Are you considering opening a new business? Do you have an existing business that you would like to automate? Do you really need to automate? Hopefully, we will able to answer these questions for you!

What are the Differences between a Cash Register and Point of Sale System?
A point-of-sale system is similar to a traditional cash register - sales are rung, money is exchanged, change is given, cash is secured, and the drawer is balanced.

What is different is how the information is gathered!
A point-of-sale system captures, maintains, and updates enormous amounts of information that a cash register can never do. This gives you a powerful tool to help run your business. Cash registers today are most commonly used in retail environments such as small sandwich shops, coffee shops, small gift shops, antique stores, etc. Point of sale systems are used in retail environments that require inventory control, customer tracking, etc.

Is a Point of Sale System Worth the Expense?
A point-of-sale system will improve your margins, increase sales, track inventory and reduce operating costs. These are tangible benefits that you will see within a few months of automating. In fact, many retailers see the benefits of their system adding 5-10% to their bottom line, an excellent return on investment! Check out Point of Sale vs. Cash Register cost comparison. If you are leasing your system, the monthly benefit of your system should easily surpass your monthly payment. | back to top |

Improved Margins - Improved margins generally receive the biggest financial impact. With a cash register, an employee can ring up a sale with any price they wish. A point of sale system requires the entry of a specific item lookup code to process a sale. This protects your margin! Margins are also improved and protected by knowing what and when to order to reduce shipping costs and take advantage of supplier promotions.

Inventory Control - This area, too, receives an excellent positive impact. A point of sale system allows you to know exactly what you have on-hand, what you need and when you need to order it! This enables you to keep your inventory wide and shallow, preventing over/under-stocking. By knowing your inventory, you are able to better manage your capital, keeping it off the shelves and in your bank account!

Increased Sales - Many people do not realize that a point-of-sale system is a money making device! A point of sale system allows you to know exactly what your customers are buying, enabling you to respond with mailings, special promotions, etc. A point of sale system enables you to respond to customer buying habits quickly and profitably, giving you the flexibility and power of a large chain store!

Reduce Operating Cost - A point of sales system reduces operating costs by more efficiently providing information. Operating costs are reduced in re-ticketing of items, time spent with your accountant, overstaffing, yearly physical counts, etc.

Time Savings - The biggest benefit is the time savings. Instead of reentering sales into a spread sheet, trying to analyze a register tape, hand writing purchase orders, etc., retailers are letting their point of sale system do the work!
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What computer do I need?
Most point-of-sale systems use standard IBM-compatible PCs with various devices plugged in. PC minimum requirements vary depending on the point of sale software requirements, but usually will need to be a Pentium IIII or comparable processor with 256 mb of memory for operational efficiency. A 40 Gig hard drive is sufficient for storage space along with a Zip drive or cd-r/rw. Most point of sale software runs on a peer-to-peer network such as Windows '00 Professional or XP Professional. In environments with more than 5 stations, a dedicated server is recommended.
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What Point of Sale Equipment do I need?
As mentioned before, most point of sale devices plug directly into a computer. The eliminates the need for a proprietary unit. Proprietary point of sale computers can be expensive and require high maintenance.

Following are some common items for a basic point of sale configuration:

• Cash drawer - either stand-alone or platform style. Plugs in to receipt printer or serial port.
• Receipt printer - prints 3" receipt. Plugs into parallel port.
• Barcode scanner - either CCD or Laser. Plugs into keyboard port (ps/2/AT) via a "Y" cable our USB port.
• Customer Pole Display - prevents your clerks from overcharging or making incorrect change. Plugs into 9 pin serial port.
• USB and alternate interface options are available-call or e-mail for details.
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Options include:

• Credit card swipe - for use with credit card software. Plugs into keyboard port via a "Y" cable.
• Zip drive - backing up your data is highly recommended!
• Battery back-up - inexpensive insurance to protect your PC during black outs and power surges.
• Data Collection Device - speeds up physical counts and interfaces with most point of sale software.
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