Gather and document the business requirements, goals and budget information
Perform a replace-versus-upgrade analysis
Research potential system vendors and arrange vendor presentations
Advise and recommend vendor selection and strategy
Negotiate the contracts for implementation and support
Assess the current network infrastructure and recommend appropriate changes
Define how the existing operational systems would integrate with the POS system
Establish credit card payment processing and other payment methods
Manage the entire project and the vendors and apply best practices in system usage
Coordinate all data entry and training sessions with the staff
Provide on-site support during system changeover and post-implementation followup
Ensure that all vendor deliverables are complete and satisfactory to achieve the desired results
FOR THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY AND BEYOND
Dealing with computer systems and networks is probably not your favorite duty in running your business, especially when you are tackling the challenges of planning and executing the opening of a new location. IT takes you out of your comfort zone. IT chews up valuable time that you would rather spend on developing menus, outfitting your kitchen and storage areas, designing and furnishing the dining and bar areas, hiring the right people, training your staff, reviewing your daily and monthly numbers, dealing with general construction contractors, and dealing with your investors.
Using our experience and vendor alliances on new openings and related projects, we can take you out of that IT vortex by handling all the IT issues for you. We will help you create a realistic IT budget and ensure that you do not spend that budget on hardware, software and services that you do not need or understand. Because we can focus on IT, your systems will be smoothly installed within budget and on time. You will end up with a reliable and secure network that will support your investment in application systems, helping you achieve the results and benefits you expected without adding "IT Director" to YOUR job title.
As you begin your planning, we will come to your operation to discuss and assess your needs at no charge. We can also tailor a fee structure that fits your scope and budget: fixed package fee, hourly rates, or a combination of the two. While we prefer to manage the entire project and handle all the tasks for you, we can portion off the tasks that you would rather handle yourself for whatever your reasons are.
Collect and document all business requirements for each system
Complete guidance throughout the system selection process - from vendor research through contract negotiation
Create an ROI analysis
Determine the network design, hardware, and communication requirements to support all the systems
Create and maintain the IT budget
Recruit and manage outside IT service providers, such as network cabling contractors
Research, implement and test all inter-system integration opportunities
Be your on-site project manager, advocate, and liaison to all system and service providers
Stay on the job after opening to ensure that all system deliverables and expectations have been met
Ensure new systems and data become part of enterprise reporting structure
Perform an enterprise application system analysis in order to streamline and simplify operations reporting and processes
Project manage recommended system upgrades and obsolete hardware/software replacement
PCI-DSS compliancy and audit
Recommend critical data backup schemes
Create a disaster recovery plan
Review and test network security and password maintenance policies
Advise and consult on emerging technology trends
Assess new technology and determine vendor viability in the marketplace
Apply technology where appropriate to create business differentiation, increase customer satisfaction,
and realize operational efficiencies
Achieve desired results by creating an ROI analysis with operational metrics to monitor,
and establishing best practices in the operation