POS Upgrade Alternatives

[fgjb2k1]

I am helping a friend with his car wash. Currently he has Sitewatch/Tunnelwatch (a real old version. TunnelWatch still running in DOS). Its been a good system for them but they are really small so upgrading to the new SiteWatch/Tunnelwatch is really too pricey.

I am looking for alternatives for him that will allow him to keep his Tunnelwatch hardware but upgrade his POS(sitewatch).

I have seen a system from Sonny's. Is this a good product? Does it work well with Tunnelwatch?

Thanks for any input. The car wash is a full service wash that runs on a conveyor system in case that matters.

 

[robert roman]

Goal and objective is “looking for alternatives….that will allow him to keep his Tunnel watch hardware but upgrade his POS (site watch).”

How are you helping this friend if you don’t know anything about carwash?

Really too pricey probably means the wash doesn’t make much money and/or the owner is too cheap to buy new system.

Operating system is old version of DOS - 286 (12.5 to 25 MHz) through 486 or Pentium?

Upgrading this old is like needing a backhoe (windows) but instead let’s paint the shovel and wheelbarrow.

If a wash is “really small”, better goal and objective might be to find practical ways to generate more sales before borrowing money to upgrade POS.

Price range for tunnel master, hardware, software options, integration options, install and training is between $25,000 and $100,000.

 

[Earl Weiss]

Without knowing what he wants to accomplish there is no way to provide an answer.

What does the old system not do that he wants it to do?

 

[robert roman]

“What does the old system not do that he wants it to do?”

Well, if you are going to invent a question for someone else, I guess this is ok.

Upgrading this old junk is like needing a heart valve but getting a pacemaker and the patient still bleeds out.

DOS versus windows is like rotary phone versus smart phone.

Forget it, its obsolete.

 

[njcarwashing]

If he doesn't have a plan on where he wants his business to go, and the system isn't broken, don't fix it. Spending money in places that won't help you get to your goal is wasting money. We had a DOS at my old place and it was fine until we wanted to sell unlimited car washes. We were limited to what we could do with the program. We had a plan on where we wanted to be in a year, changed the system, and we got to where we wanted to be.

 

[Earl Weiss]

“What does the old system not do that he wants it to do?”

Well, if you are going to invent a question for someone else, I guess this is ok.

DOS versus windows is like rotary phone versus smart phone.

Forget it, its obsolete.

Well, I guess NJ felt it was a worthwhile question. I have the DOS Tunnel Watch. I also have 2 places with Datatrax. (I guess that is like 2 tin cans and a string extending RR's analogy) I know of another location with the DOS Tunnel watch.

They all operate the tunnels just fine and record the sales.

Also have a friend who upgraded Tunnels and spent $50K on DRBs. He gave me his old Datatrax relay panels.

I don't have pay stations. Don't plan on any since the physical configuration of the location does not permit it. Don't plan on unlimited programs. So, perhaps like me he needs to know why he should spend $50K if the existing system works.

 

[fgjb2k1]

I figured I wouldn't have described myself correctly. I help this guy with my many years of computer experience. He could upgrade to sitewatch but hates to throw money out the window if retrofitting his current tunnel watch system will allow him the ability to accomplish his current level of service for a lower cost.

The issue right now from a computer standpoint is that finding hardware to run the DOS system is becoming hard. Especially at the drop of a hat. We think it would be easier to upgrade to newer technology to allow us to go to the local computer store if needed for hardware.

We have seen some companies that allow for the retrofit for a fraction of the cost of a DRB upgrade. Since he Isn't looking for new features it really don't makes sense right now to stay with them...

I would not make this decision alone but would like to know more about the options so I can contribute to his decision. The reason I am asking car wash people.

Thanks again.

 

[Earl Weiss]

why can't he continue to use the current system?

 

[fgjb2k1]

He can, and will. Just had some hardware breakdowns that make him think it's time to upgrade. How many people are using the old DRB DOS system.

 

[Earl Weiss]

I guess it depends what is breaking down. Have had a board go bad. DRB sends a new one, charges a chunk and rebates some when you return the old one. Problems havve been few and far between for my buddy and I.

 

[robert roman]

“I figured I wouldn't have described myself correctly.”

It usually helps to form questions because it will result in more meaningful responses.

“….could upgrade….but hates to throw money out the window if retrofitting his current…..system (would)….accomplish….current level of service for a lower cost.”

If the demands of wash haven’t changed or plan to change as in needing more tunnel functions, more marketing capabilities and greater precision in managing labor, operating expenses or want a better dashboard, etc., why retrofit.

For example, Earl mentioned Datatrax. Decades old but cost is only $4,000 and its bullet proof. Issue is it has only eight functions. Not nearly enough for modern wash.

“….issue….now from a computer standpoint is….finding hardware to run the DOS system is becoming hard.”

This is why people with $500 laptops that are 5 or 6 years old buy new ones. Seldom does the benefit cost of repair make sense.

Likewise, while desktop is more durable than laptop, it eventually wears out.

Fans die and motherboards heat up and degrade or short out. Hard drive gets dead spots over time. Video card fritz’s out. Memory chips go bad. Power supplies weaken.

So, a question is how much money and “time” does your friend throw out the window keeping this old system alive?

 

[Earl Weiss]

Not correct. I have 2 different generations of Data Trax at different locations. Forgot the generation names but one has the LED Printout and the other the LCD printout. I acquired the one with the LCD Printout with (2) 16 function boxes and when I added another package at the other i just added another 16 Function box. (Top package has 6 items, plus the 6 on the menu sign is 12 needed for just the extra items). The 8 function limit is for a single button press. So for the top package The cashier / greeter Pushes 3 Buttons. 1 for the wash, 1 for 4 Functions and 1 for 2. Yep, it's a little easier with my Datatrax unit to push 1 Button, but it saved over $50,000. To acquire and install a DRB (Plus annual Support)

 

[robert roman]

While it is possible to have higher function datatrax, it is not incorrect that "8 functions" are not enough for a modern carwash.

Your answer is for a different question.

As for upgrading, I'm not aware of any major tunnel OEM that is installing datatrax.

 

[fgjb2k1]

We had boards go bad and the comm card go bad. Using Serial Comms is a little scary to me. But that just may be the way all systems communicate.not really sure. I don't see serial Comms much anywhere anymore...

 

[fgjb2k1]

I am leaning towards just ordering up some extra parts and running it in the ground. Will check out datatrax first. Thanks all...

 

[Earl Weiss]

I am leaning towards just ordering up some extra parts and running it in the ground. Will check out datatrax first. Thanks all...

To back up a minute. Depending on your model you can run simple POS system like the older DRB or Datatrax.

However, to be sure they do not seem to have the future adaptability of the more modern system. So, I do not neccessarily advocate going datatrax at this time.

Just wanted to point out your options and correct any misconceptions about the Datatrax functionality being limited to 8 functions.