Free Grocery Point Of Sale Software

Point of Sale Software : Our Point-Of-Sale System Makes Sure Smooth And Effective Transactions For Your Retail Company

Unlocking Efficiency with Point of Sale Systems

Ever found yourself tangled in a web of slow transactions and confusing inventory records? It resembles trying to juggle flaming torches while riding a unicycle-- possible, however why threat it? Conventional sales register simply don't cut it anymore. They lack the agility and intelligence needed to keep up with today's hectic retail environment. What if your POS could do more than just procedure payments? What if it could anticipate your needs, enhance operations, and make your day smoother?

Imagine a system that not just calls sales but likewise keeps your stock completely well balanced, tracks client preferences, and even produces informative reports that assistance you make smarter decisions. Sounds like a dream? That's exactly what Brilliant POS gives your service.

Obstacles That Often Trip Up Organizations

  • Sluggish checkout processes causing frustrated customers
  • Messy stock causing lost sales or overstock
  • Trouble in tracking daily sales and financial information
  • Complex integration with existing company tools
  • Limited insights into client habits and patterns

Brilliant POS sweeps away these hurdles with a suite of intuitive functions designed to keep your operations buzzing. Here's how it transforms the common mayhem into seamless harmony:

  1. Lightning-fast transactions that lower wait times and increase complete satisfaction.
  2. Real-time inventory updates that prevent costly stockouts or excess.
  3. Automated, easy-to-understand reports that put your monetary health front and center.
  4. Robust combination abilities, connecting your POS effortlessly with accounting and CRM tools.
  5. Advanced analytics exposing consumer purchasing patterns, helping customize your marketing strategies.
Function Advantage Effect on Business
Real-time Inventory Tracking Instantaneous updates on stock levels Prevents overstock and lost sales
Sales Analytics Dashboard Comprehensive information visualization Educated decision-making
Client Management Tools Personalized shopping experiences Enhanced client loyalty

Isn't it time your Pos. Brilliant POS system did more than just "point and pay"? With Brilliant POS, every transaction becomes a step towards smarter company development. The days of wrestling with cumbersome systems are over-- welcome to the age where technology truly raises your retail game

Mastering the Celestial Dance: The Art of Positional Astronomy

Picture standing underneath a velour sky, stars blinking in their eternal waltz. How does one capture this cosmic choreography in exact terms? Positional astronomy is the answer, but it demands more than casual stargazing. The struggle typically lies in translating the apparent motion of celestial bodies into precise coordinates on the celestial sphere. Mistakes in timekeeping, atmospheric refraction, and Earth's own wobble can scramble these calculations like a mischievous cosmic prankster.

Brilliant POS acknowledges these elaborate nuances. They welcome the subtle art of stellar parallax correction and factor in precession and nutation with surgical precision. Without accounting for these, your star map may place Polaris miles far from its true position, leading to disappointment and lost nights.

Specialist Tips for Navigating Positional Precision

  • Utilize the current ephemerides: These tables provide the most current positions of heavenly bodies, essential for reliable observations.
  • Make up for climatic refraction: Near the horizon, light bends unpredictably. Applying refraction corrections guarantees your measurements aren't manipulated.
  • Synchronize clocks exactly: Even a few seconds' drift can equate into significant positional errors.
  • Apply aberration of light adjustments: This subtle result, brought on by Earth's movement, moves obvious star positions slightly but notably.

Why Time is the Quiet Trickster

Timekeeping in positional astronomy is a video game of high stakes. Even the slightest mismatch in between Universal Time and local time standards can decipher your whole dataset - Brilliant POS. The brilliance of Brilliant POS lies in its meticulous combination of atomic clock synchronization and sidereal time tracking. This accuracy makes sure that every celestial coordinate aligns with truth, empowering astronomers to predict eclipses, track satellites, or guide telescopes with unwavering self-confidence

Aspect Influence On Positional Accuracy Suggested Correction
Precession Progressive shift of Earth's axis Usage updated celestial coordinate systems
Nutation Short-term oscillations of Earth's axis Include nutation models in estimations
Climatic Refraction Light bending near horizon Apply refraction correction solutions
Outstanding Aberration Obvious star position shift Adjust for Earth's velocity relative to light

The Subtle Art of Favorable Operator-Valued Procedure

Imagine trying to catch a splash of light in a container-- quantum measurements typically feel that evasive. When dealing with Favorable Operator-Valued Procedure (POVM), the intricacy doesn't simply depend on the mathematics but in the subtle interplay in between the states and the measurements. The primary snag? Conventional projective measurements fall brief in catching the complete spectrum of quantum details, resulting in insufficient or unclear results.

Brilliant POS comprehends that this is not just a theoretical hiccup but a practical barrier that can blur the clearness of quantum experiments. They leverage advanced structures that extend beyond the rigidity of standard projections, accepting POVMs to open richer, more nuanced data.

Three Key Insights into POVM Execution

  1. Non-Orthogonality is a Function, Not a Defect: Unlike projective measures, POVMs allow outcomes that are not mutually special. This flexibility can extract more information from a single measurement.
  2. Creating Customized Measurement Sets: Tailoring POVMs to particular quantum systems guarantees enhanced fidelity and effectiveness against noise.
  3. Operational Realism: POVMs align much better with actual experimental setups, where imperfections and environment-induced decoherence are inescapable.

Have you ever observed how the simplest quantum experiments can spiral into a labyrinth of unpredictabilities? That's precisely where Brilliant POS's proficiency shines. They comprehend the complex dance between operators and measurement results, guaranteeing that the POVM framework integrates effortlessly with existing quantum protocols.

Quick Tips for Mastering POVMs

  • Constantly verify the efficiency relation: the amount of POVM aspects should be the identity operator.
  • Use semidefinite programming to optimize POVM components for optimum information gain.
  • Consider informationally total POVMs when full state tomography is required.

Aspect Projective Measurement POVM
Orthogonality Strictly orthogonal Can be non-orthogonal
Info Extracted Restricted to eigenstates Possibly more total
Speculative Realism Idealized setups Sensible with noise and flaws

In the world of quantum information, the devil really hides in the information. By accepting the subtle power of POVMs, Brilliant POS does not simply navigate through the fog-- they light up the path to precision and clearness.

Unraveling the Heart of Proof of Stake

Think of a busy marketplace where trust is currency, but rather of handing over physical money, participants stake their own digital properties to confirm transactions. This Proof of Stake consensus mechanism flips traditional mining on its head, rewarding those who put skin in the video game rather than raw computing power. Yet, the intricate dance of protecting a blockchain through staking isn't without its subtle intricacies.

Why Staking Isn't Simply Securing Tokens

Lots of beginners think staking is as easy as parking tokens in a wallet and waiting on benefits. Nevertheless, the real kicker lies in the nuanced balance in between network security and economic rewards. Validators should carefully choose the number of tokens to stake, as overcommitting can expose them to substantial slashing charges for misbehavior or downtime. It's a fragile tightrope walk, where one bad move might suggest losing both reputation and possessions.

Key Components Every Staker Must Master

  • Comprehending Validator Selection: Not all stakers end up being validators; the system typically selects them based on the quantity staked and coin age, highlighting fairness and security.
  • Slashing Conditions: These are the guidelines penalizing harmful activities such as double-signing or extended inactivity, developed to keep validators honest.
  • Delegation Mechanics: Token holders who can't run a validator node can entrust their stake to relied on validators, sharing benefits and risks.

How Brilliant POS Browses the Intricacies

They grasp that the subtle art of balancing stake weight and validator performance demands comprehensive insights and tools tailored for the community. Instead of leaving users to fend for themselves in a maze of technical lingo, Brilliant POS translates these complexities into intuitive control panels and signals, transforming potential confusion into clearness.

Aspect Standard PoW Evidence of Stake
Energy Consumption High, due to mining rigs Low, relies on staking properties
Validator Selection Mining power Stake amount & & coin age
Security Dangers 51% attacks through hashing power Economic charges, slashing
Scalability Minimal Enhanced with staking

Expert Tips for Taking Full Advantage Of Staking Benefits

  1. Regularly monitor network updates to avoid unexpected slashing events.
  2. Diversify delegation to lessen direct exposure to a single point of failure.
  3. Keep validator nodes online regularly to keep uptime and track record.
  4. Analyze historic validator efficiency before entrusting tokens.
  5. Stay notified about protocol modifications that could affect staking criteria.

Point of Sale Solutions in North Carolina: Key Insights

North Carolina is a vibrant state understood for its abundant history, diverse culture, and growing economy. With a population exceeding 10 million, it hosts a range of markets consisting of innovation, manufacturing, and agriculture. Popular tourist attractions include the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Outer Banks, and busy cities like Charlotte and Raleigh. The state is acknowledged for its business-friendly environment and strong entrepreneurial spirit, making it an ideal area for carrying out effective point of sale options.

For professional assistance and a complimentary assessment on point of sale systems, connecting to Brilliant POS can supply valuable suggestions tailored to your needs.

  • Pos Systems: These systems streamline transactions and manage sales data. These are essential for modern retail and hospitality businesses, enhancing efficiency and customer service.
  • Point Of Sale: A POS is the spot where a customer makes a transaction for goods or services, typically in a store. It's a vital element for commerce businesses, enabling payment processing and inventory management.
  • Retail: Businesses depend on point-of-sale technology to manage transactions and inventory. These systems streamline operations and enhance customer experiences.
  • Transaction: A Transaction is a basic procedure involving the trade of products or services for remuneration. It is the central function powering retail point-of-sale environments by recording sales and handling inventory.
  • Payment Processing: Payment Processing enables businesses to take multiple transaction types from customers. It's crucial for retail point-of-sale setups, helping seamless payments and effective sales management.
  • Inventory Management: Inventory control tracks stock quantities to improve buying decisions and prevent shortages. It's essential for sales systems to ensure products are in stock when buyers purchase them.
  • Sales Data: Sales data fuels retail activities by offering understanding into customer behavior and product performance. This information is essential for optimizing inventory, customizing marketing, and enhancing point-of-sale effectiveness.
  • Customer Relationship Management: CRM boosts sales by structuring client data and interactions. This consolidation allows businesses to personalize services and marketing based on purchase history from their POS terminals.
  • Reporting And Analytics: Reporting And Analytics provide vital understanding of sales trends, consumer conduct, and inventory management. This data allows businesses using point-of-sale solutions to make informed decisions, optimize operations, and boost profitability.
  • Hardware: Hardware is the base of retail transaction processing, allowing efficient and safe sales. Reliable devices like barcode scanners and receipt printers are crucial for smooth customer experiences at the point of sale.
  • Software: Software is the foundation of current retail activities, managing sales and stock. It streamlines the checkout procedure and provides useful data insights for companies.
  • Barcode Scanner: Barcode Scanners quickly read product codes, making sure of fast and precise transactions at the checkout. They are integral for productive checkouts and stock control in stores.
  • Receipt Printer: Receipt Printers create paper records of sales for clients. They are essential parts in store and support settings for documenting sales.
  • Cash Drawer: The Cash Drawer is a secure receptacle for money in retail settings. It integrates with sales terminals to unlock automatically upon transaction completion, aiding cash management.
  • Credit Card Reader: Credit Card Reader represent key devices that allow businesses to accept card payments from clients. They smoothly integrate with store setups to ease purchases and simplify the checkout procedure.
  • Touchscreen Monitor: Touchscreen Monitor enable natural interaction for retail and service transactions. Such displays streamline checkout processes and improve efficiency at points of sale.
  • 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.
  • Cloud Based Pos: Cloud Based Pos solutions give businesses adaptability and accessibility by keeping data and software on distant servers. This new method enhances business effectiveness for retail and service sectors by simplifying transactions and management tasks.
  • Mobile Pos: Mobile Point of Sale (mPOS) lets businesses to accept payments and execute sales transactions everywhere with a transportable device. It provides flexibility and convenience, expanding the reach of retail operations.
  • E Commerce Integration: E-commerce integration unites online stores with in-store sales platforms, allowing for optimized operations and inventory management. This connection allows businesses to offer customers a seamless shopping experience across all channels.
  • Restaurant Pos: Restaurant point-of-sale system processes orders, transactions, and food preparation area communication. It constitutes a core part of point-of-sale sales management infrastructure.
  • Retail Pos: Retail Pos is the area where a customer wraps up a transaction. It covers the tools and programs that permit businesses to handle sales and manage customer relations at the time of purchase.
  • Hospitality: Hospitality improves customer experiences, fostering loyalty via personalized service. Streamlined transaction handling tools are vital for seamless operations in the industry.
  • Point Of Sale System: The Point Of Sale System oversees deals and selling data. It is a vital component for merchandise businesses to handle payments and observe inventory.
  • Data Security: Protecting confidential payment and customer information is vital for businesses using electronic retail transaction terminals. Strong Data Security measures assure customer trust and prevent financial losses from breaches.
  • Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard: Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard assures safe management of cardholder data. It shields pay terminals and related configurations from infractions.
  • Pos System: It is a key part of retail and hospitality, facilitating sales transactions and managing inventory. These Pos System streamline operations, boost customer service, and supply valuable data insights.
  • Credit Card: Credit Cards enable customers to make payments electronically at the point of sale. They expedite transactions and provide businesses a secure way to accept payments.
  • Debit Card: Debit Cards enable customers to create payments directly from their bank accounts at retail checkout. They streamline transactions and provide a convenient option to cash for in-store purchases.
  • Cash Register: A Cash Register is a basic component for processing transactions in retail settings. It documents sales, computes totals, and manages cash, playing a vital role in a business's point-of-sale activities.
  • Receipt: Proof of purchase document transactions, providing customers with a record of purchase. This history is important for sales terminals, inventory control, and accounting reasons.
  • Reporting: Revenue monitoring provides valuable understanding into business performance. These metrics help optimize inventory and improve customer service at the point of sale.
  • Cloud Computing: Cloud Computing offers scalable infrastructure for retail transaction processing. This allows businesses to handle sales data, inventory, and customer information efficiently through web-based platforms.
  • E Commerce: E Commerce boosts retail transactions by integrating online sales with in-store activities. This integration optimizes inventory control and customer data across all sales channels, boosting the point of purchase experience.
  • Merchant Account: An Merchant Account allows firms to receive electronic payments from customers. This is key for today's retail setups, allowing seamless transactions via card readers and other point-of-sale equipment.
  • Security: Protecting monetary exchanges and customer data is crucial for retail payment terminals. Robust Security measures build trust and stop fraud in checkout environments.
  • Data Encryption: Data Encryption secures delicate financial transactions at store checkout terminals, protecting customer information and stopping fraud. This process is vital for maintaining trust and meeting data security rules in point-of-sale environments.
  • Customer Service: Superb Customer Service elevates the retail experience , encouraging loyalty and favorable brand perception . Integrated point-of-sale technology enables businesses to deliver personalized and efficient support, eventually driving customer satisfaction.
  • Loyalty Program: Customer retention schemes integrated with point-of-sale technology boost client retention and generate repeat business via personalized rewards. They monitor purchases and engagement, allowing businesses to offer tailored incentives that encourage brand loyalty.
  • Sales: Sales data fuels crucial understanding for firms, shaping inventory control and customer behavior evaluation. Point-of-purchase technology streamlines these transactions, boosting efficiency and precision in tracking Sales performance.
  • Supply Chain: Supply chain management assures the seamless flow of goods from production to the point of sale. Effective supply chains are vital for retail transaction processing to meet customer needs and maintain inventory.
  • Data Analytics: Data Analytics alters transaction records from retail checkout points into actionable insights. This allows companies to improve stock, personalize customer experiences, and improve sales plans.
  • Loss Prevention: Loss Prevention strategies combined with point-of-sale technology help retailers reduce theft and errors. These integrated systems offer tools for tracking transactions and spotting suspicious activity, protecting revenue.
  • Pricing: Pricing strategies are vital for maximizing profitability within retail settings. Electronic point-of-sale arrangements streamline price management, discounts, and promotions, guaranteeing accurate transactions and inventory control.
  • Marketing: Marketing powers customer interaction and brand awareness, which is crucial for improving sales through point-of-sale technology. It aids businesses attract and retain customers, eventually maximizing the capacity of their transaction platforms.
  • Mobile Point Of Sale: Mobile Point Of Sale lets businesses to handle transactions and accept payments from any location using mobile devices. It's an more and more vital component of modern retail and service sector checkout solutions.
  • Retail Technology: Retail Technology improves consumer engagements and streamlines operations. These innovations revolutionize payment processes and stock control for businesses.
  • Self Checkout: Self Checkout kiosks permit customers to read and purchase items independently, streamlining the retail experience. This technology integrates with retail payment systems, boosting efficiency and reducing wait times.
  • Enterprise Resource Planning: Enterprise Resource Planning integrates key business procedures, streamlining processes and data management. It boosts retail checkout systems by offering real-time inventory, customer, and sales data for data-driven decision-making.
  • Accounting: Accounting tracks financial data, providing insights into business performance. This is essential for store businesses using point-of-sale technology to handle transactions and inventory.
  • Transaction Processing: Transaction Processing ensures that sales and payments are accurately logged and managed. It's crucial for retail checkout system to handle purchases, returns, and other financial transactions.
  • Accounting Software: Accounting Software works with retail transaction platforms to simplify financial data. This integration computerizes bookkeeping tasks related to sales and inventory.
  • Payment Terminal: Payment Terminals enable electronic payment transaction at the checkout. They are critical for businesses to receive different billing methods and finish transactions.
  • Magnetic Stripe Reader: Magnetic stripe readers read data from credit and debit cards for processing transactions. They are often used at checkout lines to expedite payments.
  • Emv Chip: Emv Chip enhance payment protection by encoding transaction information. They are crucial for modern retail point-of-sale terminals, reducing fraud.
  • Near Field Communication: Near Field Communication (NFC) enables contactless payments by letting customers to simply tap their credit cards or devices at appropriate checkout terminals. This technology simplifies payments and improves the customer experience at the point of sale.
  • Restaurant: Restaurants utilize computerized checkout technology to make easier order taking, payment handling, and inventory management. These systems help improve how well something works and accuracy in Restaurant operations.
  • Transaction Log: Transaction Logs record every operation in a retailer's sales system, ensuring data integrity. They allow for auditing, restoration after failures, and following sales trends.
  • Transaction Fee: Transaction Fee represent costs imposed on businesses for handling payments, impacting profitability. These fees are crucial to consider when evaluating payment processing solutions for retail POS setups.
  • Transaction Authorization: Transaction Authorization validates enough funds or credit for buys at point-of-sale terminals. It guarantees payment security and stops dishonest transactions during retail sales.
  • Transaction Settlement: Transaction Settlement concludes payments from customers to a business. It's essential for retailers using digital sales systems to tally everyday transactions and receive funds.
  • Credit Card Processing: Credit Card Processing lets businesses to take card payments from customers. It is vital for modern retail checkout systems, simplifying transactions and enhancing customer convenience.
  • Debit Card Processing: Debit Card Processing lets businesses to take money directly from clients' checking accounts. This feature is vital for today's retail checkout systems allowing for seamless exchanges.
  • Emv Chip Card: EMV chip cards improve payment security by using a microchip to encrypt transaction data. They are essential for modern retail checkout systems, reducing fraud and enhancing data protection.
  • Contactless Payment: Contactless Payment enable customers to rapidly and securely make payments by tapping their card or mobile. This method streamlines transactions at the point of sale, improving customer experience.
  • Mobile Payment: Mobile Payment lets customers to conduct transactions with mobile phones or other devices. This technology eases checkout at points of purchase, enhancing speed and convenience.
  • Online Payment: Online Payment processing permits businesses to receive digital transactions. This integration is essential for contemporary retail checkout systems, simplifying sales and improving customer experience.
  • Fraud Detection: Fraud Detection analyzes transaction data to detect and stop fraudulent activities at point of sale. This protects firms and customers from monetary losses and maintains faith in payment processing.
  • Pci Dss Compliance: Pci Dss Compliance guarantees secure handling of cardholder information for companies using point-of-sale systems. Following these standards safeguards customer data and prevents data breaches during operations.
  • Chargeback: Chargebacks occur when customers dispute a transaction, obligating merchants to refund the payment if the dispute is valid. These disputes affect companies that use point-of-sale technology by potentially reducing revenue and incurring fees.
  • Payment Processor: Payment processors are essential for companies as they safely process payments between clients and sellers. They authorize and transfer funds during purchases at the time of sale.
  • Interchange Fee: Interchange Fees are charges imposed by banks for handling electronic payments. These costs affect the price merchants pay when customers use cards at POS terminals.
  • Payment Security: Payment security is essential for safeguarding customer information and preventing fraud during transactions. Safe payment handling is essential for businesses utilizing point-of-sale technology to maintain trust and avoid financial losses.
  • Tokenization: Tokenization substitutes sensitive data with insensitive replacements, protecting customer information. This process is essential for safeguarding credit card details within point of sale point of sale systems.
  • Encryption: Encoding safeguards vulnerable payment data during transactions at retail checkout systems. It guarantees the safety of monetary information, protecting customers and businesses from scams.
  • Card Reader: Card Readers are key devices that allow businesses to take electronic payments from customers. They have a vital role in store environments and POS setups, expediting transactions.
  • Merchant Services: Business solutions allow businesses to take multiple payment methods. They are vital for modern retail establishments, ensuring smooth transactions at the point of sale.
  • Ach Transfer: ACH transfers allow businesses to directly charge customer bank accounts for purchases. This payment option offers a secure and efficient alternative to credit cards within retail payment solutions.
  • Payment Solutions: Payment Solutions remain vital for companies to efficiently handle payments. They are key components in retail checkout systems, allowing smooth and safe transaction acceptance.
  • Point Of Sale Systems: These systems simplify transactions and handle sales data. They are essential components of retail and hospitality operations, improving efficiency and customer experience at the Point Of Sale Systems checkout.
  • Stock Control: Stock Control ensures companies maintain optimal inventory levels, avoiding stockouts and excess inventory. It works with retail point-of-sale technology to instantly update inventory with each transaction, providing real-time insight and data for informed choices.
  • Supply Chain Management: Supply Chain Management ensures the effective movement of goods from suppliers to stores. It improves inventory and distribution for point-of-sale operations, enhancing customer experiences.
  • Demand Forecasting: Demand Forecasting estimates future customer needs, enabling retail businesses to optimize inventory and staffing. This ensures seamless transaction processing at the point of sale and boosts customer satisfaction.
  • Economic Order Quantity: EOQ optimizes stock purchasing to reduce costs. When combined with point-of-sale sales management tools, it ensures items are in stock while reducing storage costs.
  • Just In Time Inventory: Just In Time Inventory lowers warehousing costs by accepting goods only when required. This streamlined approach enhances stock quantities monitored by retail sales systems.
  • Warehouse Management: Warehouse Management guarantees efficient storage and flow of goods. It's vital for retail point of sale systems to accurately monitor inventory and fulfill client orders.
  • Inventory Optimization: Inventory Optimization guarantees companies have the right items in stock, reducing spoilage and increasing revenue. This is vital for retail sales environments, improving effectiveness and customer service.
  • Retail Management: Retail Management oversees all elements of store operations, guaranteeing effective processes and customer fulfillment. This includes handling the electronic POS, optimizing inventory, and educating staff to offer effortless transactions.
  • Inventory Turnover: Inventory Turnover measures how efficiently a business uses its stock, influencing profitability. Retail point-of-sale technology helps optimize inventory management by observing sales and stock levels in real time.
  • Perpetual Inventory: Perpetual Inventory constantly tracks inventory levels, supplying real-time data on available products. This enables businesses using electronic point-of-sale solutions to make informed decisions about inventory management and prevent out of stock situations or excess inventory.
  • Periodic Inventory: Periodic Inventory entails manually counting stock at specific periods to revise inventory logs. This method helps retail operations align physical stock with recorded data, aiding in loss prevention and guiding restocking decisions for sales environments.
  • Inventory Valuation: Inventory Valuation determines the price of goods on available, affecting earnings and tax liabilities. Accurate valuation is essential for retail point-of-sale systems to monitor stock levels and optimize buying choices.
  • Inventory Auditing: Inventory Auditing entails checking actual stock versus recorded data to find discrepancies and guarantee accuracy. This procedure is key for businesses using retail point-of-sale systems, as it helps maintain correct inventory amounts and prevent losses.
  • 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.
  • Weighted Average Cost: Weighted Average Cost calculates inventory value based on the average cost of goods, crucial for accurate financial reporting. Retail point-of-sale setups benefit from this method by maintaining precise stock valuation and profitability tracking.
  • Inventory Shrinkage: Inventory Shrinkage, including losses from stealing, harm, and errors, directly affects profitability for businesses. POS setups play a vital role in monitoring inventory and identifying inconsistencies that contribute to shrinkage.
  • Reorder Point: Reorder Point helps businesses avoid stockouts by triggering restocking when inventory levels fall to a predetermined level. This ensures seamless sales processes at the transaction point and customer happiness.
  • Safety Stock: Safety Stock is additional inventory kept to buffer against uncertainties in demand and supply. This guarantees retail operations can fulfill customer orders even when unforeseen fluctuations occur at the point of sale.
  • Lead Time: Lead Time is the delay from order placing and when the items are ready for purchase. Reduced lead times can improve stock control and customer satisfaction at the checkout.
  • Abc Analysis: Abc Analysis categorizes inventory to prioritize resources based on worth, pinpointing high-impact items for focused management. This is crucial for retail checkout solutions to improve stock levels and ensure availability of key products.
  1. 27006: 27006 is a postal code located in North Carolina, primarily serving the city of Advance in Davie County. This area features a combination of neighborhoods and rural landscapes, providing a peaceful lifestyle with access to nearby urban amenities.
  2. 27012: The 27012 zip code is located in North Carolina, covering sections of the town of Advance in Davie County. This area features a mix of residential communities and local enterprises, providing a suburban lifestyle with access to nearby natural sites.
  3. 27016: The postal code 27016 is located in the area of North Carolina, primarily serving the community of Dobson in Surry County. This area includes a blend of residential neighborhoods, small businesses, and countryside.
  4. 27017: 27017 is a postal area located in North Carolina, covering sections of Forsyth County. It includes regions such as Kernersville, known for its heritage downtown and public gatherings.
  5. 27018: The 27018 ZIP code is located in North Carolina, encompassing parts of the town of Bermuda Run and adjacent areas. It is famous for its residential neighborhoods and proximity to local parks and amenities.
  6. 27019: The 27019 ZIP code is located in North Carolina, encompassing parts of the area of Clemmons. It is known for its residential setting with nearby local green spaces, schools, and retail areas.
  7. 27020: 27020 is a ZIP code located in North Carolina, primarily serving the city of Clemmons in Forsyth County. This area is known for its suburban neighborhoods, local parks, and proximity to Winston-Salem.
  8. 27021: 27021 is a postal code located in Forsyth County, North Carolina, primarily covering parts of the city of Winston-Salem. This area includes a mix of residential neighborhoods, businesses, and community resources.
  9. 27022: The 27022 ZIP code is located in North Carolina, primarily covering parts of the town of Mocksville. It includes a mix of residential neighborhoods, local businesses, and rural areas, demonstrating the mixed character of Davie County.
  10. 27023: 27023 is a postal code located in North Carolina, primarily covering parts of the town of Lexington in Davidson County. This area offers a combination of residential neighborhoods, local enterprises, and community facilities.
  11. 27025: 27025 is a zip code located in Dobson, North Carolina, within Surry County. It covers a combination of living, rural, and small business areas, highlighting the region's countryside nature.
  12. 27027: The 27027 ZIP code is located in North Carolina, covering areas of Forsyth County. It includes the town of Clemmons and adjacent areas, known for its suburban communities and nearness to Winston-Salem.
  13. 27028: The ZIP code is located in North Carolina, mainly covering parts of the city of Denton. It is found within Davidson County and features a blend of housing and rural areas.
  14. 27030: The postal code 27030 is located in North Carolina, primarily covering the city of Elkin. This area is famous for its scenic landscapes and closeness to the Yadkin Valley wine region.
  15. 27040: 27040 is a ZIP Code primarily serving Kernersville, a community in Forsyth County, North Carolina. This area includes a mix of residential neighborhoods, local businesses, and community amenities.
  16. 27041: 27041 is a postcode in North Carolina, primarily encompassing parts of the city of Kernersville. The area is known for its residential neighborhoods, local shops, and proximity to larger cities like Winston-Salem.
  17. 27042: 27042 is a ZIP code located in North Carolina, primarily serving the town of Mocksville in Davie County. This area features a mix of housing areas, local shops, and access to regional amenities.
  18. 27043: The 27043 ZIP code is located in North Carolina, including parts of the area of Kernersville. It includes a combination of residential neighborhoods, small businesses, and public facilities.
  19. 27045: 27045 is a ZIP code located in North Carolina, covering areas within Forsyth County. It includes parts of Winston-Salem and surrounding areas, offering a mix of housing and commercial areas.
  20. 27050: 27050 is a postal code located in North Carolina, primarily covering the town of Lexington in Davidson County. This area is renowned for its deep history, local barbecue tradition, and vibrant community events.
  21. 27052: The 27052 ZIP code is located in North Carolina, mainly including areas within the community of Mount Airy. This location is recognized for its cozy vibe and nearby the Blue Ridge Mountains.
  22. 27054: The 27054 ZIP code is located in North Carolina and mainly covers the town of King in Stokes County. This area features a blend of residential, commercial, and rural landscapes, providing a small-town atmosphere with access to close cities.
  23. 27055: 27055 is a postal area located in Kernersville, North Carolina, known for its suburban community and proximity to the Piedmont Triad area. The area features a mix of residential neighborhoods, small businesses, and access to parks and recreation centers.
  24. 27059: 27059 is a postal code located in North Carolina, primarily covering the city of King in Stokes County. It is part of the Piedmont Triad region, famous for its mix of a quaint small-town atmosphere and nearness to larger urban areas.
  25. 27060: 27060 is a ZIP code located in North Carolina, covering areas of the town of Lexington. This area includes a blend of housing areas, local shops, and public facilities.
  26. 27070: The 27070 ZIP code is located in North Carolina, primarily covering the community of Mocksville and surrounding locales. It includes a combination of residential, business, and rural areas, offering a blend of small-town charm and community amenities.
  27. 27071: 27071 is a ZIP code located in North Carolina, primarily serving the city of Mount Airy in Surry County. This area is known for its charming small-town atmosphere and heritage.
  28. 27076: 27076 is a ZIP code located in North Carolina, chiefly 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 postal code located in Surry County, North Carolina, encompassing sections of the city of Mount Airy. This area is known for its scenic landscapes and proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains.
  30. 27083: The 27083 ZIP code is located in North Carolina, covering sections of the town of Lexington and surrounding areas. It is known for its mix of residential neighborhoods, local businesses, and closeness to recreational parks.
  1. Charlotte: Charlotte is the biggest city in North Carolina and a key financial hub in the southeastern United States. It is known for its dynamic urban culture, pro sports teams, and developing economy.
  2. Raleigh: Raleigh is the main city of North Carolina, known for its thriving tech industry and rich history. It is part of the Research Triangle, a important hub for academics, healthcare, and innovation.
  3. Greensboro: Greensboro is a vibrant city in North Carolina known for its rich history and heritage attractions. It serves as a key hub for education, business, and transportation in the Piedmont Triad region.
  4. Durham: Durham is a dynamic city in North Carolina known for its rich history, diverse culture, and prominent academic presence, including Duke University. It is a hub for technology, healthcare, and research, greatly supporting the region's economy.
  5. Winston-Salem: Winston-Salem is a town in North Carolina known for its extensive history in the tobacco industry and lively arts scene. It serves as a artistic and financial hub in the Piedmont Triad region.
  6. Fayetteville: Fayetteville is a municipality in North Carolina known for its rich military history and nearness to Fort Bragg, one of the major military installations in the world. It features a vibrant downtown area with cultural attractions, parks, and historic sites.
  7. Cary: Cary is a flourishing town in North Carolina known for its excellent living standards and robust community spirit. It features a mix of residential and urban amenities, with top-notch schools, parks, and a growing technology sector.
  8. Wilmington: Wilmington is a venerable port city positioned in southeastern North Carolina, known for its charming riverfront and lively cultural scene. It presents a mix of gorgeous beaches, historic architecture, and a expanding film industry.
  9. High Point: High Point is a town in North Carolina renowned for its prominent furniture manufacturing industry and annual High Point Market, the biggest home furnishings fair in the globe. It is within the Piedmont Triad metropolitan region and provides a mix of cultural sites and historic sites.
  10. Concord: Concord is a city in North Carolina known for its extensive history and lively community. It is home to the Charlotte Motor Speedway and offers a blend of artistic attractions and open-air activities.
  11. Asheville: Asheville is a dynamic city in North Carolina known for its historic architecture and flourishing arts scene. Located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, it offers stunning natural beauty and a diverse cultural experience.
  12. Greenville: Greenville is a lively city in North Carolina known for its rich history and cultural variety. It serves as a key hub for learning, medical services, and business, featuring East Carolina University and a expanding downtown area.
  13. Jacksonville: Jacksonville is a town located in Onslow County, North Carolina, known for its close proximity to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. It features a combination of military influence and Southern charm, adding to its distinctive community atmosphere.
  14. Huntersville: Huntersville is a quiet town in North Carolina known for its community-oriented community and nearness to Lake Norman. It offers a combination of up-to-date amenities, parks, and a historic downtown area.
  15. Apex: Apex is a lively town located in Wake County, North Carolina, known for its historic downtown and robust community spirit. It offers a blend of suburban living with access to parks, schools, and local events.
  16. Burlington: Burlington is a town in North Carolina known for its deep history and lively community. It serves as a key center for business, arts, and learning in the Piedmont Triad.
  17. Gastonia: Gastonia is a municipality in North Carolina known for its rich history in the textile industry. It offers a combination of city and suburban areas with parks, cultural attractions, and a expanding economy.
  18. Chapel Hill: Chapel Hill is a vibrant town in North Carolina known for its famous University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It boasts a diverse cultural scene, historic landmarks, and a close sense of community.
  19. Rocky Mount: Rocky Mount is a town in North Carolina known for its deep history and dynamic arts scene. It serves as a focal point for trade and arts in the coastal plains region.
  20. Kannapolis: Kannapolis is a city in North Carolina famous for its deep history in textile manufacturing. It has become a thriving community with a focus on education, healthcare, and biotechnology.
  21. Wake Forest: Wake Forest is a quaint town in North Carolina known for its historic downtown and lively community. It offers a mix of cozy atmosphere and up-to-date amenities, making it a favored place to live and visit.
  22. Hickory: Hickory is a town in North Carolina famous for its extensive history in furniture making and vibrant cultural scene. It offers a combination of historic architecture and contemporary amenities, making it a charming place to live and visit.
  23. Goldsboro: Goldsboro is a town in Wayne County, North Carolina, known for its extensive history and thriving community. It serves as a local center with arts and culture, educational institutions, and military significance due to its proximity to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.
  24. Salisbury: Salisbury is a historic city in North Carolina known for its meticulously maintained downtown section and abundant cultural legacy. It functions as the county seat of Rowan County and provides a combination of charming small-town atmosphere and modern conveniences.
  25. Indian Trail: Indian Trail is a fast growing town in North Carolina known for its kid-friendly atmosphere and close-knit community spirit. It offers a combination of suburban living with convenient access to Charlotte's urban amenities.
  26. Monroe: Monroe is a city in Union County, North Carolina, known for its historic downtown and thriving community events. It serves as a regional hub for business and culture in the surrounding area.
  27. New Bern: New Bern is a ancient city in North Carolina known for its charming waterfront and rich colonial heritage. It acts as the county seat of Craven County and offers a combination of cultural attractions and natural beauty.
  28. Mooresville: Mooresville is a vibrant town in North Carolina known for its rich motorsports heritage and proximity to Lake Norman. It offers a blend of quaint charm and up-to-date conveniences, drawing residents and visitors alike.
  29. Garner: Garner is a community located in Wake County, North Carolina, known for its welcoming atmosphere and expanding community. It offers a blend of suburban living with easy access to the nearby city of Raleigh.
  30. Sanford: Sanford is a municipality located in Lee County, North Carolina, known for its historic downtown and lively community. It serves as a area hub for commerce, academics, and medical services in the middle part of the state.
  • Biltmore Estate: The Biltmore Estate in North Carolina is a historic mansion built by George Washington Vanderbilt II, featuring two hundred fifty rooms and stunning architecture. It is surrounded by beautifully designed gardens and offers visitors a peek into the Gilded Age lifestyle.
  • Great Smoky Mountains National Park: The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is renowned for its diverse plant and animal life, old mountains, and foggy landscapes. It offers many hiking trails, historic buildings, and scenic vistas along the border of North Carolina and Tennessee.
  • Outer Banks: The Outer Banks is a series of barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina known for its stunning beaches, deep history, and special wildlife. It offers popular activities such as fishing, water sports, and exploring historical 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 includes a visitor center, model of the original Flyer, and exhibits showcasing the history of aviation.
  • Battleship North Carolina: The Battleship North Carolina is a historic World War II battleship permanently moored in Wilmington, North Carolina. It serves as a museum, offering visitors a possibility to visit its decks and discover naval history.
  • Chimney Rock State Park: Chimney Rock State Park in North Carolina boasts a majestic 315-foot granite monolith offering breathtaking views of the adjacent Blue Ridge Mountains. The park also includes hiking trails, waterfalls, and varied wildlife, attracting outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Grandfather Mountain: Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina is a jagged peak known for its picturesque hiking trails, diverse wildlife, and the Mile High Swinging Bridge. It offers spectacular panoramic views and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
  • Cape Hatteras National Seashore: Cape Hatteras National Seashore in North Carolina features pristine beaches, varied wildlife, and historic lighthouses. It is a popular destination for fishing, surfing, and discovering natural coastal beauty.
  • North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences: The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences is a renowned institution offering extensive exhibits on the natural world, including hands-on displays and live animals. It offers educational programs and interactive experiences that showcase the biodiversity and science of the region.
  • North Carolina Zoo: The North Carolina Zoo is one of the largest natural habitat zoos in the world, showcasing over 1,600 animals from more than 250 species. It boasts large exhibits that recreate African and North American environments, providing a special 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 crucial event in the Civil Rights Movement. It features exhibits and educational programs that emphasize the struggle for racial equality and social justice.
  • Fort Raleigh National Historic Site: Fort Raleigh National Historic Site preserves the area of the first English settlement in America, known as the Lost Colony. It provides visitors a look into early-stage colonial history through outdoor exhibits and living history programs.
  • Jockey's Ridge State Park: Jockey's Ridge State Park offers the tallest natural sand dune system in the Eastern United States, offering stunning views of the adjacent landscape. Visitors can enjoy 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 renovated 18th-century governor's mansion and lovely gardens. It offers a view into colonial life with museum exhibits, guided walks, and special events.
  • Uwharrie National Forest: Uwharrie National Forest in North Carolina features varied outdoor activities including hiking, camping, and off-road vehicle trails. It boasts scenic landscapes with historic 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, offering spectacular panoramic views and numerous hiking trails. The park is renowned for its distinctive flora and fauna, turning it into a well-liked destination for nature lovers and outdoor explorers.
  • Merchants Millpond State Park: Merchants Millpond State Park in North Carolina offers a serene millpond encircled by cypress swamps and rich wildlife, providing opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and hiking. The park protects historic structures and offers a quiet natural retreat for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Old Salem Museums & Gardens: Old Salem Museums & Gardens in North Carolina presents a glimpse into the deep history and culture of the Moravian settlers through maintained buildings, gardens, and interactive exhibits. Visitors can explore 18th and 19th-century architecture, traditional crafts, and beautifully maintained gardens.
  • Linville Gorge Wilderness: Linville Gorge Wilderness in North Carolina is a rugged and picturesque area known for its steep canyon and diverse wildlife. It offers challenging hiking trails, breathtaking overlooks, and chances for rock climbing and fishing.
  • Blue Ridge Parkway: The Blue Ridge Parkway is a beautiful highway that winds through the Appalachian Mountains, offering stunning views of the pristine landscape. It is well-known for its scenic overlooks, hiking trails, and brilliant fall foliage, making it a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Graveyard Fields: Graveyard Fields is a beautiful area in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains known for its spectacular waterfalls and vibrant wildflower meadows. It offers favorite hiking trails with breathtaking views and varied natural beauty.
  • Sliding Rock: Sliding Rock is a authentic waterfall in Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina, where visitors can slide down a smooth, 60-foot-long rock into a chilly mountain pool. It offers a distinctive and thrilling outdoor experience favored with families and adventure seekers.
  • Looking Glass Falls: Looking Glass Falls is a breathtaking 60-foot waterfall located in the Pisgah National Forest of North Carolina. Conveniently located and surrounded by thick vegetation, it is a well-liked place for visitors seeking natural beauty and picture-perfect moments.
  • Lake Lure: Lake Lure is a beautiful reservoir located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina, famous for its breathtaking views and recreational activities. It features 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 heritage 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 lovely coastal town in North Carolina known for its immaculate beaches and welcoming 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 largest home furnishings sector trade show in the world, drawing buyers and exhibitors from around the globe. It features a wide array of furniture designs and designs, serving as a major hub for industry networking and innovation.
  • NASCAR Hall of Fame: The NASCAR Hall of Fame in North Carolina commemorates the history and heritage of NASCAR, featuring famous drivers, iconic cars, and unforgettable moments. It provides engaging exhibits and memorabilia, making it a must-visit destination for racing fans.
  • Discovery Place Science: Discovery Place Science in North Carolina is a hands-on scientific museum featuring hands-on exhibits, an aquarium, and live demonstrations. It offers instructional experiences for all ages focused on technology, life science, and physical science.
  • Morehead Planetarium and Science Center: Morehead Planetarium and Science Center in North Carolina features interactive presentations and engrossing astronomy presentations that encourage curiosity about the universe. It serves as a center for science education and public engagement, featuring advanced 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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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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