Selecting POS Equipment
Selecting POS Equipment
POS systems have various hardware components. Depending on the type of system you choose, you might need to purchase scanners, card readers, printers, or a new computer. Make sure you have already made a software decision before purchasing any equipment.
The most basic part of a POS system is the computer, also called the “central control unit.” The central unit is the main computer that controls (and is connected to) all other terminals. It is not a good idea to use your regular desktop computer for this function. The computer is purchased with the system, and is usually not very expensive because it will only be used for POS functions- large amounts of memory or processing speed aren’t necessary.
The main computer is linked to any other terminals you use for credit card processing. An important consideration regarded to linking the terminals is power supply. In order to take advantage of a POS system’s ability to process transactions quickly and monitor sales in real time, you’ll need a steady, uninterrupted power supply. Power surges and fluctuations are the main reasons that POS systems “crash” or can function inconsistently. Most POS vendors will look at the logistics and determine whether you should designate a specific power circuit for the POS system.
The central computer and dedicated power supply are components of every POS system. Which other hardware devices you choose to use depend on your business. Most POS systems are comprised of several terminals. A POS “terminal” is any station used to input information. The terminals themselves can use different devices to capture information. Here are some common components of a POS terminal:
Keyboards
A terminal that uses a keyboard will also use a display screen (such as a computer monitor). A user inputs information using the keyboard. Keyboards are easy to use because most employees are already familiar with their format. A keyboards can be standard “QWERTY” style, like a hotel front desk uses, or customized depending on products and services offered, such as those used in a grocery store.
Businesses offering many different services and products, where new ones are frequently added for sale, are god candidates for keyboards. Even a customized keyboard can be easily programmed with new product information, and standard keyboards require little or no updating so long as the software program reflects changes in product offerings. Customized keyboards with a dozen or so programmable keys, such as those used at fast food restaurants, are a low-cost alternative option to LCD or touch screens. Most keyboards cost between $100 to several hundred for a programmable model.
Touch Screens
Touch screens are common among businesses that have a fixed number of product offerings (such as menu items), a high number of employees and sales, and a high volume of transactions during sales periods. Touch screens are easy for employees to use, and can record and transmit information more quickly than a keyboard. LCD touch screens are the most popular because they are likely to last longer than most other models, and can stand up well to the wear and tear of constant use. LCD screens tend to have fewer problems than “overlay” touch screens, or screens that fit over a compute monitor or keyboard. They are also the most expensive, costing between several hundred or several thousand dollars depending on size and usage requirements.
Portable and handheld terminals
Most POS terminals are stationary, like an order input station at a restaurant. Keyboards and touch screens work well for this type of terminal. Some businesses can benefit from having employees input transactions from wherever they happen to be standing when the sale is made using a handheld terminal. This eliminates the congestion that can occur when customers wait in line, or when employees must wait to input information because the order volume is so high. Portable terminals can also be equipped with touch screens or other hardware.
Many businesses like portable terminals because one employee can complete a transaction from start to finish while walking around a store with a customer. Apple stores employ this technology to cut down on wait times and speed transaction processing. Portable terminals can cost into the thousands of dollars, but can sometimes save a business much more than this as efficiency is improved.
Additional equipment
Ultimately, the type of POS hardware and equipment you purchase will depend on the needs of your business. Options like scanners, check and merchant processing machines, and signature capture devices are good buys for different types of businesses.
