Club Management - September/October 2007 - (Page 36) POS uture The Future of POS Technologies Maximize productivity with a host of options By Michael L. Kasavana, Ph.D., NCE, CHTP Technology lthough no club technology has potential for a higher return on investment than a point-of-sale (POS) system, some clubs resist POS implementation because the club collects little or no cash from its operation. However, recent developments in POS technology have produced systems more flexible and capable of fulfilling specific club needs beyond currency management. A Instead of focusing on cash tendering, newer systems emphasize authentication, security and electronic settlement options. Advancements like dynamic signature technology, hybrid radio frequency identification (RFID) applications and cellular phone transactions can provide clubs an unparalleled level of transactional processing while also providing a base for heightening access control and monitoring. For example, a contactless RFID settlement system can be modified for club application to accelerate transactions, alert management when a member is on the premises or provide an analysis of purchasing behavior. Similarly, there is little need to carry a club membership card when a cell phone can be used to both accurately identify the member and send information to the phone’s display. The possibilities of robust POS technologies in member relationship management areas, not simply transactions, present an array of solutions previously infeasible. POS Innovation The move from physical currency to cashless payments is becoming more prevalent as advancements in automated banking, account management and methods of reconciliation gain in popularity. As the hospitality industry adopts innovative transactionprocessing technology (TPT), it is important to recognize new payment formats also can ©iStockphoto.com 36 •CLUB MANAGEMENT CLUB MANAGEMENT iStockphoto.com
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