EPOS Systems

An electronic point of sale system comprises hardware and software which perform the same basic functions as a cash register – summing the total bill, recording the transaction and storing the payment (or in the case of card transactions, the proof of payment). They also provide a host of extra features depending on the type of business and integrate with other pieces of hardware to improve the speed and efficiency of transaction processing.

Some features common to all EPOS systems include:

• Integration with chip and PIN terminals
• Integration with cash drawer and printer
• Recording transactions and providing reports
• Monitoring stock levels
• Automatic application of discounts (e.g. multi-buy, vouchers)
• Programmable functions/buttons for oft repeated actions (e.g. most popular items)

Electronic point of sale systems range in size and complexity from single electronic cash registers through to multi-site systems which share data with websites or other business software.

Electronic Cash Registers

Single outlet retailers who require only a single terminal will be comfortable with an electronic cash register. Incorporating all the features above they are simple to programme and operate. They can also be augmented with barcode scanners and scales. The higher end machines feature customer facing displays, can export sales data to a PC or handheld device via a cable and can handle several transactions at the same time to avoid queue build up.

New cash registers will often come with a manufacturers guarantee for the first year though additional product support is available.

Single Terminal EPOS Systems

The next step up from an electronic till, the single terminal electronic point of sale system is for larger single site retailers who require a little extra in the way of reporting and stock management. Reports can be scheduled to run at the end of every day/week and be sent directly to a back office PC or even via email. Touch screen operation makes use easier and can be tailored to suit the particular business. For example, the most popular selling items can be placed on the ‘home’ screen.

Retail EPOS Systems

Electronic point of sale systems for retailers with several terminals or even several sites allow for the integration of all sales activities for unified reporting and tracking. Terminals are joined by data cables which also transmit data in real time to a back office system from which reports can be accessed.

Additional features of retail EPOS systems include:

• Unique staff IDs allow for time and attendance tracking
• Customer facing displays let the customer know who’s serving them, how much they need to pay and can highlight special offers
• Automatic application of multi-buy offers, voucher discounts or loyalty card points
• Integration with a CRM system allows customer tracking across online and offline channels
• Stock levels can be monitored and out of stock items ordered automatically from warehouses or external suppliers
• Advanced, customised reporting to accounts systems

Comprehensive sales reporting not only allows you to calculate your revenue exactly but also lets you track the success of marketing campaigns, identify your best selling products and pick out your top salespeople. You can also track the effects of POS displays and in-store promotions.

Hospitality EPOS Systems

Hospitality businesses need to provide top notch customer service above all other things. Electronic point of sale systems provide the efficient and accountable communication required to ensure fast, high quality service round the clock.

Additional features of hospitality EPOS systems include:

• Manage unlimited table, tab and room bills concurrently
• Assign particular staff members to different tables/accounts
• Fast, effective order processing, updating and amending via networked terminals and printers
• Stock control informs all staff what is and isn’t on the menu
• Unique user IDs and keys/fobs/cards allow for staff tracking and speedy access to open bills
• Monitor of table service times
• On screen floor plans to assist accuracy with warning lights for long delays
• Traffic light systems for mains away/desserts away etc
• Integration with website or booking calendar allows for automatic updates to booking status
• Advanced and customised transaction and service reporting

No matter the size of your hospitality business or how many sites you operate, an electronic point of sale system allows you to combine data from all transactions to inform business decision making. Which products have brought in the most profit, which promotions have been most successful and which staff are your top performers can all be extracted from the data an EPOS system delivers. The added efficiency improves customer experience by allowing your staff to concentrate on the actual service rather than the administration of service.

To compare a range of EPOS systems today, simply complete the form at the top of this page. It only takes a minute and it could save you as much as 40%.