Basic Components Of An Epos System | Epos Software

Source: flickr

An Electronic Point Of Sale (EPOS) system is the modern day cash register that uses a computer-based system to perform sale transactions in a store. Epos systems are more beneficial than traditional cash registers as they are capable of performing other retail related activities aside from transactions.

Depending on the nature of the retail business, epos systems can be found at the checkout point of a supermarket, on a counter in retail stores, or on tables in restaurants. The beauty about all epos systems is that they can be able to gather and store information on all matters related to the retail business. There are several epos systems that retailers can use, however all of them have the same basic components. Below are the components that make up an effective epos system.

Electrical Power Supply

Epos are Electronic Point Of Sale devices therefore for them to function, they have to be connected to an electrical power supply. It is important to ensure that your electrical supply is enough to sustain the epos system and the various hardware equipment you are using in your store. Adequate power supply will prevent the hardware equipment from malfunctioning because of overheating or short-circuiting.

The Main Server

All the various Point Of Sale (POS) devices in a retail store have to be networked to a central computer referred to as the main server. The server runs the entire epos system. It is wise to purchase a new server along with your other POS system rather than using your old computer. A new server has a long shelf life and it will enhance the effectiveness of your epos system. All servers come loaded with the latest POS software that has a large storage capacity and allows for fast processing of information. All the stored information in the main server automatically appears in the other POS devices.

Hardware Components

The various hardware equipment that make up and epos system depend on the system being used. Below is a list of hardware components that make up an epos system.

• The monitor: a monitor is a device that guides the operator through a transaction. It contains a list of products and their prices. The different types of monitors include computers, laptops, touch screen terminals, and hand held devices.
• Keyboard and mouse
• Printers: printers are machines connected to the epos system that print receipts and credit card slips for customers.
• Cash drawers: cash drawers come in different sizes and styles. They can be used to store cash, gift certificates, and other important paper work.
• Bar code scanner
• Customer displays
• Other equipment such as magnetic card readers, access ID, and credit card slots

Epos Software

The effectiveness of the epos system in your store entirely depends on the software you have installed. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the software you choose matches the functions of your store. For instance, a simple shop can do well while using windows based software system while a huge restaurant requires a more complex high tech software that can support the use of touch screen epos devices.

An epos system is a must have for any retail business as it help to enhance efficiency and productivity.

After visiting the I-POS website, Mackenzie Sinclair decided to write this article. Mackenzie is a freelance writer who loves writing promotional articles for online retail websites.