Restaurant POS System

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

History and Development of POS Systems

Envision standing in a dynamic basic shop in the late 1800s, where money registers clink and clatter, tape-recording transactions with mechanical accuracy. The point of sale systems that started as simple sales register have actually gone through a transformation far beyond those cumbersome contraptions. Why does this history matter today? Since comprehending the journey illuminates the obstacles modern organizations deal with-- and how Brilliant POS brilliantly fixes them.

The Journey from Mechanical Registers to Digital Marvels

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

  • Manual inventory reconciliation slowed operations
  • Limited real-time sales insights hindered decision-making
  • Complex user interfaces puzzled staff, increasing training time

With the dawn of the internet age, cloud-based POS innovations emerged, assuring smooth integration and movement. Nevertheless, numerous systems fell short, providing fragmented services that left services juggling several software tools.

How Brilliant POS Transforms These Challenges

What if there was a method to turn these obstacles into opportunities? Brilliant POS utilizes the most recent developments to use an all-in-one platform that takes on every hurdle head-on:

  1. Unified Inventory and Sales Tracking: Real-time information sync keeps stock precise and sales transparent.
  2. Intuitive Interface: Created for ease, lowering training time and mistakes.
  3. Cloud Accessibility: Handle your organization from anywhere, anytime.
  4. Customizable Reports: Get insights tailored to your special operations.

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

In the grand tapestry of retail advancement, Brilliant POS stands as a beacon-- combining the lessons of the past with the developments of tomorrow. When you think of simplifying your organization, why choose anything less than a system that's as vibrant as your aspirations?

Unpacking the Spectrum of POS Systems

Picture walking into a dynamic coffee shop where the POS terminal gleams under soft lighting, all set to speed up orders with a basic tap. Not all point of sale systems are born equal. From traditional sales register to cloud-based systems that whisper sales information into the ether, the variety can bewilder even the savviest merchant.

Traditional vs. Modern: A Quick Contrast

Type Key Features Suitable For
Legacy POS Offline performance, physical hardware, restricted combination Small shops with very little tech needs
Cloud-Based POS Remote access, automatic updates, multi-device compatibility Organizations scaling quickly or with numerous locations
Mobile POS Portability, cordless payments, app-based user interface Pop-up stores, food trucks, events

Feature Highlights You Might Overlook

  • Stock management: Real-time tracking that avoids those aggravating stockouts.
  • Employee management: Not just clock-ins-- believe performance analytics that sharpen scheduling.
  • Consumer relationship tools: Loyalty programs embedded directly into the system, turning one-time buyers into regulars.
  • Information security: Encryption that keeps delicate transactions airtight, a quiet guardian in the background.

Some might ask, "Why does choosing the best POS feel like deciphering a secret language?" Because beneath the surface lies an intricate environment that can either simplify or tangle your day-to-day operations. Brilliant POS comprehends this maze. They do not simply provide tools-- they craft customized options that embrace your special functional quirks.

One insider tip: Always test how a POS system deals with peak hours. A system that decreases when clients line up is a silent killer of income and persistence. Brilliant POS gears up organizations with lightning-fast processing speeds, so your busiest day does not develop into a bottleneck nightmare.

Unlocking Performance with POS Systems

Ever observed how a well-oiled POS system changes the chaos of a busy store into a symphony of smooth deals? It's not simply about phoning sales-- it has to do with managing information, inventory, and customer interactions with determine precision. The battle to keep up with manual tracking can seem like handling flaming torches, but Brilliant POS understands this intricate dance. They weave automation and real-time analytics into one sophisticated option, turning what could be a logistical labyrinth into a simple course to success.

Precision Stock Management: A Game Changer

Envision strolling into your storeroom just to find disparities that leave you scratching your head. That's where numerous companies struck a snag-- stock mistakes that interrupt sales and frustrate consumers. Brilliant POS tackles this with innovative algorithms that sync sales information quickly, reducing human mistake to almost no. The result? You always know 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 does not enjoy a personal touch? POS systems collect subtle consumer behavior patterns that, when analyzed, reveal golden chances. Brilliant POS turns raw information into actionable insights. For instance, did you know that consumers who buy coffee in the early morning typically grab treats later on? Recognizing these patterns lets you tailor promotions completely, increasing both complete satisfaction and sales.

Professional Tips for Taking Full Advantage Of POS Benefits

  • Guarantee your POS incorporates effortlessly with your existing software application to prevent data silos.
  • Leverage integrated reporting tools to examine peak sales hours and optimize staffing.
  • Use inventory notifies to avoid stockouts without overstocking valuable shelf area.
  • Customize payment options to cater to varied consumer preferences, boosting benefit.

Table: POS System Benefits at a Glance

Advantage Effect Pro Suggestion
Real-time Sales Tracking Instantly updates earnings figures Usage to forecast daily cash flow
Automated Stock Control Reduces stock inconsistencies Set reorder thresholds for important products
Customer Data Analytics Improves personalized marketing Segment consumers by purchase frequency
Multi-Payment Support Boosts customer benefit Enable contactless and mobile payments

With Brilliant POS, the labyrinth of retail operations no longer feels daunting. Instead, it ends up being a playground of chances, where every deal informs a story, and every data point lights the way forward - Brilliant POS. Why choose normal when you can harness the remarkable power of a clever POS system?

Safeguarding the Fortress: Security and Compliance in POS Systems

Think of a bustling coffee shop where every transaction is a heartbeat of business. One error in security-- state, a data breach or non-compliance-- can ripple through the entire operation like a quiet storm. The labyrinth of PCI DSS compliance and safeguarding cardholder information frequently feels like browsing a minefield without a map. Numerous neglect how encryption and tokenization form the invisible armor that keeps cyber hazards at bay.

Why Security Isn't Simply a Checkbox

Security isn't a one-and-done task; it's a continuous dance. Brilliant POS comprehends that merchants need more than simply firewalls-- they require adaptive security protocols that develop with emerging dangers. Point-to-point encryption (P2PE) scrambles delicate data immediately at the swipe, avoiding hackers from intercepting raw details.

  • End-to-end encryption guarantees information stays unreadable from the minute of capture to final processing.
  • Multi-factor authentication includes layers beyond passwords, minimizing unapproved access.
  • Routine vulnerability scans detect vulnerable points before cybercriminals do.

Compliance Beyond Laws

Compliance is frequently perceived as a bureaucratic obstacle, but it's the backbone of trust between a business and its customers. Brilliant POS moves beyond simple guideline adherence by embedding compliance into the extremely architecture of its systems. This proactive method minimizes threat, guaranteeing that merchants do not simply satisfy requirements-- they surpass them.

Professional Tips to Strengthen Your POS System

  1. Segment your network: Separate POS terminals from other organization systems to restrict breach effect.
  2. Implement regular employee training concentrated on security awareness to prevent social engineering attacks.
  3. Audit logs regularly to spot anomalies that could show fraudulent activity.
  4. Update firmware and software application regularly to spot vulnerabilities.
  5. Use tokenization to replace sensitive card information with distinct identifiers that are ineffective if taken.
Security Function Purpose Benefit
Tokenization Changes card data with tokens Reduces information breach effect
P2PE Encrypts information at swipe point Prevents interception by hackers
Multi-factor Authentication Needs numerous identity evidence Reduces unapproved access risks

Advanced Retail Management Solutions in North Carolina

North Carolina, known for its diverse landscape varying from Atlantic Ocean beaches to the Appalachian Mountains, is a dynamic state with a population going beyond 10 million citizens. The state boasts a strong economy sustained by markets such as technology, financing, and production. Popular destinations include the historical Biltmore Estate, the dynamic city of Charlotte, and the picturesque Blue Ridge Parkway. North Carolina's growing service environment makes it a perfect area for implementing effective retail and hospitality management tools.

Brilliant POS offers expert assistance and totally free consultations on innovative point of sale systems tailored to satisfy the special requirements of companies in this area - Brilliant POS. They are devoted to helping you enhance your operations through innovative technology and personalized suggestions

  1. Pos Systems: These particular systems streamline transactions and manage sales data. They are essential for modern retail and hospitality businesses, enhancing efficiency and customer service.
  2. Point Of Sale: A Point Of Sale is the location where a customer makes a payment for goods or services, typically in a shop. It is a critical component for commerce activities, allowing sale processing and inventory management.
  3. Retail: Retailers rely on point-of-sale technology to handle transactions and inventory. These systems streamline operations and improve customer experiences.
  4. Transaction: A Transaction is a basic procedure entailing the exchange of products or services for payment. It is the core function powering retail point-of-sale environments by recording sales and handling inventory.
  5. Payment Processing: Payment Processing enables businesses to take different transaction types from customers. It's vital for retail POS setups, aiding seamless transactions and effective sales management.
  6. Inventory Management: Inventory control monitors stock levels to optimize buying decisions and avoid shortages. It's essential for sales systems to guarantee products are in stock when customers purchase them.
  7. Sales Data: Sales data fuels retail activities by providing insights into customer actions and product performance. This information is critical for optimizing inventory, personalizing marketing, and improving point-of-sale effectiveness.
  8. Customer Relationship Management: Customer Relationship Management improves sales by organizing client data and interactions. This consolidation allows businesses to customize services and marketing according to purchase history from their point-of-sale terminals.
  9. Reporting And Analytics: Reporting And Analytics provide key insights into revenue patterns, consumer behavior, and stock control. This data empowers businesses using point-of-sale solutions to make informed decisions, optimize operations, and boost profitability.
  10. Hardware: Hardware is the base of retail sale processing, allowing efficient and secure sales. Dependable tools like barcode scanners and receipt printers are crucial for smooth customer experiences at the point of sale.
  11. Software: Software is the base of current retail activities, handling sales and inventory. It simplifies the payment procedure and provides valuable data insights for companies.
  12. Barcode Scanner: Barcode Scanners quickly scan item codes, ensuring fast and precise transactions at the point of sale. They are key for efficient checkout processes and stock control in stores.
  13. Receipt Printer: Receipt Printers create paper records of transactions for customers. They are important components in retail and support environments for recording sales.
  14. Cash Drawer: The Cash Drawer is a safe container for money in retail environments. It works with sales terminals to open automatically upon transaction end, aiding cash management.
  15. Credit Card Reader: Credit Card Reader are key tools that enable companies to take credit payments from customers. They smoothly integrate with retail setups to ease purchases and simplify the checkout process.
  16. Touchscreen Monitor: Touchscreen Monitor allow simple interaction with retail and service transactions. These displays streamline checkout procedures and boost efficiency at points of sale.
  17. Payment Gateway: A Payment Gateway securely sends transaction data between a point-of-sale terminal and the payment processor. This lets businesses take various payment methods at their checkout.
  18. Cloud Based Pos: Cloud Based Pos solutions offer companies flexibility and accessibility by keeping data and software on distant servers. This new approach enhances business effectiveness for retail and service industries by simplifying transactions and administrative tasks.
  19. Mobile Pos: Mobile Point of Sale (mPOS) allows businesses for them to take payments and perform sales transactions everywhere with a transportable device. It offers flexibility and convenience, broadening the reach of retail operations.
  20. E Commerce Integration: E Commerce Integration unites online stores with in-store sales platforms, allowing for efficient operations and inventory control. This integration allows businesses to offer customers a smooth shopping experience across all channels.
  21. Restaurant Pos: Restaurant Pos processes orders, transactions, and kitchen communication. It represents a core part of point-of-sale transaction management infrastructure.
  22. Retail Pos: Retail Pos is the area where a consumer finishes a deal. It encompasses the tools and software that enable firms to handle deals and control shopper interactions at the point of purchase.
  23. Hospitality: Hospitality improves customer journeys, promoting loyalty through personalized service. Streamlined transaction handling tools are essential for uninterrupted operations in the industry.
  24. Point Of Sale System: A Point Of Sale System administers transactions and selling data. This represents a crucial component for merchandise businesses to process payments and observe inventory.
  25. Data Security: Protecting sensitive payment and customer information is vital for businesses using electronic retail transaction terminals. Powerful Data Security measures assure customer trust and avoid financial losses from breaches.
  26. Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard: Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard guarantees secure management of cardholder data. This safeguards payment terminals and associated setups from violations.
  27. Pos System: It is a crucial component of retail and hospitality, supporting sales transactions and managing inventory. These Pos System streamline operations, enhance customer service, and offer valuable data insights.
  28. Credit Card: Credit Cards allow shoppers to process payments electronically at the point of sale. They simplify transactions and offer businesses a secure way to accept payments.
  29. Debit Card: Debit Cards allow customers to make payments straight from their bank accounts at retail checkout. They simplify transactions and offer a handy option to cash for in-store purchases.
  30. Cash Register: The Cash Register is a key component for handling transactions in retail settings. It documents sales, computes totals, and manages cash, playing a vital role in a business's point-of-sale operations.
  31. Receipt: Proof of purchase document transactions, giving customers with a record of purchase. This history are essential for sales terminals, inventory management, and accounting reasons.
  32. Reporting: Revenue tracking provides valuable insights into business performance. These metrics help optimize inventory and improve customer service at the point of sale.
  33. Cloud Computing: Cloud Computing offers adaptable infrastructure for retail transaction processing. This allows businesses to handle sales data, inventory, and customer information efficiently through web-based platforms.
  34. E Commerce: E Commerce enhances retail transactions by combining online selling with in-store activities. This integration streamlines inventory management and customer data across all sales channels, improving the point of sale experience.
  35. Merchant Account: An Merchant Account permits businesses to accept electronic payments from clients. It's critical for today's shop environments, letting easy payments through card readers and other point-of-sale equipment.
  36. Security: Protecting monetary exchanges and shopper data is vital for retail payment terminals. Robust Security measures build trust and stop fraud in point-of-sale environments.
  37. Data Encryption: Data Encryption secures delicate financial deals at retail checkout terminals, safeguarding consumer information and preventing fraud. This procedure is essential for keeping trust and complying with data security rules in point-of-sale settings.
  38. Customer Service: Exceptional Customer Service elevates the retail interaction, promoting loyalty and positive brand image. Integrated point-of-sale technology enables businesses to provide personalized and efficient support, eventually driving customer satisfaction.
  39. Loyalty Program: Customer retention schemes integrated with point-of-sale technology increase client retention and drive repeat business through personalized rewards. They track purchases and engagement, enabling businesses to provide tailored incentives that encourage brand loyalty.
  40. Sales: Sales data drives key knowledge for companies, guiding inventory control and customer behavior analysis. Point-of-sale technology optimizes these exchanges, boosting efficiency and accuracy in tracking Sales performance.
  41. Supply Chain: Supply Chain management assures the smooth flow of goods from production to the point of sale. Effective Supply Chains are vital for retail transaction handling to meet customer demand and keep inventory.
  42. Data Analytics: Data Analytics changes trade records from retail checkout points into practical insights. This allows companies to improve inventory, customize customer experiences, and hone sales strategies.
  43. Loss Prevention: Loss Prevention strategies integrated with point-of-sale technology help retailers reduce theft and errors. These integrated systems offer tools for monitoring transactions and spotting suspicious activity, safeguarding revenue.
  44. Pricing: Pricing strategies are vital for maximizing profitability within retail environments. Electronic point-of-sale systems streamline price management, discounts, and promotions, ensuring accurate transactions and inventory control.
  45. Marketing: Marketing powers customer engagement and brand recognition, which is essential for increasing sales through point-of-sale systems. It assists businesses draw in and retain customers, ultimately increasing the potential of their transaction platforms.
  46. Mobile Point Of Sale: Mobile Point Of Sale lets businesses to process sales and accept payments from anywhere using mobile devices. It is an more and more important part of modern retail and service sector checkout solutions.
  47. Retail Technology: Retail Technology improves customer interactions and optimizes processes. These advancements transform payment processes and inventory control for firms.
  48. Self Checkout: Self Checkout kiosks permit customers to scan and pay for items independently, streamlining the retail process. This technology works with retail transaction processing systems, boosting efficiency and decreasing wait times.
  49. Enterprise Resource Planning: Enterprise Resource Planning integrates core business operations, streamlining processes and data management. It improves retail checkout systems by providing real-time stock, customer, and sales data for informed decision-making.
  50. Accounting: Accounting tracks fiscal data, giving insights into company results. This is critical for store businesses utilizing point-of-sale technology to manage deals and inventory.
  51. Transaction Processing: Transaction Processing ensures that sales and payments are precisely recorded and handled. It's vital for retail checkout infrastructure to process purchases, returns, and other financial transactions.
  52. Accounting Software: Accounting Software works with retail sales platforms to optimize financial data. This connection computerizes bookkeeping tasks related to sales and inventory.
  53. Payment Terminal: Payment Terminals aid electronic payment transaction at the checkout. They are key for companies to accept multiple billing methods and finish transactions.
  54. Magnetic Stripe Reader: Magnetic stripe readers decode data from credit and debit cards for processing transactions. They are regularly used at registers to facilitate payments.
  55. Emv Chip: Emv Chip enhance payment security by encoding transaction data. They are crucial for modern retail checkout terminals, reducing fraud.
  56. Near Field Communication: Near Field Communication (NFC) allows contactless payments by letting customers to simply tap their cards or devices at appropriate checkout terminals. This technology streamlines transactions and improves the customer journey at the point of sale.
  57. Restaurant: Restaurants utilize computerized checkout tech to make easier order taking, payment handling, and inventory management. These systems help make better how well something works and accuracy in Restaurant operations.
  58. Transaction Log: Transaction log files record every activity in a retailer's sales system, guaranteeing data integrity. They permit auditing, restoration after failures, and following sales trends.
  59. Transaction Fee: Transaction Fee are costs imposed on businesses for processing payments, affecting profitability. Such costs are vital to think about when evaluating payment processing solutions for retail POS setups.
  60. Transaction Authorization: Transaction Authorization validates adequate funds or credit for purchases at point-of-sale devices. It secures payment safety and prevents fraudulent transactions throughout retail transactions.
  61. Transaction Settlement: Transaction Settlement concludes payments from customers to a company. It's vital for retailers using digital sales systems to tally daily transactions and get funds.
  62. Credit Card Processing: Credit Card Processing lets businesses to receive card payments from customers. It is essential for modern retail checkout solutions, optimizing transactions and boosting customer convenience.
  63. Debit Card Processing: Debit Card Processing lets companies to accept money straight from clients' checking accounts. This functionality is vital for modern store checkout systems enabling for easy transactions.
  64. Emv Chip Card: Emv Chip Card improve payment protection by using a microchip to encode transaction data. They are essential for modern retail checkout terminals, decreasing fraud and enhancing data protection.
  65. Contactless Payment: Contactless Payment enable consumers to quickly and safely make payments by tapping their card or device. This technology simplifies purchases at the point of sale, enhancing the shopping experience.
  66. Mobile Payment: Mobile Payment allows customers to make transactions with smartphones or other devices. This technology streamlines checkout at points of purchase, improving speed and convenience.
  67. Online Payment: Online Payment processing allows businesses to accept digital transactions. This integration is vital for contemporary retail checkout systems, simplifying sales and improving customer experience.
  68. Fraud Detection: Fraud Detection analyzes transaction data to detect and prevent dishonest activities at point of sale. This protects businesses and customers from monetary losses and keeps trust in payment systems.
  69. Pci Dss Compliance: Pci Dss Compliance certifies protected handling of cardholder data for businesses using point-of-sale equipment. Adhering to these guidelines safeguards customer information and avoids data leaks during transactions.
  70. Chargeback: Chargebacks happen when clients dispute a payment, obligating merchants to reimburse the payment if the dispute is valid. These disputes affect businesses that use point-of-sale technology by possibly reducing revenue and accruing fees.
  71. Payment Processor: Payment processors are vital for businesses as they safely handle payments between clients and sellers. They authorize and transfer money during purchases at the time of sale.
  72. Interchange Fee: Interchange Fees are costs imposed by banks for processing electronic transactions. These costs impact the price merchants pay when customers use cards at point-of-sale terminals.
  73. Payment Security: Payment security is crucial for protecting customer information and preventing fraud throughout transactions. Safe payment processing is vital for businesses using point-of-sale technology to maintain trust and prevent financial losses.
  74. Tokenization: Tokenization replaces sensitive data with non-sensitive substitutes, protecting customer data. This procedure is vital for protecting payment card information within point of sale point of sale systems.
  75. Encryption: Encryption safeguards private transaction data throughout exchanges at retail checkout terminals. It guarantees the safety of financial information, protecting customers and businesses from fraud.
  76. Card Reader: Card Readers are key devices that allow businesses to accept electronic payments from customers. They play a vital role in store environments and POS setups, simplifying transactions.
  77. Merchant Services: Merchant Services permit businesses to receive multiple payment methods. They are essential for contemporary retail configurations, guaranteeing effortless transactions at the point of sale.
  78. Ach Transfer: ACH transfers enable businesses to directly debit customer bank accounts for purchases. This payment method offers a secure and efficient alternative to credit cards within retail payment solutions.
  79. Payment Solutions: Payment Solutions are vital for companies to effectively handle transactions. They are key components in retail checkout systems, allowing seamless and secure transaction acceptance.
  80. Point Of Sale Systems: Such solutions 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.
  81. Stock Control: Stock Control ensures businesses maintain optimal inventory levels, preventing stockouts and excess inventory. It works with retail point-of-sale technology to instantly update inventory with each sale, giving real-time visibility and data for informed choices.
  82. Supply Chain Management: Supply Chain Management ensures the effective movement of goods from suppliers to stores. It optimizes inventory and distribution for POS operations, enhancing customer experiences.
  83. Demand Forecasting: Demand Forecasting estimates future customer needs, allowing retail establishments to improve inventory and staffing. This ensures seamless transaction processing at the point of sale and boosts customer satisfaction.
  84. Economic Order Quantity: EOQ streamlines inventory purchasing to minimize costs. When integrated with retail transaction management tools, it guarantees products are available while reducing storage costs.
  85. Just In Time Inventory: Just In Time Inventory lowers warehousing costs by receiving goods only when required. This streamlined strategy optimizes stock levels tracked by retail sales systems.
  86. Warehouse Management: Warehouse management ensures effective warehousing and flow of goods. It is vital for retail point of sale systems to precisely monitor stock and fulfill client orders.
  87. Inventory Optimization: Inventory Optimization guarantees businesses have the right products in inventory, minimizing waste and maximizing revenue. This is essential for retailing environments, enhancing effectiveness and customer satisfaction.
  88. Retail Management: Retail Management oversees all facets of store operations, assuring effective procedures and customer satisfaction. This includes managing the electronic POS, optimizing inventory, and training staff to offer smooth transactions.
  89. Inventory Turnover: Inventory Turnover measures how effectively a business uses its stock, impacting profitability. Retail point-of-sale technology aids in optimizing inventory management by observing sales and stock levels in real time.
  90. Perpetual Inventory: Perpetual Inventory incessantly tracks inventory levels, offering current data on available items. This enables businesses using electronic point-of-sale solutions to make informed decisions about inventory management and avoid stockouts or overstocking.
  91. Periodic Inventory: Periodic Inventory entails manually counting stock at certain periods to update inventory logs. This method helps retail businesses reconcile actual stock with recorded data, aiding in loss prevention and guiding restocking decisions for sales environments.
  92. Inventory Valuation: Inventory Valuation figures the cost of goods on hand, affecting profitability and tax liabilities. Precise assessment is vital for retail point-of-sale systems to track stock levels and optimize purchasing decisions.
  93. Inventory Auditing: Inventory Auditing involves checking physical stock versus documented data to identify discrepancies and ensure accuracy. This procedure is key for companies using retail point-of-sale setups, as it aids maintain precise inventory amounts and prevent losses.
  94. 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.
  95. Weighted Average Cost: Weighted Average Cost calculates inventory worth based on the average cost of goods, essential for precise financial reporting. Retail point-of-sale systems benefit from this method by keeping precise stock valuation and profitability tracking.
  96. Inventory Shrinkage: Inventory Shrinkage, including loss from theft, damage, and errors, straightforwardly impacts profitability for companies. POS systems play a vital role in monitoring inventory and identifying discrepancies that lead to shrinkage.
  97. Reorder Point: Reorder Point helps businesses prevent out of stock situations by triggering restocking when inventory levels fall to a predetermined level. This guarantees smooth transactions processes at the transaction point and customer happiness.
  98. Safety Stock: Safety Stock is additional inventory held to protect against uncertainties in demand and supply. This ensures retail operations can satisfy customer orders even when unforeseen fluctuations happen at the point of sale.
  99. Lead Time: Lead Time is the time between order placing and when the products are ready for sale. Reduced lead times can boost inventory management and customer approval at the checkout.
  100. Abc Analysis: Abc Analysis categorizes inventory to prioritize resources based on value, identifying high-impact items for concentrated management. This is crucial for retail checkout solutions to optimize stock levels and guarantee availability of key products.
  1. 27006: 27006 is a postal code located in North Carolina, primarily including the city of Advance in Davie County. This area includes a combination of neighborhoods and countryside, providing a quiet lifestyle with access to close urban amenities.
  2. 27012: The 27012 zip code is located in North Carolina, covering areas of the town of Advance in Davie County. This area offers a combination of residential areas and local shops, providing a suburban lifestyle with access to nearby natural attractions.
  3. 27016: The postal code 27016 is found in the area of North Carolina, primarily serving the town of Dobson in Surry County. This area boasts a combination of residential neighborhoods, local shops, and countryside.
  4. 27017: 27017 is a postal code located in North Carolina, covering parts of Forsyth County. It includes locations such as Kernersville, known for its heritage downtown and community events.
  5. 27018: The 27018 ZIP code is located in North Carolina, encompassing parts of the area of Bermuda Run and adjacent areas. It is recognized for its suburban residential communities and closeness to local parks and leisure facilities.
  6. 27019: The 27019 ZIP code is located in North Carolina, including parts of the area of Clemmons. It is known for its residential setting with nearby local parks, schools, and retail areas.
  7. 27020: 27020 is a postal code located in North Carolina, primarily including the city of Clemmons in Forsyth County. This area is recognized 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 sections of the city of Winston-Salem. This area features a combination of residential districts, businesses, and community amenities.
  9. 27022: The 27022 ZIP code is located in North Carolina, primarily encompassing parts of the city of Mocksville. It features a mix of housing areas, local businesses, and rural areas, reflecting the mixed character of Davie County.
  10. 27023: 27023 is a postal code located in North Carolina, primarily covering sections of the city of Lexington in Davidson County. This area offers a blend of residential areas, local businesses, and community services.
  11. 27025: 27025 is a zip code located in Dobson, North Carolina, within Surry County. It encompasses a mix of housing, agricultural, and small commercial areas, reflecting the region's country feel.
  12. 27027: The 27027 ZIP code is located in North Carolina, covering areas of Forsyth County. It includes the town of Clemmons and nearby areas, known for its residential communities and closeness to Winston-Salem.
  13. 27028: The 27028 ZIP code is located in North Carolina, primarily covering parts of the city of Denton. It is located within Davidson County and offers a combination of housing and rural areas.
  14. 27030: The ZIP code 27030 is located in North Carolina, chiefly covering the city of Elkin. This area is famous for its scenic landscapes and nearness to the Yadkin Valley wine region.
  15. 27040: 27040 is a ZIP Code primarily serving Kernersville, a town in Forsyth County, North Carolina. This area includes a mix of residential districts, local businesses, and community amenities.
  16. 27041: 27041 is a postal code in North Carolina, primarily including parts of the city of Kernersville. The area is recognized for its suburban areas, small businesses, and proximity to larger cities like Winston-Salem.
  17. 27042: 27042 is a ZIP code located in North Carolina, mainly serving the city of Mocksville in Davie County. This area offers a blend of residential neighborhoods, nearby businesses, and access to local facilities.
  18. 27043: The 27043 ZIP code is located in North Carolina, encompassing parts of the town of Kernersville. It features a combination of housing areas, local shops, and public facilities.
  19. 27045: 27045 is a postal code located in North Carolina, covering areas within Forsyth County. It includes parts of Winston-Salem and surrounding neighborhoods, offering a mix of residential neighborhoods and business districts.
  20. 27050: 27050 is a ZIP code located in North Carolina, primarily serving the town of Lexington in Davidson County. This area is known for its deep history, local barbecue tradition, and lively community events.
  21. 27052: The area of 27052 ZIP code is located in North Carolina, chiefly encompassing sections of the town of Mount Airy. This location is famous for its small-town charm and closeness to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
  22. 27054: The 27054 ZIP code is located in North Carolina and mainly includes the city of King in Stokes County. This area features a mix of residential, business, and rural landscapes, offering a close-knit atmosphere with nearby nearby cities.
  23. 27055: 27055 is a zip code located in Kernersville, North Carolina, known for its residential area and proximity to the Piedmont Triad region. The area features a combination of living communities, local businesses, and access to green spaces and recreation centers.
  24. 27059: 27059 is a ZIP code located in North Carolina, primarily including the city of King in Stokes County. It is part of the Piedmont Triad region, famous for its blend of a quaint small-town atmosphere and closeness to larger urban areas.
  25. 27060: 27060 is a ZIP code located in North Carolina, covering areas of the town of Lexington. This area offers a mix of housing areas, local businesses, and community amenities.
  26. 27070: The 27070 ZIP code is located in North Carolina, mainly covering the community of Mocksville and surrounding regions. It features a blend of residential, business, and countryside zones, providing a blend of small-town charm and public services.
  27. 27071: 27071 is a ZIP code located in North Carolina, primarily serving the town of Mount Airy in Surry County. This area is known for its pleasant small town atmosphere and historical significance.
  28. 27076: 27076 is a ZIP code located in North Carolina, primarily serving the city of King. It is part of Stokes County and offers a mix of residential and rural areas.
  29. 27077: 27077 is a ZIP code located in Surry County, North Carolina, encompassing sections of the city of Mount Airy. This area is known for its scenic landscapes and closeness to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
  30. 27083: The 27083 ZIP code is located in North Carolina, covering sections of the town of Lexington and nearby areas. It is known for its mix of residential neighborhoods, local businesses, and closeness to recreational parks.
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  • Raleigh: Raleigh is the capital city of North Carolina, known for its vibrant tech industry and extensive history. It is part of the Research Triangle, a key hub for learning, healthcare, and innovation.
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  • Durham: Durham is a dynamic city in North Carolina known for its deep history, multicultural culture, and robust academic presence, including Duke University. It is a hub for technology, healthcare, and research, playing a key role in the region's economy.
  • Winston-Salem: Winston-Salem is a city in North Carolina known for its rich history in the tobacco industry and vibrant arts scene. It serves as a cultural and economic hub in the Piedmont Triad region.
  • Fayetteville: Fayetteville is a town in North Carolina known for its rich military history and proximity to Fort Bragg, one of the largest military installations in the world. It features a vibrant downtown area with cultural attractions, parks, and historic sites.
  • Cary: Cary is a thriving town in North Carolina known for its great lifestyle and robust community spirit. It features a combination of residential and urban amenities, with excellent schools, parks, and a developing technology sector.
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  • High Point: High Point is a city in North Carolina renowned for its prominent furniture manufacturing sector and yearly High Point Market, the largest home furnishings trade show in the world. It is a part of the Piedmont Triad metropolitan region and offers a variety of cultural amenities and historic landmarks.
  • Concord: Concord is a city in North Carolina known for its deep history and thriving community. It is home to the Charlotte Motor Speedway and offers a blend of cultural attractions and open-air activities.
  • Asheville: Asheville is a dynamic city in North Carolina known for its historic architecture and thriving arts scene. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it offers spectacular natural beauty and a rich cultural experience.
  • Greenville: Greenville is a dynamic city in North Carolina known for its extensive history and cultural diversity. It serves as a regional hub for education, medical services, and commerce, featuring East Carolina University and a expanding downtown area.
  • Jacksonville: Jacksonville is a municipality located in Onslow County, North Carolina, known for its nearby location to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. It features a mix of military heritage and Southern charm, enhancing its unique community atmosphere.
  • Huntersville: Huntersville is a quiet town in North Carolina known for its community-oriented community and proximity to Lake Norman. It offers a combination of up-to-date amenities, parks, and a heritage downtown area.
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  • Burlington: Burlington is a city in North Carolina known for its deep history and vibrant community. It serves as a key center for business, culture, and learning in the Piedmont Triad.
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  • Rocky Mount: Rocky Mount is a city in North Carolina renowned for its deep history and lively arts scene. It serves as a focal point for trade and culture in the coastal plains region.
  • Kannapolis: Kannapolis is a municipality in North Carolina famous for its extensive history in fabric production. It has grown into a thriving community with a focus on education, healthcare, and biotechnology.
  • Wake Forest: Wake Forest is a quaint town in North Carolina known for its historic downtown and vibrant community. It offers a mix of small-town appeal and up-to-date amenities, making it a favored place to live and visit.
  • Hickory: Hickory is a town in North Carolina known for its deep history in furniture making and lively cultural scene. It boasts a blend of historic architecture and contemporary amenities, making it a delightful place to live and explore.
  • Goldsboro: Goldsboro is a municipality in Wayne County, North Carolina, known for its extensive history and vibrant community. It serves as a community focal point with cultural attractions, educational institutions, and military significance due to its proximity to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.
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  • Indian Trail: Indian Trail is a fast growing community in North Carolina known for its family-oriented atmosphere and vibrant community spirit. It offers a combination of suburban living with convenient access to Charlotte's urban amenities.
  • Monroe: Monroe is a city in Union County, North Carolina, known for its historic downtown and thriving community events. It serves as a center for commerce and arts in the surrounding area.
  • New Bern: New Bern is a ancient city in North Carolina known for its enchanting waterfront and deep colonial heritage. It serves as the county seat of Craven County and offers a combination of cultural attractions and natural beauty.
  • Mooresville: Mooresville is a vibrant town in North Carolina known for its strong motorsports heritage and nearness to Lake Norman. It offers a combination of small-town charm and up-to-date conveniences, drawing residents and visitors alike.
  • Garner: Garner is a community located in Wake County, North Carolina, known for its friendly atmosphere and expanding community. It offers a mix of suburban living with close proximity to the nearby city of Raleigh.
  • Sanford: Sanford is a town located in Lee County, North Carolina, known for its historic downtown and lively community. It serves as a regional hub for trade, learning, and healthcare in the heart part of the state.
  • Biltmore Estate: The Biltmore Estate in North Carolina is a notable mansion built by George Washington Vanderbilt II, featuring 250 rooms and stunning architecture. It is surrounded by beautifully designed gardens and offers visitors a glimpse into the Gilded Age lifestyle.
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park: Great Great Smoky Mountains National Park is well-known for its rich plant and animal life, ancient mountains, and mist-covered landscapes. It offers numerous hiking trails, historic buildings, and scenic vistas along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee.
  • Outer Banks: The Outer Banks is a chain of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina known for its breathtaking beaches, deep history, and special wildlife. It offers favorite activities such as fishing, water sports, and exploring heritage sites like the Wright Brothers National Memorial.
  • Wright Brothers National Memorial: Wright Brothers National Memorial in North Carolina celebrates the first historic powered flights by Orville and Wilbur Wright in 1903. The site features a visitor center, reproduction of the original Flyer, and exhibits detailing the history of aviation.
  • Battleship North Carolina: The Battleship North Carolina is a historic World War II battleship permanently docked in Wilmington, North Carolina. It serves as a museum, providing visitors a chance to tour its decks and discover naval history.
  • Chimney Rock State Park: Chimney Rock State Park in North Carolina boasts a majestic 315-foot granite monolith providing panoramic views of the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains. The park also contains hiking trails, waterfalls, and varied wildlife, drawing outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Grandfather Mountain: Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina is a rough peak known for its beautiful hiking trails, varied wildlife, and the Mile High Swinging Bridge. It offers spectacular panoramic views and is a favored destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina offers immaculate beaches, diverse wildlife, and historic lighthouses. It is a favored destination for fishing, surfing, and exploring natural coastal beauty.
  • North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences: The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is a well-known institution offering wide-ranging exhibits on the natural world, including hands-on displays and live animals. It offers educational programs and interactive experiences that emphasize the biodiversity and science of the region.
  • North Carolina Zoo: The North Carolina Zoo is among the most extensive natural habitat zoos in the world, featuring over 1,600 animals from more than 250 species. It provides expansive exhibits that mimic African and North American environments, offering a distinctive and immersive wildlife experience.
  • International Civil Rights Center & Museum: The 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.
  • Fort Raleigh National Historic Site: Fort Raleigh National Historic Site maintains the location of the earliest English settlement in America, known as the Lost Colony. It offers visitors a view into early-stage colonial history through outdoor exhibits and living history programs.
  • Jockey's Ridge State Park: Jockey's Ridge State Park features the highest natural sand dune system in the Eastern United States, offering spectacular views of the nearby landscape. Visitors can take part in activities such as hiking, hang gliding, and kite flying in this special coastal environment.
  • Tryon Palace: Tryon Palace is a historic site in New Bern, North Carolina, featuring the preserved 18th-century governor's mansion and lovely gardens. It offers a insight into colonial life with museum exhibits, guided tours, and special events.
  • Uwharrie National Forest: Uwharrie National Forest in North Carolina offers diverse outdoor recreational options including hiking, camping, and off-road vehicle trails. It includes scenic landscapes with ancient mountains, dense forests, and sparkling lakes, ideal for nature enthusiasts.
  • Mount Mitchell State Park: Mount Mitchell State Park in North Carolina features the tallest peak to the east of the Mississippi River, providing spectacular panoramic views and diverse hiking trails. The park is famous for its distinctive flora and fauna, turning it into a favored destination for nature lovers and outdoor explorers.
  • Merchants Millpond State Park: Merchants Millpond State Park in North Carolina features a serene millpond surrounded by cypress swamps and diverse wildlife, presenting opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and hiking. The park maintains historic structures and offers a quiet natural retreat for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Old Salem Museums & Gardens: Old Salem Museums & Gardens in North Carolina presents a peek into the rich history and culture of the Moravian settlers through preserved buildings, gardens, and interactive exhibits. Visitors can experience 18th and 19th-century architecture, traditional crafts, and lovingly preserved gardens.
  • Linville Gorge Wilderness: Linville Gorge Wilderness in North Carolina is a rough and picturesque area known for its profound canyon and rich wildlife. It offers tough hiking trails, spectacular overlooks, and options for rock climbing and fishing.
  • Blue Ridge Parkway: The Blue Ridge Parkway is a beautiful highway that winds through the Appalachian Mountains, offering spectacular views of the unspoiled landscape. It is well-known for its scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and vibrant fall foliage, making it a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Graveyard Fields: Graveyard Fields is a scenic area in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains renowned for its breathtaking waterfalls and vibrant wildflower meadows. It offers popular hiking trails with breathtaking views and diverse natural beauty.
  • Sliding Rock: Sliding Rock is a authentic waterfall in Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina, where visitors can slide down a polished, 60-foot-long rock into a refreshing mountain pool. It offers a distinctive and thrilling outdoor experience favored with families and adventure seekers.
  • Looking Glass Falls: Looking Glass Falls is a stunning 60-foot waterfall located in the Pisgah National Forest of North Carolina. Easy to reach and surrounded by lush greenery, it is a well-liked place for visitors seeking natural beauty and photo opportunities.
  • Lake Lure: Lake Lure is a picturesque reservoir situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina, renowned for its spectacular views and recreational activities. It provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and hiking, attracting visitors seeking natural beauty and outdoor adventure.
  • Tweetsie Railroad: Tweetsie Railroad is a Western-themed amusement park in North Carolina featuring a historic steam locomotive ride through picturesque mountain terrain. It offers family-friendly attractions, live entertainment, and seasonal events celebrating the region's railroad heritage.
  • Emerald Isle: Emerald Isle is a charming coastal town in North Carolina known for its spotless beaches and kid-friendly atmosphere. It offers excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and relaxing by the Atlantic Ocean.
  • High Point Furniture Market: High Point Furniture Market in North Carolina is the biggest home furnishings sector trade show in the world, bringing in buyers and exhibitors globally. It displays a vast array of furniture types and designs, acting as a major hub for industry networking and innovation.
  • NASCAR Hall of Fame: The NASCAR Hall of Fame in North Carolina honors the legacy and heritage of NASCAR, featuring renowned drivers, notable cars, and memorable moments. It offers engaging exhibits and memorabilia, making it a top spot for racing fans.
  • Discovery Place Science: Discovery Place Science in North Carolina is a engaging scientific museum featuring hands-on exhibits, an aquarium, and live demonstrations. It offers educational experiences for all ages focused on tech, biology, and physics.
  • Morehead Planetarium and Science Center: Morehead Planetarium and Science Center in North Carolina offers engaging displays and captivating astronomy presentations that inspire interest about the universe. It acts as a center for science education and public engagement, highlighting cutting-edge technology and research programs.

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Rick Kohlbeck

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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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Jason Bell is SUPERMAN!! He explained everything I needed to know to make an informed decision to purchase The Clover. His expertise, availabilty, and friendliness helped me feel at ease in setting up my small self-wellness business point … More

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Stogies Downtown

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We are most pleased with the relationship we’ve had in working with Brilliant POS and their rep Kiana. They worked closely and diligently to help migrate data from a 10 yr old POS system to our current platform. Many bumps along the road … More

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Welcome to the future of

Point of sale done right

Embrace unlimited potential for your business.

Streamline your business. Make smarter decisions.

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Simple-to-use, eliminate wasted time

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.

Utilize powerful tools to maximize revenue

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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We're Here For You

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.

Brilliant POS is customer experience driven

Exceptional Support

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.

All the features you need, and then some

Payment Processing 4x

Payment Processing

Customers want to use the payment type they prefer; offer them Apple Pay, EMV, PIN Debit, and all the credit card brand options.

Online Transactions 4x

Offline Transactions

If your internet goes down, no need to worry with Brilliant POS. Our POS systems will continue to run flawlessly without internet.

Point of Sale 4x

Point of Sale

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

Hardware 4x

Hardware

We provide only the best name-­brand POS hardware in the industry. And of course, all of our hardware is warrantied.

Gift Cards 4x

Gift Cards

Gift cards are a no­-brainer, if you look at the stats they more than pay for themselves. We offer custom and standard designs.

E commerce@4x

E-commerce

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.

Beads Inc.

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.

Christine White

Owner

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Worx Boutique

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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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