A point of sale (POS) is exactly what it sounds like: a point where sales are made. It can either be a physical point or even a psychological point in the process of buying. A POS can be a salesperson or a piece of software. It’s easy to visualize the exchange of goods with a person, but often that salesperson is using POS software to aid them with their sale.
What does POS software do? Well, take hospitality POS software for example. In a hotel, the concierge must know who is in what room, what’s the room service tab for each room, and more, so that when it’s time to check in or check out, the concierge will not have to go through files or add and subtract values on their own.
If you’ve been to a restaurant that offers a skip-the-line option, you’ve probably used POS software before. Like hospitality POS software, restaurant POS software adds and subtracts values, holds data, and takes credit cards.
Benefits of using POS Software
Firmology writes that benefits of using POS software for business include increasing efficiency, reducing losses from theft, and maintaining consistency between prices. Quora has listed other benefits such as fast checkout, inventory tracking, and possible mobility.
What makes good POS Software?
If your POS software is accessible and efficient, it’s already excellent. Because multiple people will probably use the same software, it is important that the interface is easy to learn and navigate. For example, all of the waiters and waitresses at one restaurant should be able to learn and use the same software to ensure consistency of work. To take it a step forward, if a chain uses the same POS software, employees can easily transfer between and work at different stores.
Whenever you finalize a transaction, you probably have POS software to thank for it. Today’s economy – and your convenience – depends on them!
