POS Solutions
Article | March 18, 2024
For many years, payment terminals have been a vital tool for businesses that complete their customer transactions in-store. The familiar hand-held devices have reliably taken card payments and offered simple additional services like mobile phone top-ups, cashback or electronic tipping solutions.
However, with recent technical innovation, boosted by the urgency surrounding Covid-19, the humble payment terminal is shedding its hard exterior - no longer is it, as some would argue, simply a commoditised, hardware-based necessity. As many within the payments space have predicted, the payment terminal is truly becoming a digital enabler and vital pivot point of modernisation for any business that accepts electronic transactions.
The Android Operating System leads the way
Today, payment terminals come in many forms. Though the traditional, handheld counter-top devices remain, many businesses now use off-the-shelf smartphones or tablets enabled with SPOC and CPOC technology.
Regardless of their physical form, truly modern payment terminals share a commonality – enhanced functionality which allows businesses to update and adapt quickly to changing performance, environments, and customer needs.
The Android operating system has been at the centre of a latest wave of innovation, facilitating the rise of mobile payment devices - pushed hard by the likes of Visa - and supporting the budding versatilities presented by Open Banking and PSD2 initiatives.
Combined, this new choice and flexibility has the potential to deliver significant advantages to businesses deploying Android point-of-sale (POS) solutions. These include integrated EPOS, strong authentication, and an array of alternative payment methods such as bank-to-bank payments, QR codes and even crypto currencies.
It’s about more than being just Covid-ready
Getting the timing right to make adjustments and improvements is now a focus for businesses across the UK as we start to emerge from Covid-19 restrictions and resume face-to-face interactions. The conventional payment terminal can play a central part in engineering the essential adjustments needed to create a Covid-safe environment – the new £100 contactless limit being the most obvious example.
However, functionality provided by the latest payment terminals allows businesses to do more than just make their premises Covid-ready.
For more commercial gains, payment terminals running on the Android OS allow for this same POS functionality but combine it with other essential business systems such as stock management, visual itemisation, and centralised booking systems.
As well as providing greater visibility of a business’ health and finances, more information also means friction points such as wait times and queues in store can be better managed. More data about customer behaviour also makes the in-store experience more customisable, for example, businesses can use this data to identify their busiest periods, explore seasonal changes or test new product lines and structure their staff planning and stock levels accordingly.
Coupled with more vital operational efficiencies, payment terminals can allow for a speed and flexibility of payments that can directly enhance the bottom line.
As the pace in retail environments ramps up to match that of the pre-Covid days, meeting new customer expectations and new environmental changes will be critical in staying relevant. An ability to accept the latest types and methods of payment could actually play a part in helping a business survive through difficult economic times.
Bolstering cash flow will also take on added importance as businesses rebuild. Payment terminals powered by better internet connections mean transactions are already faster, but internet speed alone is not enough. Today, terminals can be updated in ways that allow merchants to process those transactions faster still and get funds deposited into bank accounts in batches throughout the day, often completing within the hour.
Payment terminals and Big Data
With data becoming the bedrock of all modern businesses, it is the Android operating system’s ability to generate such an impressive wealth of data that adds to its compelling proposition. The value of Big Data and analytics to filter large volumes of information and uncover actionable insights is well known to the business world. Useable information can help leaders learn about their customers, make better decisions and, ultimately, produce more revenue. Customer data, for example, makes it possible for a business to learn about the buying behaviours of an individual customer or of defined customer segments.
When a business knows the time of day (or night) their customers shop and what type of purchases they make, it becomes easier to plan when inventories are stocked and with what items. Android payment terminals can provide data in a way that offers easy visibility of key trends and which specific hours of the day produce the most sales, allowing businesses to investigate possible reasons and react accordingly.
Such knowledge can then be used for a variety of purposes including the ability to upsell to future customers with greater success and the tactical arrangement of items in store. Crucially now, it will also enable businesses to maintain a Covid-safe environment by planning ahead for in-store activity and capacity limits.
With hundreds of applications already available to download from the app store, it’s important that SMEs are able to use this scale of choice to their advantage rather than become overwhelmed or distracted by it. Indeed, by taking the time to explore the apps available, smaller businesses can find the tools which allow them to level the playing field by bringing their operational efficiencies in line with larger brands and by leveraging the solutions that allow them to compete on customer service.
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POS Solutions
Article | February 15, 2024
Next returned to selling clothes online this morning after the fashion retailer put extra safety measures in place to ensure warehouse staff can work safely during the pandemic. However, by 9am the website had closed again, with the high street giant saying it had already received all the orders it could process for the day – but it would return tomorrow. Next had initially closed its online operations in late March amid the coronavirus crisis, in response to criticism from staff who felt unsafe at work.
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POS Solutions, POS Retail
Article | January 12, 2024
Explore a handpicked selection of the top 10 POS certifications and courses designed to empower retailers in simplifying payments management and mastering the art of seamless payment processing.
Businesses rely heavily on Point of Sale (POS) systems to manage payment transactions efficiently and securely in the current fast-paced digital era. As the dependency on electronic payments and payment management systems continues to increase, the importance of maintaining robust cybersecurity measures becomes increasingly evident. A breach in the payment management system can have catastrophic consequences, including compromised customer data, financial losses and reputational damage.
To bolster their defenses and optimize POS payment processing, retailers and their IT professionals can benefit significantly from acquiring POS certifications and undertaking relevant courses that specialize in securing payment transactions and solve payment problems. This article highlights the top 10 POS certifications and courses available, designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect payment infrastructures and streamline their operations.
Point of Sale System
The Point of Sale System is a comprehensive course designed for individuals with a basic knowledge of databases, catering to both aspiring and experienced retail professionals. The course assists participants in learning how to leverage sales data analysis and POS payment methods to optimize inventory management and adjust purchasing levels based on real-time sales trends. They will gain proficiency in monitoring daily cash flow, staff changes, and cash register adjustments, ensuring streamlined operations and accountability. Upon completion, participants will explore the potential for advanced integration with back-office stock control, ordering, and customer relationship management applications, thereby enabling a more sophisticated IT system for comprehensive retail management.
Create POS System - Inventory & sales with PHP 7 & adminLTE
Offered by Udemy, the Create POS System - Inventory & Sales with PHP 7 & AdminLTE course provides a practical and comprehensive learning experience for individuals seeking to build a point of sale system from the ground up using PHP 7. Through its step-by-step teaching approach, participants will gain the skills to design and develop an advanced payment management system under the Model-View-Controller (MVC) pattern. Participants will be equipped with the ability to create feature-rich web applications using PHP 7 and the AdminLTE template, catering to the requirements of companies aiming to manage their sales and inventory efficiently. This course not only enables participants to create a POS system that can be marketed to customers but also serves as a concrete foundation for developing other complex systems.
Integrate Payment in Xamarin Forms
Tailored for proficient C# programmers or individuals with a basic understanding of XAML, the Integrate Payment in Xamarin Forms course explains how to incorporate a payment gateway seamlessly into any Xamarin Forms application. This course focuses exclusively on Xamarin Forms and provides deeper guidance on setting up merchant and payment gateway accounts while integrating their respective SDKs effectively. Participants will gain practical insights into choosing the most suited payment gateway for their businesses and mobile applications. With access to free SDKs and hands-on learning, participants will be equipped with the expertise to create secure and efficient payment processes within their Xamarin Forms applications, catering to the demands of modern mobile commerce.
International Trade - Part 3: International Payment Systems
An extensive course, International Trade - Part 3: International Payment Systems, offers a detailed exploration of the complexities of international trade finance on a global scale. The course covers fundamental concepts, principles, practices, infrastructures, and current developments, providing participants with practical insights to navigate the complexities of international trade. It discloses valuable insights into the characteristics of international payments, identifies risks in correspondent banking, and explores the workings of essential systems such as the Clearing House Interbank Payment System (CHIPS) and Continuous Linked Settlement (CLS). After completion, the course will enable participants to understand the principles underpinning international payments, making them well-equipped to navigate global trade finance.
Point of Sale – A Complete Guide on POS Systems Course
One of the top POS certifications, Point of Sale – A Complete Guide on POS Systems, offers a detailed exploration of the dynamic and rapidly growing market of point of sale systems. This course equips professionals, entrepreneurs, and technology developers with the knowledge and tools to evaluate key features in selecting the right POS system. It also enables them to understand the significance of omnichannel experiences, gain a complete view of customers, and identify crucial factors contributing to the successful implementation of POS systems. Whether seeking to expand expertise or explore business opportunities, participants will accumulate crucial insights into the nuances of POS systems, enabling them to stay current with the latest industry developments.
Fintech Course on Digital Payment (Card and POS)
Created by Global Fintech Academia, the Fintech Course on Digital Payment (Card and POS) offers robust insights into evolving digital payments in the fintech industry. Participants will get a deep understanding of the card and POS business, enclosing crucial aspects such as card schemes, authentication factors, merchant discount rates, payment card industry data security standards, merchant category codes, payment processing, clearing, and settlement. The POS certification delves into the dynamics of payment processing in the realm of digital finance and digital banking, empowering participants with valuable insights into how payment companies, POS systems, and card schemes generate revenue. Whether aspiring to enter the fintech industry or aiming to enhance existing knowledge, this certification equips learners with a thorough understanding of the card and POS machine business.
Free Online Digital Payments Masterclass
Provided by the Centre for Finance, Technology and Entrepreneurship (CFTE), the Free Online Digital Payments Masterclass is an exhaustive course designed to provide participants with essential skills and knowledge to comprehend the ongoing modification in the payments industry. The masterclass, led by an industry expert at the forefront of fintech innovation, offers real-world applications of latest technologies and innovations in digital payments, empowering participants to become proficient in this dynamic field. It delves deeper into a 360-degree perspective on modern payment methods, improving participants' capability to grasp real-world applications. Through this course, participants will stay ahead of future trends and innovations.
Complete Guide for Aronium Point of Sale: Free & Best POS
The free online digital payments masterclass offers an extensive learning experience for individuals seeking to gain expertise in Aronium, a widely-used point of sale system employed in more than 40+ countries worldwide. The POS certification equips participants with the necessary skills to efficiently manage their daily operations and company transactions with precision and ease. The Aronium POS system provides a robust solution designed to meet the diverse requirements of small and medium businesses, offering powerful tools and functions to manage customers, suppliers, products, and inventory effectively. Participants will be coached through a step-by-step approach, starting from the basics to advanced topics, ensuring a complete understanding of Aronium's functionalities.
Introduction to Payment Dispute Resolution
An up-to-date course, The Introduction to Payment Dispute Resolution, provides a complete understanding of diverse dispute resolution methods, including Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and litigation approaches. Participants will gain extensive knowledge of payment chargebacks, including a robust list of reason codes and their implications. The course delves into the intricacies of the chargeback process between acquiring and issuing banks, as well as possible payment scheme involvement. Furthermore, learners will explore how Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) optimizes the resolution process through online communication. Unlike other dispute resolution courses, this certification stands out for its extensive coverage of the ODR framework, ADR approaches, dispute resolution in banking, and a detailed breakdown of effective resolution strategies.
FinTech - Digital Payments (Card & POS) Tools and Strategies
The FinTech - Digital Payments (Card & POS) Tools and Strategies certification offers a comprehensive exploration for individuals in the digital payment and fintech sector, providing insights into the back-end architecture of electronic payment collection systems. This course is beneficial for both established professionals within the domain and those entering it, offering a clear understanding of the intricate workings without delving into programming, technical integration, or bank account entries. Encompassing topics like card and POS machines, authentication factors, PCI DSS, MDR, MCC, card schemes, and payment processing, the certification provides a holistic view of the digital payments landscape. This certification serves as a comprehensive guide to the tools and strategies that drive the realm of digital payments, making it an essential resource for those navigating the evolving financial industry.
Bottom Line
Securing payment transactions and simplifying payment management is a crucial aspect of operating a successful and reputable retail business. By investing in the aforementioned top 10 POS certifications and courses, retailers can equip their IT professionals to navigate the complexities of POS security confidently. These POS certifications not only facilitate payment operations but also strengthen the overall cybersecurity framework, instilling trust and confidence in customers, partners, and stakeholders. As the risk of cyberattacks threats continue to grow and evolve, staying up-to-date with the latest certifications and training becomes critical for retailers to protect their operations and customers from potential harm.
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POS Solutions
Article | September 12, 2023
Delve into key trends in cloud POS technologies and understand how these payment technology trends enhances customer experiences, transactional security, and improve enterprises positioning.
Introduction
The retail and hospitality industries have seen an exceptional transformation in recent years, driven by shifting consumer expectations and accelerated technological advancements, where the adoption of cloud Point of Sale (cloud POS) systems has emerged as one of the most transformative innovations. These advanced cloud-based solutions are revolutionizing the ways in which businesses manage sales, inventory, and consumer interactions.
The adoption of cloud POS technology is no longer a choice but a strategic imperative for businesses, especially in the retail and hospitality sectors. The convergence of mobility, enhanced security, data-driven insights, sustainability, and omni-channel capabilities makes cloud POS systems an indispensable tool for success in a rapidly evolving business space.
From Cash Registers to Cloud: The Future of POS Trends for Businesses
In an era distinguished by technological advancement and rapidly changing consumer expectations, businesses across numerous industries must deliver a seamless customer experience to remain ahead of the curve. As cloud point of sale technology offers numerous advantages to businesses, such as increased flexibility, accessibility, security, integration capabilities, cost-effectiveness, and disaster recovery, the incorporation of these advanced payment solutions has become imperative.
Cloud based POS solutions provide an undeniable competitive advantage, and businesses must not only install them but also maintain an acute awareness of the most significant trends in this space. Here are some critical emerging cloud POS trends to keep an eye on in order to future-proof the company:
Inclination Towards Mobility and Tablet-Based Solutions
As businesses increasingly employ tablet-basedcloud POSsystems, the conventional idea of static, fixed-point cash registers are becoming obsolete. These solutions enable sales staff to complete transactions and provide assistance to customers throughout the store, introducing a new level of adaptability and productivity. By embracing mobility and tablet-based POS solutions, businesses not only lower wait times and improve customer experience but also streamline their processes, allowing them to respond more effectively to the changing needs of the modern marketplace.
With the adoption of this trend, businesses gain a competitive advantage by refining their operations and aligning themselves with the requirements of modern consumers who value both convenience and customization.
Emphasis on POS Integration Capabilities
With a growing emphasis on customer data, behavior analysis, and inventory data, the integrations between cloud based POS systems and mission-critical software applications, such as e-commerce platforms, inventory management, accounting, and customer relationship management (CRM) systems, are on the rise. This trend enables businesses to dismantle data centers and create a unified ecosystem in which information flows seamlessly between all operational aspects.
By keeping apprised of these integration features, businesses can lower manual data entry, eliminate errors, and obtain a broad view of their data, enabling them to make more informed decisions and enhance their overall efficiency and productivity. With this, integration has emerged as an imperative strategy for businesses seeking to flourish in a market that is becoming increasingly competitive.
Rise of Omni-Channel Commerce
Modern consumers expect an effortless buying experience irrespective of whether they are interacting with a business online or in person.Cloud-based POSsystems are evolving to meet these demands by integrating with e-commerce platforms, enabling consistent pricing and promotions as well as offering real-time inventory visibility across all channels. This allows businesses to provide services such as ship-from-store, returns and exchanges across channels, and buy-online-pick-up-in-store (BOPIS), which offers customers a convenient and seamless shopping journey.
The rise of omnichannel commerce is more than just a trend; it is an emerging need for organizations trying to remain competitive and create consistent, outstanding experiences across all touchpoints, eventually increasing consumer pleasure and loyalty.
Surge in Data-Driven Insights and AI
As the demand for better customer experience continues to grow, payment technologies such as cloudPOS systemsare no longer just used for transactional applications but are also used for robust data analysis and decision-making. Using the vast quantities of data generated by cloud POS software, businesses can now obtain valuable insights into sales trends, customer behavior, and inventory management.
Furthermore, the integration of AI enhances these systems by predictive inventory forecasting, resulting in facilitating advanced analytics and creating personalized marketing campaigns. In an increasingly data-centric business environment, businesses are thus focusing on adopting this cloud POS trend to make data-driven decisions that optimize their operations, improve customer experiences, and maintain a competitive edge.
Personalized In-store Shopping Experiences
The trend toward personalized in-store purchasing experiences represents a fundamental change in how businesses interact with their customers. This trend is a response to consumers' changing expectations, who want more than just transactions and seek meaningful interaction. Cloud based POS solutions are at the forefront of this innovation, allowing businesses to access real-time customer profiles, purchase histories, and preferences.
Leveraging this information, salespersons can deliver customized product suggestions, personalized promotions, and a level of service that resonates with each customer's specific wants and aspirations. This not only assists businesses to improve the in-store shopping experience but also fosters brand loyalty and encourages repeat business, positioning them for long-term success in a customer-centric world.
Bottom Lines
Cloud-based systems provide enterprises with the adaptability, security, and integration capabilities necessary to remain competitive and meet evolving consumer expectations. From improved safety and advanced analytics to omni-channel commerce and sustainable practices, thesefuture trendsprovide a road map for businesses seeking success in the digital age.
By staying abreast of these key cloud POS trends, businesses can position themselves as agile, innovative, and customer-focused. This proactive strategy ensures that they are not only keeping up with change but actively influencing their future in a competitive market.
As a result, the adoption of cloud POS technology is no longer a choice but a strategic imperative for businesses across various sectors. The convergence of mobility, enhanced security, data-driven insights, sustainability, and omni-channel capabilities makes cloud POS systems an indispensable tool for success in a rapidly evolving customer-centric space. By embracing these key trends, businesses can deliver exceptional customer experiences and drive growth in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
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