Smartwerks, Inc. — SmartwerksUSA

SmartwerksUSA is POS/accounting product designed for retailers with single or multiple users and locations. Hosted on the Web, Smartwerks offers retailers a flexible product that can work in a multitude of environments.

BASIC SYSTEM FUNCTION

The program’s main screen contains a list of all system modules in a drop-down menu at the top. Modules are also listed in a vertical column to the left of the screen, and selecting one will display function icons specific to that module. The Sales Order entry screen is where all POS transactions are processed, including ‘Express’ sales (where customer information is not accessed or entered in the system) to customer-driven sales (where customer information is added or entered in the sales order screen). Clerks can also choose the transaction type, such as take with, delivery or work order.

Multiple levels of lookup options are available, including the item number search. An advanced search option is also available, but the search fields could be confusing for new users. Once a clerk enters a product to sell, clicking OK will display it on-screen. Clicking the checkout button and selecting the payment type will complete the transaction.

Smartwerks contains a solid selection of integrated modules including AP, AR, Banking, Customers, GL, Inventory, PO, Reports and Sales. To provide system security, all employees are assigned a group and provided with a unique ID and password. Three group levels are available — Admin, Sales and Office (more can be added) — and each is assigned its own level of system access, starting at the module level and progressing down to function level within each module.

The Smartwerks user interface offers some customization capability, such as hiding the vertical bar to the left of the screen, as well as displaying or hiding the tools at the right of the screen, but options are mainly cosmetic. Customers, products and vendors can be added on the fly for quicker processing, and the Sales Order module allows clerks to enter products without using a customer name for quicker transaction processing.

As a web-based product, Smartwerks easily supports single or multi-store capability. Returns can be processed from the same screen utilizing an invoice number. Smartwerks offers multiple pricing levels (up to three) with pricing types such as fixed, percent of MSRP, and percent markup cost available. Smartwerks handles multiple warehouses for inventory management and can easily handle mail order transactions, as well. 4.25

SPECIALIZED FEATURES/SERVICES

Smartwerks offers multiple tender types, and customer information is easily managed with an area for all contacts, customer preferences, any notes specific to that customer, along with transaction history and credit status. In addition to regular store transactions, the system also handles regular sales orders. 2.25

TRACKING/REPORTING

Smartwerks handles a variety of reports specific to the Sales Order module as well as the financial modules. The Cash Drawer report runs immediately after each shift and details all sales activity, including a breakdown of cash, checks, and credit cards processed. Other key reports include Daily Sales, Sales Summary and Sales Tax. Transactions are posted immediately, and reports are delivered with real-time data displayed.

Inventory movement is tracked in the inventory maintenance screen, along with several other items. Factors like product movement can be tracked for each individual customer. 3.5

INTEGRATION/IMPORT/EXPORT

All modules in Smartwerks are fully integrated, including Sales, AR, AP, GL, Purchasing, Inventory, Customer database and Reporting. The vendor will also import the user’s inventory from their spreadsheet. All reports may be saved in PDF format for easy storage, and the email interface allows sales invoices and purchase orders to be emailed to customers and vendors. Shipping options can be set up in the system, but users will need to manually enter shipping costs according to the shipping type chosen. Smartwerks will work with pole displays suitable for most retail stores. 2.75

HELP/SUPPORT

Smartwerks provides support via email and telephone from its headquarters in Clearwater, Fla. A variety of educational videos and setup demonstrations are available, and the vendor’s personnel are very involved in system setup for all new users. Those who purchase Smartwerks will be given a “training company” to learn the new system. A two-hour webinar introduces the product to new users and guides them through the rest of the setup process. 3.25

SUMMARY & PRICING

SmartwerksUSA is a fully integrated accounting product with sales, inventory purchasing, reports and a customer database with real-time transaction processing. The system starts at $1,500 and is suitable for small to midsized retail or wholesale businesses and specialty shops. Single and multi-location capability makes this suitable for businesses with one or several locations that desire central processing.

2010 Overall Rating 3.25