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What type and size of retailer is Morris developed for?
Morris is a SaaS-based (software as a service) retail management solution designed specifically for small to mid-sized retailers. Whether you are a small store owner with a single location, a retailer that owns a number of stores, and/or have an online store, we offer different modules to meet your specific requirements. With Morris, there is no software to install and configure or servers to manage.
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What do you mean when you say Morris is a SaaS-based model?
SaaS stands for Software as a Service. A SaaS-based application is not downloaded and installed on a customer’s hard drive. Instead, it is hosted by a third party, such as Moneris, and is provided to customers through the internet.
There are a number of benefits of a SaaS delivered model:
- Shorter development and deployment time
- Software upgrades can be provided in real-time at a much lower cost to both the provider and the end user; the traditional client/server software requires the user to continue purchasing the software in order to obtain the latest versions
- Low cost of entry and short set-up time, especially for small businesses and start-ups
- Ability for users to access the data from anywhere they have a high-speed Internet connection, so they can stay on top of their business even when they are not physically in their store
- Software integration issues are often eliminated from the client site
- Opportunity for scalability; easy to add users and locations as the business grows
- Customer support made easier, as the support staff can remotely access the software to pinpoint and resolve issues
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Do I need an Internet connection to access Morris? And if so, can I use my current Internet service provider?
Yes and yes. You need an internet connection to access Morris’ full capabilities online. To ensure optimal performance, we recommend selecting high speed internet connection from your service provider.
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Can I use a wireless Internet connection to access Morris?
Although you can access Morris using a wireless internet connection, it is recommended that you use an Ethernet cable connection, which is faster and more stable.
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What happens if my Internet connection goes down? Will I still be able to process my customers’ payments?
In the event that you are unable to connect to Morris via the internet, an offline backup mode will provide you with a simplified version of the cash register view so you can process cash, gift, cheque, and credit transactions and record the products that were purchased. While you are in the offline mode, the system keeps track of all offline transactions so all inventory and sales data will be updated once you are back online. However, you will not have access to the “Administration” section or the ability to process debit card transactions when you are not online.
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How does Morris differ from most other POS technology solutions?
Most POS solutions are designed for large retail enterprises; this translates into higher technology costs and greater complexity. Moreover, many solutions are based on the client/server model, which means that you would need to purchase expensive servers, install the software on your computer, and institute processes to address data backup and PCI compliancy requirements. You would also need to purchase software upgrades in order to stay current.
Morris has flexible plans to suit your specific requirements. While you can use Morris to perform basic cash register functions, Morris also enables you to do more, including:
Inventory Management: Morris helps manage inventory which allows for the elimination of paper-based tracking and can reduce errors, saving you time and money. It can also provide notification when stock is running low.
eCommerce Module: Morris’ eCommerce module can help you develop an engaging web store using easy to use tools and templates. This web store will be integrated with the rest of your Morris module, which can reduce time spent manually updating orders while linking to your inventory and shipping for easy product management. Promotions and discounts are also quickly and easily extended to the web store.
Customer Management: With Morris you can improve customer service and foster relationship building by tracking purchase histories. You can also assign automatic discounts to your preferred customers or alert your customers to relevant promotional offers.
Real-time Reporting: Morris’ robust reporting can help you improve your analytical and business planning activities, helping you to manage your business with additional information.
Payment Processing Integration: When accepting debit and credit card payments with a traditional cash register, you generally process the sale first on the cash register and then on a separate terminal. Morris streamlines the checkout process with Moneris’ payment solution (see Do I have to use Moneris for payment processing with Morris? below).
Remote Access: With Morris you are able to login to the system anywhere there is an internet connection. This added flexibility allows you to review sales, view inventory levels, manage your business, etc. regardless of your location.
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Do I have to use Moneris for payment processing with Morris?
If you use Morris without the eCommerce module, you do not have to use Moneris payment processing with Morris. However, there are several advantages to using Moneris as your all-in-one integrated service provider for both your software and your payment processing. For example, it eliminates the need for a separate POS terminal; you simply plug the PIN pad provided into your computer to process transactions. It also eliminates the need for the manual re-entry of credit and debit transactions into a separate POS terminal, which can reduce the risk of error since you only enter transaction details once.
If, on the other hand, you wish to use Morris for your online needs (i.e. the Morris eCommerce module), you will have the benefit of accepting online payments through the Morris Hosted Pay Page. The Morris hosted payt page is hosted by Moneris and seamlessly re-directs your online customers to a secure payment page that allows them to pay for goods. There is no need to purchase an SSL certificate.
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How do I pay for Morris each month? And what do I do if I have a billing question?
If you are both a Morris and Moneris customer, you can choose to pay for the service through your merchant account or with a recurring credit card payment. If you are a Morris customer only, you can choose a monthly recurring credit card payment or a direct debit to your bank account.
When purchasing our hardware bundles there are payment options available; you can either pay upfront through bank account or credit card, or you can choose the Deferred Payment Plan if you are a Moneris customer.
For a prompt response to any billing questions or if you are interested in purchasing a hardware bundle, simply call a Morris sales representative.
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Can I use my existing PC computer to access Morris over the Internet?
Yes. While Moneris offers several state-of-the-art retail-specific hardware bundles to choose from, you are also able to access Morris through any PC with internet access as long as minimum hardware requirements are met. (For detail, please visit System Requirements page on Morris website)
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How secure is my data with Morris?
We store and maintain the master, transaction, and other data on your user account in secure data centres and we run automatic backups to help ensure your data will be safely guarded.
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Can I purchase eCommerce module as a standalone solution?
Yes. Morris eCommerce can be purchased as a standalone module if you only want it to manage your online store.
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I don’t currently have an online store, but I plan to create one, what do I need to do to get started?
Morris provides a comprehensive eCommerce module that helps you to set up an online store quickly and easily. With the Morris eCommerce module, you can customize your storefront, organize products, track inventory, accept payments online, and track sales data.
Prior to developing your online store you will need to complete the following:
- If you do not already have one, register a domain name with a domain registry company for your eCommerce site. Most of your internet providers also offer domain registry service.
- Create the DNS CNAME record to link your domain to the Morris eCommerce site. Ensure that it points to mymorris.moneris.com to link up properly.
- Follow the instructions in the Morris eCommerce - Getting Started Guide to start creation of your web store.
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Which languages are supported by the Morris eCommerce module?
The Morris eCommerce module is available in both English and French. The translation of the content on your website, such as company overview, product descriptions, etc. is your responsibility.
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Do I need to have a web developer to create my online store?
No, Morris offers an easy to use eCommerce module that includes professionally designed templates that can be applied to your eCommerce web store; you can also customize them with CSS, HTML, and JavaScript. If you need help producing your own JavaScript and CSS to incorporate into your website or optimizing the site search results you may want to hire a third party web developer to complete this task.