Why do I need a Corporate Host?
Efficiency: SuperHOST allows you to make price changes once, rather than repeating data entry at every store location.
Reporting: SuperHOST allows chains to monitor activity with the specialized Executive Information System (EIS). The EIS allows the corporate management to view movement of the overall chain down to the specific item in an individual store, and every level in between. Chains can monitor test runs of products in limited locations, identify locations of high or low turnover for certain products, the possibilities with EIS are limitless.
Control: SuperHOST puts control of the chain's pricing and inventory philosophy in the hands of the corporate management. With the information provided through EIS, the corporate decision-makers can maximize product offerings for increased profitability while decreasing shrink and wasted shelf space. The host also offers margin control and price consistency.

What is the difference between SuperPOSS and SuperHOST?
SuperPOSS is a backoffice system that resides at the store level. SuperHOST is a corporate host system that resides at the corporate level. Both allow management to set prices and track movement, but in different ways.

What is the maximum number of stores that SuperHOST can support?
In theory, SuperHOST is capable of supporting unlimited store locations. However, MEISolutions recommends SuperHOST for up to 50 stores. Chains with more than 50 stores may require special consideration.

Is there a minimum number of stores for SuperHOST to be valuable?
No, if a chain consists of 2 or more stores, it can benefit from SuperHOST.

Do I need to send uniform prices to all the stores?
Absolutely not. SuperHOST allows the corporate decision-makers to define store groups, which can be based on any criteria (i.e. distance from warehouse, neighborhood demographics, store size, store type). These store groups can receive completely different inventory from each other, or completely different pricing and promotions on the same inventory.

If I make a change at the store level, will SuperHOST override it?
Usually yes. But if the SuperPOSS at that store location has a "hold date" active, SuperHOST cannot override it.

What hours can I call for Technical Support?
Technical support for SuperHOST is offered several ways.

• Through MEISolutions, technical support is offered on a per-call basis, or with a support contract.
  Per-Call/Non-Contract Support Hours: 5am to 5pm Pacific Standard Time, Monday through Friday, excluding major holidays.
  Basic Technical Support Contract Hours: 8am to 5pm Pacific Standard Time, Monday through Friday, excluding major holidays.
  

How much does Technical Support cost?
Technical Support fees are based on the number of sites.

Will SuperHOST allow me to do store-to-store movement comparison reports?
Yes, SuperHOST will allow you to see the movement of the same items from different stores.

How are prices sent from SuperHOST at corporate to SuperPOSS PRO in the stores?
A Wide Area Network (WAN) is recommend. Prices are sent in Alternate Host format to SuperPOSS PRO.

What are the hardware, software and operating system requirements for SuperHOST?
A dedicated server with P 3 or P 4 speed.
A minimum of 1 GB of memory and 18 to 36 GB of hard disk.
Each installation needs to be specially configured based on several factors including: number of stores, store sizes and desired retention of data history.

How much does SuperHOST cost?
SuperHOST is currently being offered through custom quotes, but the pricing is dependent in part upon the number of stores in the chain.

Who installs SuperHOST?
MEISolutions currently subcontracts the installations of SuperHOST.

What is involved in training for SuperHOST?
In addition to the 2-4 days of installation, SuperHOST usually requires two days for complete training.

Does SuperHOST tie to other corporate systems like accounting and ordering?
This is absolutely possible and has been achieved in various situations through customization of SuperHOST. Please discuss your complimentary systems with MEISolutions prior to install.

Does SuperHOST interface with my wholesaler's price change system?
This can also be achieved through customization of SuperHOST.

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