The Virtual Cash Register System was written to provide a simple alternative to a paper driven procedure. Searching the internet for inexpensive cash registers that could be easily moved, netted no results. Any software found was tied to a particular hardware device or some other accounting software.

Both accounting and marketing requirements were addressed. Accounting wants control and financial information, they do not need information about products sold whereas the marketing people need that information.

Therefore, the following criteria was used to develop the Virtual Cash Register.

• Simplicity
• Minimum Security
• Portability

• Price look-up for items.
• Automatic Michigan Sales Tax computation. (SimpleCart has other tax plans)
• Allows manual entry of items not on the look-up list.
• Provides product movement visibility.
• Provides purchased product accountability.

• Devices that can connect to the internet.
• Devices that have javascript enabled (desktops, laptops, tablets and cell phones)
• Trained Virtual Cash Register users or a person to transcribe the paper records after the shift.
• PHP
• MySql
• javascript enabled
• Jquery
• Jqueryui
• Dough(nathansearles/Dough) for jquery cookies
• jTable.org
• Bootstrap (getbootstrap.com)?
• SimpleTest (http://www.simpletest.org/)
• simpleCart.js (http://simpleCart.org)

With the incorporation of latest simpleCart.js, it is possible to install credit card payments using Paypal, Google Pay, Yahoo Pay, or Amazon.

• Automated void and return procedure
• Spreadsheet output
• Apply discounts to cart.
• Apply discounts to item.

Collects information pertaining to:

• Date of transaction
• Transaction type (currently only sale)
• Clerk identification number
• Department identification number
• Product Look-up identification number(PLU)
• Quantity
• Description of item
• Unit Price
• Tax
• Transaction amount

This file must be created at implementation time and it should contain the following entries:

• define('ORGNAME_DEF','The name of your organization');
• define('ORGADDRESS_DEF', 'Address');
• define('ORGCITY_DEF', 'City');
• define('ORGSTATE_DEF' , 'state');
• define('ORGZIP_DEF' , 'zip');
• define('ORG_TOP_PHRASE' , 'A phrase that you would want to be on top of a printed receipt');
• define('ORG_BOTTOM_PHRASE' , 'A Phrase that you would want to be on the bottom of a printed receipt');
• define('HOST_SERVER', 'The host server');
• define('DATABASE_USERNAME', 'username');
• define('DATABASE_PASSWORD', 'password');
• define('DATABASE_NAME' , 'data base name');
• define('WEBMASTER_NAME' , 'webmasters name');
• define('WEBMASTER_ADDRESS' , 'your webmasters address');
• define('WEBMASTER_EMAIL' , 'Your webmasters email address');
• define('MANAGER_NAME' , 'Your managers name');
• define('MANAGER_ADDRESS' , 'your managers address');
• define('MANAGER_EMAIL' , 'Your managers email address');

This system is designed to capture transactions as they occur by the operator of the Virtual Cash Register which not only provides the accounting control but also provides marketing information. However, the Proxy Entry function allows some authorized person to enter only the accounting information from the paper shift reports provided by operators who either lack the hardware, and/or skill to use the Virtual Cash Register, at a later time.

• controls log in validation
• Provides Managers with reporting and control features.

Provides register personnel with transaction input capabilities and a log out button to end their shift.

Presents a mini-report of the actions taken during their shift and a button to send the information to their manager.