Short version: I think the global folder should track who is logged on to whichever register, and possibly contain a feature to enable/disable logging on with the same ID on more than on register.
Long version: At the supermarket I work at (unfortunately not using DHPOS) we run a "floating cashier" system.
Basically every cashier has their own till and float which can be moved from register to register, they must sign on with their cashier ID and password to open the drawer and insert their till. Also, obviously the system disallows the same cashier to login on more than one register.
I know we don't want to go over rearranging the login system, but what I thought was, what if - when a cashier enters Purchase mode, they are assumed to be logging in. If they use the "Lock Register" function, could it be locked until they enter their employee PIN, instead of the lock password which everyone knows (or needs to know is order to lock).
If a floating cashier system is being used, and everyone knows the lock password - I can see the security issue here of anyone being able to access someone else's drawer. Thus if someone's register is out of balance, and more than one person were using it - who is accountable.
Where I work, a +/- $1 margin is allowed per cashier per day, although they prefer 100% balancing. So as you can imagine, things have to be organised fairly well software wise to ensure figures add up at the end of the day, and everyone can be properly held accountable.
If they exit purchase mode - they are assumed to have "logged out" until they access purchase/return/voids etc again. Our POS system takes the user straight to sale mode after logging in and all returns etc are performed from that mode.
Does that make sense? Sorry if it doesn't I have just gotten home from stocktake and my brain is fried.
<HR>
If it helps, here is what happens with our software at work (purely for explanation purposes only)...
- Cashier brings their till to a register, hits Sign On/Off key
- Must enter a valid cashier ID an password
- Drawer pops open, till is inserted, drawer closed, if drawer is not closed within xxx minutes, register beeps and flashes a message on screen until drawer closed
- Blank sale appears on screen, cashier can start scanning items, or access returns, general department, cash tender purchase etc
- The back office menu performs functions such as reprinting the last transaction, refreshing the receipt header, securing the register
- Cashiers can purposely secure the register, or it will enter secure mode itself if idle for xxx minutes.
- To exit secure mode, sign on/off must be pressed and the cashier password entered.
- When the cashier needs to sign off, they press Sign on/off, the drawer opens and they remove their till, and close the drawer.
