Say goodbye to slow checkouts and step into the future with a modern POS system.

Key takeaways:

• Today’s POS systems do much more than help you ring up sales, although that remains a critical function.
• They comprise the software that facilitates transactions, integrated with hardware components, such as barcode scanners, receipt printers, and display screens.
• When vetting POS systems, consider features, usability, available integrations, pricing, and vendor support. 

Some shoppers enter your store because you have a great product on display. Others discover you through referrals or online research. No matter their path, shoppers always end up in the same place: your point of sale. It’s essential to leave a good impression in this final step to keep customers coming back. Doing so requires a reliable POS system.

This guide explores the intricacies and applications of POS systems and barcode scanners to deepen your understanding. You’ll also learn about the key considerations when choosing POS systems. Keep reading.

Understanding modern POS systems

POS systems—the hardware and software that facilitate the checkout process—have come a long way since the days of analog cash registers. Today, these systems do much more than help you ring up sales. They streamline operations, keep sales data well-organized, and enhance customer experiences.

POS hardware

Modern POS systems typically include the following hardware components:

• Display screen
• Barcode scanner
• Payment terminal 
• Receipt printer
• Cash drawer

Some components are more crucial than others, depending on your business preferences. For example, you can do without a cash drawer if you only accept credit cards. Similarly, a receipt printer isn’t necessary if you send email receipts. In contrast, running operations without a barcode scanner would be impossible.

Barcode scanners streamline checkout flow by providing faster, more accurate information recording and inventory tracking. These functions can be game-changing when you have a busy till or thousands of items on shelves.

Generally, barcode scanners can be corded, wireless, one or two-dimensional, handheld, or built into the POS counter.

• Corded vs wireless scanners: Corded scanners connect to the POS system via a cable, and are perfect when you don’t want to worry about recharging. However, the wires can sometimes be too short or get in the way when scanning large, difficult-to-move items. Wireless scanners commonly transmit data via Bluetooth and provide about 30 feet of range. They are more portable than corded models but need to be charged often.
• 1D vs 2D scanners: One-dimensional (1D) scanners only read horizontal linear codes, such as UPC barcodes. Two-dimensional (2D) scanners more intelligently capture image details and can read vertical and horizontal codes, including stacked and QR codes. They read codes faster and in any orientation, but cost more than 1D scanners.
• Handheld vs presentation scanners: Handheld solutions allow you to direct the scanner to a product at any distance or angle. In contrast, presentation scanners are fixed to the POS counter, where you “present” each product’s barcode in front of the scanner for reading.

The appearance and functionality of POS software also vary.

POS software

Modern POS software includes features such as:

• Inventory management: Helps you track inventory levels, monitor product variations, set reorder levels, and manage stock replenishment across multiple locations in real-time.
• Reporting and analytics: Enables you to create detailed, custom reports and harness data insights to make smarter decisions. You can monitor sales trends, discover best-sellers, analyze performance, and do much more.
• Integration: Allows your system to communicate seamlessly with the rest of your tech stack, including your payment processing, accounting, and CRM software. This connectivity streamlines operations by reducing errors, eliminating manual data entry, and providing updates across functions.
• Customer management: This lets you capture customer details and communicate with them beyond the point of sale, which is handy for future promotions.

In addition, it can be either on-premise or cloud-based. On-premise POS software stores all sales and client data on a local device or server. It provides more control over data security and integrity. But you’re ultimately responsible for maintaining and upgrading the software.

In contrast, cloud-based POS software stores data in the cloud. It offers more flexibility and mobility as you can access the software remotely via any internet-enabled device. It also provides automatic upgrades and is cheaper than on-premise solutions.

With so many POS hardware and software options, it can be daunting to find the right solution. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Prioritizing the following factors can narrow your search for the best POS system.

What to consider when choosing POS systems and barcode scanners

As with any business decision, choosing POS systems and barcode scanners involves clarifying your needs, identifying costs, and understanding what’s possible with different options. Here’s what to consider in your research:

Features

Given that POS systems have different capabilities, examining which features are most crucial for your business is crucial. This will help you choose a POS system that accommodates all your requirements.

Usability

Your POS system should be easy to set up and use. It should have a shallow learning curve, allowing your team to quickly hit the ground running. In addition, it should have a clean, simple, and intuitive user interface, making tasks less time-consuming and more accessible.

Integrations

Pay attention to the available integrations of potential POS systems. Ensure the solution you choose integrates seamlessly with the tools you’re currently using or plan to use in the future.

Pricing

The billing structures and cost of ownership of POS systems vary from one vendor to another. It’s essential to interpret pricing in the context of your budget and choose a suitable solution that doesn’t break the bank.

Support

Consider the customer support the vendor provides. Even when a POS system is easy to use and install, you may encounter some challenges in the future. Having someone available to answer your questions 24/7 can help you avoid costly business disruptions.

Grow your business with Unisol

The right POS system will be game-changing for your business. Not only will it enrich customers’ shopping experience by reducing wait times, but it will also help you make smarter, data-driven decisions about marketing, restocking, and pricing—helping you stay ahead of the curve.

Unisol offers cutting-edge solutions, for a range of retail settings, with a turnkey approach. No matter your needs, we’ve got you covered. Reach out to our experts for personalized assistance with your POS system.