4. POS Equipment and Hardware
POS systems all require the same basic equipment: the computer, or central control unit, and some type of processing terminal, where customer payments or orders are actually input- this can be a keyboard, a touch screen, or even a mobile scanning device.
Computer and Power Supply
The computer, or central unit, is the “hub” for the system. It’s usually linked to all other terminals. If you’re a large business, like a restaurant, that will be using multiple terminals in addition to the hub computer, vendors usually require that you to purchase a computer as part of the system. Smaller businesses, such as yoga studios or small stores, can use the computer to “ring up” transactions. This central computer can be linked to your merchant account services if you plan to use the system to accept credit cards.
POS systems also need a steady power supply. Power connections can be interrupted by equipment (machinery) heat (such as in a restaurant kitchen) or other fluctuations. Vendors usually suggest some type of power filtering, or dedicating a specific circuit for use of the POS system only.
Keyboards
Keyboards are a popular way to input sales information for transactions. Most terminals that use keyboards incorporate a display screen as well. Standard “QWERTY” keyboards, such as those a hotel front desk might use, are common among businesses that have a large number of product or service offerings, or those that have a large customer database. You can also choose a customized keyboard, often used at movie theaters or fast food restaurants.
Touch Screens
Businesses that have a limited number of product offerings or a high number of employees and sales, such as bars or restaurants, use touch screens to input sales. Using a touch screen allow you to input transactions quickly, which is why they’re a popular choice for high-volume industries (think ordering a drink at a bar- it’s easier if the bartender has only a few keys to press to input the order). Touch screens also generally last longer than keyboards, and are more durable.
Handheld/Mobile terminals
Both keyboards and touch screens are usually fixed- they cannot move around. A mobile terminal allows employees to process transactions from anywhere in the store, or even at outside events like trade shows or concerts. Most use a wireless network connection to send information back to the main “hub” or central computer. This also lets employees take customers through the entire sales process without waiting in line.
