Is an Aerus franchisee required to implement all functions of FOAS in their Franchised Business?
Aerus Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
A. You must own and maintain at an Approved Location computer hardware, computer facilities and computer communications connections (e.g., DSL, cable or satellite internet access connections and service where available) meeting all minimum performance specifications promulgated and published by us from time to time in order to install, update and support FOAS.
- B. You must permit us or our affiliates in-person or remote access to your computer equipment and facilities for purposes of installing, updating and supporting FOAS and will abide by any reasonable instructions, directions or requests of us in connection with such installation, update and support.
- C. You must implement and use all functions of FOAS in the operation, administration, management and control of the Franchised Business and will adopt for use all new programs and modules developed and installed from time to time by us, including without limitation the Franchise Accounting Systems and Tools program module (including any successor or substitute financial management program or module which may be developed, "FAST"), and, if applicable, pay any fee imposed for the new program or module.
Source: Item 14 — Patents, Copyrights, and Proprietary Information (FDD pages 51–53)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Aerus's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, franchisees are required to implement and use all functions of FOAS (Aerus Franchise Office Automation System) in their franchised business. FOAS is a proprietary computer information and office automation system developed by Aerus and its affiliates, comprised of various software programs and modules. These modules include customer relationship and lead management, financial administration, and inventory ordering and management.
Aerus franchisees must also adopt all new programs and modules developed and installed by Aerus from time to time. This includes, without limitation, the Franchise Accounting Systems and Tools program module (FAST), or any successor or substitute financial management program or module. If applicable, franchisees will also be required to pay any fee imposed for the new program or module.
To support FOAS, franchisees must own and maintain computer hardware, facilities, and internet connections that meet the minimum performance specifications published by Aerus. Franchisees must also allow Aerus or its affiliates in-person or remote access to their computer equipment and facilities for installing, updating, and supporting FOAS, and must follow any reasonable instructions from Aerus in connection with such installation, update, and support. This ensures that Aerus can maintain and improve the system across all franchise locations.