Tech

POS system types – which ones are there?

To find a cash register for your own business or your own gastronomy, you can choose between different types of cash register systems. Of course, these have different strengths and weaknesses, but the basic functions can be the same.

On the one hand the electronic cash registers, then the point-of-sale systems specified for retail and finally the practical PC registers. A computer that is connected to the cash register and its components is usually required to use a computer cash register. The POS software then runs under an operating system such as Windows.

To a certain extent, tablets or smartphones are also part of computer cash registers, although these are smaller and more flexible than large computers. In addition, cash register system types can be divided into scanner cash registers and non-scanner cash registers. The scanner is a component, but it has a central function for a quick process and efficient work. For cash registers without a scanner, the bookings have to be entered separately. This can be done via a keyboard or directly via a touchscreen display. At scanner cash registers the scanner automatically scans the goods. Of course, many cash registers also have both functions – a scanner is often used in a supermarket. Direct input via the frequently used touch display, for example when recording fruit and vegetables that you have packed yourself, is also possible. Since customers in supermarkets often place a lot of goods on the belt, quick and easy scanning is essential here.

What requirements should all types of POS systems meet?

When choosing the types of POS system, an option should be chosen that is suitable for individual use in terms of price and practicality. But in general, checkout systems should meet certain requirements. These are primarily of a legal nature and required by the government, so that failure to comply can result in penalties. For example, receipts from the daily closing can no longer be kept in paper form.

During the transition from 2016 to 2017 in particular, more controls were to be expected, as the new cash register requirements finally came into force in 2017.

It is very important that no matter which of the POS system types was selected, the data or bookings made must be saved for a period of 10 years. The data must be readable and machine-evaluable at any time. Furthermore, the systems must be tamper-proof and clearly show changes made. If a preferred model does not have these properties, traders should look around for other types of POS system.

What is the selection of the components?

In addition to the actual POS system types, the components of the system are also important. After all, there are differences here that are more important than you often think. All POS system types usually always have a display on which the sellers can see the products and prices. Depending on the store and employee, it’s important to know the name and price. Especially if the entry is made by hand and errors can occur more quickly.

This is of course easier with a system with a real scanner. In the first case, only numbers or the price are displayed. In the second case, the text, i.e. usually the name of the product, is also given. You can also choose between single-line and two-line displays. This aspect should be considered when choosing the types of POS systems.

The receipt printer is of course also important as it is used to issue a receipt for the customer. A printer is particularly important in bars and restaurants so that everyone can keep track of the food and drinks they have ordered. Printers can have various receipt functions such as the single receipt function or order receipt function. In the first case, these print out a single receipt for each order, for example.

How to make the decision for a system easier for you

If you are afraid of not seeing the forest for the trees, a checklist is the best way to help! Based on this you can then evaluate the types of POS system that are suitable for you and tick whether your personal and legal requirements are met.

POS system types checklist and Lightspeed point of sale

Here is a little input on which items you could put on your list:

  • Legal compliance
  • Compatibility with other hardware / software
  • Ease of use
  • costs
  • Functions
  • Data import and export

In addition to the option of ticking a cross when a requirement has been met, you can also add a simple rating based on points. You can also reserve some space for personal comments. So, you are sure to find the right one for you!