What are POS Systems? Today's point of sale (POS) systems are much more than a cash register. POS systems have become an interactive conduit between customers and retailers. POS systems display items and price, calculate taxes, process returns and voids, produce sales reports, and more. They quickly and accurately collect sales and customer information and help you make better informed business decisions.

POS systems work hand-in-hand with enterprise resource management (ERP) systems, supply chain management (SCM) systems, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems to keep accurate inventory in stock. POS systems also provide key support to customer-focused programs such as rewards and loyalty programs.

How Will POS Systems Benefit My Business?

POS systems have evolved into an essential data-collection and information-dissemination device that can help an operation run more efficiently and deliver better customer service. A fully-integrated POS system can help you:

• • Reduce shrinkage with real-time inventory tracking and reporting
  • Ensure pricing is accurate and can be quickly adjusted when needed
  • Utilize valuable customer purchase data to enable better forecast models
  • Increase margins with detailed sales reports

How Can I Help My Organization Embrace POS Systems Solutions?

When considering the implentation of a POS system, it's important to:

• • Focus on the customer experience. POS systems can significantly improve the customer experience. POS systems provide increased transaction speed and security and greater flexibility in responding to customer needs.
  • Integrate back-office systems. Integrating the POS system into accounting, ERP, CRM, and other applications improves data accuracy, automates reporting information, and provides critical data to better inform business decisions. It also alerts management to key decision-making triggers.

What Comprises a Point of Sale System?

Effective POS systems require multiple integrated components and applications, such as:

• Software Applications
  Robust POS system software can run custom reports and integrate into accounting systems and customer relationship management (CRM) applications. As each industry is unique, it is critical to find applications with features and functionality tailored to meet those needs.

• Central Processing Unit (CPU)
  The backbone of the POS system, the CPU, is designed to meet the rugged conditions of a retail environment. They offer unique peripheral connections and long-lasting platforms to eliminate driver errors throughout the system.

• Input Devices
  Barcode scanners provide a quick means of data entry for POS systems. Other input devices include standard CPU or programmable keyboards and card readers (also known as pin pads) that can be purchased as a stand-alone unit or integrated into keyboards or displays.

• Cash Drawers
  Durability and construction are key when choosing a cash drawer. Look for those made with at least 18-gauge steel.

• Displays
  LCD monitors (including touch screen) display all relevant information to the employee. Pole displays present customer-side transactions and are often legally required.

• Printers
  Select a printer that fits your environment. Dot-matrix printers can generally withstand the heat and traffic of commercial kitchens. Thermal printers — often used at check-out — are quiet, fast, and produce high-quality receipts.

• Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
  The UPS is an often overlooked component of a POS system. UPS devices enable POS systems to operate during a power failure and can prolong CPU life by protecting against power fluctuations.

Getting Started with POS Systems

Your NDM Account Manager and certified specialists are ready to assist you with every phase of choosing and leveraging the right solution for your IT environment. Our approach includes:

• • An initial discovery session to understand your goals, requirements, and budget
  • An assessment review of your existing environment and definition of project requirements
  • Detailed vendor evaluations, recommendations, future design, and proof of concept
  • Procurement, configuration, and deployment of the final solution
  • Ongoing product lifecycle support