POS Systems

A point of sale system is a combination of devices and services business owners use to process payments in person. Brick-and-mortar stores typically use physical POS hardware, while e-commerce businesses leverage an online POS terminal. 

More than just the ability to process credit card transactions, these systems are also essential tools when it comes to tracking data, online ordering and managing real-time inventory.

At its core, a POS terminal is how your company connects to its customers. More importantly, it’s how you accept payments, collect data and grow your business.

Having an effective point of sale is especially vital in today’s business environment. Aside from ringing up customers, modern POS systems can integrate with other critical solutions, streamlining your operations and making your life easier in the process.

Regardless of what type of POS software you use, they all generally follow the same process for any small business. For example, when someone purchases an item or service, the POS system automatically calculates the price and adds sales tax to the total. It then processes the customer’s payment and, if necessary, their bank authorizes the transaction. Once the sale is final, the solution generates a digital or printed receipt.

POS solutions come in many shapes and sizes, each one functioning slightly differently than the others:

• Traditional POS systems may be as simple as a cash drawer and usually are accessed through terminal-based hardware.
• Mobile POS systems are applications installed onto portable devices, such as smartphones or tablets, allowing you to take transactions on the go. 
• Tablet POS systems run on touchscreen displays, offering added flexibility and convenience. 
• Cloud-based POS systems are the most modern solution and are hosted entirely online. They provide unmatched scalability for growing businesses, requiring only an internet connection to function. 

At Sekure, we work with you to understand which of these solutions best fits your business and its changing needs.

A modern POS system is capable of much more than the traditional POS tools you might be used to. Not sure what you need? Here are some of the best essential features:

• Real-time reporting: A good POS will provide real-time information about sales, inventory and more.
• Customer experience: Today’s best solutions integrate with customer loyalty programs and membership tools, allowing you to track data and offer personalized promotions.
• Payment variety: Don’t lock yourself into just a handful of payment options. Give your customers the freedom to pay any way they want, making it easier for them to purchase.
• Customization: There’s no silver-bullet solution, so ensure your chosen system is flexible to your needs. Look for one that can be customized to your specifications. 
• Inventory management: Any POS terminal worth its salt will help you track inventory levels and avoid costly stockouts.

Need a little more help? Narrow down your options with our guide to choosing a POS system.

Keep in mind that certain use cases require different capabilities. For instance, the best option for a restaurant might be a mobile POS that allows customers to pay from their tables. A retail business, however, might need a tablet POS at the checkout counter with customer loyalty and membership programs integrated right within the interface.