| l point of sale equipment improves productivity if the | | | | Scanners and Hand Held Terminal options |
| right one is purchased to fit your business needs. The | | | | Scanners read and transmit recorded information to |
| wrong POS system can be counterproductive. | | | | the terminal. The cheaper scanners use a technology |
| Research will help you locate the most suitable | | | | that requires scanning from a closer range to the |
| product, from the most suitable vendor. | | | | scanner than its market rivals those using laser |
| Retailers as a norm have simpler requirements than | | | | technology. Laser scanners come in different models |
| those in the hospitality business. In retail the | | | | such as the type that automatically turns on when an |
| transactions are completed at the same time and with | | | | item is within range. Customer volume should influence |
| less variance in the products sold. However, for | | | | your decision about which scanner to choose for your |
| retailers with more complicated needs there are | | | | business. |
| product features in the market to meet their demand. | | | | The handheld wireless terminal is a new kid on the |
| Different types of hospitality purveyors have different | | | | block that allows the same kind of flexibility that comes |
| requirements and the equipment that meets their | | | | with a wireless phone. Although, more expensive they |
| needs is also available on the market. For instance, | | | | allow more business to be done, so are useful for high |
| today systems can make frequent diner programs | | | | volume restaurants. As some models are more fragile |
| that reward regulars with incentives or discounts | | | | than others are, you need to purchase one compatible |
| available to small restaurants, when before they were | | | | with your needs. |
| exclusive to chain restaurants. | | | | Printers and cash drawers in the market |
| The basic or more sophisticated options available | | | | All systems need a printer to create receipts for |
| Point of sale equipment is a computerized product | | | | customers and a paper trail for your use. Printers |
| using basically three component parts for scanning, | | | | available in the market are either dot matrix or thermal |
| recording data and transmitting it. Some may be too | | | | printers. Dot matrix printers have moving parts that can |
| expensive a choice for some businesses. For others, | | | | break and use an ink ribbon to print on regular paper. |
| the options available can be confusing. | | | | They are cheaper and are suitable where the heat |
| Systems using swipe technology can be quicker and | | | | would impact the efficiency of thermal printers. |
| less fraud-prone than those key-in processing | | | | Thermal printers use special paper and are faster, |
| technology. Some systems cash the sale faster than | | | | quieter, and tend to be more reliable than dot matrix |
| others. Point of sale systems track inventory and helps | | | | printers. If your business needs cash drawers, your |
| the business reduce inventory loss from theft, | | | | choice should be sturdy enough for your use. In most |
| wastage or employee misuse. It makes pricing of | | | | cash drawers, a signal to open the drawer is received |
| products and their sale more efficient by reducing | | | | from the printer, which means you will have |
| mis-entering of data and make price changes speedily | | | | compatibility issues to consider if your equipment is not |
| inputted into the system. The amount of cash in the | | | | purchased from the same dealer. Keep in mind that |
| drawer and its profitable component is revealed | | | | some cash drawers are easier to service than others |
| through this tool. Business forecasting is made easier | | | | are; and you should consider how replaceable are their |
| by the data made available through use of such | | | | parts. |
| equipment. A customer database can also be | | | | Some other factors |
| generated to assist in marketing and be useful in other | | | | Electrical power fluctuation can adversely affect your |
| ways to your enterprise. | | | | point of sale system. You might need a designated |
| Your Computer terminal | | | | circuit or power filtering, if this arises. Tell your vendor |
| The main hardware component of this system is the | | | | about your power use and ask about safeguards you |
| computer. While vendors prefer to include it in the | | | | might need. |
| package to avoid compatibility issues, you might prefer | | | | Point of sale software can support many functions |
| to obtain one separately, so long as it is compatible | | | | commonly applicable to businesses. But, if you require |
| with the system. If your business does not have | | | | software that can support more complex needs, you |
| complex needs to be met by such a system, a | | | | need to obtain what is compatible. This requires |
| computer with basic features may be all you need. | | | | knowing yourself as much as you need to know what |
| Will you choose a Keyboard or a Touch Screen? | | | | you need the software to be able to do for your |
| Touch screens are more popular than programmable | | | | needs. Should you need used equipment that option is |
| keyboards, except for businesses who like grocers | | | | also available from the appropriate source. |
| appreciate the individual key programmable feature of | | | | To protect the security of the information fingerprint ID |
| keyboards. Keyboards can be standard or system | | | | boxes are a new tool that is available on the market. |
| specific. Generally, touch screens allow usage that is | | | | Compatible customer displays linked to your system |
| more flexible. LCD touch screens are more popular | | | | might also fit your needs. |
| than traditional monitors because they take up less | | | | Training is something you should not skimp on if you |
| space, use less power and last longer. Both inputting | | | | want to make the most of your system. And do keep |
| types have different spill and dust proof levels of | | | | in mind that a vendor's technical support policy is a |
| protections you might want to inquire about. | | | | critical component in the purchase decision process. |