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Frequently Asked Questions...

Is the ASI Handheld For Me?

Yes, most definitely! The ASI Handheld system is designed for use in all types of restaurants, big and small. Since the ASI Handheld eliminates a step (entering the order at a fixed POS station) in the ordering process, all foodservice/beverage establishments (full service restaurants, cocktail lounges, etc.) currently taking orders with pencil and pad WILL BENEFIT by using the ASI Handheld.

In the past, conventional wisdom dictated that handhelds were only suitable for "special" environments, such as stadiums, outdoor patios, and other situations where there was a large distance between the customer and the fixed POS station and food preparation areas. But this "conventional wisdom" was based on handheld technology being too big, expensive, unreliable, and very hard to use, thus limiting its use to extreme situations where entering an order (or walking it over to the kitchen), was much more onerous than using the expensive, hard to use handhelds. The new generation of handhelds are smaller, cheaper and reliable, thus eliminating most of the objections to the use of handhelds. And the final objection ("too hard to use,") is elegantly resolved by the ASI Handheld's unique, server-friendly user interface.

ASI has proven that the currently available handheld hardware coupled with ASI's unique user interface provides benefits to restaurants of all sizes (see testimonial from the owner of the 100 seat capacity Royal Mile Pub,) and ASI truly believes that wireless handheld technology will eventually replace many of the fixed station POS terminals in existence today.

Why is the ASI Handheld's handwriting recognition user interface better than other handheld systems using the button approach?

Simply put, because it lets servers do what they are used to doing! Servers write orders on a pad. All the ASI Handheld does is mimic the pencil and pad paradigm, thus allowing servers to feel comfortable using the handheld at tableside, in front of customers. In addition to this, it is currently the ONLY way to effectively manage large menus (more than 60 items, including, drinks, full bar, wines etc.). The button approach quickly becomes unwieldy as more items are added.

My handwriting is very bad. Will this prevent me from using the ASI Handheld?

No! Handwriting recognition is very forgiving. Field tests show that most people, even if they have "bad" handwriting, can correctly enter the full alphabet and numbers after practicing for only 15 minutes! The ASI Handheld relies on entering abbreviations using lowercase print characters, one letter at a time... and typically all it takes is 2 to 3 characters to isolate a given menu item. This is fewer letters than if you were writing on a pad. And servers always have the option of using a touch keyboard instead (see below.)

Is handwriting the only input method?

No! If a server prefers, she can use a touchscreen keyboard to enter abbreviations. The ASI Handheld provides different keyboards optimized for right and left handed users.

How do orders get sent to the preparation areas (kitchen, bar, etc.)

The ASI Handheld uses wireless technology to communicate with the central server. Orders are sent to the preparation areas as soon as the server touches the send button.

Yea, this all sounds great, but how much does it cost?

Typically a ASI Handheld System will cost between 10% and 30% more than a conventional, fixed POS system, depending on the handheld hardware you select. This increase in cost is more than compensated by the revenue increase and cost savings that provided by the ASI Handheld System.

Can handhelds be used behind the bar?

ASI does not believe that handheld technology is suitable behind the bar. In this environment we recommend sticking to a standard touchscreen terminal. The ASI Handheld is fully integrated to the ASI POS system, so you can combine handhelds and fixed touchscreen stations as required by your operation.