In this e-book, we reveal the Top 7 Signs that it’s time to make a change.

Have you thought about what your technology is doing for you lately? It’s not something that likely comes to mind unless you are having issues with your software or service. But, you may want to consider whether it’s time to evaluate other options.

Your software is no longer supportedIs the software you are running still being developed and supported? Do you receive updates to ensure continuous compliance with federal and state regulations? Will you be required to switch systems to stay compliant?

Look for a proven system from an established company committed to developing and continually improving its software to meet the complex requirements of school nutrition programs, now and into the future.

Whether it’s questions about POS, nutrition analysis, or online payments, you deserve to have one place to go for support. Look

for a provider that will support you and your parents from one place.

Being bounced around when you really need help is frustrating. You shouldn’t have to call three different numbers, send e-mails, and repeat concerns during a time of need. And the parents in your district should be supported too.

You have to call multiple help desks for support

Students have to wait a day or more to use funds“I’m out of lunch money,” Timmy shouts as he’s hopping on the school bus. If his mom adds funds to his account online, will they be at the school in time for him to eat breakfast? In today’s fast-paced world, parents expect deposits to be available instantly.

If your online payment system isn’t updating

the POS systems in your schools

immediately or offering a mobile app for quick payments, it’s time to ditch your solution for

one that does.

You have to enter the same information multiple timesDo you have to set up items for inventory and then set them up again at the POS? Do you have to set up a recipe for an item that goes directly from the storeroom to the serving line in order to include it on your menu? Do you have to add an item you serve at every meal, like milk, to every menu?

Look for an integrated system in which all

operational functions communicate data

seamlessly with each other, and with other

district systems!

You don’t get the maximum reimbursement possible Once a student’s eligibility is determined, how long does it take until the student receives benefits at the POS? If the eligibility isn’t updated until the following day, or transactions have to be voided and re-rung for the days between application submission and processing…or your managers simply don’t bother because it’s too much effort, it’s resources wasted and money lost.

Look for a system that will automatically reprocess all POS transactions for

retroactive eligibility benefits once a student’s application is processed.

Parents deposit meal account funds and pay for school fees in two different systemsIt’s difficult to promote two separate payment programs in your district, and an inconvenience for parents to have to log into multiple websites for deposits. School nutrition programs benefit when meal payments can be made alongside school-related fees, as seen in many districts where online meal deposits grew over 20% within the first year.

Look for a system that offers an online payment system that manages not only meal accounts but all student payments. The parents in your district will thank you!

You cannot take your POS on-the-goIf you offer programs such as Breakfast in the Classroom, Grab and Go Carts, and other mobile feeding programs, you shouldn’t be tracking those meals manually. Can you grab your POS and ring up sales on-the-go?

Look for a system that makes it easy to sell items from mobile carts in the hall, in classrooms and near

bus loading zones, and watch participation skyrocket!

We are Horizon Software, a leading provider of school nutrition technology solutions. We are committed to providing innovative software for operating successful school nutrition programs, ensuring compliance, and continuously moving forward. Our on-premise and

cloud-based solutions are easy-to-use, integrated, and fully supported by us.

If you are experiencing any or all of the 7 deadly sins of school nutrition software, please contact us at 1-800-741-7100

to learn more about our solutions, or visit us online at www.horizonsoftware.com