eStream System 5 is the latest release of our Retail Point of Sales Management software package.
We started with all of the knowledge and experience that we have gained over the last 8 years, selling,
installing and supporting our eStream 'Classic' software in many different retail businesses.
We listened to the ideas for enhancements, offered by our customers, then added them all to eStream System 5 - that's a lot of accumulated wisdom in one package!
We have to say 'Thank-You!' to our customers for their patience and support while we have been working on this version of eStream.
Our commitment to providing a software package that will grow with your business remains as strong as always.
The new technology in eStream System 5 ensures that your investment with us will be secured as future generations of hardware and software platforms arrive.
We look forward to partnering in your continued success as a retailer in this competitive market-place,
and want eStream to be one of the major tools that you use to drive that success.
eStream System 5 is built upon the speed and stability of the Microsoft SQL Database server, using the security and flexibility of the Microsoft.NET framework.
SQL Server is available as a free, high performance database in its 'Express' version, ideal for small to mid-size retail stores (5 Lanes or less) to host their valuable data.
Now we have a modern system that is secure, stable and fast.
Combine this with our experience over the last 8 years installing over 200 retail sites and you have a winning POS package. This software provides you with the essential information that you require at your fingertips, to maximize your profits and improve your store's operational efficiency.
The Lane and Back Office software can either share a database or have a dedicated terminal for each.
If you wish to evaluate eStream System 5, you can download the Software and explore all of its features, manuals and connectivity without purchasing a license.
After your initial purchase, additional client packages can be purchased and installed, easily and quickly, as your system requirements grow.
POS Lane Functions:
Easy Cash Register Emulation:
The POS Lane is easy and intuitive to use if you have ever used an Electronic Cash Register.
Standard Functions are No Sale, Void Sale, Error Correct, Return, Quantity and Manual Scale.
All functions are controlled by an assignable Cashier Status - Normal, Supervisor or Manager.
Enhanced Functionality:
A clear receipt builds on the screen as the sale progresses, with a running Sub Total visible at the top of the receipt.
Receipts are viewable for 2 Business Days at the POS Lane.
Search function for older receipts.
Gift Receipts available on a per Item basis.
Commissions can be added to sale on a per item basis.
Quick Discount Features:
Six Price Levels are available for each item.
Sale Discount Presets and Specify.
Item Discount Presets and Specify.
Wholesale Discount (Cost Plus %) Presets and Specify.
Price Modify any item up or down.
Vendor Coupons can be attached to any receipt item.
Pay In and Out Functions:
Cash Payments can be made to (IN) or from (OUT) the Cash Register.
This provides functionlity for paying COD Suppliers or adding/subtracting money to a float.
Cash Drops to a safe can be recorded, a double slip is printed, one for the safe and one for the cashier's records.
Selectable Receipt Item:
Touch any item on the receipt to select it for an individual Void/Discount or Modify function.
Price, Tax Status and Amount of any individual item can be displayed at any time in the sale by touching the receipt item line.
POS Lane Functions:
Customer Lookup Functions:
Customers can be searched by Name, Telephone Number or POS ID.
Account payment and Customer Edit functionality are available from within the individual customer information screen.
New Customers can be added directly at the POS.
Product Lookup Functions:
Products can be searched by Name, Department, Stock Code, Customer Profile or Barcode (UPC/EAN) number.
Products can be added to the Sale from within the Inquiry screen.
Gift Card Functions:
If the Interface to Mercury payments is activated, the Gift Card functionality is automatic.
Cards can be Loaded, Issued or Balance Inquired, at the POS at any point in a sale.
Extended Sale Functions:
Sale Hold and Recall: Unlimited sales can be held and later recalled.
Sale Deposit: A deposit amount can be left on a sale and held for an indefinite period.
Tax Shift: Removes/Adds taxes manually or recalculates a tax rate.
Unpack Item: Substitutes a related item when an item is scanned.
Price Shift: Selects the next available price level for any item.
Dept Sale/Return: Allows the sale/return of any non-specified items to any available department.
Payment Methods:
Cash, Credit/Debit Cards, Cheques, Foreign Exchange, Gift Cards, Loyalty Points and Charging to an Account can all be used as methods of payment.
Transactions can be split between payment methods.
Chip 'n PIN payment card functionality is supported through Mercury Payments.
Quick PLU Buttons:
The Lower section of the functions bar supports Quick PLU buttons that are always displayed and either sell a product instantly or make a payout/return.
If more than 12 buttons are required, the cashier can scroll through additional selections using a 'More' button.
POS Lane Functions:
Add Sale Information Function:
A Customer name or label, or Invoice Commant can be applied to the Sale at any time.
This is useful for telephone sales or Hold/Pickup transactions.
Cash Out Function:
This button provides access to the Lane Management and reporting screens.
Reports available at the Lane are Cashier, Sold Item, Department and Hourly Totals, printed to the Receipt Printer.
Management Functions control the interaction with Peripherals, such as Printers, POS PIN pads, Scanners, Customer Displays and Scales.
The Lane will support an additional Customer VGA display or selected Two Line rear displays available from the POS Terminal manufacturers.
Log Out Function:
This button will return the Cashier to a PIN Pad only on the screen which forces a Cashier code to be entered prior to using the POS Lane.
A Log Out can only be done outside a sale.
If there is no Mouse or Keyboard attached to the Lane, the cashier cannot exit the software if they do not have sufficient permissions.
Department Selection:
Departments can be configured to appear on the lane as buttons in the Upper Section of this function bar.
This allows 'Open Sales/Returns to the Departments and enables individual Product Lookup buttons to be displayed, when a Department button is selected.
If more than 12 Departments are required for operations, then the cashier can access the next set of Departments using the 'More' function.
Product Button Selection:
Products can be configured to appear on the lane as buttons in the Lower Section of this function bar.
The Colour and Sort Order of the buttons is configurable in the Back Office Software.
This allows items that are not scannable to be located and sold quickly.
If more than 30 Products are attached to any particular Department, then the cashier can access the next set of Product buttons using the 'More' function.
Inventory Control Functions:
Lookup/Edit:
The Inventory Item Maintenance routine combines a sortable spreadsheet view with
a comprehensive form for a fast edit or creation of item records.
Special Events:
Create date driven automatic On and Off timed Event Price Batches, ideal for flyer and other promotional events. Includes a Store Diary function.
Mix Match Groups:
Group like items for discounting or reporting purposes.
Stock Sheets:
Easily create count sheets and update stock levels, Create Shrinkage Reports. Provides an Audit Trail for stock adjustments. This routine interfaces to a hand held data entry device.
Period Activity:
Combine Stock Sheets to produce a complete Store Profitablity report. Contains tools to create a detailed Shrinkage analysis report.
Price Batches:
Quickly change prices by Global Paramaters such as Cost, Gross Margin Percent and Cost Increase, maintains an Audit Trail.
Transfers:
Add/Removes Stock to/from your store and maintain an Audit Trail. Transfers stock between stores for a multi store installation.
Reports:
Stock Sales/On Hand/Received/Transfered by Store/Date/Category/Type, stock detailed or GL Summaries available. Export any Report to a spreadsheet.
Summary Reports:
Daily Summary Reports reflect Financial Data, with Department, Customer and Item Sales figures. Detailed reports are available by Date, and Store, POS Lane. Export any Report to a spreadsheet.
Transaction Query:
Provides a detailed daily analysis of all transactions, filtered by Media, Transaction Type, Transaction Status, Cashier, Lane, Department, Customer and Item.
Export Sales Data:
Provides 3 canned exports to spreadsheet format - Department Sales, Item Sales and Hourly Sales. In general, any report on the system can also be exported to a Spreadsheet after it has been compiled.
Performance Reports:
Detailed reports look at your Transaction Data in many different, detailed views, e.g. Cashier Commissions, Related Item Sales, Hourly Item Performance etc.
Mercury Payments Reports:
Mercury Payments online reporting. Look at your daily Payment Card Transactions in detail or Summary by batch.
Event Log:
Provides a detailed Audit Trail, fully Payment Card Industry (PCI) Compliant Event Logging
Customer Database Functions:
Customer Maintenance:
Keep all of your important Customer data, including Billing and Shipping details, Contact and email information.
Lookup Customer Account Balances, Payment Dates, Purchases, Profiles and Invoices.
Account Statments:
Print Monthly Statements individually or in one run.
Add comments and interest to outstanding balances.
Reconcile Invoices:
Optionally customers can pay by Invoice at the Register.
Invoices can be reconciled to payments using this utility.
Mismatched and outstanding, unpayed Invoices are also detailed.
Loyalty and Marketing:
Maintain a system of reward points for each customer, that can be reimbursed at the POS Lanes against goods at any point in time.
Send bulk emails or letters out to selected customers using the built in Mail Merge functions.
Export custom performance queries to Spreadsheet format.
Report on individual or store total points liablity at any time.
Reports:
Reports are available for Customer Invoices, Account Payments, Items Purchased and Demographics.
Every report can be instantly exported to a spreadsheet.
Vendor Maintenance Functions:
Vendor Maintenance:
The Vendor Maintenance system keeps all of your supplier information conveniently accessible from one list.
Search all of the items that you purchase by Vendor.
Multiple Vendor entries per item are allowed.
Order Sheets
Makes a fast shopping list of all items, or suggests an order required from any one Vendor.
Once completed, the list can be turned into a Purchase Order for further processing.
Purchase Orders:
Purchase Orders can be created from an Order Sheet or built item by item, for any one Vendor at a time.
Once completed, the Purchase Order can be printed, faxed or emailed directly from the software.
Received Orders
If the purchase order is received and the received items differ to the original order, then the receivings functions allow:
Direct Edits of the Original Purchased Order
Items to be flagged as Back Ordered
Items to be placed on a Credit Note.
Credit Notes
Credit notes can either be built from within the Credit Notes form, or during the process of receiving items.
They provide a printed request for Credit which can be returned to the original supplier.
Histories are retained for all items credited.
Reports:
Reports are available for Items Sold by Vendor,Invoices Received, Credit Notes and Stock On Hand by Vendor.
Every report can be instantly exported to a spreadsheet.
eCommerce Communication Functions:
Open Site:
Opens your eCommerce Web Site with the eStream application's Web Browser.
Allows a quick review of the site as you update it.
Manage Site:
Opens the Site Management pages with the eStream application's Web Browser.
The Site management functions enable your customers order to be Edited, Shipped and Closed.
Send Changes:
Any recent changes to your Item database are sent to the Website across the Internet
Get Sales Data:
Closed (completed) Invoices on the eCommerce Site are retrieved and processed into the eStream Back Office Database.
For Reporting purposes the eCommerce Data is treated the same as any other Lane in your store, enabling highly integrated performance reporting, giving a total Store picture of Sales and Stock positions.
Schedule Polling:
The Unattended Polling Schedule runs in the background of the eStream Back Office server, updating the website and polling completed sales automatically.
Sales reports are automatically compiled overnight and can be emailed to you automatically .
Polling Event Log:
The Unattended Polling Schedule and manual Polling/Sending routines keep a log of all system activity and site communications.
Employee Functions:
Employee Maintenance:
Keeps a database for your employee status and demographic information.
Cashier and Sales Team Maintenance:
This allows employees to be assigned either a cashiers PIN or a'Sales Floor Only' status for non cashiers.
Further permissions can be assigned to cashiers to control Discount, Void, Return etc. operations.
Store Supervisors can be designated that are allowed access to functions that are otherwise restricted at the POS Terminals.
Manager and Security Maintenance:
This routine allows additional Back Office Managers to be set up.
Each Manager has their own password which can be set up to restrict what Back Office functions they are allowed to use.
Time Clock Maintenance:
Provides a convenient way to Add or Edit Time and Attendance Records.
A Time and Attendance function is provided at the POS Lanes which gives any employee the ability record Clock In and Out times for their attendance at work.
Reports:
Provides Time and Attendance, Point Of Sales Logged Time, and Security Summary Reports, together with convenient Cashier and Employee lists.
Label and Sign Printing:
Label/Sign Designer:
The designer prints a matrix of labels or small signs on a standard 8.5" x 11" page.
An on-screen design application is provided (shown) that previews the layout of a single label or sign.
There are 11 separate 'boxes' that can be printed on a label, all of which can pull data from a field in the Item Database.
The user selects the desired matrix and the boxes that will apply to the desired label (e.g. Description, Barcode, Price, Size etc.)
The boxes are positioned and sized in the label preview box by using 'mouse drag' operations.
Once the label is designed, Items can be added to the Batch to be printed.
Label/Sign Batch Build Options:
Labels can be added to the batch by picking individual items from the Inventory Item List.
Alternatively, changes can be made to the Inventory list, and then all items with changes are built automatically when needed.
A batch of labels can also be built by Category or other report group options.
Label/Sign Printing Options:
Once the Batch of labels is built then additonal options can be appplied prior to printing the batch.
These include Cost Coding, small Ingredient Lists or additional Comments or Stock Dates depending on requirements for the labels.
Suitable light card or 8.5" x 11" 'Peel and Stick' lables for the printer are available in many stationary and office supply stores.
Remote Lane Communication Functions:
Remote Lane Capabilities:
Each Remote Lane in a system can have its own database, being independant of the Back Office server.
This allows a lot of rendundancy in the system if your store has multiple lanes, as the failure of one network component, does not affect the others, or allows a partial mode of operation at very worst case.
The System uses a file server as a central repository for all information in transit between the POS Lanes and Back Office.
The information transfer can either be based around Internet Information Server services, or a simpler remoting model for Local Area Networks.
These background transfers of information are transparent to the Store's operations.
The net result is the same as the lanes sharing a Central Server, but without the requirement for a dedicated Central Server in the system.
The difference between a Remote and a Central Lane is that data arrives from the Central Lanes at the Back Office database in 'Real Time', whereas information to and from Remote Lanes is only processed at configurable, preset intervals during the business day.
Remote Lane Management Menu:
Allows Changes to be sent to the Lanes, or data available on the servers from the lanes to be picked up and processed by the Back Office.
The processes can either be initiated manually or automated by starting the 'Unattended Polling' program.
Full event logging is maintained for either manual or automatic data processing, allowing for a detailed diagnosis of any issues that can occur during communciation events.
System Utilities:
Backup Data:
The eStream Back Office provides a simple 'One Click' approach to backing up your valuable data to external media.
Server Connection:
The Server Connection utility contains a simple set of tools for managing the Back Office data.
These tools allow an intial system to be set up, a 'Classic' system to be upgraded, or a damaged database to be removed and restored.
Query and Export Data:
The Query Tool is intended for use by qualified support personnel only.
It allows any data in the database to be queried and optionally exported to a 'Comma Separated Values' file, providing a valuable support tool.
Web Browser:
The eStream Back Office has a built in web browser, this allows a web portal to our 'On Line' Support and Mercury payments reporting.
This built in browser can also be used for normal Internet browsing operations, from within eStream.
Classic/Tile Menu options:
The 'Tile Menu' capablities of eStream give an alternative to the traditional drop down menu approach used in eStream Classic.
This interface provides a greater ease of use when the Back Office software is used on a Tablet PC or a Touch Screen POS Lane where no mouse is available.
On Screen Keyboard:
The eStream Back Office supplies an 'On Screen' virtual keyboard for use in systems where a keyboard is not available.
Depending on the resolution of the monitor, either a vertical or horizontal keyboard layout can be used.
System Setup:
Setup Menu Functions :
The Setup functions are arranged, so that following the Setup Menu options and Sub Menus will aquaint you with a thorough knowledge of the 'Inner Workings' of eStream.
Each Setup screen contains a guide which explains the concepts of the setup as well as how to setup the program.
The software is simple to use at this level, but some thought must be applied to current and future reporting requirements, to avoid having to redo major portions of the setup at a later date.
For instance, the store is divided into a heirachy of three reporting levels, each one will give a summary of the level below it.
Divisions in each level are distinguished by a unique number, as well as a description, so it is important to use a flexible numbering system to start with.
Customers can be divided into Business Groups, as well as being given a Loyalty Type and Terms for Charging to Accounts.
Items are split up between Categories (The last reporting level). Items can also be distinguished by MixMatch, Type, Bin and Location designations within the store, so all of those designations have to be prepared prior to entering your catalogue.
The POS Lanes and Website setup functions enable the proper configuration of the Lanes and Site for your store and must be addressed prior to going live with your POS System.
System Setup:
Help Options:
To quote another famous Help Manual 'Don't Panic!'
The most important thing you can do when setting up eStream is to ask questions, and keep asking questions until you understand what we are trying to do here.
The next most important thing you can do do is to take a daily backup of your work and put it on a USB stick that you take off premises every day.
For you, the best thing about eStream software is that we at eStream, take a lot of pride in our work, and understand we have the responsibilty of creating what is, to you, a key part of your retail business.
We know from our experience that our software will work in many diverse retail environments, given the time and patience required to make it work, not just from your side of the business, but from ours also.
Which is why we have this Help section.
Help for the Help:
Many users prefer a training session to start with rather than reading a dumb manual that has no idea of what they are looking for in it.
To achieve that goal we provide a Study Guide, which is a document that takes you through the same training course an on-Site trainer would provide.
If that still leaves you with questions then go to our On-Line help option and drop us a line. You will get a reply back from our support providers within two business days.
You should set up a Maintenance Contract with your local POS Solution Provider to cover hardware failures that may arise during your hours of business.
If all else fails call us! - 250 383 7134 (Mon - Fri 9:00 4:30 PM PST)
eCommerce Website:
eStream allows a virtually instant, secure, online presence once your database is active.
The eCommerce Website is easily maintained using the Back Office Software.
Your customers can now order from your store online and pay online via Credit Card.
The look and feel of the site can be changed easily by providing a few key graphic elements in the template we provide.
Your site is hosted on an Owen Business Systems secure, Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliant, server.
Affordable monthly hosting rates apply, with no contract and the ability to cancel services at any time.
To help you set up, we supply a free staging site prior to going live.
The eCommerce Website presents your customers with the convenience of shopping your store on-line.
Now your business can be shopped by a potentially unlimited customer base.
The site organizes your goods by up to 5 different levels. This feature provides a well organized, easy to browse presentation of your catalogue.
Online purchases, once completed, are managed using quick web management pages that allow you to edit and ship orders.
Your customers only pay for the goods when shipped, if they have paid online.
All credit card transactions are protected, no credit card data is stored on the site,
which protects you and your customers from hackers and identity theft.
eStream System 5 offers multiple ways of communicating between its Point of Sales Lanes and the central Back Office location.
We also recognize the fact that your Stores may then want to communicate to a Head Office site, that may or may not be in the same vicinity as the stores.
On top of all those considerations you may want to throw the software's eCommerce capabilities into the mix.
To accommodate many scenarios, we have developed around three robust, modern software technologies:
Microsoft .NET Framework
Microsoft SQL Server 2008 R2
Web Services Developed for IIS7
These technologies are combined to offer secure communications between remote sites as well as fast real time communications for sites on a Local Area Network.
The bottom line to you is that wherever your information is originally entered, it can be transported securely and quickly to the people that need to make decisions.
Personal, on-site training from one of our technical staff. (Billable)
Emergency, 24/7 responses from one of our technical staff. (Billable)
Our latest news and updates are always on Facebook.
Online response times may vary depending on the nature and timing of your inquiry.
Billable services are payable via Visa or MasterCard.
We offer yearly maintenance and support contracts, payable monthly.
eStream System 5 Software is free to download and evaluate.
The unlicensed software is limited to 5 items in Inventory, 5 Customers and 1 POS Lane, but there are no restrictions to functionality.
We recommend that this software be run on a PC loaded with Microsoft Windows 7, a minimum of 3GB RAM and 50GB free space on the hard drive.
The eStream System 5 Software, along with the recommended version of Microsoft SQL Server Express, and a list of supported peripheral POS hardware is available for download here...
If you wish to upgrade from any version of eStream Classic, or you have questions when installing this software, please . Help is not far away!
If your requirements are for a very busy retail location then you may want to consider upgrading to the latest Standard or Enterprise version of SQL Server, available from Microsoft.
About the Manuals:
The eStream Online Manuals are a constant work in progress and reflect
software appearance and functionality at the time of writing the most recent manual versions.
These manuals are a guide to intended functionality only and not a guarantee of performance under all circumstances.
Please contact us if you have questions regarding current software functionality.
We reserve the right to make changes in the manuals or functionality of the software without notice.
Please review any key functionality required, for suitability to your business, prior to going live.
We are happy to answer any questions you may have.
An online demo can be scheduled with our Sales Team, please contact us and we will be pleased to show you the product's capabilities live.
The SQL Server Manual link will open to the appropriate section on the Microsoft MSDN site in a new Tab.
We want you to feel that you have a good investment in eStream System 5 that will continue to make returns.
We recommend that you do your 'Due Diligence' with this product, prior to purchasing, in order to ensure that it is a good match to your business.
A detailed request for information (RFI) is preferred, so that we can answer all of your questions in a timely manner,
helping you to make an informed decision prior to purchasing.
We welcome questions from you during this important period, and are happy to demo the product for you at any time.
By purchasing, installing, copying or otherwise using the software you agree to be bound by the Terms laid out in our
We will warranty your software installation at no charge for a period of 90 days from the date of purchasing your License.
After 90 days, we offer an additional maintenance contract, or you can pay by incident, for continued support and upgrades.
Due to the virtual nature of our product (it cannot be returned) we will not refund
any money paid for software licensing.
