Leading companies in the retail, catering and other spheres increasingly choose to use POS systems or cash register systems. However, many entrepreneurs are still concerned with the question – how does the POS system differ from a traditional cash register? In short, the cash register only provides sales functions, while POS systems allow you to manage the warehouse, implement loyalty and marketing programs, offer analytical reports and provide many other functions. Continue reading the article and find out what are the main differences between a POS system and a cash register!
Cash register
The traditional cash register is very simple in structure – it consists of a money storage box, a keyboard, a screen and a receipt printer. The cash register provides an opportunity to register transactions, as well as to provide accounting of incoming and outgoing money. The cash register is also able to print receipts, calculate value added tax (VAT), and provide simple reports. The traditional cash register is cheap (starting from 200 euros), however, in the long term, the cash register system is more profitable, because the automation provided by the POS system allows to improve the efficiency of the company.
POS system
POS systems, or cash register systems, provide all the functions of traditional cash registers and much more. In addition to providing sales functions, the POS terminal provides in-depth analytical reports that help in decision-making for company management. In addition, POS terminals allow you to easily create loyalty programs and marketing campaigns that provide an opportunity to increase sales and attract new customers.
In addition to classic POS systems, mobile POS systems (POS terminal without a cash register) are available today, which can be used on a phone or tablet anywhere with an Internet connection. Traditional systems are more common in stores and sports clubs, while restaurant owners are increasingly choosing mobile POS system solutions. It should be noted that mobile POS systems are often sold with a monthly fee, which is very beneficial for new businesses, while classic POS systems are sold with a one-time investment for devices and a monthly payment for software.
The main differences between a cash register and a POS system
Convenient warehouse management, analytical reports and thoughtful marketing options are just some of the advantages that POS systems provide. Continue reading the article, where we will take a closer look at the main benefits of a POS system.
Marketing opportunities and loyalty programs
Compared to a traditional cash register, the POS system significantly expands the company’s marketing capabilities. The analytical capabilities provided by the POS system will allow you to implement well-thought-out marketing campaigns, thereby attracting new customers. Point of sale systems (POS) make it easy to implement loyalty programs by providing the ability to store the data of the most loyal customers, as well as offer special promotions to the most loyal customers. A traditional cash register will not be able to provide all the above-mentioned functions, so the POS system is undoubtedly a better choice for companies that want to develop marketing opportunities.
Efficient warehouse management
Most traditional cash registers do not offer a warehouse management function – the report shows how many products were sold and that’s it. The POS system, on the other hand, provides extensive warehouse management options. For example, the POS system offers to receive reminders that the warehouse will soon run out of a specific product, thus providing an opportunity to order additional products in time. It is important to mention that warehouse management with the CompuCash cash register system is much more accurate than manual inventory, which is subject to human error.
Analytical reports
The classic cash register provides the possibility to print a sales report at the end of the day, where you will see a simple overview of sales, but it does not provide more options. The CompuCash POS system, on the other hand, will provide extensive reports organized by products, payment methods, sellers, campaigns or invoices. Thus, you will be able to see the habits of buyers and develop your business.
Integration with other devices
Card terminals and scales are the only devices that can be connected to classic cash registers. In addition, you can connect customer and kitchen screens, bar code readers, as well as many other devices to the POS system. Cash register systems support integration with a payment card terminal, so the amount to be paid will appear on the terminal itself, and employees will not have to waste time manually entering the amount into the card terminal. The developed POS API system provides unlimited possibilities for integration, for example, with video surveillance, online store, time management and reservation programs.
Usability and speed
Working with a POS system is significantly faster and more employee-friendly than with a cash register. The POS system provides an opportunity to create buttons on the touch screen for different groups of goods, products or actions. This makes the sales process much faster and easier, which is good for both business and customers. It is important to add that the data of the POS system is stored in the “cloud” – this allows the company’s management to monitor the company’s activity remotely. Cash registers do not offer this option.
Reach new heights with a POS system!
What is a POS terminal? It is more than a traditional cash register – POS system greatly facilitates the sales process, as well as offers marketing campaigns, warehouse management options and many other functions. It is easy to get lost in the wide range of POS system offers, so we recommend choosing the CompuCash POS system. Compared to other systems, the CompuCash cash register system is adapted exactly to the requirements of your company. Take a look at Compucash.lv, where you will find more information about the most suitable POS system solutions for your company!
