What Should You Be Looking For In An Epos Software?

EPOS software or Point of Sale Software is both simple and complicated. For a person who is new to concept, you can come across a lot of terms, classifications and definitions that appear to overlap and sometimes make no sense. One of the terms that people frequently come across is Cash Register POS Software, but the product doesn't exist.

That's true. 'Cash Register' EPOS Software doesn't exist. The term is another way for software companies to differentiate their Point of Sale software product from the thousands of products available.

What is POS Software?

EPOS software is at its simplest form, a PC program that takes place your cash register. All sales are made through the PC. You enter the data, sales and transactions and it records and tracks everything. Yet, it didn't start that way.

The History of EPOS Software

EPOS systems first evolved from the mechanical cash registers of the first half of the 20th century and were operated with the help of a crank and a lever. Manufactured by the Fabricated by NCR and Burroughs, they recorded data on journal tapes which required a few extra steps to transcribe the data into the retailer's accounting system. The later stage in the evolution of the EPOS software that we know and love today was to move to cash register that were operated with power rather than the crank and lever and which were originally manufactured by NCR.

In 1973 new PC driven registers and the barcode scanner readers on the POS systems were introduced. In 1986, the EPOS systems manufactured with PC technology with the introduction of the IBM 4683. Also during the late 1980's, card readers were developed to work independently thus making card processing easier and secure. 

Today, retail epos software systems are are more advanced than before. They use a variety of operating systems cater to business specific needs, hardware requirements and many more.

EPOS software systems can automate other areas of your business and are not restricted to basic cash register functions. The present systems can upgrade your marketing by tracking customers and generating automated emails, they can automate accounting functions like payroll, accounts payable, they can track stock, control and mechanize price updates and a whole lot more.

Each EPOS software product will have specific hardware requirements. Your POS system will assuredly have a cash drawer. They come in different sizes and materials and have distinctive connection options. By and large the cash drawer part of your system will cost you between £100 and £400.

There are other hardware components to consider along with your cash drawer. They integrate but not limited to the following:

•      PC
•      Keyboard
•      Receipt printer
•      Label printer
•      Digital pad
•      Barcode scanner
•     Customer display
•     Card reader

Every hardware component comes with the options like price, size, and obviously compatibility.

The whole of EPOS software and hardware systems can be overwhelming and often leads to expensive and frustrating mistakes.

One of the biggest mistakes that retailers frequently make is to purchase their Point of Sale hardware before they buy their product. This is a mistake for two reasons. The first is that you may end up wasting a lot of money if the system you choose upon is contradictory with the hardware you have chosen.

The second is that you may severely confine your choices of software leaving you with a system that you truly don't like or worse, that isn't designed for your industry and business size.

The next mistake is that retailer’s regularly make is that they buy software that isn't designed for their industry. While there are a huge number of POS systems available, not every one of them will suit for your business and your industry. A gift shop has different requirements than a car dealer and a liquor store needn't bother the same software as an apparel store.

Slender your search to your particular industry and you will be well on your way to money well spent and a POS software system that makes your life easier and your business more profitable.

There are two last considerations you should ask yourself before you start the search for the correct POS system to meet your requirements.

•      Is your store sufficiently large to profit by a POS system?
•     Is EPOS Software worth the cost?

The evolution of cash register to EPOS software system has achieved many great changes. They enhance efficiency and increase your main concern, allowing you to focus more on your business rather than the occasionally tedious tasks associated with owning a retail business.