A good point-of-sale system is a must for any and all businesses. Today’s systems are largely digital and therefore easier to use and more accurate as well. If you’re a new business and you’re wondering how to end up with the perfect POS system for your store or retail outlet, the first thing you need to know is that there are tons of them available. To choose the right system for your needs, here are some questions you should ask yourself first.
1. What Operating System Does It Run On?
First and foremost, your system has to be compatible with all of your other devices. While many of today’s systems are cloud-based, others are not, and the first thing you need to do is make sure the software or platform it uses can be used with all of your other devices. You’ll want one that has the same operating system as any of the other devices you’ll be using with it, whether it is Apple, Android, or any others.
2. Is It an Easy System to Use?
An efficient POS system like Auto-Star is only good if it’s easy enough for all of your employees to operate it. This means you’ll want to choose a system that even non-tech savvy people can learn in a jiffy. While some training is usually necessary regardless of the system you choose, you’ll want to find one that older employees especially can learn without a lot of difficulty. The easier it is to learn, the easier it will be every time a new employee hops on board.
3. Does It Have the Specific Features I Need?
Each business has its own needs when it comes to their point-of-sale systems, so the first thing you should do is determine what your exact needs are. If you have to, make a list so that you don’t overlook or forget anything important. Some factors to consider include how user-friendly the system is, what types of customer service features it has, and how easy it makes the pricing options. If possible, choosing one that is industry-specific increases the odds that it will meet all of your business’s needs.
4. Can You Implement the System Hardware Easily?
You have to look not just at your software, but also at the hardware configurations that have to be integrated with your POS system. You want a system that is both adaptive and flexible so that you can count on the data to be correct and so it is easy to use regardless of what you’re trying to do with it. Let’s face it, a system isn’t any good if people don’t want to use it because the hardware and software you’re using don’t work together well.
5. Does Potential Fraudulent Activity Cause the System to Go Haywire?
You need features that will detect any type of potential fraud, but if this feature causes your entire system to go haywire, it won’t do you much good in the end. The right balance between precaution and convenience is important, so when you’re researching the features of the system, this is something you’ll want to look at carefully. This is especially important with online stores, where users can become frustrated if their legitimate transaction is denied because the system thinks it’s fraudulent.
6. What is Customer Support Like?
Regardless of how good the system is, you’ll run into snags periodically, and when this happens, you’ll want to make sure the company’s customer support team is at your service. Ideally, you’ll be able to contact them with a toll-free number or email and get a fast response from them regardless of what time it is or how technical your question is. Look for customer support that is available 24/7 for the best results.
