What are the different self-service user experiences?
Understanding EnoSoft Professional and Card Generator software systems
When choosing the right tools for your self-service enomatic wine dispensing system, it’s important to understand the differences between the Card Generator and the EnoSoft Professional software options.
Both solutions offer unique benefits for different business needs, and selecting the right one can streamline your operations and enhance the customer experience.
Please note that these software levels are only relevant to self-service models: Unica Roma and Unica Bubbles.
What is Card Generator?
Card Generator is designed for pre-paid models of service.
The way Card Generator works is that access cards are created, cashed off, cleared, and reset on the physical machine. This requires inserting each card into the machine to load it with a specific value, a quick task typically undertaken before service each day or once a week.
This streamlined self-service option is excellent for experiences where the client has a set amount of tastings for a set price (e.g., $30 to taste any four wines). Think of Card Generator as a gift card system – it subtracts from the money that’s loaded onto it.
Personally, we do not recommend Card Generator for busy venues where all of your wines are priced differently and a customer could end up with unused credit. They will either need to pre-pay for their card knowing that they will use it all perfectly (such as set pricing at a cellar door), or know they will be able to use it next visit instead. Settling an exact bill would require inserting the card back into the machine to determine how much money had been spent, calculating the difference from the loaded value, and then returning to the POS to process a refund. This is generally too complex for busy venues, and it's not what this system is designed for.
The software for installing bottle information onto the screen (prices, pour size, region, alcohol content, etc.) is managed through a browser-based app, which is accessible via any laptop, tablet, or phone with Wi-Fi.
Pros:
- Does not require an additional software license; Card Generator is included in the purchase of the machine
- Easy to use with little staff training required
- Uses a browser-based app that can be accessed from any smartphone, tablet, or computer
Cons:
- Refunds are manual and time-consuming
- No data tracking or analytics beyond what you capture in your own POS system
The typical customer experience of using an enomatic in Card Generator mode is that your customer purchases a pre-loaded wine access card, which they can then use until they are out of credit. They can then purchase another one if required.
What is EnoSoft Professional?
EnoSoft Professional can facilitate either a pre-paid model or a post-paid model of service. Think of it as a credit card system, a gift voucher system, and/or a debit card system. It is incredibly versatile.
EnoSoft Professional can work either in a pre-paid workflow as with Card Generator, or post-paid. In a post-paid workflow, customers are given a wine card that keeps a consumption tally, which is read with a card reader attached to a laptop at the POS station. The total amount is then added to the final bill for settlement.
On EnoSoft Pro, you can create different types of customer cards, such as a membership card with all their contact information attached, which allows you to give them special pricing or offers.
You can also set a limit (e.g., $100), allowing them to use their personalised access card whenever they wish. This can be pre-loaded like a gift voucher or you could choose to provide them with credit. Once they reach the limit, they must settle their account or load more funds before continuing to pour.
EnoSoft Professional also enables venues to make informed business decisions based on the data gathered through the software. This includes insights into which bottles perform well, customer preferences, and detailed sales reports.
Please note that EnoSoft Professional is only designed to work on Windows. We will load it onto a Windows laptop for you, as part of your self-service package. If running a post-paid workflow, you will also have a laptop and a card reader at your POS station, to allow you to read the tally of cards.
Pros:
- Allows for data reporting and analytics, such as customer data and sales figures
- Centralised input of wine and customer information in a dedicated software system
- Provides a premium customer experience with personalised cards and flexible payment options
- Requires an additional one-off software license, increasing upfront costs
Choosing the Right Option for Your Business
When deciding between the Card Generator and EnoSoft Professional, consider the following factors:
- Business Size and Complexity: Smaller venues with straightforward self-service needs might find the Card Generator sufficient. Busy venues will benefit from EnoSoft Professional’s advanced features.
- Customer Experience Goals: If data and analytics are priorities, EnoSoft Professional is the better choice.
- Budget and Resources: The Card Generator is more cost-effective upfront, but EnoSoft Professional provides long-term value through its robust capabilities.
Conclusion
Both the Card Generator and EnoSoft Professional are excellent tools for enhancing the functionality of your enomatic wine dispensing system. By understanding the unique features and benefits of each, you can choose the solution that best aligns with your business goals and operational needs.