What hardware package is required to operate the Proprietary Software in a Batteries Plus Bulbs franchise?
Batteries_Plus_Bulbs Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
As of March 1, 2025, the Retail Management System package includes the following: (1) the back office inventory execution software (the "Back Office Software"). The Back Office Software is specifically designed to track various aspects of your Store, including inventory, vendor purchase orders, daily sales reports and accounts receivable; (2) the ProSource RMS™ software (the "ProSource RMS Software") – our proprietary software that provides a point-of-sale ticket entry platform, manages work orders for services, solution, and assists franchisees in cross-referencing batteries, light bulbs and other products and services; and (3) the Omni-Channel Software (the "Omni-Channel Software"), our proprietary software developed or customized for us that allows retail and commercial customers to place and manage orders for products through a secured website. You will operate the Back Office Software, the ProSource RMS Software, and the Omni-Channel Software (collectively, the "Proprietary Software") with a software and hardware package we designate, including a minimum of 2 front counter computers, 1 back-office computer, 1 Tech Center PC, and a managed, PCI-compliant firewall. Additional information on the required models is available to franchisees on our Intranet Site under "POS System Services."
The Proprietary Software is configured over a Wide Area Network (WAN) hosted by a third party. To access the Proprietary Software, each Store must have a primary WAN business-class connection. We also require a 4G/5G cellular back-up WAN connection. We recommend that you use a business-class cable (preferred) or DSL connection as your primary WAN connection, with a separate cellular Internet service for a WAN back-up.
Because the Retail Management System is configured as an integrated system to operate over the Wide Area Network/WAN, you must purchase the hardware from us or a supplier that we designate. This ensures that your Store Retail Management System operates with the Proprietary Software over the WAN and uses a customized configuration to allow you to obtain economical support for your Retail Management System (as described below). Currently, we are the only designated supplier of the Proprietary Software and TRG is the only designated supplier of the hardware for the Retail Management System. The cost of the Retail Management System is described below and does not include the Omni-Channel Fee. See Items 5, 7 and 8.
Source: Item 11 — Franchisor's Assistance, Advertising, Computer Systems, and Training (FDD pages 34–43)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Batteries Plus Bulbs FDD, franchisees must use a designated software and hardware package to operate the Proprietary Software. This package includes a minimum of two front counter computers, one back-office computer, one Tech Center PC, and a managed, PCI-compliant firewall. The Proprietary Software consists of the Back Office Software, ProSource RMS software, and Omni-Channel Software.
The Retail Management System is configured as an integrated system to operate over a Wide Area Network (WAN). Franchisees are required to purchase the hardware from Batteries Plus Bulbs or a designated supplier to ensure compatibility and economical support. As of the FDD publication date, Batteries Plus Bulbs is the only designated supplier of the Proprietary Software, and TRG is the only designated hardware supplier.
In addition to the hardware, each Batteries Plus Bulbs store must have a primary WAN business-class connection to access the Proprietary Software, along with a 4G/5G cellular back-up WAN connection. The FDD recommends using a business-class cable or DSL connection as the primary WAN connection, supplemented by a separate cellular Internet service for WAN backup. Franchisees can find additional information on the required models on the Batteries Plus Bulbs Intranet Site under "POS System Services."