Security Problem Bug POS 6.36.

[Robert_Nel]

Hi Dale ,
I experienced a "security problem " last night.
1- We noticed a transaction had "disappeared " from the Voids list. We audit the voids / sales daily before closing down and resetting the register for the following day's shift.
2- When a sale is rung up , the bar lady lifts the printer cover of the receipt printer (citizen CBM 253 thermal) causing a "printer trap jam" , leaves the cash draw open and completes the sale. On completion of the sale the final purchase screen shows the total cost ect. After pressing the enter key , the POS program exits.
3- After restarting the POS program, the sale has not appeared in the Voids list. The stock is minused from the inventory . The cash money for the stock does not appear in the Total cash sales. The money is then taken by the bar lady.
4- The result is the both the closing sales and the Stock balance.

Also perhaps a few " security additions/suggestions " to POS .
1- A password option to view the Opening printout when opening the register. I have experienced bar staff switching off the main electrical supply to the PC , hence reopening the POS program to see the sales figures and making adjustments when cashing up.
2- A password option to view and change the "opening" cash figure. Also have experienced staff switching off main electrical supply , restarting POS and changing the "opening" figures".
3- A separate Key to open the cash draw when there is no sale. I have password blocked the access to this key as staff have used the options of Cash drops and Pulls to "confuse" the daily audits. We use the Voids sales list to print out and confirm all the Cash drops and pulls.

I run a very good "audit " system daily, based on the POS reports ect to counter the above. I have rid myself of the dishonest staff, but this type of trade , in this country it is a ongoing major problem as the staff changes frequently .The bar staff also tend to pass on information regarding the sales figures to the opposing businesses.
I thank you for you time and effort. I have been using this POS system since version 3.47.
Robert Nel
Oslo's Restaurant-Coffee Bar-Pub
South Africa.

[Dale Harris]

Robert,

The program does pop open the cash drawer before printing the receipt. The reason for this is that in many cases it can take a significant amount time to print the receipt during which you can make change from the drawer. I could change the program to pop open the drawer only after the receipt has been printed but that would drive most users nuts.

I think that there are two things to focus on the solve the problem. The first is that since the printer is being jammed it will not print a receipt. Therefore your customer is not getting a receipt. You may want to institute some sort of incentive for customers to report not receiving a receipt.

The second is that the register must be reopened and the opening receipt will be in the "void" file of past transactions and the journal. There should rarely be a legitimate reason to reopen the register during the day. It should be so rare that you should make it a rule that only the manager is permitted to reopen the register. I do not know if you use PIN numbers but if you do a PIN number is required to open the register. This will identify anyone who reopens the register during the day.

The number entered for "Opening cash fund" is not to be considered "official." It is just there to help do the math when closing the register. It is assumed that somewhere in the cash office is stored the correct opening cash fund for each register and the cash office should be checking the "real" figure against one on the closing receipt every night.

I do not understand what you mean by "A separate Key to open the cash draw when there is no sale. I have password blocked the access to this key as staff have used the options of Cash drops and Pulls to "confuse" the daily audits. We use the Voids sales list to print out and confirm all the Cash drops and pulls." If you have password blocked this then they cannot use it.

[Robert_Nel]

Hi Dale,
Thanks for the reply. I have been applying what you have told me . My Pub is small and I run the place with out a manager. The Bar lady on duty is the "manager". I use a Purchase key to open the cash draw. The suggestions I made were only more for my conveinance . We have been auditing the voids list as you have said on a daily basis. When we have noticed that the POS has been reopened we are told that there was a power problem or the PC "froze" and had to be rebooted. The only people who have acess to the voids ect are myslf and my wife on a daily basis. I thank you again.
Robert Nel