YMCA FINDS MEAL TICKET IN STAR

In an innovative approach to improved resident management and cost analysis, the YMCA has implemented a PC-based meal ticketing module, utilising bespoke software developed by housing association vendor, Texellent Solutions, and the world's fastest POS receipt printer, the Star Micronics TSP700.

The solution, piloted at the 200-resident YMCA in Watford, was implemented as a means of ensuring that the meal entitlements were utilised appropriately and of verifying the number of meals served and the related catering costs, thereby improving the facility costs.

Developed and installed by Texellent, the system comprises a networked PC, located at the entrance to the residents' cafeteria, linked to an optical scanner and the Star Micronics TSP700. Residents, equipped with an ID card, are instantly provided with a meal ticket following card scanning and confirmation via the network of their identification and entitlement.

Texellent selected the Star Micronics TSP700 for the YMCA because of its output speed - 180mm per second. Mike Fairbeard, a director of Texellent, says, "We had to implement a printer that was extremely fast, as people have a tendency to grab the ticket as it is being printed out. In most products available today, that habit would have resulted in a torn ticket or a jammed mechanism - neither of which is good for throughput. The TSP700 is so fast that both potential hazards are overcome."

Texellent was also attracted by Star Micronics' renowned performance reliability and longevity, aspects that the company has first hand experience of, having implemented a number of Star Micronics printer models in 50 of the country's YMCA facilities as part of its overall housing management solution.

Background on Texellent Solution
Formed out of the YMCA, the now independent Texellent Solutions focuses on the ongoing development and support of its Futura housing, club and childcare software and is uniquely staffed by both IT and housing professionals. Texellent has become the first choice of the YMCA and many other housing providers because in addition to the Futura software developed over seven years, they are able to offer complete IT solutions including network design, supply and support.

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