| Retail point of sale software is used at the checkout | | | | greatly increase order efficiency and decreased |
| where a transaction occurs. It in itself is an electron | | | | service time. |
| cash register. This is the same system that can be | | | | The hardware that is needed for point of sale |
| used for vouchers and receipts. The very first | | | | generally uses a credit card reader, receipt printer, |
| software of its kind was developed by IBM in 1973 but | | | | cash drawer, barcode scanner and pin pad that has a |
| it had very limited functions and was first used in | | | | card swipe. All of these external hardware pieces use |
| Dillards Department stores and Pathmark. | | | | USB connection. Some of the top software systems |
| The next technology advancement came in 1979 | | | | currently used in the US include Radiant/Aloha, |
| when it was possible to take a customers orders at | | | | MICROS, Citadel POS and internally developed point of |
| the front of the house and then have all the | | | | sale software. |
| preparation details printed out in the kitchen. This | | | | No matter what software you choose the initial set up |
| included food cost and labour reports. However the | | | | can be a bit of a pain, particularly if you are using older |
| latest software came about with the development of | | | | equipment. Most software offers a lot of mix and |
| Unix and Windows platforms. | | | | match features so you can start with the basics and |
| These modern systems were designed to be low | | | | as your company grows add on. Web based solutions |
| cost, reliable, have a consistent and high operating | | | | are popular because you do not have to deal with in |
| speed, rich functionality, easy to use and have remote | | | | store setup by access the software from any |
| support. There are also many web based point of sale | | | | computer. This is perfect for those with more than one |
| software in which an internet connection is needed. | | | | retail location. |
| These are very low cost software compared to | | | | You also can look into using software that is both for |
| those used by stores. | | | | in store purchases and online purchases. There is also |
| The point of sale software will differ depending on the | | | | the option of using a hand held terminal in the store |
| industry which is being used. The medical industry | | | | which then transmits back to a base station which |
| requires more than just registers in their software but | | | | works great in the food industry. There is a lot of |
| also peripheral equipment, computer networks and | | | | automation and you can get software that prints out |
| more. Point of sales is used heavily in the restaurant | | | | purchase orders when specific products begin to be |
| industry as the registers use touch screens and have | | | | low. |