At a glance
allpay Ltd entered the cashless catering market with a simple, new, all in one product called Dosh initially to satisfy the education sector. To take advantage of the opportunity a prototype system was required for a specific client within very tight timescales. This needed to be in a live environment within two months. This included a new client/customer website and software built for a PoS (point of sale) terminal. The test environment was to be allpay’s very own restaurant and separate bistro split across two sites.
The Problem
To satisfy the definition of the prototype allpay needed to develop quickly and in a trusted environment that did not detract from business as usual. Two systems were required:
- Software for the touch screen PoS terminal to enable catering staff to recognise pupils using biometrics, process transactions and increase the speed of throughput at meal times. Both real time and scheduled reporting of transactions was required for client reconciliation purposes
- An online presence for both the client and their customers to manage funds and reporting. Transactions and detailed meal information should be shown through this portal.
The Approach
Avco worked closely with allpay on the specification. They were in receipt of a PoS terminal and the biometric device early on which enabled a speedy build.
Once build commenced, the applications were made available for testing at a variety of break points. Due to the tight delivery schedule, Avco assisted with the UI for the PoS terminal with a view to making it easy to use and navigate to satisfy the requirement for improved speed at the checkout.
The Result
allpay Dosh was released as a ‘business as usual’ package during 2011 to multiple schools and clients. It continues to be developed in partnership with Avco Systems, adding new functionality to satisfy market demand whilst staying true to allpay’s ‘simple’ build approach.The relationship has blossomed with allpay now on version 3 of the system based on an ambitious roadmap.
