Mecca

MCR Systems wins Mecca Jackpot
MCR Systems, one of Britain’s leading suppliers of enterprise management solutions, was appointed by bingo club operator Mecca to roll out a new EPOS system.

The installation, which began in June and is on-going, will be based upon MCR’s web-enabled Symphony reporting architecture, and will provide a central control hub from which Mecca’s entire EPOS system can be monitored and controlled - in real time.

Digital Dashboard
Symphony’s range of business efficiency tools includes a ‘digital dashboard’, a graphical information hub that will enable Mecca management to see, at a glance, exactly how the business is performing. Matt Gatter, MCR Systems’ Sales Director, explains: “Symphony will enable Mecca to see exactly what is happening in the business as it happens and it will empower management to respond instantly”, he said. “For example, decision makers will have access to up-to-the-minute statistics as never before; information such as sales value to date, sales this month and sales today. They’ll be able to see exactly how many transactions have been completed at any of their sites and what the current spend per transaction is. If a new product has been introduced or a new promotion launched, they can see exactly how it is performing and react accordingly.”

As a hosted system based on web technologies, Symphony is designed for true multi-user multi-access, and has the unique ability to deliver different levels of information to different tiers of management. Matt continues: “The site manager can view his or her site’s performance, regional managers can compare all of their sites, head office staff can view reports across the estate and directors can view all the reports and key performance indicators.” MCR Systems’ software team has written a bespoke interface between Symphony and the existing Mecca management system, which eliminates any requirement for the manual entry of data and will ensure the on-going accuracy of financial reporting.

‘One of our toughest challenges yet’
The project has enhanced the company’s formidable reputation for ingenuity. “We have over twenty years’ experience in providing hospitality, catering and leisure companies with enterprise management solutions that directly improve the efficiency of their business operations”, Matt said. “We do this by combining high-quality software, cutting edge EPOS technology and an unrivalled level of experience in providing the best installation, customer training, support and consultancy services. Mecca set us one of our toughest challenges yet, and I’m delighted with the results to date.”

The new system will provide forward-thinking Mecca management with the information they need to grow their position as one of the country’s leading leisure operators. The company operates 103 bingo outlets and its 3,500 employees serve 900,000 active members who, between them, amassed 16.8 million visits last year. Clearly, if instant access to sales information enables the company to boost its food and drink sales by just one percent, then rich rewards await.

Stewart McGrow, Head of Food and Beverage for Mecca Bingo, is enthusiastic about the Symphony system. “It allows us to manage our data centrally and to rationalise our product file”, he said. “It means that we can introduce exciting new food concept to our customers more efficiently than ever before and it allows us to try out new ideas. We can measure the performance of any product or promotion and we also have quicker, more accurate stock reporting.”

“We selected MCR Systems because of their unrivalled track record of delivery and because of their ability to provide high-level management and support services,” he said. Both men attribute their successful collaboration to ‘teamwork’, and the shared desire of ensuring that the full potential of the system is realised.

Points of Interest

• Mecca operates 103 bingo outlets
• The company employs 3,500 people… and serves 900,000 active members
• Mecca bingo halls attracted 16.8 million visits in 2007
• The new EPoS system is web hosted
• Management now has access to real-time sales data
• Symphony delivers opportunities for enhanced stock control
• MCR provided full project management and installation
• MCR delivered bespoke training to managers and operators