PERFECT TOPPING FOR A SOUND BUSINESS BASE

In a joint announcement made today, Star Micronics, one of the world’s largest POS printer manufacturers, and specialist systems integrator, Integer, announced that their combined order processing/POS system is the preferred solution for pizza franchises, nationwide; installed in close to 500 operations throughout the country, and used by winners in the last three years’ ‘Pizza/Pasta Annual Industry Awards’.

The Integer-developed system centres around a PC-based network, caller ID equipment and modem, as well as the Star Micronics SP216 POS/receipt printer. As customers telephone pizza franchises to order pizzas for delivery, the system identifies the telephone number, address and purchasing history, if they have ordered previously. The details, such as the order and delivery address, are then printed to the Star SP216 printer with copies for the kitchen and delivery driver.

Developed with the objective of improving customer service and franchise marketing, the Integer system provides pizza franchise employees with the information to quickly respond to individual customer needs and to easily implement targeted marketing initiatives by postcode analysis and previous buying trends.

Integer selected the Star SP216 matrix receipt printer as part of the pizza franchise system because of its highly competitive pricing, compact, clean appearance and consistent performance. A low cost, reliable (2.5 million lines MTBF) printer, the SP216 offers fast output (2.5 lines per second) a small footprint and integral power supply. Tear bar facility and red/black output are also included.

Geoff Whittle, managing partner for Integer, commented, "Using the matrix printer overcomes mistakes related to poor hand-written instructions and the use of double-sized printing furthers ease the process in busy kitchens and helps drivers on dimly-lit roads. End of day summaries are also produced on the matrix printer."

Asked why the pizza outlets prefer the Integer/Star-based solution, Whittle said, "What we offer is a reliable, cost effective solution for improving the service offered to customers, whilst providing detailed information enabling effective marketing and increased business: its the perfect topping for a sound business base."

Amongst is extensive customer list are over 90 Perfect Pizza franchises and Pizza Island, the Doncaster-based winner of the ‘best pizza delivery and takeaway operator’ award in last year’s pizza/pasta industry awards. Star Micronics POS printer products can be seen at Retail Solutions, (6th – 8th June 2000, NEC, Birmingham).

Background Information on Integer

Established in 1985, Integer supports incorporates three fundamental areas of business. In addition to the system developed specifically for the retail fast food market, Integer has also developed a system specially for high street video rental stores and a third system for implementation within the education departments of health authorities.

Background Information on Star Micronics
Founded in 1947, Star Micronics is one of the world's largest printer manufacturers and has facilities for worldwide production, marketing and support. Employing over 2500 staff and achieving turnover in excess of £250 million, Star Micronics has developed a POS printer portfolio that spans thermal and dot matrix printers and mechanisms, designed for barcode, ticketing, receipts and labelling. Star's proven technology is also being utilised to develop reader/writer systems for visual, smart and magnetic stripe cards and to install print mechanisms in multimedia kiosk environments. The Star Micronics' range is available internationally via a distribution channel comprising distributors and dealers.

For further information contact:

Annette Tarlton or Claire Smith
Star Micronics EMEA
Tel: + 44 (0) 1494 471111
Email: Marketing@Star-EMEA.com