What is included in the Aplus Information System that franchisees may use?
Aplus Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
ystem may be used.
Information Systems and Technologies
We may designate the information system used in your APLUS Store, including the computer hardware, software other equipment and enhancements (the "Information System"). If you suspect or know of a security breach, you must immediately give notice of such security breach and promptly identify and remediate the source of any compromise of security breach at your expense. You assume all responsibility for providing all notices of breach or compromise and all duties to monitor credit histories and transactions concerning customers of the franchised business unless otherwise directed by us.
You are solely responsible for protecting yourself from disruptions, internet access failures, Internet content failures, and attacks by hackers and other unauthorized intruders and you waive any and all claims you may have against us or our affiliates as the direct or indirect result of such disruptions, security breach and promptly identify and remediate the source of any compromise of security breach at your expense. You assume all responsibility for providing all notices of breach or compromise and all duties to monitor credit histories and transactions concerning customers of the franchised business, unless otherwise directed by us.
You agree to release and hold us and our affiliates and our respective officers and directors, harmless from and against any and all claims, liability, damages or causes of action of any nature arising from or in connection with the installation, maintenance or operation of the Information System and its billing and payment processing, except to the extent arising from such party's gross negligence or intentional acts.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 40–47)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Aplus's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, the Information System includes computer hardware, software, and other equipment and enhancements designated by Aplus. Franchisees are required to purchase and use hardware and software programs that Aplus designates, such as the back-office operating system, which is an integrated point-of-sale system.
Unless Aplus approves a franchisee's existing equipment, Aplus will provide a computer, monitor, printer, and back-office handheld scanner. The back office and helpdesk support software systems, licenses, and scanning programs must be compatible with Aplus's system requirements. Franchisees may also have to enter into ongoing maintenance or support agreements for the maintenance of a computer or the various software programs.
The computer system and/or any point-of-sale system for the Aplus Store will be dedicated to the operation of the Aplus business and used for no other purpose. All sales must be processed through the approved point-of-sale system and reported as gross sales, and no other supplemental or secondary point-of-sale system may be used. Aplus has the right to independently access all information a franchisee collects or compiles at any time without first notifying them, and there are no contractual limitations on Aplus's right to do so.