Point of Sale (POS) Hardware

Point of Sale (POS) Hardware refers to all the physical components that make up a Point of Sale (POS) system. POS Hardware includes Computers, Receipt Printers, Cash Drawers, Touch Screens, Customer Displays, Card Readers, POS Keyboards and Portable Terminals. These are required for the efficient and smooth running of any point of sale system.

The point of sale hardware required to set-up an effective point of sale system depends on a number of factors, which include: the size of your business, the payment options, required number of point of sale terminals and so on. By taking these factors into consideration, you will be able to identify and acquire the right point of sale hardware for your point of sale system.

Once you have your requirements clearly defined, you can approach a programmer to custom code the point of sale software for you or you can approach established software vendors that can help you acquire the right POS software for your business. It is important to select a software package that is compatible with your hardware for your system to run smoothly.

With some Point of sale solutions there might be a need to set-up a local area network, which interlinks the POS terminals and the server. This set-up is very common in very large organizations and supermarkets that serve hundreds to thousands of customers each day. However, for a small business, a computer with the POS software installed will work perfectly.

It is important to approach a knowledgeable and experienced software developer or I. T.

support personnel for advice on the best software and hardware to use for your POS system. Input from retailers already using a similar solution will also help you better understand how the whole system works and the implementation process.

It is highly recommended that you purchase your equipment from suppliers that are willing to provide technical support to help you set-up the system and effectively manage it. This will same you a lot of time and money in the long run. Every system has its own strengths and weaknesses but you will need to find a solution that closely matches your functional and security requirements.

If you are looking for a cost effective and easy to manage point of sale system for your business, then Exit Retail Solutions can help you get your business set-up. Click here to find out more about their Point Of Sale Software solution.

web based POS Vs Desktop based POS

A good POS (point-of-sale) system can increase sales, provide the information you need to make financial decisions and help you provide first-class customer service. POS systems consist of hardware and software or a web-based program. There are some things to consider when deciding between a software-based or web-based POS program for your business. Both systems should run off a regular computer that is running an operating system like Windows or Mac OS X and the difference can be subtle at times.

Older systems were all software-based and were imperfect in their design. Modern software systems have come a long way now that they are written like software and less like a function-specific operating system. The older POS solutions were limited to basic sales functions and did not leave room for addition sale options, like placing an item on layaway. Those older systems can still be found, but are slowly being phased out because of the advantages of the modern solutions. Convenience and broader potential are the biggest differences and are what make sales transactions in our day such a smooth process.

These are the major advantages and disadvantage of both types of POS systems:

Web-based POS

Advantages

• The provider will back-up all of your important information on their server so you will not lose anything due to a computer crash or theft.
• You can access reports, inventory and other information from any computer with an internet connection.
• You do not have to purchase expensive POS software.
• Most services provide free updates so your POS program will never become outdated.
• Web-based POS programs are easy to upgrade. You can add features or work stations to fit your business as your business grows or during busy seasons.
• The provider can address technical problems instantly over the web by accessing your account and fixing problems remotely. Some even offer 24/7 support.

Disadvantages

• Web-based POS providers charge a monthly fee.
• You have to have the internet connected to your retail workstation.
• Some providers require you to use their hardware, which can be expensive.
• If you lose your Internet connection, you will not be able to access the program.
• Some providers charge a startup fee.

Desktop-based POS

Advantages

• There are no monthly fees associated with the software.
• The software-based POS does not require an internet connection.
• You can use any hardware that is compatible with the software.
• Software-based programs are generally easy to set up and use.

Disadvantages

• Some manufactures require you to purchase updates to keep your software current.
• You cannot upgrade the software. As your business grows, you will have to purchase new software or more licenses.
• You cannot access reports, inventory and other information from any computer with an internet connection.
• If you need technical support, you have to email or phone the manufacturer and relay the problem to them.

POS System: What to Look For?

Whether you are looking for a web-based or Desktop-based POS system, you will want it to be a complete package. It should not only improve customer satisfaction, but also meet your needs as a retail business. The following criteria are what we looked for in these systems to meet both points.

Hardware
A complete solution should include a PC or module, display, keyboard and mouse, high–quality cash drawer, barcode scanner, credit card reader, receipt printer and label printer. Top manufacturers will customize the system to fit your business. Some companies have specific packages of hardware, while others offer each piece separately. Either way is fine as long as it meets your needs.

Inventory & Other Features
Whether it is software- or web-based, you want a system that will help track, organize and supply your inventory. Organization plays a major part in your employees' ability to locate items in the system, which in turn speeds the checkout process. Many also provide built in options for layaways, multi-payment plans and gift certificates.

Customer Tracking & Labels
For some businesses, it can be quite beneficial to be able to retain customer information for future transactions. Some software will also allow you to track customer's lines of credit so that they can buy now and pay later. Stored customer information can also speed up shipping by having labels with a customer's address all ready to go. Most POS Systems will print shipping labels, but only select systems will also do price tags, shelf tags and customized labels.

Employees & Security
All the information on POS systems is important. You will want one that has multiple levels of security access and password protection. It is also convenient when you can use your point of sale system for clocking in and out, tracking commissions, tracking employee hours and similar benefits.

Help & Support
The best manufacturers provide training through videos and manuals. Providers should also offer technical help through FAQs and online tutorials as well as 24/7 phone and email support. Aside from learning how to use them, POS systems can have issues just like any piece of equipment, so find a company that offers excellent tech support and a warranty.

The combination all of these features together gives you a solid POS system that will make your customers happy, help you manage your inventory and sales transactions, simplify your business and generally improve your speed and efficiency. The key is to find the one that best meets the needs of your company and clientele.

point of sale terminal on an Apple iPod Touch® or iPhone®

The quick and easy way to connect Apple iPod Touch® & iPhone® with Restaurant Pro Express™

The award-winning restaurant point of sale software, Restaurant Pro Express™, has the ability to seamlessly integrate with next generation mobile computing devices offering the ability to perform all the primary functionalities of a stationary point of sale terminal on an Apple iPod Touch® or iPhone®. Our mobile POS solution is a reliable yet affordable option that is ideal for hospitality environments that want to perform tableside ordering.

Mobile POS solutions can provide a variety of benefits including:

Streamline order processing Eliminate or reduce losses due to inaccurate order entry Prompt wait staff to upsell or cross-sell Increase customer throughput which leads to higher table turnover Reduce customer wait times Offer the ability to expand seating by taking orders outdoors Broadcast messages to each server Restaurant Pro Express™ Mobile gives servers the ability to take orders tableside, split checks, and securely process credit card payments through an attached encrypted credit card reader. The mobile POS solution also supports various taxation, discounts and happy hour pricing. Easy to use, Restaurant Pro Express™ mobile requires little training time and offers the ability to quickly integrate pre-existing inventory and menu items. Our mobile POS solution works in conjunction with a traditional POS terminal and synchronizes in real time, so servers can place orders tableside but also view their open tabs and make changes at the POS station. Restaurant Pro Express™ is ideal for a variety of hospitality environments including restaurants, bars, nightclubs, stadiums or any environment where wireless POS capability is needed.

Cash management systems

Cash management systems are something that a business cannot do without. These systems comprise software solutions and services designed to manage liquidity, account balances, payments, and other business functions related to money. Money is the fuel that makes a business run in the corporate highway. If a business runs out of cash, it may leave the company stranded on the side of the corporate road. The last thing any owner would want is to walk for hundreds of miles and watch competitors pass by. This is where POS Windows systems come in.

Point of Sale (POS) systems are computer hardware and software networks that record sales of retail goods. They are typically found at counters in grocery stores and boutiques. POS systems are virtually cash registers. They are, however, based integrated to a computer which gives the store owner or manager more leverage on supervising the vast amount of data about the business. For instance, POS system terminals can be networked to other terminals and to a server in another location. In addition, it can be expanded with handheld devices that are linked wirelessly.

The biggest advantage of a POS system over a traditional cash register is the sophisticated and fully-detailed sales reports it provides. POS systems allow one to analyze sales in different ways. With several POS systems available on the market, it can be difficult to choose which one is appropriate for a business. Here are some ways to follow on purchasing a POS system for a particular business.

Establish your Budget

Purchasing POS Windows systems can be quite an expensive affair. The price can be anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000 per station, including the scanners, software, installation, training, support, and additional costs for integration into the company's existing systems. Make sure to allot a reasonable budget for the purchase so you will not be putting too much strain on your company's finances.

Identify Business Needs

Determine any particular needs of your business. This can help you narrow down the search as there are literally hundreds of retail software packages available today. Some software systems are designed for specific businesses such as boutiques, restaurants, and gift shops. There are others that are specifically designed for fast-moving retailers with thousands of daily transactions.

Ask Suggestions

When choosing POS Windows systems, it is also important to consider your customers. Ask customers about the aspects that they want the business to improve on. Customers can give a high-end perspective and deliberation on their shopping experience. Use their suggestions as basis on how you can choose a Windows-operated POS system for your business.