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To talk is good. The later versions of ProffittCenter have an added speech capability. This is an option that can be turned off if not required, or can be restricted to certain aspects of the operation of the system by an option in the settings screen. It is also necessary to install the speech engine. The Microsoft download for the speech API is substantial, so to gain the appropriate section, just download the program ReadPlease, (find it with Google) and install the free version, prior to using ProffittCenter with speech. In use, we have found that restricting the use of speech to speaking the change to be given, and giving verbal warnings on error conditions, is the most effective. The reason for this is that operators, and that includes us, have a habit of not always looking at the screen to confirm actions. This is a particular problem with the screen at right angles to the operator, but is a problem at all times. The reason is that eye contact is normally maintained with the customer, and eyes need to be re-focused onto view the screen. Sound has proved to be a valuable asset in working practice. Using speech fully, with the description of products, quantities, etc. proved less valuable to us, but has an intriguing reaction with customers, so please do experiment with the options. If for any reason, it is desired to not speak the description of certain products, due to sensitivity of the customers, the description can be muted by prefixing the description with a single space. This cannot be done with the new products screen as the description is stripped of surplus spaces, but one may be added in the product modify screen. [Previous] [Main] [Next] |
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