enable the merchant to create a new order for this customer. If the number calling is not recognized, the system will bring up the “create new customer screen” to enter their information and then allow the user to easily create the order for that customer. Their information will then be saved for future orders. If the merchant has multiple Harbortouch stations at their business, they can decide which station is set up to receive the calls so that their other stations are not affected.

Three options are available: 2-line, 4-line and 8-line, depending on the expected inbound call volume.

Harbortouch Technical Director Kei Cheng states, “This is an accessory that was frequently requested by our merchants and it adds to our already robust equipment offerings.”

The KVS consists of a 17” monitor and “bump pad”, which is basically a remote control for the screen. The monitor is installed in a restaurant’s kitchen and displays all orders placed by the servers or cashier, allowing orders to be quickly relayed from the front of the restaurant to the kitchen. Orders display on the 17” monitor in an easy-to-read queue that can be managed with the bump pad, allowing the kitchen staff to delete orders as they are completed. Perfect for quick service restaurants, each order is timed and the clock will turn red when the order time reaches a specified threshold.

Harbortouch is also now offering a digital scale for businesses that sell items by weight. The scale measures in both pounds and ounces and features a heavy-duty cast aluminum casing with an easy-to-clean stainless steel platform on top. The scale is highly accurate with “auto zeroing” technology which enables it to automatically calibrate itself when zero weight is on the platform.

Harbortouch Technical Director Kei Cheng states, “We are constantly trying to improve our Harbortouch offering, whether that’s through additional accessories or updated software or hardware. These two new accessories help us better meet the needs of many retail and hospitality merchants.”

Harbortouch launched a groundbreaking free POS system program earlier this year, offering merchants a free Harbortouch POS system with integrated payments.

EVP of Sales & Marketing Brian Jones states, “We are thrilled that Jerry has joined the Harbortouch team. He brings with him extensive knowledge of the POS industry and will be an asset to our company.”

CEO Jared Isaacman states, “Large national restaurant chains and big-box retail stores have been taking advantage of this technology for years because of the myriad benefits it offers. At a time when many small and mid-sized businesses are struggling, we are providing these benefits that many business owners may not have previously been able to afford. In addition to speeding up payment transactions, POS systems automate many aspects of day-to-day business including employee management, thus streamlining a merchant’s overall operations and allowing them to focus on keeping their customers satisfied and spending. Another tremendous benefit provided by POS systems is the comprehensive reporting they provide. Advanced reporting functionality provides business owners with greater control and allows them to make more informed business decisions while saving on accounting and bookkeeping expenses.”

Although they are being offered free of charge, Harbortouch POS systems feature top of the line hardware and software, providing the same features and functionality as competitors’ systems that are being sold for tens of thousands of dollars. In fact, Harbortouch systems are superior to more expensive POS systems in many ways. The touch-screen monitor utilizes 5-wire resistive technology while most competitors are using 4-wire screens. Although that may not sound like much of a difference, consider this: the life expectancy of a 4-wire monitor is 3 million touches while a 5-wire monitor’s expected life is an astounding 35 million touches! The central processing unit (CPU) features a slim, sleek design and is so small it can be mounted right on the back of the monitor. Although it is housed in an incredibly small package, this powerhouse boasts lightning fast speed with an impressive Intel 1.6 Ghz dual core processor. It is actually the first POS system to utilize a dual core processor. The system also features 160GB of storage space and 1GB DDR2 memory, double that of the industry standard.

On the software side, Harbortouch Hospitality offers countless useful features including a graphical table map, easy menu editing, inventory tracking, integrated time clock for employees, and the ability to quickly perform many common tasks such as splitting checks and sharing menu items. Harbortouch Retail also offers inventory tracking and a built-in time clock in addition to purchase orders, invoices and barcode scanning. Both software options also include a customer database, employee security levels and integrated credit & debit processing. They also feature a wide range of reports including financial and sales reports, employee productivity, labor reports, discounts, voids and refunds, among many others. A wide range of accessories is also available for the systems. Setting up POS software has always been a time-consuming and intimidating task, but Harbortouch has simplified the process to make it easy for even the most technology-adverse business owner. Restaurant owners can simply submit their menu with their order to have Harbortouch technicians customize the system for their business. Retail business owners can take advantage of a step-by-step wizard to guide them through the setup process. This streamlined setup process along with an extremely intuitive user interface offer an easy transition for merchants so they can take advantage of all the benefits of POS without all the hassle.

Merchants also benefit from a lifetime warranty program, which allows them to receive a new monitor or CPU unit if theirs is defective or breaks from normal wear and tear. This replacement program is valid for as long as the merchant maintains a merchant account with UBC. An approved merchant account and monthly service agreement are required for the merchant to participate in the free POS program.