Grocery Store Management Software

Point of Sale Systems : Sellers Count On Advanced Checkout Technology To Streamline Sales And Manage Inventory Efficiently

History and Advancement of POS Systems

Picture standing in a bustling general shop in the late 1800s, where sales register clink and clatter, recording transactions with mechanical accuracy. The point of sale systems that began as easy cash signs up have gone through a metamorphosis far beyond those clunky gizmos. However why does this history matter today? Due to the fact that understanding the journey illuminates the challenges modern services face-- and how Brilliant POS remarkably resolves them.

The Journey from Mechanical Registers to Digital Marvels

Early POS systems were mechanical beasts, susceptible to jams and errors. Shopkeeper battled with long checkout lines and manual inventory tracking, typically causing lost sales and disappointed customers. Noise familiar? Quick forward to the 1970s and 80s, when barcode scanners and electronic signs up actioned in, yet information integration stayed a headache.

  • Manual stock reconciliation slowed operations
  • Limited real-time sales insights hampered decision-making
  • Complex interfaces puzzled personnel, increasing training time

With the dawn of the web age, cloud-based POS technologies emerged, promising seamless integration and movement. However, many systems fell short, providing fragmented solutions that left services juggling numerous software tools.

How Brilliant POS Changes These Difficulties

What if there was a method to turn these barriers into opportunities? Brilliant POS utilizes the most recent developments to provide an all-in-one platform that tackles every obstacle head-on:

  1. Unified Inventory and Sales Tracking: Real-time data sync keeps stock accurate and sales transparent.
  2. Instinctive Interface: Developed for ease, minimizing training time and errors.
  3. Cloud Ease Of Access: Manage your organization from anywhere, anytime.
  4. Customizable Reports: Get insights customized to your special operations.

Ever felt overwhelmed by a POS system that's too stiff or made complex? Brilliant POS turns the script by adjusting to your workflow, not the other way around. It's like having an experienced partner who expects your requirements before you voice them.

In the grand tapestry of retail development, Brilliant POS stands as a beacon-- blending the lessons of the past with the innovations of tomorrow. When you consider enhancing your service, why go for anything less than a system that's as vibrant as your aspirations?

Unpacking the Spectrum of POS Systems

Envision walking into a dynamic café where the POS terminal gleams under soft lighting, all set to accelerate orders with a simple tap. Not all point of sale systems are born equivalent. From traditional money registers to cloud-based systems that whisper sales information into the ether, the variety can bewilder even the savviest merchant.

Standard vs. Modern: A Quick Contrast

Type Key Features Perfect For
Tradition POS Offline functionality, physical hardware, minimal integration Small shops with very little tech requires
Cloud-Based POS Remote access, automatic updates, multi-device compatibility Services scaling rapidly or with numerous locations
Mobile POS Mobility, wireless payments, app-based interface Pop-up shops, food trucks, events

Function Highlights You Might Overlook

  • Inventory management: Real-time tracking that prevents those aggravating stockouts.
  • Employee management: Not simply clock-ins-- think performance analytics that sharpen scheduling.
  • Customer relationship tools: Loyalty programs embedded directly into the system, turning one-time buyers into regulars.
  • Data security: File encryption that keeps sensitive transactions airtight, a quiet guardian in the background.

Some might ask, "Why does selecting the right POS seem like decoding a secret language?" Due to the fact that below the surface lies an intricate ecosystem that can either streamline or tangle your everyday operations. Brilliant POS comprehends this labyrinth. They do not simply use tools-- they craft tailored services that accept your special functional peculiarities.

One insider suggestion: Constantly test how a POS system deals with peak hours. A system that decreases when clients line up is a silent killer of earnings and persistence. Brilliant POS equips services with lightning-fast processing speeds, so your busiest day does not become a traffic jam headache.

Unlocking Efficiency with POS Systems

Ever noticed how a well-oiled POS system changes the chaos of a busy shop into a symphony of seamless transactions? It's not almost calling up sales-- it's about orchestrating information, inventory, and client interactions with identify precision. The battle to keep up with manual tracking can seem like handling flaming torches, but Brilliant POS comprehends this detailed dance. They weave automation and real-time analytics into one sophisticated service, turning what might be a logistical maze into a simple path to success.

Precision Stock Management: A Game Changer

Think of walking into your storeroom just to find inconsistencies that leave you scratching your head. That's where numerous businesses struck a snag-- stock errors that interrupt sales and frustrate consumers. Brilliant POS tackles this with innovative algorithms that sync sales data quickly, reducing human error to almost absolutely no. The result? You always understand what's on the rack, what's flying off it, and when to reorder before you even recognize it's time.

Mastering Consumer Insights

Who doesn't enjoy an individual touch? POS systems collect subtle client behavior patterns that, when deciphered, reveal golden opportunities. Brilliant POS turns raw information into actionable insights. For example, did you know that consumers who purchase coffee in the early morning frequently grab snacks later? Acknowledging these patterns lets you tailor promotions completely, increasing both complete satisfaction and sales.

Specialist Tips for Taking Full Advantage Of POS Benefits

  • Ensure your POS integrates easily with your existing software application to avoid data silos.
  • Take advantage of built-in reporting tools to analyze peak sales hours and enhance staffing.
  • Use stock alerts to avoid stockouts without overstocking valuable rack space.
  • Personalize payment alternatives to deal with diverse customer preferences, improving benefit.

Table: POS System Benefits at a Glimpse

Advantage Impact Pro Tip
Real-time Sales Tracking Quickly updates revenue figures Usage to anticipate day-to-day capital
Automated Stock Control Reduces stock inconsistencies Set reorder limits for vital products
Customer Information Analytics Improves personalized marketing Sector customers by purchase frequency
Multi-Payment Support Boosts customer convenience Enable contactless and mobile payments

With Brilliant POS, the maze of retail operations no longer feels daunting. Instead, it ends up being a playground of chances, where every deal tells a story, and every data point lights the method forward - Brilliant POS. Why go for regular when you can harness the amazing power of a wise POS system?

Securing the Fortress: Security and Compliance in POS Systems

Picture a busy coffee shop where every transaction is a heart beat of the service. One misstep in security-- say, a data breach or non-compliance-- can ripple through the whole operation like a silent storm. The labyrinth of PCI DSS compliance and safeguarding cardholder information frequently feels like navigating a minefield without a map. Lots of neglect how encryption and tokenization form the invisible armor that keeps cyber risks at bay.

Why Security Isn't Simply a Checkbox

Security isn't a one-and-done job; it's a constant dance. Brilliant POS comprehends that merchants require more than simply firewall programs-- they need adaptive security procedures that progress with emerging risks. Point-to-point encryption (P2PE) scrambles sensitive data instantly at the swipe, avoiding hackers from obstructing raw information.

  • End-to-end encryption guarantees information stays unreadable from the minute of capture to last processing.
  • Multi-factor authentication adds layers beyond passwords, decreasing unapproved access.
  • Regular vulnerability scans identify weak areas before cybercriminals do.

Compliance Beyond Regulations

Compliance is frequently perceived as a governmental hurdle, but it's the backbone of trust between a business and its consumers. Brilliant POS relocations beyond mere policy adherence by embedding compliance into the extremely architecture of its systems. This proactive method lessens threat, guaranteeing that merchants don't simply meet standards-- they surpass them.

Expert Tips to Fortify Your POS System

  1. Segment your network: Isolate POS terminals from other business systems to restrict breach effect.
  2. Execute routine worker training concentrated on security awareness to avoid social engineering attacks.
  3. Audit logs frequently to identify anomalies that could suggest deceitful activity.
  4. Update firmware and software consistently to spot vulnerabilities.
  5. Use tokenization to replace delicate card information with special identifiers that are ineffective if taken.
Security Function Purpose Advantage
Tokenization Replaces card information with tokens Alleviates information breach impact
P2PE Secures information at swipe point Prevents interception by hackers
Multi-factor Authentication Requires numerous identity proofs Decreases unauthorized gain access to risks

Advanced Retail Management Solutions in North Carolina

North Carolina, understood for its diverse landscape varying from Atlantic Ocean beaches to the Appalachian Mountains, is a dynamic state with a population going beyond 10 million locals. The state boasts a strong economy sustained by markets such as innovation, financing, and production. Popular tourist attractions include the historic Biltmore Estate, the busy city of Charlotte, and the picturesque Blue Ridge Parkway. North Carolina's growing business environment makes it a perfect place for implementing effective retail and hospitality management tools.

Brilliant POS offers professional assistance and free assessments on innovative point of sale systems customized to meet the special requirements of companies in this region - Brilliant POS. They are devoted to helping you enhance your operations through ingenious technology and personalized guidance

  • Pos Systems: These systems streamline transactions and handle sales data. These are essential for modern retail and hospitality businesses, improving efficiency and customer service.
  • Point Of Sale: A Point Of Sale is the spot where a customer processes a transaction for goods or offerings, usually in a store. It's a critical component for mercantile operations, permitting transaction processing and stock control.
  • Retail: Retailers rely on point-of-sale technology to handle transactions and inventory. These systems streamline operations and improve customer experiences.
  • Transaction: The Transaction is a fundamental procedure involving the trade of products or services for payment. It is the central function driving retail point-of-sale settings by documenting sales and handling inventory.
  • Payment Processing: Payment Processing enables businesses to take various transaction types from customers. It's crucial for retail point-of-sale setups, helping easy payments and efficient sales management.
  • Inventory Management: Inventory Management monitors stock levels to optimize purchasing choices and avoid deficiencies. It's crucial for sales platforms to guarantee products are in stock when buyers buy them.
  • Sales Data: Sales data fuels retail activities by offering insights into customer actions and product performance. This information is critical for optimizing inventory, customizing marketing, and improving point-of-sale effectiveness.
  • Customer Relationship Management: Customer Relationship Management boosts sales by organizing client data and interactions. This incorporation allows businesses to tailor services and marketing according to purchase history from their POS terminals.
  • Reporting And Analytics: Reporting And Analytics provide crucial understanding of revenue patterns, consumer behavior, and stock control. This data empowers businesses using point-of-sale solutions to make data-driven decisions, streamline operations, and boost profitability.
  • Hardware: Hardware is the base of retail sale processing, enabling efficient and secure sales. Reliable devices like barcode scanners and receipt printers are essential for smooth customer experiences at the point of sale.
  • Software: Software is the foundation of current retail activities, handling sales and stock. It streamlines the checkout process and provides valuable data insights for businesses.
  • Barcode Scanner: Barcode Scanners quickly scan product codes, ensuring quick and accurate transactions at the checkout. They are key for efficient checkout processes and inventory control in stores.
  • Receipt Printer: These printers create paper records of transactions for customers. They are important parts in store and service environments for recording sales.
  • Cash Drawer: The Cash Drawer is a safe receptacle for money in retail environments. It works with sales terminals to unlock automatically upon transaction end, aiding cash management.
  • Credit Card Reader: Credit Card Readers are essential devices that allow companies to take credit payments from customers. They seamlessly integrate with retail setups to facilitate transactions and simplify the checkout procedure.
  • Touchscreen Monitor: Touchscreen Monitor allow simple interaction for retail and service transactions. These displays streamline checkout processes and boost efficiency at points of sale.
  • Payment Gateway: The Payment Gateway securely sends transaction data from a point-of-sale terminal and the payment processor. This enables businesses take different payment methods at their checkout.
  • Cloud Based Pos: Cloud Based Pos solutions give companies adaptability and reachability by storing data and software on distant servers. This modern approach enhances operational efficiency for retail and service industries by streamlining transactions and administrative tasks.
  • Mobile Pos: Mobile Point of Sale (mPOS) lets businesses for them to accept payments and conduct sales transactions everywhere with a transportable device. It provides flexibility and convenience, expanding the reach of retail operations.
  • E Commerce Integration: E Commerce Integration connects online stores with in-store sales platforms, allowing for streamlined operations and inventory control. This link permits businesses to offer customers a seamless shopping experience across all channels.
  • Restaurant Pos: Restaurant Pos manages orders, transactions, and kitchen communication. It constitutes a key element of point-of-sale transaction management infrastructure.
  • Retail Pos: Retail Pos is the spot where a shopper finishes a deal. It encompasses the hardware and programs that let businesses to manage deals and manage customer interactions at the point of purchase.
  • Hospitality: Hospitality boosts customer experiences, encouraging loyalty via personalized assistance. Efficient transaction handling tools are essential for smooth operations in the industry.
  • Point Of Sale System: The Point Of Sale System administers transactions and selling data. It represents an crucial component for retail businesses to handle payments and monitor inventory.
  • Data Security: Safeguarding sensitive payment and customer information is essential for businesses using electronic retail transaction terminals. Powerful Data Security measures guarantee customer trust and avoid financial losses from breaches.
  • Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard: Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard guarantees secure handling of cardholder data. This safeguards payment terminals and associated setups from infractions.
  • Pos System: This is a vital part of retail and hospitality, supporting sales transactions and managing inventory. These Pos System improve operations, enhance customer service, and offer valuable data insights.
  • Credit Card: Credit Cards allow patrons to process payments electronically at the point of sale. They streamline transactions and provide businesses a secure way to accept payments.
  • Debit Card: Debit Cards enable customers to create payments directly from their bank accounts at retail checkout. They simplify transactions and offer a handy alternative to cash for in-store purchases.
  • Cash Register: The Cash Register is a critical component for managing transactions in retail environments. It records sales, figures totals, and manages cash, playing a vital role in a business's point-of-sale operations.
  • Receipt: Proof of purchase document sales, providing customers with a history of purchase. This history is important for sales terminals, inventory management, and accounting purposes.
  • Reporting: Revenue monitoring provides valuable insights into business performance. These analytics help streamline inventory and improve customer service at the point of sale.
  • Cloud Computing: Cloud Computing offers scalable infrastructure for retail transaction processing. This enables businesses to manage sales data, inventory, and customer information effectively via web-based platforms.
  • E Commerce: E-commerce boosts retail transactions by integrating online sales with in-store activities. This connectivity optimizes inventory control and customer data across all sales channels, enhancing the point of sale experience.
  • Merchant Account: A Merchant Account permits firms to accept electronic payments from clients. This is critical for modern shop setups, enabling seamless transactions through card readers and other point-of-sale equipment.
  • Security: Protecting financial exchanges and customer data is crucial for retail payment terminals. Strong Security measures build trust and prevent fraud in checkout environments.
  • Data Encryption: Data Encryption secures delicate financial transactions at store checkout terminals, protecting consumer information and stopping fraud. This procedure is essential for keeping trust and complying with data security standards in point-of-sale settings.
  • Customer Service: Superb Customer Service elevates the retail experience , fostering loyalty and positive brand image. Integrated point-of-sale technology enables businesses to provide personalized and efficient support, ultimately driving customer satisfaction.
  • Loyalty Program: Customer retention programs integrated with point-of-sale technology boost client retention and generate repeat business through personalized rewards. They monitor purchases and engagement, allowing businesses to offer custom incentives that encourage brand loyalty.
  • Sales: Sales data powers important understanding for companies, shaping inventory management and customer behavior analysis. Point-of-purchase technology streamlines these transactions, improving productivity and accuracy in tracking Sales performance.
  • Supply Chain: Supply chain management guarantees the seamless flow of goods from production to the sales point. Effective supply chains are vital for retail transaction handling to satisfy customer demand and keep inventory.
  • Data Analytics: Data Analytics changes trade records from retail checkout spots into actionable insights. This enables businesses to improve stock, customize customer experiences, and refine sales plans.
  • Loss Prevention: Loss Prevention strategies integrated with point-of-sale technology assist retailers minimize theft and errors. Such integrated systems offer tools for tracking transactions and spotting suspicious activity, protecting revenue.
  • Pricing: Pricing strategies are key for maximizing profitability in retail locations. Electronic point-of-sale systems simplify price management, discounts, and promotions, ensuring accurate transactions and inventory control.
  • Marketing: Marketing fuels customer interaction and brand recognition, which is essential for boosting sales through point-of-sale systems. It aids businesses draw in and retain customers, ultimately increasing the potential of their transaction platforms.
  • Mobile Point Of Sale: Mobile Point Of Sale allows businesses to handle sales and take payments from anywhere using mobile devices. It's an more and more vital component of today's retail and service industry checkout solutions.
  • Retail Technology: Retail Technology improves customer interactions and optimizes processes. These innovations transform payment processes and stock control for businesses.
  • Self Checkout: Self Checkout kiosks allow customers to read and pay for items independently, improving the retail experience. This technology integrates with retail transaction processing systems, boosting efficiency and reducing wait times.
  • Enterprise Resource Planning: Enterprise Resource Planning integrates core business operations, optimizing processes and data management. It enhances retail checkout solutions by providing real-time inventory, customer, and sales data for informed decision-making.
  • Accounting: Bookkeeping records financial data, giving insights into company performance. This is essential for retail businesses using point-of-sale technology to handle transactions and inventory.
  • Transaction Processing: Transaction Processing ensures that sales and payments are precisely recorded and managed. It's vital for retail checkout system to process purchases, returns, and other financial interactions.
  • Accounting Software: Accounting Software integrates with retail transaction platforms to streamline financial data. This integration computerizes bookkeeping tasks related to sales and inventory.
  • Payment Terminal: Payment Terminals facilitate electronic billing processing at the purchase. They are key for companies to accept multiple payment methods and complete transactions.
  • Magnetic Stripe Reader: Magnetic Stripe Reader decode data from credit and debit cards for processing transactions. They are often used at checkout lines to facilitate payments.
  • Emv Chip: Emv Chip enhance payment security by encoding transaction information. They are vital for contemporary retail point-of-sale terminals, minimizing fraud.
  • Near Field Communication: Near Field Communication (NFC) enables contactless payments by letting customers to simply tap their credit cards or devices at compatible checkout systems. This method simplifies payments and improves the customer journey at the point of sale.
  • Restaurant: Eateries utilize computerized checkout tech to make easier order taking, payment processing, and inventory control. These systems help make better efficiency and accuracy in Restaurant operations.
  • Transaction Log: Transaction Logs document every operation in a retail business sales system, guaranteeing data integrity. They enable auditing, restoration after failures, and following sales trends.
  • Transaction Fee: Transaction Fee represent costs imposed on companies for processing payments, impacting profitability. These fees are vital to consider when assessing payment processing solutions for retail point-of-sale setups.
  • Transaction Authorization: Transaction Authorization validates adequate funds or credit for purchases at point-of-sale terminals. It guarantees payment safety and prevents dishonest transactions throughout retail sales.
  • Transaction Settlement: Transaction settlement finalizes payments from customers to a business. It's vital for retailers using electronic sales systems to balance daily deals and get funds.
  • Credit Card Processing: Credit Card Processing allows businesses to receive card payments from customers. It is critical for modern retail checkout solutions, streamlining transactions and boosting customer convenience.
  • Debit Card Processing: Debit Card Processing lets companies to accept payments straight from customers' checking accounts. This functionality is critical for current store checkout solutions permitting for smooth exchanges.
  • Emv Chip Card: EMV chip cards improve payment security by using a microchip to encrypt transaction data. They are essential for modern retail checkout terminals, reducing fraud and enhancing data protection.
  • Contactless Payment: Contactless Payment enable consumers to quickly and safely pay by waving their card or device. This technology streamlines transactions at the checkout, improving the shopping experience.
  • Mobile Payment: Mobile Payment permits customers to complete transactions with mobile phones or other devices. This technology eases checkout at points of sale, boosting speed and convenience.
  • Online Payment: Online Payment processing permits businesses to accept digital transactions. This incorporation is crucial for modern retail checkout solutions, expediting sales and improving customer experience.
  • Fraud Detection: Fraud Detection analyzes transaction data to spot and stop dishonest activities at sales locations. This protects businesses and customers from financial losses and keeps trust in payment processing.
  • Pci Dss Compliance: Pci Dss Compliance assures safe handling of cardholder information for companies using point-of-sale systems. Following these rules protects customer information and prevents data leaks during operations.
  • Chargeback: Reversals occur when customers dispute a transaction, obligating merchants to refund the payment if the dispute is valid. These disputes affect businesses that use point-of-sale technology by potentially reducing revenue and accruing fees.
  • Payment Processor: Payment processors are essential for companies as they securely handle transactions between clients and merchants. They authorize and transfer money during sales at the point of transaction.
  • Interchange Fee: Interchange Fees are charges imposed by banks for handling electronic transactions. These costs impact the cost merchants pay when customers use cards at point-of-sale terminals.
  • Payment Security: Payment security is crucial for safeguarding customer information and stopping fraud throughout transactions. Secure payment handling is essential for businesses using point-of-sale technology to keep trust and avoid financial losses.
  • Tokenization: Tokenization substitutes private data with insensitive replacements, protecting customer data. This procedure is essential for safeguarding credit card details within retail point of sale environments.
  • Encryption: Encoding safeguards private transaction data throughout exchanges at retail checkout terminals. It guarantees the safety of monetary information, protecting customers and businesses from fraud.
  • Card Reader: Card Readers are vital devices that enable businesses to take digital payments from customers. They play a key role in store environments and POS setups, expediting transactions.
  • Merchant Services: Business solutions allow businesses to take different payment options. They are crucial for contemporary retail configurations, assuring seamless transactions at the point of sale.
  • Ach Transfer: ACH Transfer allow businesses to directly debit customer accounts for purchases. This payment method offers a secure and efficient alternative to credit cards within retail payment solutions.
  • Payment Solutions: Payment Solutions are essential for businesses to efficiently process payments. They are integral elements in retail point-of-sale systems, allowing seamless and safe payment acceptance.
  • Point Of Sale Systems: These systems simplify transactions and handle sales data. They are key components of retail and hospitality operations, improving efficiency and customer experience at the Point Of Sale Systems checkout.
  • Stock Control: Stock Control helps ensure businesses maintain optimal inventory levels, avoiding stockouts and excess inventory. It works with retail point-of-sale systems to instantly update inventory with each transaction, providing real-time insight and data for informed decisions.
  • Supply Chain Management: Supply Chain Management ensures the efficient flow of goods from suppliers to stores. It optimizes inventory and distribution for POS operations, improving customer experiences.
  • Demand Forecasting: Demand Forecasting predicts future customer demands, enabling retail businesses to optimize inventory and staffing. This ensures seamless transaction processing at the point of sale and boosts customer satisfaction.
  • Economic Order Quantity: Economic Order Quantity enhances stock procurement to minimize costs. When integrated with retail sales oversight systems, it guarantees products are in stock while lowering holding costs.
  • Just In Time Inventory: Just In Time Inventory decreases warehousing costs by accepting goods only when required. This efficient approach optimizes stock quantities followed by retail sales systems.
  • Warehouse Management: Warehouse management guarantees efficient storage and movement of products. It is crucial for retail checkout solutions to accurately track stock and complete client orders.
  • Inventory Optimization: Inventory Optimization assures companies possess the right items in inventory, reducing spoilage and increasing sales. This is vital for retail sales environments, enhancing efficiency and customer satisfaction.
  • Retail Management: Retail Management oversees all facets of store operations, assuring efficient processes and customer happiness. This entails managing the electronic POS, improving inventory, and educating staff to provide seamless transactions.
  • Inventory Turnover: Inventory Turnover measures how effectively a business uses its stock, impacting profitability. Retail point-of-sale technology assists improving inventory management by tracking sales and stock levels in real-time.
  • Perpetual Inventory: Perpetual Inventory continually tracks stock levels, offering real-time data on available products. This allows businesses using electronic point-of-sale solutions to make knowledgeable decisions about inventory management and avoid out of stock situations or excess inventory.
  • Periodic Inventory: Periodic stocktaking involves manually counting stock at specific periods to update inventory logs. This method helps retail operations align physical stock with documented data, aiding in loss prevention and informing restocking decisions for sales settings.
  • Inventory Valuation: Inventory Valuation determines the cost of goods on hand, affecting earnings and tax liabilities. Precise valuation is essential for retail point-of-sale setups to track inventory levels and improve purchasing decisions.
  • Inventory Auditing: Inventory Auditing entails checking physical stock against recorded data to identify differences and guarantee accuracy. This process is crucial for companies using retail point-of-sale setups, as it aids maintain precise inventory levels and prevent losses.
  • Barcodes: Barcodes speed up checkout procedures by enabling fast and precise product recognition. This tech is vital for today's retail businesses to control stock and sales effectively at the time of sale.
  • Weighted Average Cost: Weighted Average Cost calculates inventory value based on the mean cost of goods, essential for accurate financial reporting. Retail point-of-sale setups benefit from this method by maintaining accurate stock valuation and profitability monitoring.
  • Inventory Shrinkage: Inventory Shrinkage, including losses from theft, harm, and mistakes, directly affects earnings for businesses. Point-of-sale setups play a vital role in tracking inventory and detecting discrepancies that contribute to shrinkage.
  • Reorder Point: Reorder point helps companies avoid out of stock situations by triggering replenishment when inventory levels drop to a set threshold. This guarantees seamless transactions processes at the transaction point and customer satisfaction.
  • Safety Stock: Safety Stock is additional inventory kept to protect against uncertainties in demand and supply. This assures retail operations can fulfill customer orders even when unexpected fluctuations happen at the point of sale.
  • Lead Time: Lead Time is the time from order placement and when the products are available for purchase. Reduced lead times can improve stock control and customer satisfaction at the checkout.
  • Abc Analysis: Abc Analysis categorizes inventory to prioritize resources based on value, pinpointing high-impact items for focused management. This is essential for retail checkout solutions to improve stock levels and ensure availability of key products.
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  3. 27016: The postal code 27016 is found in the region of North Carolina, mainly serving the area of Dobson in Surry County. This region features a mix of residential neighborhoods, small businesses, and rural areas.
  4. 27017: 27017 is a zip code located in North Carolina, covering areas of Forsyth County. It includes locations such as Kernersville, known for its historic downtown and local events.
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  7. 27020: 27020 is a postal code located in North Carolina, primarily including the city of Clemmons in Forsyth County. This area is known for its suburban neighborhoods, local parks, and closeness to Winston-Salem.
  8. 27021: 27021 is a postal code located in Forsyth County, North Carolina, primarily covering areas of the city of Winston-Salem. This area boasts a combination of residential neighborhoods, businesses, and community resources.
  9. 27022: The 27022 ZIP code is located in North Carolina, primarily encompassing parts of the city of Mocksville. It includes a mix of residential neighborhoods, local businesses, and rural areas, showing the diverse character of Davie County.
  10. 27023: 27023 is a postal code located in North Carolina, primarily covering areas of the city of Lexington in Davidson County. This area offers a mix of housing areas, local enterprises, and community amenities.
  11. 27025: 27025 is a zip code located in Dobson, North Carolina, within Surry County. It includes a blend of living, agricultural, and local business areas, highlighting the region's country feel.
  12. 27027: The 27027 ZIP code is located in North Carolina, covering sections of Forsyth County. It includes the city of Clemmons and adjacent areas, known for its residential communities and closeness to Winston-Salem.
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  19. 27045: 27045 is a postal code located in North Carolina, covering areas within Forsyth County. It includes parts of Winston-Salem and surrounding areas, offering a mix of housing and commercial areas.
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  23. 27055: 27055 is a zip code located in Kernersville, North Carolina, known for its suburban neighborhood and proximity to the Piedmont Triad region. The area features a blend of living communities, local businesses, and access to parks and recreation centers.
  24. 27059: 27059 is a ZIP code located in North Carolina, primarily serving the city of King in Stokes County. It is part of the Piedmont Triad region, famous for its blend of small-town charm and closeness to larger urban areas.
  25. 27060: 27060 is a ZIP code located in North Carolina, covering parts of the city of Lexington. This area offers a combination of housing areas, local shops, and neighborhood services.
  26. 27070: The 27070 ZIP code is located in North Carolina, primarily covering the town of Mocksville and surrounding regions. It features a blend of housing, commercial, and countryside areas, delivering a combination of quaint small-town appeal and local facilities.
  27. 27071: 27071 is a postal code located in North Carolina, primarily serving the city of Mount Airy in Surry County. This area is known for its charming small town atmosphere and historical importance.
  28. 27076: 27076 is a ZIP code located in North Carolina, chiefly serving the community of King. It is part of Stokes County and includes a mix of residential and rural areas.
  29. 27077: 27077 is a ZIP code located in Surry County, North Carolina, encompassing parts of the city of Mount Airy. This area is known for its scenic landscapes and nearness to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
  30. 27083: The 27083 ZIP code is located in North Carolina, covering areas of the town of Lexington and nearby areas. It is known for its blend of residential neighborhoods, community businesses, and proximity to recreational parks.
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  7. Cary: Cary is a flourishing town in North Carolina known for its high quality of life and vibrant community spirit. It features a blend of residential and urban amenities, with excellent schools, parks, and a growing technology sector.
  8. Wilmington: Wilmington is a historic port city located in southeastern North Carolina, known for its enchanting riverfront and vibrant cultural scene. It offers a combination of stunning beaches, historic architecture, and a flourishing film industry.
  9. High Point: High Point is a town in North Carolina famous for its prominent furniture manufacturing sector and yearly High Point Market, the largest home furnishings trade show in the globe. It is a part of the Piedmont Triad metropolitan area and features a mix of cultural sites and historic locations.
  10. Concord: Concord is a town in North Carolina known for its rich history and vibrant community. It is home to the Charlotte Motor Speedway and offers a combination of heritage attractions and outdoor activities.
  11. Asheville: Asheville is a lively city in North Carolina known for its historic architecture and flourishing arts scene. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it offers breathtaking natural beauty and a varied cultural experience.
  12. Greenville: Greenville is a dynamic city in North Carolina known for its rich history and cultural variety. It serves as a central hub for learning, health services, and trade, featuring East Carolina University and a developing downtown area.
  13. Jacksonville: Jacksonville is a town located in Onslow County, North Carolina, known for its nearness to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. It features a mix of military influence and Southern charm, enhancing its distinctive community atmosphere.
  14. Huntersville: Huntersville is a residential town in North Carolina known for its welcoming community and proximity to Lake Norman. It offers a mix of modern amenities, parks, and a historic downtown area.
  15. Apex: Apex is a vibrant town located in Wake County, North Carolina, known for its historic downtown and close-knit community spirit. It offers a combination of suburban living with access to parks, schools, and local events.
  16. Burlington: Burlington is a town in North Carolina known for its extensive history and vibrant community. It serves as a regional hub for commerce, arts, and learning in the Piedmont Triad area.
  17. Gastonia: Gastonia is a municipality in North Carolina renowned for its rich history in the textile industry. It boasts a mix of urban and suburban areas with parks, cultural attractions, and a expanding economy.
  18. Chapel Hill: Chapel Hill is a dynamic town in North Carolina known for its famous University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It offers a thriving cultural scene, heritage landmarks, and a strong sense of community.
  19. Rocky Mount: Rocky Mount is a town in North Carolina renowned for its deep history and lively arts scene. It serves as a center for trade and heritage in the coastal plains region.
  20. Kannapolis: Kannapolis is a municipality in North Carolina known for its rich history in textile manufacturing. It has grown into a lively community with a focus on education, healthcare, and biotechnology.
  21. Wake Forest: Wake Forest is a charming town in North Carolina known for its heritage-rich downtown and thriving community. It offers a mix of small-town appeal and contemporary amenities, making it a popular place to live and visit.
  22. Hickory: Hickory is a town in North Carolina famous for its rich history in furniture production and lively cultural scene. It features a combination of historic architecture and modern amenities, making it a delightful place to live and explore.
  23. Goldsboro: Goldsboro is a town in Wayne County, North Carolina, known for its deep history and lively community. It serves as a local center with arts and culture, educational institutions, and military significance due to its proximity to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.
  24. Salisbury: Salisbury is a historic city in North Carolina known for its well-maintained downtown district and rich cultural heritage. It acts as the county seat of Rowan County and features a blend of quaint small-town appeal and modern amenities.
  25. Indian Trail: Indian Trail is a quickly growing town in North Carolina known for its family-friendly atmosphere and close-knit community spirit. It offers a blend of suburban living with convenient access to Charlotte's metropolitan amenities.
  26. Monroe: Monroe is a city in Union County, North Carolina, known for its historic downtown and lively community events. It serves as a focal point for commerce and culture in the surrounding area.
  27. New Bern: New Bern is a old city in North Carolina known for its enchanting waterfront and profound colonial heritage. It serves as the county seat of Craven County and offers a blend of cultural attractions and natural beauty.
  28. Mooresville: Mooresville is a vibrant town in North Carolina known for its strong motorsports heritage and closeness to Lake Norman. It offers a blend of quaint charm and contemporary facilities, appealing to residents and visitors alike.
  29. Garner: Garner is a town located in Wake County, North Carolina, known for its welcoming atmosphere and expanding community. It offers a mix of suburban living with easy access to the nearby city of Raleigh.
  30. Sanford: Sanford is a town located in Lee County, North Carolina, known for its historic downtown and thriving community. It serves as a area hub for trade, learning, and health services in the middle part of the state.
Biltmore EstateThe Biltmore Estate in North Carolina is a notable mansion built by George Washington Vanderbilt II, featuring two hundred fifty rooms and impressive architecture. It is surrounded by lovely gardens and offers visitors a view into the Gilded Age lifestyle.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biltmore_Estate
Great Smoky Mountains National ParkThe Great Smoky Mountains National Park is famous for its rich plant and animal life, ancient mountains, and mist-covered landscapes. It offers a variety of hiking trails, historic buildings, and scenic vistas along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Smoky_Mountains_National_Park
Outer BanksThe Outer Banks is a chain of protective islands off the coast of North Carolina known for its stunning beaches, deep history, and distinctive wildlife. It offers well-liked activities such as fishing, water sports, and exploring heritage sites like the Wright Brothers National Memorial.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outer_Banks
Wright Brothers National MemorialWright Brothers National Memorial in North Carolina celebrates the first pioneering powered flights by Orville and Wilbur Wright in 1903. The site offers a visitor center, model of the original Flyer, and exhibits highlighting the history of aviation.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wright_Brothers_National_Memorial
Battleship North CarolinaThe Battleship North Carolina is a historic World War II battleship permanently docked in Wilmington, North Carolina. It serves as a museum, giving visitors a possibility to explore its decks and learn about naval history.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_North_Carolina_(BB-55)
Chimney Rock State ParkChimney Rock State Park in North Carolina boasts a impressive 315-foot granite monolith with breathtaking views of the adjacent Blue Ridge Mountains. The park also offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and varied wildlife, attracting outdoor enthusiasts.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chimney_Rock_State_Park
Grandfather MountainGrandfather Mountain in North Carolina is a rough peak known for its beautiful hiking trails, varied wildlife, and the Mile High Swinging Bridge. It offers stunning panoramic views and is a well-liked destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grandfather_Mountain
Cape Hatteras National SeashoreCape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina features untouched beaches, varied wildlife, and heritage lighthouses. It is a favored destination for fishing, surfing, and enjoying natural coastal beauty.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Hatteras_National_Seashore
North Carolina Museum of Natural SciencesThe North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is a famous institution offering wide-ranging exhibits on the natural world, including engaging displays and live animals. It offers educational programs and immersive experiences that emphasize the biodiversity and science of the region.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Carolina_Museum_of_Natural_Sciences
North Carolina ZooThe North Carolina Zoo is among the largest natural habitat zoos in the world, featuring over 1,600 animals representing more than 250 species. It provides large exhibits that replicate African and North American environments, offering a special and engaging wildlife experience.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Carolina_Zoo
International Civil Rights Center & MuseumThe International Civil Rights Center & Museum in North Carolina commemorates the 1960 Greensboro sit-ins, a pivotal event in the Civil Rights Movement. It features exhibits and educational programs that highlight the struggle for racial equality and social justice.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Civil_Rights_Center_%26_Museum
Fort Raleigh National Historic SiteFort Raleigh National Historic Site maintains the area of the first English settlement in America, known as the Lost Colony. It gives visitors a view into early-stage colonial history through outdoor exhibits and living history programs.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Raleigh_National_Historic_Site
Jockey's Ridge State ParkJockey's Ridge State Park features the tallest natural sand dune system in the Eastern United States, offering spectacular views of the nearby landscape. Visitors can participate in activities such as hiking, hang gliding, and kite flying in this special coastal environment.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jockey%27s_Ridge_State_Park
Tryon PalaceTryon Palace is a heritage site in New Bern, North Carolina, featuring the refurbished 18th-century governor's mansion and beautiful gardens. It offers a glimpse into colonial life with museum exhibits, guided tours, and special events.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tryon_Palace
Uwharrie National ForestUwharrie National Forest in North Carolina features varied outdoor activities including hiking, camping, and off-road vehicle trails. It includes scenic landscapes with historic mountains, dense forests, and sparkling lakes, ideal for nature enthusiasts.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uwharrie_National_Forest
Mount Mitchell State ParkMount Mitchell State Park in North Carolina boasts the highest peak to the east of the Mississippi River, offering stunning panoramic views and varied hiking trails. The park is renowned for its unique flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Mitchell_State_Park
Merchants Millpond State ParkMerchants Millpond State Park in North Carolina boasts a tranquil millpond encircled by cypress swamps and diverse wildlife, providing opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and hiking. The park preserves historic structures and provides a quiet natural retreat for outdoor enthusiasts.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merchants_Millpond_State_Park
Old Salem Museums & GardensOld Salem Museums & Gardens in North Carolina presents a view into the vibrant history and culture of the Moravian settlers through restored buildings, gardens, and interactive exhibits. Visitors can explore 18th and 19th-century architecture, traditional crafts, and beautifully maintained gardens.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Salem
Linville Gorge WildernessLinville Gorge Wilderness in North Carolina is a wild and picturesque area known for its profound canyon and varied wildlife. It offers demanding hiking trails, stunning overlooks, and opportunities for rock climbing and fishing.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linville_Gorge
Blue Ridge ParkwayThe Blue Ridge Parkway is a picturesque highway that meanders through the Appalachian Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the natural landscape. It is well-known for its scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and vibrant fall foliage, making it a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Ridge_Parkway
Graveyard FieldsGraveyard Fields is a beautiful area in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains known for its spectacular waterfalls and vibrant wildflower meadows. It offers well-known hiking trails with amazing views and varied natural beauty.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graveyard_Fields
Sliding RockSliding Rock is a natural waterfall in Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina, where visitors can descend down a polished, 60-foot-long rock into a chilly mountain pool. It offers a one-of-a-kind and exhilarating outdoor experience well-liked with families and adventure seekers.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sliding_Rock
Looking Glass FallsLooking Glass Falls is a breathtaking 60-foot waterfall located in the Pisgah National Forest of North Carolina. Conveniently located and surrounded by lush greenery, it is a popular spot for visitors looking for natural beauty and photo opportunities.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Looking_Glass_Falls
Lake LureLake Lure is a scenic reservoir situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina, renowned for its breathtaking views and recreational activities. It provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking, attracting visitors seeking natural beauty and outdoor adventure.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Lure,_North_Carolina
Tweetsie RailroadTweetsie Railroad is a Western-themed amusement park in North Carolina featuring a heritage steam locomotive ride through beautiful mountain terrain. It offers family-oriented attractions, live entertainment, and year-round events celebrating the region's railroad heritage.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tweetsie_Railroad
Emerald IsleEmerald Isle is a picturesque coastal town in North Carolina known for its pristine beaches and welcoming atmosphere. It offers fantastic opportunities for fishing, boating, and relaxing by the Atlantic Ocean.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerald_Isle,_North_Carolina
High Point Furniture MarketHigh Point Furniture Market in North Carolina is the most extensive home furnishings industry trade show in the world, attracting buyers and exhibitors worldwide. It features a vast array of furniture types and designs, acting as a important hub for industry networking and innovation.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Point_Market
NASCAR Hall of FameThe NASCAR Hall of Fame in North Carolina commemorates the history and heritage of NASCAR, showcasing renowned drivers, classic cars, and noteworthy moments. It provides interactive exhibits and memorabilia, making it essential for racing fans.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASCAR_Hall_of_Fame
Discovery Place ScienceDiscovery Place Science in North Carolina is a interactive science museum featuring participatory exhibits, an aquarium, and live demonstrations. It offers educational experiences for all ages focused on tech, life science, and physics.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discovery_Place
Morehead Planetarium and Science CenterMorehead Planetarium and Science Center in North Carolina features hands-on displays and captivating astronomy demonstrations that inspire interest about the universe. It functions as a center for science education and public engagement, highlighting advanced technology and research programs.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morehead_Planetarium_and_Science_Center

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Aaron, is absolutely amazing and does a wonderful job with answering all of our questions! We have the POS System and the Clover Flex that he has helped us get. It has done amazing things for our business and has helped us to thrive even … More

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Welcome to the future of

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Our POS system was created with simplicity in mind for the user experience, while providing the array of features sets you need to efficiently grow your business to it’s greatest potential.

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Insight is everything, you need to know what you don’t already know to make educated decisions. Our in-depth reporting, extensive inventory control, and customer tracking will provide you with that much needed knowledge.

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Our business is your business. Brilliant POS is 100% customer experience driven. We are into building relationships and growing with your business as it reaches new levels of success.

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Our outstanding support begins with ensuring you are set up correctly from the start. If you ever happen to need it, we have 24/7/365 US-based support ready to assist. We have you covered; days, nights, weekends, and holidays.

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Make transactions a breeze; we have simplified the transaction process to keep your customers happy and wanting to come back.

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Take your business online to capture a broader audience. We’ll integrate the online store with your brick and mortar. Making it simple to add products and fulfill orders.

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Working with Brilliant POS has been the best choice we could have made for Beads, Inc. Their attention to detail, service and customer satisfaction was fantastic and made the process easy. Almost 2 years later, and we cannot recommend Brilliant POS enough to other small businesses.

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Point of sale

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about checkout technology. For managed care, see point of service plan.
Points of sale at a Target retail store
Marketing
Management
Key concepts
Account-based marketing · Activation · Annoyance factor · Attribution · Distribution · Brand licensing · Brand management · Cannibalization · Co-creation · Communications · Consumer behaviour · Consumer culture · Digital marketing · Dominance · Effectiveness · Ethics · Horizontal integration · Influencer marketing · Mix · Pricing · Product marketing · Promotion · Retail · Segmentation · Service · Social marketing · Strategy · Vertical integration
Promotional content
Advertising · Ambush marketing · Branding · Corporate anniversary · Direct marketing · Franchising · Gender in advertising · Label · Loyalty marketing · Mobile marketing · On-hold messaging · Personal selling · Premiums · Prizes · Product placement · Propaganda · Publicity · Sales promotion · Sex in advertising · Underwriting spot
Promotional media
Behavioral targeting · Brand ambassador · Counter display unit · Display advertising · Display stand · Drip marketing · Endcap · Gondola · In-game advertising · Mobile advertising · Native advertising · New media · Online advertising · Out-of-home advertising · Point of sale · Product demonstration · Promotional merchandise (merchandising) · Promotional representative · Visual merchandising · Web banner · Word-of-mouth
Research
Market research · Marketing research · Mystery shopping · Consumer research

The point of sale (POS) or point of purchase (POP) is the time and place at which a retail transaction is completed. At the point of sale, the merchant calculates the amount owed by the customer, indicates that amount, may prepare an invoice for the customer (which may be a cash register printout), and indicates the options for the customer to make payment. It is also the point at which a customer makes a payment to the merchant in exchange for goods or after provision of a service. After receiving payment, the merchant may issue a receipt, as proof of transaction, which is usually printed but can also be dispensed with or sent electronically.[1][2][3]

To calculate the amount owed by a customer, the merchant may use various devices such as weighing scales, barcode scanners, and cash registers (or the more advanced "POS cash registers", which are sometimes also called "POS systems"[4][5]). To make a payment, payment terminals, touch screens, and other hardware and software options are available.

The point of sale is often referred to as the point of service because it is not just a point of sale but also a point of return or customer order. POS terminal software may also include features for additional functionality, such as inventory management, CRM, financials, or warehousing.

Businesses are increasingly adopting POS systems, and one of the most obvious and compelling reasons is that a POS system eliminates the need for price tags. Selling prices are linked to the product code of an item when adding stock, so the cashier merely scans this code to process a sale. If there is a price change, this can also be easily done through the inventory window. Other advantages include the ability to implement various types of discounts, a loyalty scheme for customers, and more efficient stock control. These features are typical of almost all modern ePOS systems.

Terminology

[edit]
The counter of a café at the new Centrum department store in Tampere, Finland in 1961

Retailers and marketers will often refer to the area around the checkout instead as the point of purchase (POP) when they are discussing it from the customer's perspective. This is particularly the case when planning and designing the area as well as when considering a marketing strategy and offers.

Some point of sale vendors refer to their POS system as "retail management system" which is a more appropriate term, since this software is not just for processing sales but comes with many other capabilities, such as inventory management, membership systems, supplier records, bookkeeping, issuing of purchase orders, quotations and stock transfers, hide barcode label creation, sale reporting and in some cases remote outlet networking or linkage, to name some major ones.

Nevertheless, it is the term POS system rather than retail management system that is in vogue among both end-users and vendors.

The basic, fundamental definition of a POS System is a system which allows the processing and recording of transactions between a company and its consumers, at the time in which goods and/or services are purchased.

History

[edit]

Software before the 1990s

[edit]
McDonald's POS device by Brobeck

Early electronic cash registers (ECR) were controlled with proprietary software and were limited in function and communication capability. In August 1973, IBM released the IBM 3650 and 3660 store systems that were, in essence, a mainframe computer used as a store controller that could control up to 128 IBM 3653/3663 point of sale registers. This system was the first commercial use of client-server technology, peer-to-peer communications, local area network (LAN) simultaneous backup, and remote initialization. By mid-1974, it was installed in Pathmark stores in New Jersey and Dillard's department stores.

One of the first microprocessor-controlled cash register systems was built by William Brobeck and Associates in 1974, for McDonald's Restaurants.[6] It used the Intel 8008, an early microprocessor (forerunner to the Intel 8088 processor used in the original IBM Personal Computer). Each station in the restaurant had its own device which displayed the entire order for a customer — for example, [2] Vanilla Shake, [1] Large Fries, [3] Big Mac — using numeric keys and a button for every menu item. By pressing the [Grill] button, a second or third order could be worked on while the first transaction was in progress. When the customer was ready to pay, the [Total] button would calculate the bill, including sales tax for almost any jurisdiction in the United States. This made it accurate for McDonald's and very convenient for the servers and provided the restaurant owner with a check on the amount that should be in the cash drawers. Up to eight devices were connected to one of two interconnected computers so that printed reports, prices, and taxes could be handled from any desired device by putting it into Manager Mode. In addition to the error-correcting memory, accuracy was enhanced by having three copies of all important data with many numbers stored only as multiples of 3. Should one computer fail, the other could handle the entire store.

In 1986, Gene Mosher introduced the first graphical point of sale software

In 1986, Gene Mosher introduced the first graphical point of sale software[7] featuring a touchscreen interface under the ViewTouch[8] trademark on the 16-bit Atari 520ST color computer.[9] It featured a color touchscreen widget-driven interface that allowed configuration of widgets representing menu items without low level programming.[10] The ViewTouch point of sale software was first demonstrated in public at Fall Comdex, 1986,[11] in Las Vegas, Nevada, to large crowds visiting the Atari Computer booth. This was the first commercially available POS system with a widget-driven color graphic touch screen interface and was installed in several restaurants in the US and Canada.

In 1986, IBM introduced its 468x series of POS equipment based on Digital Research's Concurrent DOS 286 and FlexOS 1.xx, a modular real-time multi-tasking multi-user operating system.

Modern software (post-1990s)

[edit]

A wide range of POS applications have been developed on platforms such as Windows and Unix. The availability of local processing power, local data storage, networking, and graphical user interface made it possible to develop flexible and highly functional POS systems. Cost of such systems has also declined, as all the components can now be purchased off-the-shelf.

In 1993, IBM adopted FlexOS 2.32 as the basis of their IBM 4690 OS in their 469x series of POS terminals. This was developed up to 2014 when it was sold to Toshiba, who continued to support it up to at least 2017.

With increased options for commodity hardware and a more competitive market, the 1990s saw increased attention paid to the user interaction between store employees and POS systems. Touchscreens and larger displays became widely available in the 1990s, offering an alternative to limited displays like two-line VFDs used in the IBM 4683. The performance of the employees using the POS devices, a controllable cost for the business, depends upon the ease of learning, ease of use, and level of employee experience with it. Although experienced employees work more quickly with mechanically keyed entry,[12] some systems favoured adopting GUI technology for ease of learning or for ergonomic factors.[13]

The key requirements that must be met by modern POS systems include high and consistent operating speed, reliability, ease of use, remote supportability, low cost, and rich functionality. Retailers can reasonably expect to acquire such systems (including hardware) for about $4000 US (as of 2009) per checkout lane.

Reliability depends not wholly on the developer but at times on the compatibility between a database and an OS version. For example, the widely used Microsoft Access database system had a compatibility issue when Windows XP machines were updated to a newer version of Windows. Microsoft offered no immediate solution. Some businesses were severely disrupted in the process, and many downgraded back to Windows XP for a quick resolution. Other companies utilized community support, for a registry tweak solution has been found for this.[14][unreliable source]

POS systems are one of the most complex software systems available because of the features that are required by different end users. Many POS systems are software suites that include sale, inventory, stock counting, vendor ordering, customer loyalty and reporting modules. Sometimes purchase ordering, stock transferring, quotation issuing, barcode creating, bookkeeping or even accounting capabilities are included. Each of these modules is interlinked if they are to serve their practical purpose and maximize their usability.

For instance, the sale window is immediately updated on a new member entry through the membership window because of this interlinking. Similarly, when a sale transaction is made, any purchase by a member is on record for the membership window to report providing information like payment type, goods purchased, date of purchase and points accumulated. Comprehensive analysis performed by a POS machine may need to process several qualities about a single product, like selling price, balance, average cost, quantity sold, description and department. Highly complex programming is involved (and possibly considerable computer resources) to generate such extensive analyses.

POS systems are designed not only to serve the retail, wholesale and hospitality industries as historically is the case. Currently POS systems are also used in goods and property leasing businesses, equipment repair shops, healthcare management, ticketing offices such as cinemas and sports facilities and many other operations where capabilities such as the following are required: processing monetary transactions, allocation and scheduling of facilities, keeping record and scheduling services rendered to customers, tracking of goods and processes (repair or manufacture), invoicing and tracking of debts and outstanding payments.

Different customers have different expectations within each trade. The reporting functionality alone is subject to so many demands, especially from those in the retail/wholesale industry. To cite special requirements, some business's goods may include perishables and hence the inventory system must be capable of prompting the admin and cashier on expiring or expired products. Some retail businesses require the system to store credit for their customers, credit which can be used subsequently to pay for goods. A few companies expect the POS system to behave like a full-fledged inventory management system, including the ability to provide FIFO (First In First Out) and LIFO (Last In First Out), reports of their goods for accounting and tax purposes.

In the hospitality industry, POS system capabilities can also diverge significantly. For instance, a restaurant is typically concerned about how the sale window functions: whether it has functionality such as creating item buttons, various discounts, adding a service charge, holding of receipts, queuing, table service as well as takeaways, merging and splitting of a receipt. These capabilities may be insufficient for a spa or slimming center which would require, in addition, a scheduling window with historical records of customers' attendance and their special requirements.

A POS system can be made to serve different purposes to different end users depending on their business processes. Often an off-the-shelf POS system is inadequate for customers. Some customization is required, and this is why a POS system can become very complex. The complexity of a mature POS system extends to remote networking or interlinking between remote outlets and the HQ such that updating both ways is possible. Some POS systems offer the linking of web-based orders to their sale window. Even when local networking is only required (as in the case of a high-traffic supermarket), there is the ever-present challenge for the developer to keep most if not all of their POS stations running. This puts high demand not just on software coding but also designing the whole system covering how individual stations and the network work together, and special consideration for the performance capability and usage of databases. Due to such complexity, bugs and errors encountered in POS systems are frequent.[15]

With regard to databases, POS systems are very demanding on their performance because of numerous submissions and retrievals of data - required for correct sequencing the receipt number, checking various discounts, membership, calculating subtotal, so forth - just to process a single sale transaction. The immediacy required of the system on the sale window such as may be observed at a checkout counter in a supermarket cannot be compromised. This places much stress on individual enterprise databases if there are just several tens of thousands of sale records in the database. Enterprise database Microsoft SQL Server, for example, has been known to freeze up (including the OS) entirely for many minutes under such conditions showing a "Timeout Expired" error message. Even a lighter database like Microsoft Access will slow to a crawl over time if the problem of database bloating is not foreseen and managed by the system automatically. Therefore, the need to do extensive testing, debugging and improvisation of solutions to preempt failure of a database before commercial implementation complicates the development.

POS system accuracy is demanding, given that monetary transactions are involved continuously not only via the sale window but also at the back end through the receiving and inputting of goods into the inventory. Calculations required are not always straightforward. There may be many discounts and deals that are unique to specific products, and the POS machine must quickly process the differences and the effect on pricing. There is much complexity in the programming of such operations, especially when no error in calculation can be allowed.

Other requirements include that the system must have functionality for membership discount and points accumulation/usage, quantity and promotional discounts, mix and match offers, cash rounding up, invoice/delivery-order issuance with outstanding amount. It should enable a user to adjust the inventory of each product based on physical count, track expiry of perishable goods, change pricing, provide audit trail when modification of inventory records is performed, be capable of multiple outlet functionality, control of stocks from HQ, doubling as an invoicing system, just to name some.

It is clear that POS system is a term that implies a wide range of capabilities depending on the end-user requirements. POS system review websites cannot be expected to cover most let alone all the features. Unless one is a developer, it is unrealistic to expect the reviewer to know all the aspects of a POS system. For instance, a POS system might work smoothly on a test database during the review but not when the database grows significantly in size over months of usage. And this is only one among many hidden critical functionality issues of a POS system.

Hardware interface standardization (post-1980s)

[edit]

Vendors and retailers are working to standardize development of computerized POS systems and simplify interconnecting POS devices. Two such initiatives were OPOS and JavaPOS, both of which conform to the UnifiedPOS standard led by The National Retail Foundation.

OPOS (OLE for POS) was the first commonly adopted standard and was created by Microsoft, NCR Corporation, Epson and Fujitsu-ICL. OPOS is a COM-based interface compatible with all COM-enabled programming languages for Microsoft Windows. OPOS was first released in 1996. JavaPOS was developed by Sun Microsystems, IBM, and NCR Corporation in 1997 and first released in 1999. JavaPOS is for Java what OPOS is for Windows, and thus largely platform independent.

There are nearly as many proprietary protocols as there are companies making POS peripherals. Most POS peripherals, such as displays and printers, support several of these command protocols to work with many different brands of POS terminals and computers.

User interface design

[edit]

The design of the sale window is the most important one for the user. This user interface is highly critical when compared to those in other software packages such as word editors or spreadsheet programs where the speed of navigation is not so crucial for business performance.

For businesses at prime locations where real estate is at a premium, it can be common to see a queue of customers. The faster a sale is completed the shorter the queue time which improves customer satisfaction, the less space it takes, which benefits shoppers and staff. High-traffic operations such as grocery outlets and cafes need to process sales quickly at the sales counter so the UI flow is often designed with as few popups or other interruptions to ensure the operator isn't distracted and the transaction can be processed as quickly as possible.

Although improving the ergonomics is possible, a clean, fast-paced look may come at the expense of sacrificing functions that are often wanted by end-users such as discounts, access to commission earned screens, membership and loyalty schemes can involve looking at a different function of the POS to ensure the point of sale screen contains only what a cashier needs at their disposal to serve customers.

Cloud-based (post-2000s)

[edit]

The advent of cloud computing has given birth to the possibility of electronic point of sale (EPOS) systems[16] to be deployed as software as a service, which can be accessed directly from the Internet using a web browser. Using the previous advances in the communication protocols for POS's control of hardware, cloud-based POS systems are independent from platform and operating system limitations. EPOS systems based in the cloud (most small-business POS today) are generally subscription-based, which includes ongoing customer support.[17]

Compared to regular cash registers (which tend to be significantly cheaper but only process sales and prints receipts), POS systems include automatic updating of the inventory library stock levels when selling products, real-time reports accessible from a remote computer, staff timesheets and a customer library with loyalty features.[18][clarification needed][clarification needed]

Cloud-based POS systems are also created to be compatible with a wide range of POS hardware and sometimes tablets such as Apple's iPad. Thus cloud-based POS also helped expand POS systems to mobile devices, such as tablet computers or smartphones.[19]

These devices can also act as barcode readers using a built-in camera and as payment terminals using built-in NFC technology or an external payment card reader. A number of POS companies built their software specifically to be cloud-based. Other businesses who launched pre-2000s have since adapted their software to evolving technology.

Cloud-based POS systems are different from traditional POS largely because user data, including sales and inventory, are not stored locally, but in a remote server. The POS system is also not run locally, so there is no installation required.

Depending on the POS vendor and the terms of contract, compared to traditional on-premises POS installation, the software is more likely to be continually updated by the developer with more useful features and better performance in terms of computer resources at the remote server and in terms of fewer bugs and errors.

Other advantages of a cloud-based POS are instant centralization of data (important especially to chain stores), ability to access data from anywhere there is internet connection, and lower start-up costs.[20]

Cloud based POS requires an internet connection. For this reason it important to use a device with 3G connectivity in case the device's primary internet goes down. In addition to being significantly less expensive than traditional legacy point of sale systems, a notable strength of cloud-based point of sale systems is the ability to switch to a different product, by a different developer, without having to purchase new hardware. The many developers creating new software applications help to ensure that the system is supported for longer than a typical legacy POS system.

A number of noted emerging cloud-based POS systems came on the scene less than a decade or even half a decade back. These systems are usually designed for restaurants, small and medium-sized retail operations with fairly simple sale processes as can be culled from POS system review sites. It appears from such software reviews that enterprise-level cloud-based POS systems are currently lacking in the market. "Enterprise-level" here means that the inventory should be capable of handling a large number of records, such as required by grocery stores and supermarkets. It can also mean that the system software and cloud server must be capable of generating reports such as analytics of sale against inventory for both a single and multiple outlets that are interlinked for administration by the headquarters of the business operation.

POS vendors of such cloud based systems should also have a strong contingency plan for the breakdown of their remote server such as represented by fail-over server support. Sometimes a major data center can fail completely, such as in a fire.[21] On-premises installations are therefore sometimes seen alongside cloud-based implementation to preempt such incidents, especially for businesses with high traffic. The on-premises installations may not have the most up-to-date inventory and membership information.

For such contingency, a more innovative though highly complex approach for the developer is to have a trimmed down version of the POS system installed on the cashier computer at the outlet. On a daily basis the latest inventory and membership information from the remote server is automatically updated into the local database. Thus should the remote server fail, the cashier can switch over to the local sale window without disrupting sales. When the remote server is restored and the cashier switches over to the cloud system, the locally processed sale records are then automatically submitted to the remote system, thus maintaining the integrity of the remote database.

Although cloud-based POS systems save the end-user startup cost and technical challenges in maintaining an otherwise on-premises installation, there is a risk that if the cloud-based vendor closes down it may result in more immediate termination of services for the end-user compared to the case of a traditional full on-premises POS system where it can still run without the vendor.

Another consideration is that a cloud-based POS system actually exposes business data to service providers - the hosting service company and the POS vendor which have access to both the application and database. The importance of securing critical business information such as supplier names, top selling items, customer relationship processes cannot be underestimated given that sometimes the few key success factors or trade secrets of a business are actually accessible through the POS system. This security and privacy concern is an ongoing issue in cloud computing.

Retail industry

[edit]
Main article: Retail
Points of sale at a grocery store in Ilorin, Nigeria
Points of sales at S-market grocery store in Klaukkala, Finland

The retail industry is one of the predominant users of POS terminals. The POS interface at a retail establishment varies greatly depending on the industry and owner of the retailer, but usually includes a cash register (typically a specialized x86-based computer running Windows Embedded or Linux), a method for employee input, cash drawer, receipt printer, barcode scanners (which may incorporate a scale), and an interface for processing Card payments and Processing Customer Information (a Payment Terminal). It can also include a conveyor belt, checkout divider, wireless handheld scanners, integrated card processing systems, and customer-facing displays to display totals and show advertisements. While some systems use typical PC interfaces (such as a keyboard & mouse), it is far more common to utilize touchscreens as they allow for faster response and better customization for the retailer. In the past, most IBM systems used a primarily keyboard-based interface, and NCR previously used side-keys on their displays before touchscreens were widely available, similar to their ATM products.

The POS system software can typically handle a myriad of customer based functions such as sales, returns, exchanges, layaways, gift cards, gift registries, customer loyalty programs, promotions, discounts and much more. POS software can also allow for functions such as pre-planned promotional sales, manufacturer coupon validation, foreign currency handling and multiple payment types.

The POS unit handles the sales to the consumer, but it is only one part of the entire POS system used in a retail business. The controlling servers, or "Back-office" computers, typically handle other functions of the POS system such as inventory control, pricing, purchasing, receiving and transferring of products to and from other locations. Other typical functions of a POS system are: store sales information for enabling customer returns, reporting purposes, sales trends and cost/price/profit analysis. Customer information may be stored for receivables management, marketing purposes and specific buying analysis. Many retail POS systems include an accounting interface that "feeds" sales and product losses, cash drawer expected totals, and cashier productivity information to independent accounting applications.

Point of Sale interface at a supermarket in California.

A multi-terminal POS system used by big retailers like supermarkets and department stores has a far more demanding database and software architecture than that of a single station seen in small retail outlets. A supermarket with high traffic cannot afford a systemic failure, hence each point of sale station is designed to be robust in its operation. Most proprietary POS systems designed for large retailers use 2 servers, with one acting as a backup in case of failure. In the event that both servers fail, the individual POS systems will enter a failsafe mode, where sales data is stored locally and exported back to the servers upon a return of the connection. This may prove challenging to implement in some instances however, as many commercial POS systems do not have any hard disks for security purposes, and often have limited amounts of RAM.

Performing updates between multiple stations and the back end administrative computer should be redundant, so that updates to inventory and promotions will be accurately reflected at checkout without having to restart the computer, and reflecting accurate sales records to the back-end computer at the end of the business day.

This gets even more complicated when there is a membership system requiring real-time two-way updating of membership points between sale stations and the back end administrative computer.

Retail operations such as hardware stores, lumber yards, electronics stores and so-called multifaceted superstores need specialized additional features compared to other stores. POS software in these cases handles special orders, purchase orders, repair orders, service and rental programs as well as typical point of sale functions. Rugged hardware is required for point of sale systems used in outdoor environments. Wireless devices, battery powered devices, all-in-one units, and Internet-ready machines are typical in this industry.

Recently new applications have been introduced, enabling POS transactions to be conducted using mobile phones and tablets. According to a recent study, mobile POS (mPOS) terminals are expected to replace the contemporary payment techniques because of various features including mobility, upfront low cost investment and better user experience.[22]

In the mid-2000s, the blind community in the United States engaged in structured negotiations to ensure that retail point of sale devices had tactile keypads. Without keys that can be felt, a blind person cannot independently enter his or her PIN. In the mid-2000s retailers began using "flat screen" or "signature capture" devices that eliminated tactile keypads. Blind people were forced to share their confidential PIN with store clerks to use their debit and other PIN-based cards. The blind community reached agreement with Walmart, Target, CVS and eight other retailers that required real physical keys so blind people could use the devices.

Checkout configuration

[edit]

Early stores typically kept merchandise behind a counter. Staff would fetch items for customers to prevent the opportunity for theft and sales would be made at the same counter. Self-service grocery stores such as Piggly Wiggly, beginning in 1916, allowed customers to fetch their own items and pass the point of sale enroute to the exit.

Modern stores have a variety of checkout configurations, but almost all stores will have their main checkout area situated close to the entrance/exits. Smaller stores may utilize simple counters, while big-box stores will typically use a conveyor belt system spaced out in separate "lanes" to process orders. Express lanes might limit the type of payment, or number or type of goods, to expedite service. Some department stores may also have checkouts inside of the departments to allow shoppers of that section to pay without going through the main lines. If each checkout station has a separate queue, customers have to guess which line will move the fastest, to minimize their wait times. They are often frustrated to be wrong or be stuck behind another customer who encounters a problem or who takes excessive time to check out. Some stores use a single, much longer but faster-moving line, that is served by multiple registers, which produces the same average wait time, but reduces the frustration and variance in wait time from person to person.[23] Regardless of the configuration, checkout lines usually pass by impulse buy items to grab the attention of otherwise idle customers.

As self-checkout technology has progressed, more retailers of all types have included self-checkout as an option, and in some cases, completely replace traditional cashier-operated checkout lines. Self-checkout kiosks are typically kept together in a 'corral' area adjacent to the regular registers so that shop employees can more easily monitor transactions, though they are also occasionally set up in a more typical "lane" fashion with conveyor belts for loading groceries. More modern implementations of self-checkout include scanning items and paying within a retailer's mobile app, or using RF technology and cameras to detect items at the door and charge the customer's account automatically.

Hospitality industry

[edit]
Main article: Hospitality industry
Reception desk POS
Restaurant POS
Tablet-based POS

Hospitality point of sale systems are computerized systems incorporating registers, computers and peripheral equipment, usually on a computer network to be used in restaurants, hair salons or hotels. Like other point of sale systems, these systems track sales, labor, payroll and can generate records used in accounting and bookkeeping. They may be accessed remotely by restaurant corporate offices, troubleshooters and other authorized parties.

Point of sale systems have revolutionized the restaurant industry, particularly in the fast food sector. In the most recent technologies, registers are computers, sometimes with touch screens. The registers connect to a server, often referred to as a "store controller" or a "central control unit". Printers and monitors are also found on the network. Additionally, remote servers can connect to store networks and monitor sales and other store data.

Typical restaurant POS software is able to create and print guest checks, print orders to kitchens and bars for preparation, process credit cards and other payment cards, and run reports. In addition, some systems implement wireless pagers and electronic signature-capture devices.

In the fast food industry, displays may be at the front counter, or configured for drive-through or walk-through cashiering and order taking. Front counter registers allow taking and serving orders at the same terminal, while drive-through registers allow orders to be taken at one or more drive-through windows, to be cashiered and served at another. In addition to registers, drive-through and kitchen displays are used to view orders. Once orders appear they may be deleted or recalled by the touch interface or by bump bars. Drive-through systems are often enhanced by the use of drive-through wireless (or headset) intercoms. The efficiency of such systems allows decreased service times and increased efficiency of orders.

Another innovation in technology for the restaurant industry is wireless POS. Many restaurants with high volume use wireless handheld POS to collect orders which are sent to a server. The server sends required information to the kitchen in real time. Wireless systems consist of drive-through microphones and speakers (often one speaker will serve both purposes), which are wired to a "base station" or "center module." This, in turn, will broadcast to headsets. Headsets may be an all-in-one headset, or one connected to a belt pack.

With the development of the mobile technology, Cloud-based POS systems are also put forward to increase the efficiency of some restaurants, integrated with some latest software services such as scan QR code to order by customers themselves. It leads to a new style of offline restaurants dine-in.

In hotels, POS software allows for transfer of meal charges from dining room to guest room with a button or two. It may also need to be integrated with property management software.

Newer, more sophisticated systems are departing from the central database "file server" type system and going to what is called a "cluster database". This eliminates any crashing or system downtime that can be associated with the back office file server. This technology allows 100% of the information to not only be stored, but also pulled from the local terminal, thus eliminating the need to rely on a separate server for the system to operate.

Tablet POS systems popular for retail solutions are now available for the restaurant industry. Initially these systems were not sophisticated and many of the early systems did not support a remote printer in the kitchen. Tablet systems today are being used in all types of restaurants including table service operations. Most tablet systems upload all information to the Internet so managers and owners can view reports from anywhere with a password and Internet connection. Smartphone Internet access has made alerts and reports from the POS very accessible. Tablets have helped create the Mobile POS system, and Mobile POS applications also include payments, loyalty, online ordering, table side ordering by staff and table top ordering by customers. Regarding the payments, mobile POS can accept all kinds of payment methods from contactless cards, EMV chip-enabled cards, and mobile NFC enabled cards. Mobile POS (AKA mPOS) is growing quickly with new developers entering the market almost on a daily basis.

With the proliferation of low-priced touchscreen tablet computers, more restaurants have implemented self-ordering through a tablet POS placed permanently on every table. Customers can browse through the menu on the tablet and place their orders which are then sent to the kitchen. Most restaurants that have iPad self-order menus include photos of the dishes so guests can easily choose what they want to order. This apparently improves service and saves manpower on the part of the restaurant. However this depends on how intelligently the system has been programmed to be.

As a case in point, some self-ordering systems not requiring staff assistance may not properly recognize a subsequent order from the same customer at a table. As a result, the customer is left waiting and wondering why his second order of food and drink is not being served.

Another example of how intelligent the system can be, is whether an order that has been placed but not yet been processed by the kitchen can be modified by the customer through the tablet POS. For such an unprocessed order the customer should be given the option to easily retrieve the order and modify it on the tablet POS. When the order is being processed this function should be automatically disabled.

Self-ordering systems are not always free completely from intervention by the staff and for some good reasons. For example, some restaurants require that items selected by the customers be attended to and can only be placed by the waiter who has the password required to do so. This prevents fake orders - such as may be entered by playful kids - and subsequent dispute on the items ordered. If alcoholic beverages are ordered, it is necessary for the waiter to verify the customer's age before sending the order.

The technical specifications for implementing such self-ordering system are more demanding than a single cashier-controlled POS station. On the software and hardware side each tablet on a customer table has to be networked to the cashier POS station and the kitchen computer so that both are continually updated on orders placed. The common database that serves this network must also be capable of serving many concurrent users - cashier, customers, kitchen and perhaps a drink bar.

Some databases such as popularly-used Microsoft Access may have the specifications that it is capable of usage by multiple concurrent users.[citation needed] However, under the stress of a POS system, they can fail miserably resulting in constant errors and corruption of data.[citation needed]

POS systems are often designed for a variety of clients, and can be programmed by the end users to suit their needs. Some large clients write their own specifications for vendors to implement. In some cases, POS systems are sold and supported by third-party distributors, while in other cases they are sold and supported directly by the vendor.

The selection of a restaurant POS system is critical to the restaurant's daily operation and is a major investment that the restaurant's management and staff must endure for many years. The restaurant POS system interfaces with all phases of the restaurant operation, and with everyone that is involved with the restaurant including guests, suppliers, employees, managers and owners. The selection of a restaurant POS system is a complex process that should be undertaken by the restaurant owner and not delegated to an employee. The purchase process can be summarized in three steps: Design, Compare and Negotiate. The Design step requires research to determine which restaurant POS features are needed for the restaurant operation. With this information the restaurant owner or manager can Compare various restaurant POS solutions to determine which POS systems meet their requirements. The final step is to Negotiate the price, payment terms, included training, initial warranty and ongoing support costs.[citation needed]

Accounting forensics

[edit]
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POS systems record sales for business and tax purposes. Illegal software dubbed "zappers" can be used on POS devices to falsify these records with a view to evading the payment of taxes.

In some countries, legislation is being introduced to make cash register systems more secure. For example, the French treasury is estimated to be failing to collect approximately €14 billion of VAT revenue each year. The Finance Bill of 2016 was intended to address some of this loss by making it compulsory for taxpayers to operate on "secure systems". Therefore, from 1 January 2018, all retail businesses in France are required to record customer payments using certified secure accounting software or cash register systems.

A certified cash register system must provide for the (i) incommutable,[clarification needed] (ii) security and (iii) storage and archiving of data. All businesses required to comply must obtain a certificate from the cash register system provider which certifies that the system meets these requirements. This is because VAT taxpayers may need to provide a certificate to the tax authorities showing that their cash management system fulfills the new requirements.

If the business cannot provide this certificate to the tax authorities, they may be fined. And, if the tax authorities can demonstrate fraudulent use of the system, both the business and the software provider can face tax penalties, fines, and criminal sanctions. Certification can be obtained either from: a body accredited by the French Accreditation Committee (Comité français d’accréditation or COFRAC) or the software provider of the cash register system.

Security

[edit]

Despite the more advanced technology of a POS system as compared to a simple cash register, the POS system is still vulnerable to employee theft through the sales window. A dishonest cashier at a retail outlet can collude with a friend who pretends to be an ordinary customer. During checkout, the cashier can bypass scanning certain items or enter a lower quantity for some items thus profiting from the "free" goods.

The ability of a POS system to void a closed sale receipt for refund purpose without needing a password from an authorized superior also represents a security loophole. Even a function to issue a receipt with a negative amount which can be useful under certain circumstances, can be exploited by a cashier to easily lift money from the cash drawer.

To prevent such employee theft, it is crucial for a POS system to provide an admin window for the supervisor or administrator to generate and inspect a daily list of sale receipts, especially pertaining to the frequency of cancelled receipts before completion, refunded receipts and negative receipts. This is one effective way to alert the company to any suspicious activity - such as a high number of cancelled sales by a certain cashier - that may be occurring, and to take monitoring action.

To further deter employee theft, the sales counter should also be equipped with a closed-circuit television camera pointed at the POS system to monitor and record all activities.

At the back end, price and other changes like discounts to inventory items through the administration module should be secured with passwords provided to trusted administrators. Any changes made should also be logged and capable of being subsequently retrieved for inspection.

The sale records and inventory are important to the business because they provide useful information to the company in terms of customer preferences, customer membership particulars, what are the top selling products, who are the vendors and what margins the company is getting from them, the company monthly total revenue and cost, among others.

It is important that reports on these matters generated at the administrative back end be restricted to trusted personnel. The database from which these reports are generated should be secured via passwords or via encryption of data stored in the database to prevent copying or tampering.

Despite all such precautions, the POS system can never be entirely watertight in security from internal misuse if a clever, dishonest employee knows how to exploit many of its otherwise useful capabilities.

News reports on POS system hacking show that hackers are more interested in stealing credit card information than anything else. The ease and advantage offered by the ability of a POS system to integrate credit card processing thus have a downside. In 2011, hackers were able to steal credit card data from 80,000 customers because Subway's security and POS configuration standards for PCI compliance - which governs credit card and debit card payment systems security - were "directly and blatantly disregarded" by Subway franchisees.[24]

In June 2016, several hundred of Wendy's fast food restaurants had their POS systems hacked by illegally installed malware.[25] The report goes on to say that "the number of franchise restaurants impacted by these cyber security attacks is now expected to be considerably higher than the 300 restaurants already implicated" and that the "hackers made hundreds of thousands of fraudulent purchases on credit and debit cards issued by various financial institutions after breaching Wendy's computer systems late last year".

These exploits by hackers could only be made possible because payment cards were processed through the POS system allowing the malware to either intercept card data during processing or steal and transmit unencrypted card data that is stored in the system database.

In April 2017, security researchers identified critical vulnerabilities in point of sale systems developed by SAP and Oracle[26] and commented, “POS systems are plagued by vulnerabilities, and incidents occurred because their security drawbacks came under the spotlight.”[27] If successfully exploited, these vulnerabilities provide a perpetrator with access to every legitimate function of the system, such as changing prices, and remotely starting and stopping terminals. To illustrate the attack vector, the researchers used the example of hacking POS to change the price of a MacBook to $1. The security issues were reported to the vendor, and a patch was released soon after the notification. Oracle confirmed[28] security bug affects over 300,000 Oracle POS Systems

In some countries, credit and debit cards are only processed via payment terminals. Thus one may see quite a number of such terminals for different cards cluttering up a sale counter. This inconvenience is offset by the fact that credit and debit card data is far less vulnerable to hackers, unlike when payment cards are processed through the POS system where security is contingent upon the actions taken by end-users and developers.

With the launch of mobile payment, particularly Android Pay and Apple Pay in 2015, it is expected that because of its greater convenience coupled with good security features, this would eventually eclipse other types of payment services – including the use of payment terminals. For mobile payment to go fully mainstream, mobile devices like smartphones that are NFC-enabled must first become universal. This would be a matter of several years from the time of this writing (2017) as more and more models of new smartphones are expected to become NFC-enabled for such a purpose. For instance, iPhone 6 is fully NFC-enabled for mobile payment while iPhone 5 and older models are not. The aforesaid disastrous security risks connected with processing payment card usage through a POS system would then be greatly diminished.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Paperless Receipt Solution (PRS) System". James Dyson Foundation. Archived from the original on July 1, 2017. Retrieved August 9, 2015.
  2. ^ "Electronic Transmission of Prescriptions". Business Services Authority. Archived from the original on July 6, 2017. Retrieved August 9, 2015.
  3. ^ "Tricks traders use to evade billions of francs in taxes". The New Times. 9 October 2014. Archived from the original on 2017-06-30. Retrieved August 9, 2015.
  4. ^ "Cash register vs. POS system –what's the difference?". 30 June 2019. Archived from the original on 2023-03-30. Retrieved 2023-06-25.
  5. ^ "How to Choose a POS Cash Register". Archived from the original on 2023-04-07. Retrieved 2023-06-25.
  6. ^ US patent 3946220, William M. Brobeck; John S. Givins Jr. & Philip F. Meads Jr. et al., "Point-of-sale system and apparatus", published 1976-03-23, assigned to Transactron, Inc. [1]
  7. ^ "Graphical point of sale software introducer". 11 September 2012. Archived from the original on 20 December 2012. Retrieved 27 May 2015.
  8. ^ "ViewTouch". ViewTouch. Archived from the original on 17 July 2012. Retrieved 8 December 2012.
  9. ^ Bisson, Gigi (2008-04-25). "Getting Down To Business". Viewtouch.com. Archived from the original on 2018-07-27. Retrieved 2013-07-12.
  10. ^ The ViewTouch restaurant system Archived 2009-09-09 at the Wayback Machine by Giselle Bisson
  11. ^ "File:Comdex 1986.png — Wikimedia Commons". Commons.wikimedia.org. 11 September 2012. Archived from the original on 2012-12-20. Retrieved 2013-07-12.
  12. ^ Wilson, Karen S.; Liu, Michael Inderrieden Steven (October 1995). "A Comparison of Five User Interface Devices Designed for Point-of-Sale in the Retail Industry". Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting. 39 (4): 273–277. doi:10.1177/154193129503900411. ISSN 2169-5067. S2CID 108458064. Archived from the original on 2023-01-16. Retrieved 2023-01-16.
  13. ^ Kasavana, Michael L. (1995-04-01). "PC-based registers: The next generation of point-of-sale technology". The Cornell Hotel and Restaurant Administration Quarterly. 36 (2): 5–55. doi:10.1016/0010-8804(95)93843-J. ISSN 0010-8804.
  14. ^ "Access 2007 very slow on Windows 7". social.technet.microsoft.com. Archived from the original on 5 May 2016. Retrieved 15 October 2017.
  15. ^ "15 ways a mobile point of sale can help your restaurant succeed — Poster". joinposter.com. Archived from the original on 2018-12-28. Retrieved 2018-12-28.
  16. ^ "EPOS term". 30 June 2019. Archived from the original on 2023-03-30. Retrieved 2023-06-25.
  17. ^ "Cash register vs. POS system – what's the difference?". 30 June 2019. Archived from the original on 2023-03-30. Retrieved 2023-06-25.
  18. ^ "Cash register vs. POS system – what's the difference?". 30 June 2019. Archived from the original on 2023-03-30. Retrieved 2023-06-25.
  19. ^ "Mobile Point-of-Sale Apps: Redefining the Retail Industry". Scandit. 10 May 2013. Archived from the original on 6 April 2017. Retrieved 20 August 2015.
  20. ^ The Online POS System Revolution Archived 2012-06-02 at the Wayback Machine via Small Business Bonfire
  21. ^ "Overheating brings down Microsoft data center". DatacenterDynamics. 14 March 2013. Archived from the original on 2016-04-05. Retrieved 2016-04-14.
  22. ^ Securing Mobile Point of Sale System Archived 2016-11-21 at the Wayback Machine via Securebox
  23. ^ "Planet Money Asks: What Small Thing Would You Do To Improve The World?". NPR.org. NPR. Archived from the original on 16 October 2017. Retrieved 15 October 2017.
  24. ^ "How hackers gave Subway a $3 million lesson in point-of-sale security". Ars Technica. 21 December 2011. Archived from the original on 10 November 2016. Retrieved 15 October 2017.
  25. ^ Seals, Tara (13 June 2016). "Wendy's Point of Sale Hack Grows Bigger". Infosecurity. Retrieved 15 October 2017.
  26. ^ "SAP point-of-sale systems were totally hackable with $25 kit". The Register. 29 August 2017. Archived from the original on 22 September 2017. Retrieved 22 September 2017.
  27. ^ "SAP POS Flaw Allows Hackers to Change Pricing". Infosecurity. 25 August 2017. Archived from the original on 22 September 2017. Retrieved 22 September 2017.
  28. ^ "Security Bug Affects Over 300,000 Oracle POS Systems". Catalin Cimpanu. 31 January 2018. Archived from the original on 1 February 2018. Retrieved 31 January 2018 – via BleepingComputer.

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POS Systems

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Point of Sale Software

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Point of Sale Systems

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Point of Sale Systems

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