POS-terminals: what are they and what are they for?

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Surely no one likes to stand in line at the store or any other establishment. But today every minute counts, and so you want to spend this time with benefit, and not waste it. Naturally, you want to carry out calculations quickly and with maximum comfort. This is what terminals were designed for. So, let's figure it out: POS-terminal - what it is, how to use it, why you need it.

What is a POS terminal?

This is a special set of programs in a device designed for retail. In other words, this is a kind of work place for a cashier. It can easily replace a cash register. As well as in a regular cash register, all transactions are recorded on a check tape and stored in the device's memory. Today, the POS-terminal is able to replace conventional cash registers due to flexible software with the possibility of constant updating.

How a POS terminal works

We have all seen terminals more than once (we can roughly imagine what they are), but POS-terminalsdiffer considerably. They are even registered in the State Register, just like ordinary cash registers.

As for the device, it consists of a small monitor, a system unit, a customer display, a data entry keyboard, a card reader, a receipt printer, a fiscal part and a program.

How a POS terminal works

What is it, we roughly imagine its device, but how does it work?

The operation of such a terminal is very similar to how a regular cash desk works. Although this device not only takes into account the number of sales, but also saves other data that can later be retrieved for analysis. In addition, this equipment allows you to receive information about purchases, check, change and perform various kinds of reporting. Sometimes buyers think that such terminals allow you to make payments only with a bank card. But this is a completely erroneous opinion. You can also pay in cash.

Where can terminals be used?

What kind of device allows you to make calculations, we have already figured out, but where is it used?

Many external devices are connected to the device itself, which allows it to be used even in small shops. There is nothing to even talk about large retail chains. The terminal can even work offline, so it can also be used in kiosks.

The device weighs a little, it looks compact. In addition, it consumes very little power. Selling with such a device is very easy andquickly, because it conducts most of the operations on its own, and the resulting reports can be submitted to the tax office. The machines also help to prevent cashier's mistakes.

How to choose the right one?

So, let's figure out how to choose POS terminals?

What is a successful store? This is not only fresh products, low prices, but also high quality service. The service gets better if you have a POS terminal, but how to choose one?

First of all, the choice depends on the format in which the store operates and how the place for the cashier is arranged. If the cashier sits facing the customer, as is usually done in hypermarkets, then only modular terminals can be used. With a classic fit, there are no special requirements, so you can use both modular and monoblock.

What do you need to install?

In order to be able to install a POS-terminal, a place must be equipped for it. Requires an electrical outlet, dedicated Internet or phone line. If all this is available, the installation will be carried out by a company that sells such terminals, and in a short time. You also need to register your device with a special service, especially if it does not use wireless data channels.

Despite the fact that the cash registers that we are used to seeing still occupy a leading position, they are actively using the newelement base, just like hard drives are being replaced by flash drives and SSDs. Touch screen terminals are very popular today.

Is it safe to use POS terminals?

In general, now we have an excellent idea of what an ATM and a terminal are, as well as how they differ from each other. Not a single outlet has the right to work without a cash register, so the reliability of POS terminals is checked with particular care. They are produced according to certain standards. Well-established production, careful observance of quality control - this distinguishes these products from ordinary office computers. As a rule, models have a release period of up to 7 years, this makes it possible not to run into defects and guarantee the availability of spare parts if necessary.

If we talk about what an airport terminal is, then it should be said that it is no different from others.

As far as business is concerned, investment protection should be mentioned here. Also, by having the same equipment in all stores, you can reduce the cost of maintenance, updating and upgrading many times over.

Today, POS-terminals (what is described above) are sold by many companies. It is best to purchase products from a reliable supplier who has been in the market for many years.