Simplifying the Franchise Network

With the pressing need to keep a tight focus on their businesses, store operators don’t have time to worry about their networks. No one knows that better than the hundreds of thousands of fran- chise owners and operators throughout the U.S. These franchisees, marketers, and branded wholesalers depend on fast and secure credit card processing, reliable, high-speed Internet access, and efficient back-office systems to keep their customers happy and to maintain a competitive advantage.

Meanwhile, for the franchise brand, few things are more important than brand integrity, network uniformity, and transac- tion security. A single security breach or connectivity disruption could undermine the strength of the brand or even bring operations to a halt.

Simplicity is Key

Enter Hughes Franchise Services, a suite of managed enterprise-grade communications solutions and value-added services that solves both problems—and keeps it simple. Part of the HughesONTM portfolio of managed network solutions, Hughes Franchise Services offers a range of end-to-end connectivity options, including DSL, satellite, cable, and 3G/4G wireless, to best meet the needs of each site with the speed and superior performance to run applications with ease.

Hughes works with the franchise brand to package the best combination of services to offer its stores and to meet franchise market security require- ments, including PCI compliance. The key is that it’s fully managed by Hughes, with a single point of contact and same-day, onsite maintenance— securing each store’s credit and debit transactions 24/7.

With over 20 years of experience selling to franchises in sectors such as restaurant, retail petroleum, and hospitality, Hughes thoroughly understands the franchise business as well as the unique relationship between franchisor and franchisee. Designed to cover all facets of an outsourced managed network solution, Hughes Franchise Services help improve the efficiency, security, and profitability of franchise businesses, while helping the brand coordinate standardized services to its franchises, including sales, marketing, ordering, and fulfillment.

Keeping Pace with Growth

Case in point: A few years ago, Shamrock Co., owner of 40 Taco Bell and KFC restaurants in the Chicago area, was experiencing a huge increase in both electronic payments and drive-thru service. Shamrock needed to speed up its payment transactions to keep pace with these trends. To meet that challenge, Hughes delivered a seamless broadband service, using several available broadband transport technologies— DSL, satellite, and 3G, depending on the needs of each site.

Similarly, Wayne Oil Company, Inc. owns and operates a chain of retail/petroleum convenience stores under the BALLPARK Stores brand in the Southern Atlantic region. The company, which supplies ExxonMobil and BP petroleum products at 40 company-operated and dealer locations, has depended on Hughes for 15 years to deliver the best available broadband connectivity at all locations through a single provider— regardless of how remote or challenging the store location.

Doing More with the Network

In addition to fast and secure managed broadband, Hughes offers value-added services that help franchisees do more with their networks. These include Hughes WiFi solutions which help keep customers and employees connected, Hughes Digital Signage solutions which enhance the customer experience while keeping employees engaged, and Hughes Training and Learning solutions which improve the employee experience with dynamic training and communications.

For example, Helm Hotels Group, a family-founded business that owns and operates six Best Western and Holiday Inn properties in the North Texas area, has adopted Hughes Digital Concierge to supplement its front-desk service. Interactive screens display content-rich text, video, and graphics that answer questions and provide information about hotel amenities, nearby restaurants, shopping, transportation, and local attractions when front-desk personnel are occupied helping other guests.

With Hughes Franchise Services, both the store owner and the brand are freed up to do the jobs they do best while Hughes minds the network. How much simpler could it get?