Managing a business is a task that requires a great deal of dedication and focus. Not only do you need to have a clear vision for your company, but you also need to be able to execute that vision through effective leadership and management.
In the past, businesses were managed manually, with paper records and ledgers. People had to rely on their memories to keep track of sales, inventory, and customer information. This was not only time-consuming, but it was also prone to error.
With the advent of technology, businesses have been able to automate many of their processes, including their management. One of the most important computerised systems for businesses is the point-of-sale (POS) system.
What Is a Point-Of-Sale System?
In short, POS is an automated system used to record sales transactions and track inventory levels. This system can be used in a variety of industries, from retail stores to restaurants to service-based businesses.
A POS station typically consists of three main components: hardware, software, and peripherals. The hardware is the physical device that you interact with throughout the process of completing a transaction.
The software is the point-of-sale system itself, which may be cloud-based or installed on a computer. And finally, the peripherals are optional devices that can be used with the POS system, such as customer displays and tracking devices.
What Hardware Does a POS System Need?
While the software is the brains of the operation, the hardware is what makes it all possible. Without the right hardware, your POS system will be unable to function. Some of the most essential POS hardware include:
Label Printer
Perhaps the most important piece of POS hardware is the label printer. This device is used to print labels for products, as well as barcodes and QR codes. Barcodes and QR codes are essential for identifying and tracking all the items that are sold in your store.
A label printer is a must-have for any business that sells physical products. Without it, you will be unable to properly monitor your inventory status and ensure that your customers are getting the right products.
There are two basic types of printers – portable and desktop. Investing in a compact portable label printer can be a good idea for businesses that need to print tags on the go, without the hassle of hoisting a desktop printer around. There isn’t any configuration or charging cables either – just pop in some batteries and you’re good to go.
Some models even have Wi-Fi compatibility, so you can print tags directly from your POS software without having to connect the portable label printer to a computer. This can be a real lifesaver when you’re dealing with a lot of transactions on a daily basis.
On the other hand, desktop printers are somewhat larger and less maneuverable, but they offer a few advantages as well. For one, they’re generally faster than portable printers, so you can get your slips printed more quickly. They also tend to be more durable and have a longer lifespan.
In any case, make sure to choose a printer that is compatible with your POS software. This way, you can be sure that the tags you print will be readable by the scanner and properly recorded in your system.
Bar Code Scanner
This device is used to scan the barcodes or QR codes that are printed on product tags. The scanner converts the code into digital information that can be read by the POS software. This information is then used to identify the product and update the inventory records accordingly.
As with the POS label printer, there are two main types of bar code scanners – handheld and desktop. And similarly, handheld scanners offer greater convenience and portability, while desktop scanners are generally faster and more accurate.
Cash Register
While many businesses are moving away from traditional cash registers, they are still an essential piece of hardware for many stores. It’s important to have a dedicated place to store cash and keep track of sales, and a cash register is a perfect solution.
Some newer models of POS systems come with built-in cash drawers, so you don’t need to buy a separate piece of hardware. However, if your POS system doesn’t include its own cash drawer, you’ll need to purchase one separately.
When choosing a cash register, it’s important to consider the size of your business. That said, if you have a large store with many employees, you’ll need a larger register that can accommodate more bills and coins. On the other hand, if you have a small business or are just starting out, a smaller register will be sufficient to get you going.
Receipt Printer
Receipts are an important part of the sales process, as they provide customers with a record of their purchase. Both parties in the transaction may benefit from this – the customer can use it for returns or exchanges, and the business can use it for accounting and record-keeping purposes.
There are two main types of receipt printers – impact and thermal. Impact printers are the more traditional option, and they use a ribbon to print the receipt. Thermal printers are newer and use heat to record the purchase onto special paper.
Thermal printers are generally faster and more reliable than impact printers, so they are the better choice for businesses that need to print a high volume of receipts. However, they can be more expensive, so if you’re on a tight budget, an impact printer may be the better option.
Touchscreen Monitor or Tablet
Lastly, you’ll need a touch screen monitor or tablet to act as the interface between you and your POS software. This is the device that you’ll use to input sales data and access other features of your system.
It’s important to choose a touch screen monitor or tablet that is easy to use and understand. It should be responsive to your inputs, so you don’t have to keep pressing buttons to register a sale. It should also be durable enough to withstand continuous use, as it will be used frequently throughout the day.
