It’s common for servers in modern stores and restaurants to use a POS (Point Of Sale) system. This is technology used to organize products and process payments.
The first POS systems were manual cash registers that were used simply to organize cash. Today’s POS systems are very different – they incorporate touch screen devices and card readers, and are able to connect with other software such as accounting software and stock control software to keep everything updated in real time.
Setting up a POS system is an important task that needs to be done right. The POS system needs to be easy to use, while also being able to provide every function you and your employees may need. This post explains some of the steps to setting up the perfect POS system.
Find the right POS provider for your industry
There are lots of different POS providers out there. Some will just provide POS software, while others will also be able to provide you with a touch screen display, cash register and card reader.
Some POS providers may be specifically aimed at certain industries. For example, the likes of Vend are aimed at retail businesses, while solutions like TouchBistro are aimed at restaurants. Choose the right provider so that it meets all your necessary functions.
Map out your inventory
Once you’ve received your POS system, you’ll need to upload information on all your products. Each product then needs to be carefully mapped out so that you and your staff can easily find it and so that customers can be served quickly.
When it comes to large inventories, you’ll likely need to create multiple categories and subcategories. Popular products should be located in places that are easy to find – you may even want to create shortcuts to these products on the first screen. Consider enabling a search feature so that products can be easily searched if necessary.
Set up access controls
When it comes to carrying out certain actions like providing refunds or removing products, you may want to limit privileges to certain staff members. Many companies have separate controls for staff members and supervisors for this reason.
You may be able to use passwords or separate fob keys to determine who has access to certain features.
Explore helpful automation features
Certain processes may be able to be automated to reduce errors, ensure compliance and to make life easier for staff members. This could include automated prompts to ask for ID when a restricted item is purchased or automatic discounts on certain days where they apply (instead of discounts having to be manually added). Most POS systems will allow you to explore these automated features.
Connect your POS system to necessary hardware and software
You’ll need to link up your POS system with any necessary extra hardware or software. Start by connecting your POS system to payment processing software if it doesn’t already come integrated, as well as connecting your card reader. Do your research when it comes to selecting payment technology – the likes of this API enables custom POS solutions to integrate with Ingenico hardware, which may be a good choice for your business. Consider choosing a card reader that allows contactless and mobile payments on top of regular card payments.
You may also want to link up your POS system to accounting software so that revenue can be automatically recorded and tax can be automatically calculated for when you do your tax return. It could also be important to link up your POS system to stock management software – you can then record every time a product is purchased and keep track of when stock is running low more easily. Other types of software such as eCommerce software and CRM software may also be possible to integrate.
Consider asking a professional to set up your POS system for you
POS systems can take a lot of work to set up. Sometimes it can be more sensible to hire a professional to set them up. Such a professional will be able to upload all your products for you and organize them in a logical manner. They can also help connect your POS system with any software and hardware, making sure that it is all connected properly for when you launch your store so that there are no hitches. Some POS providers will offer this service for you. Alternatively, you can hire a third-party company with experience in POS systems to do it for you. It could save you a lot of time and stress.
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