Providing a complete EPoS solution for Students’ Unions across retail and hospitality
We were able to transform the operation at Leeds University Union, using our complete EPoS solution for Students’ Unions.
The background
The University of Leeds was founded in 1904. But its origins go back to the nineteenth century. Now, it is a truly multi‐cultural and international institution. There are students and staff from over 100 countries studying and working on campus.
To service the needs of its diverse 32,000 student members, Leeds University Union has created a truly cosmopolitan “student village” campus. It is home to several retail and food outlets along with hospitality venues to cater for all aspects of student life.
How we got involved
We first started working with Leeds University Union student village in 2007. In their own words, they ‘had a disastrous experience using a third party’s web based EPoS system’. What they needed was a single, complete EPoS solution for Students’ Unions to help them better manage their operation.
After getting the call to see if we could step in and support them, we quickly replaced all EPoS and back office software to get them back on track. But, we were able to keep their existing hardware to save them money at this stage.
Deployment
Following the success of this initial deployment. And having built a great working relationship over the four following years. In 2011, we were asked to upgrade all their EPoS hardware.
And, combined with the village’s expanding requirements, we supplied a total of 54 EPoS terminals. These were for use across the LUU village’s retail and hospitality outlets. Dependent upon each outlet’s needs, two different touch screen EPoS terminal options were installed.
Fit for purpose
For the convenience retail stores on campus we used Blade terminals. The reason being they work particularly well with additional peripheral devices. These provided the functionality they needed.
The hospitality venues had different terminals. They needed the focus on delivering high speed, responsive transactions and efficient customer service. To complement these touch screens we went with Orbital scanners. Also receipt printers and chip and pin modules for credit/debit card payments.
Kitchen management to improve customer experience
In The Old Bar, which serves food & drink, has been improved by linking the till units to a kitchen printer. Orders are sent to the kitchen in real-time, speeding up food preparation. A customer facing screen then informs customers when their order is ready for collection.
Mobile terminals have also been configured for use when required at large events in the Refectory. These are also used when the weather allows the Terrace outdoor bar to be open. Giving an even better customer experience, and flexibility for the staff.
Backend software for results
During the upgrade of the EPoS hardware, LUU took the opportunity to upgrade their back office software to the latest version as well. As a result, this enabled them to more efficiently manage their 20,000+ retail and hospitality products. And they can view, manage and report on everything now from one single system.
In summary
In summary, this project was a pleasure as was being able to work with LUU. Taking them on a journey from their previous disappointing solution and being able to help transform their business has been great. The systems we have installed are truly multi market and are perfectly at home in the most demanding of retail and hospitality environments. It is all performing brilliantly for LUU and is why we also support 60+ other universities and colleges across the UK.