Selecting a POS & controller (need advice)

I believe I have narrowed the competition down on which computer system to upgrade my wash with but the more I look at the bids and sales literature from DRB, ICS, ISI and Autopilot I start to second guess myself.

What is important to you for your point of sale and tunnel controller?
The companies seem to do "about the same thing" but the costs are quite different.
I am new to the industry any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
I have a 70' single entry tunnel that averages 183 washes a day. Vending machines out by the vacuums.

I am very familar with ICS, DRB, and Washlink, having had each. The decision you are making is very similar to finding the perfect mate. Take your time.

1) Why do you want a system if you only have a single lane entry? You've got to backup every computer(digital) system with some kind of manual(paper & pencil) system...unless you are going to close your wash when the computers go down. Remember this, no computer system is going to prevent employee theft.
2) I recommend leaving town and spending quality time on someone's site looking at all the functions and discussion strengths/weaknesses with operators. Ask to see his system manuals, you'll be surprized what you find out. Get out and look at systems in operation. Visit operators your size...not multiple locations that have IT staff for all their systems.
3) They each have strengths and weakness...but none are perfect. Find the one that best suits what you need. IE: easy tie in to equipment controller....good money handling reports...fingerprint log in...good controls at drive-on station....etc, etc. Don't be discouraged when you discover that the system you chose will not do what you thought it would do. Boy there are some parallels with marriage there.
4) Realize this, that once you commit to a system, you are married to it for better or worse. It is very expensive to change computer systems and wives.
Don't let a fancy bell or whistle emotionally convince you, that you need to invest a lot of money into something that could complicate your operation. In other words, don't fall for the first set of "pretty legs" you see.

To answer your question: #1 is reliability/durability, Others: backup capabilities, simplicity for the customer, staff, and operator, good reports, alerts, inexpensive components, on-line support, low support fees, weekend support. I've learned it's more important to have reliable machines than to have every fancy bell and whistle, which complicates troubleshooting and drives up costs of replacing components. I've spent so many hours on support with some problems that I've had to get a lawn chair and put it out by my cashiers.

You forgot Micrologic (www.micrologic.net). They are currently standing out in the following areas: Microsoft SQL Server running on Window 2008 Server. One of the most powerful database platforms running on a powerful and stable operating system running on Dell Server Class PC's. Tunnel entrance monitor is a NEMA 12 (Waterproof) 15" touch screen. You can run in the rain if you wanted to. You could sell gift cards or promotion give promotional cards and accept them at your vacuums. You could accept CC at your vacuums and accept gift cards. Unlimited accounts and fleet accounts are standard features of their software. No extra charge. You get all the features in their software. We have 15 of their systems and are installing our 16th to run three auto cashiers, a tunnel, three dog washes, four self service bays and 14 vacuums. We use them because they are the only company that can do this and their hardware is great.

The best advice is from Jim though. Go see anything you buy and talk to the attendants and operators before deciding.

I have a Micrologic Controller and complete POS system in both of my Full Service washes. I have used other systems (do not wish to mention names) As far as support and service hands down I have zero complaints with this system. It does all that others do plus more. About a month ago we added Handhelds to the greeter station which on busy days will allow us to process 100+ cars per hour. So far the system has not let us down. Have not had a bad experience with system and support team is excellent! I highly recommend taking a look into this system.

Mr. Morgan the truth be told, the last replies are very true. Micrologic has hands down represented technology in the format of simplicity in use on a daily bases for you and your single or multiple employee operation. The benefits are many, to name just a few customer drivers license's able to be swiped,the ability to pick your own payment processing, employee hand identifying capabilities and many, many more functions to these.

I personally invite you to visit with me, and several Micrologic sites that would interest you, in helping you make your decision.

Please feel free to contact me and I will spend time with you answering all of your questions.

Mike Aldana
Regional Sales Manager
Micrologic Associates

Call me at: 903.814.0956

Since my last posting under wanting to upgrade POS, Micrologic has stepped up to the plate and corrected the issues that were preventing our system from working as intended. As with all systems, ML has its pros and cons, however, Micrologic has addressed the majority of our issues. The webapp is user-friendly, our two stores now sync, and we are working on an effective and efficient Unlimited Program.