Using Existing POS Infrastructure to Process Prepaid Loyalty Cards
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 The Challenge
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U.S. South is a leader in providing prepaid wireless programs, with over 40,000 locations using their transaction processing capabilities. US South offers multiple wireless carrier airtime programs, prepaid Internet and long distance, and stored value programs such as gift cards and prepaid fuel solutions.
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US South wanted to offer an affordable, cost-effective solution for their customers to connect their prepaid phone cards to their existing network infrastructure while retaining their Point-of-Sale (POS) equipment.
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Precidia's Solution |
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Precidia's Ether232Plus provided the ideal solution for US South to better serve its customers, by moving prepaid card information from Point of Sale (POS) serial terminals to more advanced IP infrastructure. Using Precidia's Ether232Plus, US South is able to connect retailers' terminals to a LAN/WAN using TCP/IP, improving transaction times by 50 percent and reducing costs by eliminating the need to use other networks.
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US South recently introduced Precidia's Ether232Plus into approximately 1,500 Valero/Ultramar Diamond Shamrock locations and plans to promote and implement the solution in convenience stores in the near future. "The Ether232Plus is the ideal solution for integrating serial-based terminals onto a frame relay. It provides real value-added to our customers, improving their transaction times, decreasing their costs, while allowing them to maintain their investment in their serial equipment," said David Etling, Sales Engineer for US South. "It is very easy to install and improves our ability to manage the transaction."
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Benefits |
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By using Precidia's Ether232Plus to create an integrated solution, US South is able to offer significant savings and operational efficiencies, while increasing customer satisfaction. Some of the benefits include:
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- Cost Savings
The device seamlessly installs into the existing infrastructure, and requires no upgrade or replacement of older operational equipment. It allows serial equipment to communicate from remote sites to the LAN/WAN, eliminating the need to purchase additional equipment and wiring.
- Remote Administration
With the Ether232Plus, the IT department is able to remotely configure and manage the devices from a central location. The device also has the capability to perform automatic routing of traffic to a backup system during a disaster.
- Remote Diagnostics
The Ether232Plus facilitates remote diagnostics, with vast cost savings by reducing the need for onsite visits. The Ether232Plus also allows for data and diagnostics to be handled simultaneously, in real-time.
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Conclusion |
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he Ether232Plus is a '3 in 1' network-enabling device, which seamlessly migrates RS232, RS422 or RS485 equipment to a LAN/WAN using TCP/IP.
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Responding to simple configuration commands, the Ether232Plus swiftly incorporates any number of serial devices onto a company's IP network, while enhancing their functionality. Its compact design ensures simple installation. The Ether232Plus is adaptable to current and future networks. What was once stand-alone is now a part of your network, accessible from a central PC.
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