WinFSIM (Inventory Management) : Nutrient Standard Menu Planning : Healthy Meals Resource System

<-- View Information for a Different Software Program

Chart Information Updated	July 2008
Contact Information	MCS Software, L.L.C. 1133 Brook Court Mandeville, LA 70448 Contact: Sales & Marketing Phone: (888) 287-6416 Fax: (866) 407-7309 E-mail: sales@mcssoftware.com Web Address: www.mcssoftware.com
Current Version / Release Date	WinFSIM (Windows Food Service Inventory and Menu Management) Version 3.2.4, Released May 2008
Child Nutrition Database Version	CN12
Frequency of Updates	Major updates are released 2 to 3 times a year and minor updates and fixes are released as problems are identified. All updates are upward compatible and do not need to be installed. The latest version will include all previous updates.
Software Costs	Pricing is based on the number of schools and warehouses in the district with no limit or additional chargers for the number of concurrent users, applications, or workstations. The Annual Support fee is based on a percentage of the total software purchase and includes customer support services, software customization, enhancements, and updates. Our customer support services include on-line support via the Internet and toll-free phone support. Modules may be purchased separately or collectively to form a completely integrated and self-sufficient system. Package modifications and customizations are available and included in the annual support and maintenance agreement, provided the request is not unique and will benefit other school districts.
Names of Resellers	All applications are owned by and copyrighted to MCS Software, L. L. C. MCS has the necessary rights to the software, for licensing, modifications, upgrades, and maintenance and is the sole provider of the Inventory and Menu Management System.
Market Focus/ Intended type of Food Service	MCS Software offers a comprehensive state of the art Inventory Management package (WinFSIM Version 3.2.7, Released August 2007) consisting of the following modules that are all in the same program and are inherently integrated. Ingredient Maintenance Menu and Recipes Maintenance Menu Planning Ordering Receiving Issuing Production Physical and Perpetual Inventory Bid Analysis Commodity Distribution Complete integration is achieved by utilizing one program and a single SQL Server database residing on the WAN. It is the mission of MCS to contribute in the goal of optimizing each child’s potential for success, by making cutting-edge technological advances available to School Nutrition Service Departments. To this end, MCS offers the additional following specialized modules developed exclusively for School Nutrition Service Departments. Modules may be purchased separately or as in Integrated Suite of Applications. Free and Reduced Point of Sale Cafeteria Management Central Accounting DataCenter Timekeeper
SUPPORT:
Training / Costs	Training is an important part of making the implementation successful. MCS offers many different training methods; Hands-on Classroom Training, One-on-one Training, Train-the-Trainer, and On-Line Training. On-line: $375 per day On-site: $750 per day, expenses included
On-line Support	MCS utilizes numerous on-line tools to ensure the highest quality of training and support. Users may transfer the control of their computer over to an MCS Customer Support Representative by clicking a menu selection built into each software module. Additionally, users can visit support@mcssoftware.com to choose a specific MCS support representative. On-line support is included in the annual maintenance and support agreement.
Phone Support	Toll-free telephone support (1-888 287-6416) is available Monday – Friday, 6am – 6pm CST. Week-ends and extended hours are provided upon advance notice. Support is included in the annual maintenance and support agreement.
Referrals	A complete list of school districts using our software is available upon request.
# of school districts using software	200+ school districts using various modules 40+ school districts using Inventory and Menu Management
Demonstrations Available:	Send an email to sales@mcssoftware.com or call us toll free at (888) 287-6416 to schedule an on-site or on-line demonstration.
Other Support:	A “service call” tracking system is built into our web site. Support calls and enhancement requests are logged and the current status can be viewed in real-time as modifications are made. The system automatically forwards the appropriate MCS staff member an email message and the school district receives acknowledgment and workflow email messages.

Hardware:
Operating System	All software packages are compatible with Windows 98 and above. The recommended workstation operating system is Windows XP SP2. The recommended server operating system is Windows 2003.
Platforms	Supports Windows operating system platforms, which includes Windows 98 and above and the Microsoft SQL Server database engine.
Memory Requirements	Workstation – 512 MB Server – 1-2 GB RAM (Note: This usually needs to be sized according to the district's needs)
Optimal Hardware Specifications	Workstation - Single or Dual core processor, 1 GB RAM Server - Dual core processor, 2+ GB RAM (Note: This usually needs to be sized according to the district's needs)
Minimal Hardware Specifications	Workstation - Pentium class processor, 128 MB RAM, 200 MB hard drive Server – Pentium class processor, 512 MB RAM, 800 MB hard drive

Additional Features:
Point of Sale	The Point of Sale module is not included in the Inventory and Menu Management module (WinFSIM Version 3.2.7), but may be purchased separately or completely integrated with all other MCS Software modules. The system can standalone or interface with the MCS Free & Reduced module. IT DOES NOT SLOW-DOWN IF THE NETWORK SLOWS DOWN OR CRASHES. It will resynchronize automatically when the network becomes available. MCS guarantees that there will never be a lost transaction. The software utilizes biometrics (finger scanning) in vending machines and on the serving line.
Free & Reduced Applications	The MCS Free & Reduced module is not included in the Inventory and Menu Management module (WinFSIM Version 3.2.7), but may be purchased separately or completely integrated with all other MCS Software modules. The system can standalone or interface with the MCS Point of Sale module. In addition, the software can interface with third party POS software and Student Information systems. MCS has written its own scanning process, which eliminates the need and added expense of third party software. Hand written applications can be scanned and processed or manually keyed.
Food Production	The Food Production module is included in the Inventory and Menu Management (WinFSIM Version 3.2.7). The system provides features for issuing inventory for meal production, by scaling recipes against the number of servings planned per serving size and then scaling against actual inventory item sizes. The production form is pre-filled with suggested quantities to issue from inventory and leftovers. The software automatically generates both the Traditional Food Based and Nutrient Based Production Reports.
Inventory	The Inventory module is included in the Inventory and Menu Management (WinFSIM Version 3.2.7). The system includes automation of received items assumed into inventory, and tracks all changes in the inventory process. Inventory accounting methods include the capability for either perpetual or periodic calculations. The software attempts to pre-fill screen information wherever possible *eliminating* redundant data entry and *ensuring* accurate information. Order quantities are pre-filled and automatically generated based on recipes scaled from planning counts, on-hand inventory and items that have already been ordered. When receiving an order, the screen is pre-filled from the order entered by the user. All USDA commodity items may be issued based on school participation, enrollment, or a manually entered percentage.
Precosts Recipes & Menus	Recipe and Menu Management is included in the Inventory and Menu Management (WinFSIM Version 3.2.7). Orders are generated from planned menu counts and scaling recipes. Item prices are determined from the current bid award. Global search and replace features are available for ingredients, recipes, and menus.
Procurement	The Procurement module is included in the Inventory and Menu Management (WinFSIM Version 3.2.7). The system provides a multitude of all-inclusive tools to assist with performing the Bid Analysis process. Features include maintaining a history of Bid Request information, allowing multiple and overlapping Bid Periods for user-defined Bid Groups, printing and emailing of Bid Request sheets, entering Bid Quotes (responses from vendors), analyzing and determining Bid Awards and printing of Purchase Orders and Bid Contracts.
Personnel Management	The TimeKeeper module is not included in the Inventory and Menu Management (WinFSIM Version 3.2.7), but may be purchased separately or completely integrated with all other MCS Software modules. It is a complete and comprehensive software solution for managing employee time and attendance that was professionally designed specifically for School Nutrition Services. Finger scan (biometric) or pin number ensures proper employee identification. MCS provides a customized interface with the schools district’s payroll system.
Financial Management	The Central Accounting module is not included in the Inventory and Menu Management (WinFSIM Version 3.2.7), but may be purchased separately or completely integrated with all other MCS Software modules. This module is an effective accounting solution that accumulates daily sales activity for each school and provides reports for management analysis and Federal Claim reimbursement. Unique features included are: Bank Reconciliation using an imported file from the bank Limitless combinations of sorting and selection criteria for printing reports and tracking sales Immediate account reduction for NSF checks Student account statements from the Central Office Electronic claim filing User-defined accounting periods and journal account entries Comparison of prior month, prior day and prior year participation and sales
Other Modules	In addition to the USDA Approved WinFSIM Version 3.2.7, Released August 2007, the following modules may be purchase separately or completely integrated with all MCS School Nutrition Software modules. Central Communication and Configuration - The MCS DataCenter module is used to manage data elements, software upgrades and configuration settings for all sites including the Central Office, Central Warehouse, Central Kitchen, School Managers Office, and POS Workstations. This ensures that the same version of the program is supported throughout the District and gives the Central Office maximum control over menus, items, prices, letters, and configuration settings. On-Line Prepayments – MCS has developed its own payment portal between parents and their local school systems called SchoolPaymentsSolutions.com. Using the Internet, parents are able to deposit funds into their children's school meal account and view all purchase and payment transactions on-line. All fees are paid by the parent, so the service is free to the school district. Automated Telephone Messages - MCS Interfaces with School Messenger, which eliminates the inconvenient and time consuming process of telephoning parents and staff members. Calls are personalized and can be delivered in the home language. Food nutrition staff can easily send messages regarding: Low or Negative Balances Staff Reminders and Scheduling Free & Reduced Lunch Applications Introducing New Food or Test Items
Combined Breakfast and Lunch Analysis	Yes.
USDA Recipes for Schools Included	No.
Additional Databases available	Yes, customized recipes to meet the district's specification.
How do you ensure users receive the latest update of the software?	MCS Software updates are available on the MCS web site www.mcssoftware.com and are typically downloaded to a Central Office server on the WAN. All Central Office software modules have an automatic upgrade feature that searches the Internet for version upgrades. If a newer version exists, the user is notified of Version Release Notes. Updates are tested by MCS support staff and the school district requesting the enhancement prior to a new release. Enhancements included in new releases are built-in as an on/off switch allowing the user to enable the feature at will. The newly added feature is always defaulted to disabled (the way the software functioned prior to the upgrade release) protecting and ensuring users of safe up-to-date software. This practice eases the comfort level of software upgrades alleviating the typical upgrade problem fear.
When the Child Nutrition database is updated, is there a cost to the school district to receive the updated database software?	Designed specifically for School Nutrition Services, the system comes installed with the USDA Child Nutrition database (CN10), which can be updated as new releases become available. In addition, a feature is included to view and search for information in the Child Nutrition Food Buying Guide. The cost is included in the annual maintenance and support agreement.
Is there a mechanism to look at information retrospectively, e.g. old recipes, menus served in the past, or to retrieve old documents?	Changes to significant data elements are tracked and may be viewed on the screen or on a printed report. The software contains a feature for performing an End of Year process, which copies the current database to a prior year database with no limit to the number of years or databases that may be maintained. The users can simply click a menu selection to view a prior year database.
Last evaluated & approved by USDA	June 2008