In the retail industry, point-of-sale systems refer to the equipment used to complete transactions. They are vital in obtaining payments and recording the details. Included are the timestamp, the name of the cashier, the price of every item, the SKUs, and the total cost, among other important information. Past models included specialized hardware designed for the task. Cashier could type on a keyboard, see the results on a screen, place the cash inside the register, and print receipts. Nowadays, traditional systems are giving way to software-as-a-service POS. This is sometimes called ePOS and there are plenty of reasons why the industry is embracing it with open arms.
Platform Independence
The software lives on the cloud. It can be accessed through the Internet using any browser. This means that it can be paired with virtually any type of computing apparatus that supports online access. There are some which are optimized for a particular operating system but most can switch seamlessly from one to another. This means that they can be used on a full desktop PC, a laptop, a tablet, or even a smart phone. The entry of mobile devices mean that POS machines no longer need to sit on a dusty corner all day. It can be brought directly to the customer if that is more convenient, or moved around depending on the needs of the store.
Secure Storage
Since the program and data all reside on the cloud, there is no need to worry about backups, erasures and attacks. The software provider will take care of everything at the back-end. That is why it is necessary to search for a highly reputable company. The features are definitely a huge factor but so is security, particularly because of the nature of the task. Every transaction should be meticulously recorded and archived at a safe remote location. There must be continuous backup and redundancy so that the data will never be lost. Malicious attacks will not prosper thanks to encryption, firewalls, and other security measures.
Continuous Updates
Another advantage of ePOS is the quick deployment of updates. With old systems, new features may not be available for years. You would have to buy the latest models to enjoy better operation. This means purchasing new hardware all over again, sinking thousands of dollars in the process. Sometimes firmware updates are available but they also take time to roll out. With the new systems, updates can occur monthly, weekly, or even daily if necessary. Small changes are made as they become available to eliminate bugs, add features, and improve system efficiency. Look for an ePOS London specialist to upgrade your store’s retail system.
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