Point of Sale (POS) Systems: Looking For Answers? Here They Are!

Aug. 3, 2009 - PRLog -- > POS systems vs. paper records?

It will definitely take a lot of time to record every business transaction by hand. And that doesn’t even include the time to duplicate the information into a spreadsheet or database for further analysis! If you want to avoid this, try using a POS system that will record all sales, returns, taxes, inventory, etc. so you may concentrate more on other aspects of the business. While POS takes an investment to get started, the time savings and productivity increase more than the expenses you make.

> I don't know much about computers. Will I be able to use POS and its functionality?

Yes. A vendor can help you set up the software to do the things that you want. And then be able to navigate a POS system's menu easily. When the vendor sets you up, they shall provide full training for you and your staff on how to use it. And if there's any problem with the system, a POS customer service professional is just a phone call away!

> What are the required equipments for setting up?

To begin, you'll be needing a phone connection, internet access and working electrical outlets. If you already have these, then your POS vendor will be able to set you up immediately! Most vendors will provide you with computers as part of their packages so you don't have to tire yourself looking for the best computer to install your POS software.

> Can POS help me prevent theft?

Stop shrinkage before it eats into your profits!. Various applications allow you to track every item in your inventory so you can estimate exactly how much profit you should expect at every sale, as well as be able to pinpoint weaknesses within the business. If there are discrepancies, it will raise immediate red flags so you can be informed and be able to take actions.

> Can I rely on POS to handle my sales or to manage my inventory?

Your POS can handle both task! You can input all the data you want AND check out the invetory... and those aren't just the tasks you can do, there are lots more you can do with POS. POS terminal and software also allows you to track sales performance, generate different reports, set up reminders for inventory that’s getting low, and plan future sales campaigns. You can use the customer data you collect to target effective sales campaigns and stock your shelves with the items they purchase the most.

> When do I need wireless?

Wireless is best used for business people on the go, so they don't need to go back and fort to a POS terminal in order to process a transaction. Instead, they can easily process transactions using wireless technology.

> Should I buy a flat-screen LCD monitor, or a less expensive CRT monitor?

You can get more benefits using LCD monitors over to CTR monitors, and of course it also depends on the work environment. They will last much longer, they don’t require as much electricity, and they take up less space. Plus, they are far more attractive. CRT screens are fine for low volume sales and if you’re not sure that POS is right for your business. But with the additional benefits afforded to flat screens, there will be little cost difference between the two.

> What printer is best for my restaurant: a thermal printer or a dot matrix printer?

You'll find that most businesses choose to use thermal printers since they have less moving parts so don't easiliy break down. It’s also the only option if you are going to work wirelessly. However, dot matrix printers are safer choices in hospitality kitchens since the heat from the ovens, grills, and fryers could warp thermal paper and ink.

> What happens if my POS suddenly breaks down while conducting business?

This is why back ups are so important for any type of business. System failures can happen for a variety of reasons – power outages, system crashes, viruses, natural disasters, etc. By implementing a backup solution (preferably offsite so your critical data is protected), you are assured of being able to restore lost or damaged files, and run the business smoothly. More importantly, by backing up data, you ensure you can retrieve all customer information, sales figures, and custom reports you have saved prior to the crash.

> What kind of customer support can I expect?

We’d like to give you a simple answer. Unfortunately, there isn’t one. Customer service policies will vary from vendor to vendor. While one might have round-the-clock telephone support and local repair technicians, others may only have phone support during normal business hours and can only schedule repair requests a full day in advance.

This is one of the key advantages to meeting with multiple vendors during your POS search, look into the offerings of different vendors, take time evaluating each, and make a clear decision before purchasing.

> What if I have multiple locations?

For large businesses that need several POS systems in various locations, you generally have two options. The first is each location operates independently with its own terminal and software. You can then send reports over to the corporate offices at the end of the day or week.

The second option involves connecting all terminals to a central server allowing reports and sales figures to be uploaded and downloaded in real time. The benefit of the second option is that it’s available remotely. However, with several terminals working on the same server, backlogs are possible if all locations try and send information over at once.

With both solutions, it’s imperative to have a robust back up solution since the central server connects all locations – if it fails, every location could be inoperable.

> Do I need to license my POS software?

You typically need an individual license for each terminal hosted on your network. There are POS vendors who'll offer you discounts depending on the number of terminals that needs licenses.

> Should I purchase a service contract?

It’s certainly worth the expense if you want to stay up and running at all times. Once you get set up with a POS system, you will use it for day-to-day operations and future business analysis. If the machine breaks down or you experience a disaster, you probably don’t want to be without it for too long.

There are maintenance contracts offered by vendors, depends on the vendor, which can cost a couple hundred bucks a year who can provide you services each time a POS terminal of yours breaks, so you can go ahead and concentrate in making your profits grow.

> Need more information or an online resource?

For more information on restaurant POS system or to have a local POS professional serving the restaurant industry, you may visit http://pos-for-restaurants.com

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