Cougar Mountain Software — CMS Professional POS

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From the Oct. 2008 Review of Point of Sale Systems

CMS Professional POS is an ideal fit for smaller retailers that desire a complete front/back office integrated system. Although available to be purchased as a stand-alone product, CMS Professional POS operates at a higher level of efficiency when used with CMS accounting products.

EASE OF USE - 5 Stars
All Cougar Mountain Professional modules contain a similar user interface, and the POS module is no different. A drop-down menu bar offers access to various system functions including File, Sales (where all POS functions can be accessed), Reports, Period End, and Options (where system preferences can be entered). A series of colorful icons sits directly beneath the toolbar with quick access to various modules. After signing into the sales entry screen, double-clicking on the customer field will allows users to locate an existing customer or add a new customer. Lookup options are also available for locating item information. Users can utilize either a regular computer keyboard or an item scanner to enter items.

A series of tabs at the bottom of the register interface provides quick access to vital functions such as customer information, tender, paid-outs, on-account and drawer functions. Customers and items can both be added on the fly. CMS Professional POS accepts multiple tender types for single transactions, and discounts can be easily entered at the time of a sale.

MODULES/SCALABILITY - 5 Stars
As previously noted, this product can be used as a stand-alone product but works much better in conjunction with other CMS accounting products. In addition to the POS module, CMS Professional POS includes Inventory and Data Exchange modules. For a complete POS solution, the CMS Professional POS with Back Office be purchased, including GL, AP, and AR. Numerous add-on modules are also available that can be purchased, including Bank Reconciliation, Payroll, Purchase Order, Job Cost, Multi-Level Inventory, Credit Card Authorization, BarTender Label Generator, GL Report Generator, and specialty shop options. Through its SinglePoint Server, CMS Professional POS can handle multiple locations, and smaller shops have the luxury of growth without the need to switch software products.

FEATURES/FUNCTIONALITY - 5 Stars
CMS Professional 2009 POS offers several new valuable features, including the ability to automatically block any new charges on past due customers. Outstanding balances on customer statements can be displayed to better track past due amounts, and unique identifiers can be assigned for groups of stock items needed for Lot Tracking. The addition of the PDF Blaster Lite (included free) allows users to create PDF files of customer invoices and reports and easily e-mail them to recipients.

Excellent customization capability is also available in CMS Professional 2009 POS, allowing the register interface to be customized to better suit employee needs. Various setup wizards can be utilized when adding customers and items. If selling age-restricted items such as alcohol or cigarettes, a warning prompt can be set up to flash on the screen for age verification.
CMS Professional POS is very flexible so users can easily process special orders, discounts, refunds and voids.