Touchtec, led by Alister Thyne and Andre’ Joosten, are renowned for creating Protouch POS (Point of Sale) systems in the hospitality industry. With a rich history spanning over two decades, Touchtec has established itself as a pioneer and innovator in the POS market.

The journey began in 1996 in Auckland when the owners of a Charter Boat sought the latest technology for their business. With Alister Thyne’s extensive experience building and bringing three other POS systems to market, he proposed using touchscreen technology, which was emerging in the commercial realm. This marked the inception of Protouch, as it embarked on developing a cutting-edge POS system that would revolutionise the industry.

In its early stages, Protouch focused on creating a minimum viable product (MVP) for its POS system, which took six weeks to produce. However, it took an additional six years to develop a wider set of features and functionalities to cater to the diverse needs of the POS market. Alister Thyne’s understanding of various POS verticals in the USA played a pivotal role in shaping Protouch’s vision. Recognising the challenges faced by system integrators selling and supporting multiple systems, Alister aimed to build a versatile POS engine that could be customised for different markets. This approach led to the development of libraries that could be easily attached to extend the POS system’s capabilities for specific industry verticals.

Protouch’s success can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, Protouch was the first local developer to introduce a touch-screen POS system to the New Zealand market. This forward-thinking approach capitalised on the advantages of touch screens, maximising screen real estate and revolutionising the user interface. The optimised UI featured a tree-like structure, enabling quick and efficient navigation while prioritising product items over management buttons.

Another key element of Protouch’s success lies in its adaptability. The POS engine and libraries designed by Protouch allowed the system to address multiple business requirements across various sectors, including clubs, restaurants, cafes, retail stores, butchers, supermarkets and Petrol Stations. Protouch also integrated seamlessly with accounting systems and CMS, providing a comprehensive solution for its customers.

Protouch’s commitment to customer support was unparalleled. Recognising the importance of round-the-clock assistance, Protouch expanded its support services to a 24/7 availability, catering to customers across the Asia-Pacific region. The company operated in an aggressive, agile environment, ensuring quick turnaround times for issue resolution and new functionality development.

Throughout its journey, Protouch encountered challenges as technology advanced and market conditions evolved. The transition from older operating systems, such as Windows 98, to newer 64-bit systems presented hurdles for Protouch’s 16-bit architecture. However, Alister and Andre’s founders remained involved, offering guidance and support to ensure continuity and success.

In recent years, Protouch underwent a significant transformation. The development team embarked on a total solution rewrite, resulting in the creation of Protouch Advanced. This new version of Protouch Advanced embraces modern technologies such as 32/64-bit OS, SQL, .NET, and C# while incorporating the latest Windows 11 OS. Protouch Advanced offers enhanced functionality, including multi-venue web-based reporting, shopping cart mall, web loyalty and vouchers, QR code technology for table ordering and delivery area control, among other features. Protouch Advanced has become a bespoke platform that provides a customised POS system that meets the specific needs of businesses at a more affordable price than other providers.

As Touchtec enters this new chapter, it expands its customer base, builds partnerships with system integrators, and provides outstanding POS solutions tailored to each client’s requirements. Touchtec dedication to innovation, customer support, and staying at the forefront of technology positions it as a leader in the POS.

We thank you for reading Protouch’s Biography. If you would like to know more about Protouch Advanced for your business or become a system integrator, please select the “Book Time with our POS Expert” button below.

Touch Screen Technology for the Hospitality Industry