FloristWare FAQ's: Technical Questions

You can use an existing PC or Mac, ideally one that is less than two years old. A newer, faster machine will run the software faster but you do not need brand new, top-of-the-line equipment - especially during the trial period.

During the trial period you can get by with an inkjet. When you are ready to run FloristWare full time you should upgrade to a laser printer. While they cost more initially lasers are much less expensive to operate and will save you a lot of money over time. Laser printers are also faster and the ink does not smudge when wet - a real concern in flower shop! If you want FloristWare to print your delivery slips / enclosure cards you will need either a second printer or a single printer that has two paper sources. A receipt printer is not required but you may want to consider adding one in the future.

If you are going to use the system to replace your cash register, you might want to consider a cash drawer. Some users just detach the cash drawer from their existing cash registers while others use some type of strong box.

Yes! While most shops can get away with one, a busier shop may want one in the front for use as a cash register and another in the back by the phone for taking orders, generating reports, etc. An even busier shop might have a couple up front as cash registers, one or two by the phones, one in the office and one in the production area. In fact, if you have high speed internet access in your store, you can access FloristWare from anywhere you can get an internet connection - your home, a coffee shop, etc. - and use it just like you would if you were in the store.

If you want to use the software on a couple of different machines, you will need a hub or switch. This is a small device that connects all the computers together in what is called a network. These devices are readily available for less than $100. You might also want to get somebody to help you connect the computers to it. Please contact us to discuss the details - we will be happy to help you through it.

Yes! You can mix Windows and Mac machines on the same network.

In order to run FloristWare on your Windows computer it must have one of the following operating systems:

Microsoft Windows 7
Microsoft Windows Vista
Microsoft Windows XP (Service Pack 2)

The machine itself must meet the following requirements:

RAM: 1GB Minimum, 2GB+ Suggested
Hard Disk: 50GB Free Space

If you purchased your machine within the last three years it almost certainly meets these requirements. If you want to be sure please feel free to call.

In order to run FloristWare on your Mac it must have one of the following operating systems:

Mac OS X v10.3 (Panther)
Mac OS X v10.4 (Tiger)
Mac OS X v10.5 (Leopard)
Mac OS X v10.6 (Snow Leopard)

The machine itself must meet the following requirements:

Macintosh computer with a PowerPC G3, G4, G5 or Intel processor
256 MB of RAM
CD-ROM and Disk Drive

If you purchased your machine within the last three years it almost certainly meets these requirements. If you want to be sure please feel free to call.

Some questions and misconceptions recently came up on FlowerChat. I'll try and set the record straight below:

• FloristWare is not a web-based solution. It - and your data - resides on your computer so that you always have sole ownership of it.

• There is an automated back-up routine that is run every night. The latest version also allows you to automate the process of sending a compressed back-up file to our ftp server for secure storage.

• Dorothy is absolutely right - you could use gotomypc for remote access but if you have more than one license it’s not necessary - the software itself allows for remote access. It’s not uncommon for users to run statements, peruse reports or even track individual orders from anywhere they can get an internet connection.

• The licensing can be confusing at first. We’re not actually worried about how many machines you install it on - just how many simultaneous connections you have. For example a user with a two station license could install the software on four machines with no problem - they just can’t use all of those stations at the same time.

• We do offer some very interesting wire service options. FloristWare has full send and receive capability with BloomNet and Flower Shop Network and one-click sending (but no receiving) with bbrooks and Floral Source.

• There is no integration with the FTD Mercury or Teleflora Dove networks. FTD and Teleflora orders can be entered into the system for tracking/reporting purposes.

• There are definitely payroll features. The system will keep track of the hours worked by each employee and calculate their wages earned but it does not calculate withholding taxes, etc. The version currently being deployed also includes a staff scheduling tool.

• Computer generated cards are an interesting issue. They can definitely save time and reduce errors but many shops - high end shops particularly - have resisted because they feel that they are cold and impersonal. Finding a solution has been a priority. The new version allows full wysiwig (What You See Is What You Get) card editing. You get to adjust the default font settings and then tweak them on a card-by-card basis. Some florists have told us that they plan to have fonts created of their own handwriting (this can be done) and use that.