Zonal is the first class choice at the University of Hertfordshire
Operating four popular entertainment venues on the busy campus of The University of Hertfordshire, the Students’ Union decided it was time to seek an intelligent technology partner.
After a competitive pitch, Zonal was enrolled at the university that is home to over 25,000 students. The four venues located on the College Lane Campus include two nightclubs, a bar and pub and attract at least 8,000 students every week.
A Licensed Trade Manager at the University said: “Our existing till system was not delivering the data we required, so we needed to explore alternatives. We initially approached Zonal because of its reputation in the hospitality sector and the pedigree of its clients.
“We were impressed by Zonal’s EPoS solutions that included integrated chip & pin functionality as well as having a comprehensive support structure in place, giving us the confidence to move forward”
To date, Zonal has installed 22 Aztec controlled terminals with chip & pin card readers. The Students’ Union is now benefiting from accurate, real time business reporting that is proving invaluable in terms of making the business more efficient and profitable through the Aztec head office and site software installed by Zonal.
They added: “The Aztec EPoS system has provided us with central control and access to data rich sales analytics which is key to identifying our customers’ spending habits. It is early days, and we are still getting to grips with the stock taking system, but can already see that this will deliver dramatic efficiencies and therefore profitability for our businesses.”
The University of Hertfordshire Student Union has plans to extend the system to include loyalty, which is so important to an offers focused student population. Research by Zonal and CGA Peach supports this approach with almost 40% of 18 to 24 year olds visiting a bar or restaurant’s website before visiting to check out the latest deals. And 73% want loyalty schemes that reward them with offers tailored to their preferences.
“Loyalty was a key part of our brief and we were impressed by Zonal’s cost effective but impressive loyalty package. We will be adopting this across our estate when the new academic year starts this September”
Fully integrated with EPoS, Zonal’s Loyalty module gives hospitality outlets a powerful insight into customer data enabling them to operate tailored customer programmes around preferences, frequency of visits and products purchased.
Loyalty programmes can be created to incorporate schemes such as collecting points, accumulate cash back or receive bonus items or discounts.
“Overall we have been delighted with the service we have received from Zonal who have taken the trouble to get to know our business and specific needs. The support helpline is excellent and the training has been very thorough”
And with mobile savvy customers, the University of Hertfordshire will also be exploring Zonal’s mobile ordering app solution.
iOrder is a ‘virtual waiter’ that allows customers to browse, order and securely pay for food and drink from the comfort of their table. It is fully integrated with the Aztec EPoS system, which means there is no additional work for operators, and displays real time promotions, menu pricing and product availability whilst linking with other app functionality, including loyalty schemes.
However, what makes iOrder unique to other solutions is that it can be completely personalised to a company’s brand, a vital element to build customer loyalty and confidence in mobile ordering.