Offline Billing

Purpose:

Offline billing is utilized when the server is down due to hardware issues or a network failure, and the clients continue to bill. So, when the server is up again, the billed information is uploaded to the server and the normal operations are restored.

Benefits:

1. Billing never stops.

2. Customers who maintain 100% inventory can also make use of this feature.

3. Sales at business are not affected due to IT infrastructure issues.

Steps to configure the Offline Billing:

Step 1: Make login as Service User.

Go to Tools > Configuration > Configuration

Step 2: Business Configuration screen will appear. Go to Service User Configuration > Billing > Allow Offline Billing (Enable the checkbox) > Save

Limitations:

1. Product Type: Customer loyalty card is not supported so as to avoid the same card number being issued at multiple counters.

2. Tender Type: Loyalty redemption is not supported so as to avoid redeeming the loyalty points at multiple counters. Gift voucher redemption is not supported so as to avoid the same gift voucher being redeemed at multiple counters.

3. Function Key: Load MR/TI, Manual Reorder, Expired Order, Quick Add Item, Save_CustItem, Temp stock , Due - Noprint, Overdue Bill, Converting from sales order, Converting from delivery note.

Risks:

- Old database is restored in server system, when the client is in offline mode. In this case, you may come across more inaccurate records.  

- Bill printout outstanding value may not be accurate in certain cases.

- While printing sales bill, the loyalty points may not be accurate in certain cases.

- In the offline counter cash handover the canceled/edited/returned may not reflect if you have done it other than billed counter as the counter summary data may not tally with the server system.

- In offline billing mode, in the sales billing screen - the LOV doesn't show the correct stock.

Conclusion:

Offline billing in a point of sale (POS) system can be a useful feature for businesses that may experience occasional or intermittent connectivity issues. With offline billing, transactions can still be processed and recorded even when the POS terminal is not connected to the internet or the server.

FAQ's:

1. Can offline transactions be cancelled or refunded?
- Yes, offline transactions can typically be cancelled or refunded in the same way as online transactions once the POS terminal reconnects to the internet.

2. How does offline billing affect inventory management?
- Offline billing may delay the recording of sales data, which could make it more difficult to track inventory levels in real time. Businesses may need to manually reconcile offline transactions with their inventory management system.