Overview
Lehigh Valley based, Franklin Hill Vineyards, one of the oldest wineries in the state of Pennsylvania, had been operating its point of sale system “the old fashioned way,” meaning orders and receipts were done with pen and paper and inventory and “best sellers” were decided by what seemed to move quickest off the shelves. About two years ago, Adam Flatt, owner & operator of Franklin Hill Vineyards, decided to install a POS system himself and began looking in to what was available.

The Star & MAC Choice
Two of the main objectives of the POS solution were first, ensuring it was a system that Adam could easily install and manage himself; and second, a system both his young tech-savvy workers and older workers could easily navigate. The POS system would eventually be installed in four separate locations. Adam would install the first system in the wine tasting room at the Vineyard itself and later mirror the installation at three retail shops throughout the Lehigh Valley.

Being a MAC enthusiast, Adam had no problem deciding what operating system to use as the basis of the POS system. After deciding on a MAC, his search for MAC POS software brought him to xSilva’s Lightspeed for inventory and purchase transactions.
On the recommendation from a friend,Adam looked to Star Micronics for his first receipt printer. The “plug & play” TSP100 futurePRNT was selected to round out Franklin Hill Vineyards first-ever POS system. Between the compatibility with POS software and the TSP100’s “plug & play” functionality, adding the printer to the system was a simple step Adam was easily able to manage on his own, not needing to make even one phone call to Star for support in the install or operation of the TSP100.  

The TSP100 has proven to be a fast printing, hassle-free receipt printer for Franklin Hill.  An attribute much appreciated during the hectic holiday buying season from Thanksgiving to New Years; the winery and retail stores busiest time of year.

The installation of the POS system has changed how Franklin Hill Vineyards views their business model. With the addition of the POS system, staff can accurately determine which wines are the best sellers, track inventory more closely and move purchase lines more efficiently after winery tours and during the holiday buying season. With barcodes being printed on the POS receipt, exchanges can easily be made if needed and past orders can be looked up by simply scanning the barcode off the TSP100 receipt.

About Star Micronics America, Inc.
Star Micronics America, Inc. is a subsidiary of Star Micronics Company Ltd., a world-leading producer of small printers, audio components, high-precision machine tools, and precision parts. Star Micronics Company Ltd., is ranked as one of the Top 50 “Most Stable” Japanese Companies on the Japanese Nikkei. Star Micronics is the second largest small printer manufacturer worldwide and provides a full line of thermal, dot matrix and multifunction printers. For more information, visit www.starmicronics.com or call 800-782-7636 x107, Regina Mazza at rmazza@starmicronics.com.

About Franklin Hill Vineyards
In early spring 1976, the first planting of French-American hybrid and vinifera wine grapes at Franklin Hill Vineyards took place. Located on a stately hillside in Lower Mount Bethel Township, overlooking the Delaware River Valley in Pennsylvania, the vines took well to our soils and climate and began to flourish.
Over the years the vineyard had matured and produced many vintage wines.  What started as an experiment has flourished into the fruits of many award winning wines. The vineyard at Franklin Hill is now one of the oldest in the state. Virtually all of our vines planted in 1976 are still producing award-winning wines.
In 2009 alone, our wines have been awarded over 20 medals. For more information on Franklin Hill Vineyards and its retail locations, visit www.franklinhillvineyards.com.