Every good retailer should use an EPOS system

Cash tills used to be great for most small businesses until you have thousands of items for sale. Tracking inventory takes up all the time you need to do other tasks. Cash till and traditional POS are no longer efficient.

That is where hospitality EPOS systems in uk come in. Now retailers of all sizes can save their time managing stock with the seamless data synchronization between multiple sales channels, and between inventory storage and point-of-sales.

Table of Content

1. What is an EPOS system?

2. How do EPOS systems work?

3. Advantages and disadvantages of EPOS system

4. 5 different types of EPOS system

5. Common mistakes when buying an EPOS system

6. Popular EPOS software system for Magento retailers

What is an EPOS system




EPOS stands for Electronic Point of Sale system. It is a combination of EPOS Hardware and EPOS software that provides an efficient business operation. With an EPOS system, a store owner can process, track sales and other procedures easier. He also gets a better understanding of his business performance.

EPOS system is also connected to an eCommerce site. The online-to-offline integration provides customers seamless stock information and shopping experience.

EPOS Software

EPOS Software is the key to successful retail management. It is essential to have an EPOS software that suits your business needs. After deciding on the best-fit EPOS software, the next step is to choose a compatible EPOS hardware.

Common EPOS till software features include, depending on specific business needs:

Stock control and tracking

Purchase and order processing

Loyalty programs

Promotions and discounts

Integration with an e-commerce website

Some types of business may require different or extra functions to fit their specific needs. Many EPOS system suppliers are aware of this and offer a scalable system that suits the business growth. And many provide customization service to ensure a best-fit solution.

 

Bonus: Download this ultimate guide to know “How to choose the right EPOS software for your business”.

EPOS Hardware

Depending on specific needs, each business may wish to have different EPOS hardware components.

The core hardware comprises a terminal screen. This is where you input orders and process payments. In the recent years, the price of touchscreen monitors has fallen and become affordable to many retailers. The touch screen display allows faster data entry at the point of sale and waives the need of a keyboard.

The additional EPOS hardware components are connected via cables or wirelessly. They may or may not include:

Cash drawer: A lockable metal drawer to store cash. The EPOS system controls by whom and when a cash drawer is opened. Hence, this reduces employee theft.

Receipt printer: A printing device to create a record of the customer’s transaction.

Barcode scanner: An electronic scanner that reads barcodes to identify product details on the EPOS system. There are 2 types of barcode scanner: handheld and multiline. Multiline scanners can read barcodes from different angles, which speeds up the process. They are ideal for places with a high volume of transactions. In contrary, handheld barcode scanners are used where there is a smaller volume of transactions.

PDQ Terminal: A device to accept credit card payment.

Customer Display/ Pole Display: a standing device to deliver price and advertising information to a customer at the POS.

Tablet/ iPad EPOS: A portable hardware used in addition to/ instead of the traditional EPOS to assist with business operations. This is suitable for such businesses requiring higher mobility or small stores with limited space. For example, mobile vendors, quick-service restaurants, coffee shops, gift shops, juice bars, sandwich shops, etc

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