For those in the Georgia Coin Operated Amusement Machine (COAM) industry, you have probably heard of MLH and LLH. What is an MLH and LLH, and how can business owners benefit from it in the COAM business ecosystem?
This role will be critical for anyone running, operating, managing, or building a COAM business. The relationship between Master License Holders (MLHs) and Location License Holders (LLHs) in Georgia serves as the building block for compliant COAM operations. You need visibility, automation, and reporting on these relationships to effectively manage the workflow, which is why so many operators utilize a solution like Aqlix.
What Is a Master License Holder (MLH)?
A Master License Holder (MLH) is a license holder that has the authority to own, operate and/or place COAM machines in designated areas. MLHs supervise the machinery and equipment located in various locations while also making sure these operations comply with federal regulations. They tend to oversee many thousands of machines, vendors, service requests, inventory and financial transactions.
Since MLHs work across more than one location, they need systems that offer centralized visibility into machine performance, inventory tracking, vendor management, EFT processing, and reporting. COAM Management Solution by Aqlix IT Solutions, which has developed a COAM Management Solution to automate these operational tasks for more complex Master License Holders in the past.
What Is a Location License Holder (LLH)?
Location License Holder (LLH): the registered owner or operator of a licensed business location at which COAM machines are placed. These also include convenience and entertainment, restaurants, or other approved places.
For example, the MLH runs and maintains the machines but the LLH is where those customers actually come to meet those machines. Most agreements are made between both parties concerning revenue sharing, who will maintain the gin and how it is run.
Accurate tracking coupled with transparent reporting has become fundamental for ensuring seamless business operations and this partnership addresses it.
How Do MLHs and LLHs Work Together?
There is an operational collaboration between MLHs and LLHs.
An MLH typically:
- Installs and manages machines
- Handles machine maintenance
- Monitors machine performance
- Manages vendor relationships
- Processes payments and reporting
An LLH typically:
- Provides the approved location
- Supports day-to-day customer interactions
- Maintains location compliance
- Carries on operational activities with MHL
With scaling operations, it becomes harder and harder to manage all the locations, machines and agreements either manually. Digital solutions are useful here.
Why Is COAM Management Challenging?
Too many MLHs still rely on manual processes, such as:
- Manual EFT Processing: Takes weeks, a labor-intensive process to reconcile payments. Mistakes and late orders that we encounter with tracking manually.
- Challenges with Centralized Inventory Visibility: Tracking where a fleet of a couple hundred machines are located, where they have gone, and how their performance is without centralized systems is difficult.
- Full Control On Vendor Management: Multiple vendor agreements, splitting payments and keeping financial transparency is a complex task if workflow is not organized.
- Disorganized service ticket management: Using phone calls, text messages and spreadsheets can make keeping track of your stake in this customer relationship quite inconvenient.
- Compliance reporting requirements: COAM operators require records from which reports can be generated that provide assurance of compliance while also being scalable for running a business.
How Aqlix COAM Management Solution Helps
The Aqlix COAM Management Solution was built specifically for Master License Holders to simplify daily operations and improve visibility across their businesses. The platform provides a centralized command center that replaces disconnected spreadsheets and manual processes.
Key capabilities include:
- EFT Automation: Automate your payment workflows and eliminate manual reconciliation.
- Asset Management: Centralized dashboard to know the location of machines, the status of machines, and operational efficiency.
- Vendor Management: Manage your contracts, payment workflows, and vendors effectively.
- Service Ticket System: Manage everything from a single platform to create, assign, track & resolve service requests.
- Report at Compliance-Ready Speed: Instantly make accurate reports with operational visibility.
Why Digital Transformation Matters for COAM Operators
How does one run business operations in such a modern world where automation, visibility, and data-driven decision-making are in dire need of labor? Organizations that still depend on spreadsheets and disconnected systems find themselves bogged down operationally.
Aqlix IT Solutions provides purpose-built business solutions to more than 170 manufacturers of various sizes. As a company, the core of its business revolves around digital transformation and custom software solutions that enable companies to consolidate their complex workflows, greatly enhancing performance over time.
Conclusion
It will be essential for anyone in the industry to know how an MLH is different from an LLH. At the top is a Master License Holder, which owns and oversees operations over multiple locations; below it is a Location License Holder, which establishes approved venues into which machines can be set.
With the growth of businesses manual processes can become operational issues. With a single platform for Master License Holders to automate EFT processing, manage inventory, track vendors and service requests, and generate compliance-ready reports, the Aqlix COAM Management Solution is your complete resource solution. Aqlix enables COAM businesses to operate more effectively and efficiently without creating unnecessary complications by simplifying the operations process and allowing for better visibility.
FAQs
What does MLH stand for in the COAM industry?
The rank is MLH: Master License Holder (Master Licensee). The MLH runs COAM machines, codes vendor interactions, tracks the performance of each machine, and regulates other business functions among licensed sites. They will be responsible for ensuring operational process and structural accountability in the COAM ecosystem.
What does LLH stand for in the COAM industry?
Acronym: LLH (Location License Holder): When in this process, the entity is referred to as Location License Holder. An LLH operates a licensed business with COAMs on the premises. They work with master license holders who provide the machines to customers but also assist in day-to-day operations and specific site needs.
Why do master license holders need management software?
MLHs use management software to speed up and automate repetitive processes, monitor machine performance, track inventory, manage vendor relationships, process payments, or generate reports. This in turn improves efficiency, reduces manual work, and provides a greater view into business operations in multiple locations.
How does Aqlix COAM Management Solution help MLHs?
Aqlix COAM Management Solution for EFT Automation Inventory Tracking Vendor Management Service Ticket Management Accounting Tools & Inspections Location Management Compliance Ready Reporting Its aim is to house all operations on one platform and assist Master License Holders with a better functionality of operating their company.
Can COAM management software improve operational efficiency?
Yes. COAM management software reduces manual processes, increases the accuracy of data, and enables the delivery of better reporting and communication for real-time operational visibility. These enhancements in turn enable operators to make better decisions, reduce their administrative burden, and scale up business without additional toil.
