POS Solutions, POS Retail, Ecommerce Merchandising
Article | June 10, 2024
All great businesses are blooming on the edifice of POS, which stands for Point of Sale System. Every inch of your business consistency, management, and profits is subjected wholly and solely to the retail POS system. As we all are aware of its importance in a business and how effectively it tends to expand business empires and profits. In other words, a retail POS system is like a Midas touch to your business; it enhances it and enhances it for good, adorning it with golden profits. The idea of POS software is simple. It excludes every chance of human errors and inconsistencies, holds back your company's loss, and increases the productivity of your checkout counter. This is all it does, and all of these tasks are simple, but they are reassuring business tactics that ensure promising gains and remarkable retail growth.
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Ecommerce Merchandising
Article | March 18, 2024
Delve into top POS providers and their comprehensive offerings. Discover how these robust payment solutions collectively shape the trajectory of payment experiences and customer satisfaction.
An extensive Point-of-Sale (POS) solution is essential in the current business environment. These solutions seamlessly integrate sales, inventory, and consumer data, enhancing overall operational efficiency. With streamlined transactions, accurate inventory management, and extensive sales analytics, businesses are able to make informed decisions, optimize resource allocation, and improve customer experiences. A robust POS solution exceeds transaction processing to become a strategic tool that enables businesses to navigate complexity and flourish in an increasingly competitive market.
Thus, adopting a POS payment solution from reliable and recognized companies is crucial for businesses. From secure transaction processing to real-time inventory tracking and insightful sales analysis, a dependable POS solution provider equips businesses with the tools to enhance efficiency, optimize decision-making, and elevate overall customer experiences.
Here are some of the leading POS solution providers:
Toast
Toast is a transformative force in the hospitality industry, empowering businesses of all sizes to cultivate exceptional teams, increase revenue streams, maximize operational efficiency, and captivate customers. The company offers an exhaustive platform encompassing point-of-sale, visitor marketing, digital ordering and delivery, payroll and HR functions, as well as restaurant-grade hardware by combining profound insight into the culinary space with innovative cloud software and restaurant-grade hardware. Toast redefines the contours of restaurant administration with its sophisticated technological suite as part of its unwavering dedication to enhancing dining experience.
Lightspeed
Lightspeed Commerce is a cornerstone for the organizations that constitute the core of the worldwide economy. It enables merchants to drive innovation, expedite operations, and deliver unparalleled customer experiences by providing a comprehensive commerce platform. The company's cloud-based solution integrates and harmonizes both physical and online operations, from facilitating multi-channel sales to ensuring efficient global payments and providing financing options. Lightspeed's solution is a strategic enabler for businesses pursuing growth, efficiency, and superior customer engagement when navigating the complex terrain of commerce.
TouchBistro
TouchBistro has established itself as a key participant in the hospitality industry by providing an integrated platform that combines front-of-house, back-of-house, and guest engagement solutions. The company assists restaurant owners in optimizing and streamlining their operations by leveraging its powerful combination, thereby reducing the need for manual tasks and augmenting the focus on customer interactions and business expansion. This advanced solution redefines operational efficiency in the restaurant industry, reinforcing TouchBistro's dedication to facilitating seamless connectivity and nurturing sustained growth for its clients.
Clover
A subsidiary of Fiserv, Clover Network Inc. is at the forefront of innovation with its complete, open-architecture point-of-sale system designed to meet the needs of small and medium-sized business owners. As an influential force, the company's products redefine the consumer-merchant engagement dynamics and pave the way for frictionless interactions. Through Clover, Fiserv embarks on a mission to establish a leading operating system, bringing in a new era of commerce-enabling applications and solutions designed to empower business owners in a variety of industries.
Revel Systems
Revel Systems serves as a catalyst for the goals of retailers and restaurants by providing a cloud-based POS and business management system. Engineered for optimal security, user-friendliness, stability, and service excellence, Revel's ecosystem surpasses obsolete legacy solutions by offering an iOS-based POS platform that combines cloud-based innovation with the mobility of the iPad. This transformative strategy positions Revel Systems as the centerpiece for businesses seeking to modernize operations and enhance consumer experiences in a dynamic market.
Talech Point of Sale
Talech Point of Sale emerges as the preeminent solution, providing merchants with practical and user-friendly POS software solution that is enriched with holistic analytics and deep insights. Talech is steadfast in its mission for empowering small and medium-sized businesses to improve operational efficiency and accelerate sales growth in a fiercely competitive environment. Talech intends to provide local companies with insights comparable to those available to large-scale retailers and sizeable online commerce platforms, thereby leveling the playing field for all parties.
Lavu Inc.
Founded on the visionary principle of utilizing technology to design products, Lavu Inc., assists in enhancing the customer experiences by providing POS system for small business owners. The company's cloud-based iPad point-of-sale system integrates the extensive functionality of traditional systems with built-in customization and adaptability powered by cutting-edge technology. This convergence positions Lavu Inc. as a dependable partner for small businesses attempting to navigate the complexities of commerce with innovation and efficiency in the lead.
LevelUp
LevelUp is a pioneering force in the creation of cutting-edge mobile experiences for over 200 national brands. Its mission is to equip businesses with the tools needed to cultivate meaningful customer relationships, accelerate sales growth, and develop a robust, scalable mobile strategy. The company's platform offers a flexible suite of customized functionalities, including mobile rewards, seamless native online ordering, secure payments, dynamic customer relationship management, and a variety of other features. LevelUp's unwavering dedication to innovation positions itself at the forefront of enabling businesses to cultivate long-lasting consumer relationships.
MenuSifu
Menusifu Inc., based in New York City, was founded in 2013 by a group of ambitious and inventive high-tech engineers to introduce next-gen restaurant POS software solution. The MenuSifu POS terminal, MenuSifu mobile apps, and MenuSifu's online order system designed for iPad, iPad mini, and iPhone have helped the company achieve prominence in a remarkably brief period of time. By balancing innovation and cost-effectiveness, Menusifu Inc. has emerged as a significant contributor in the ever-evolving sphere of restaurant technology, offering businesses comprehensive solutions to improve operational efficiency and cultivate dynamic customer engagement.
Trivec
Trivec is a renowned provider of restaurant-specific POS systems in the European hospitality market. Its extensive POS solutions are designed to improve the ordering and payment processes of restaurants, bars, and hotels. Trivec's portfolio comprises traditional POS systems, QR-based solutions, card payment terminals, mobile POS solutions, handheld devices, and beverage systems, among other products. Through its dedication to innovation and seamless integration, Trivec delivers a transformative suite of hospitality solutions that expedite operations and enhance customer experiences.
eHopper
eHopper is a global provider of user-friendly management systems committed to empowering small enterprises worldwide. With a devotion to enhancing seamless interactions and facilitating operational efficiency with customers and clients, eHopper offers wide-ranging solutions, including POS hardware, mobile POS, inventory management solutions, POS software solution, and others, tailored to the particular requirements of small businesses. By effectively addressing the operational landscape, eHopper intends to substantially lower operating costs, thereby fostering increased profitability for small businesses attempting to thrive in the modern competitive market.
Heartland
A division of Global Payments Inc., Heartland is a market leader in the field of payment processing across the US. It offers a range of services, including debit, credit, and prepaid card processing, powered by its cutting-edge security technology, Heartland SecureTM, and a robust breach warranty. Furthermore, Heartland provides point-of-sale systems, e-commerce platforms, mobile commerce solutions, payroll solutions, marketing tools, and various additional business services. The company plays a pivotal role in influencing modern business transactions and services, with a reach of over 400,000 business and educational locations across the country.
Mad Mobile
Mad Mobile is an internationally recognized technology company famous for its exceptional and scalable restaurant and retail solutions. The company specializes in redefining consumer engagement and enables businesses to transform their interactions with customers. Their one-of-a-kind platform enables the seamless incorporation of mobility into existing systems, thereby boosting sales performance and digitizing the passenger experience. As a leader in technology-driven solutions, Mad Mobile is at the leading edge of propelling innovative mobile experiences in the business environment.
ItsaCheckmate
ItsaCheckmate is a notable provider of an all-encompassing two-way integration solution that connects point-of-sale systems to the dynamic realm of on-demand services. This integration not only ensures a seamless transition to the evolving on-demand world but also equips businesses with robust monitoring and reporting capabilities, thereby optimizing profitability, revenue, and operational efficiency. ItsaCheckmate has partnerships with over 150 point-of-sale systems and third-party marketplaces, including industry leaders like DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub, ASAP, EZcater, and ChowNow. ItsaCheckmate is committed to democratizing technology, thereby making it accessible and cost-effective for restaurants of all sizes.
KwicKPOS
KwicKPOS has emerged as one of the leading full-featured POS providers for restaurant management. The company exceeds hardware limitations by integrating diverse clientele requirements onto a unified platform, displaying the qualities of intelligence, fluidity, and efficiency. KwicKPOS revolutionizes the course of restaurant operations by providing a broad range of features, including POS, kiosk systems, online ordering, CRM, Kitchen Display Systems (KDS), marketing tools, delivery services, and cloud-enabled features. This robust solution improves administration and increases profitability, making it an indispensable asset for enhancing restaurant performance.
Bottom Line
In the vast tapestry of contemporary commerce, the function of cloud POS systems extends beyond the mere facilitation of transactions. These top 15 POS solution providers collectively aim to enhance payment experiences, leveraging their individual strengths. By entrusting their payment requirements to these POS solution providers, companies can emphasize their core operations, secure in the knowledge that their technological foundation can adapt and expand alongside the business. As businesses navigate an ever-changing environment, the profound impact of these providers becomes apparent; an integration of technology, competence in business, and consumer-centricity that collectively alters the trajectory of commerce itself.
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POS Solutions, Ecommerce Merchandising
Article | June 7, 2024
ABC Fine Wine & SpiritsOracle Retail Cross Talk is our favorite event of the year. Across the 2.5 days, we create authentic connections across our retail community so you can learn from each other. We recruit 25-30 global retailers to share their experiences in case studies, panel discussions, or fireside chats. We are thrilled to host a panel discussion with ABC Fine Wine & Spirits and Estee Lauder.
Delivering a great omnichannel retail experience takes the right people, process, and technology to earn shopper loyalty by offering engaging and seamless experiences across more than 70 unique customer journeys. Widespread curbside pick-up, flexible store environments, buy online, pick-up in-store (BOPIS) protocols–these new norms have dramatically accelerated in-store adaptation and innovation. As brands dive deeper for new ways to maximize the customer experience—and adapt to the rapidly changing world—they must lean into agile technology. Join this discussion to hear how ABC Fine Wine & Spirits and Estee Lauder are tackling today’s challenges and planning for the future. Estee Lauder
Platform Discussion: Stores and Omnichannel
As customers continue to evolve the omnichannel retail journey, you can provide them with engaging, seamless experiences while refining operations across point-of-service, ecommerce, and order management systems. Join us at Cross Talk to learn how Oracle Retail’s omnichannel modern retail solutions bridge the productivity gaps between the online and traditional point-of-sale functionality, improve store associate effectiveness, increase sales, and ultimately personalize the customer experience.
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POS Solutions
Article | March 22, 2022
For any type or size of merchant, the point of sale (POS) is by definition a mission-critical system. In addition to being a basic tool for retail and companies to conduct business, today’s point of sale systems can also be profitably tied in with key operational solutions, such as inventory management, labor scheduling, and customer marketing.
Here’s How to Choose a POS System for Your Unique Business
Before we dive into how to choose a POS system, let’s look at why you need one in the first place.
A POS system does more than transactions. It's the beating heart of your store's operations, from inventory management and loss prevention to employee management, AR/AP tracking and more.
Small businesses of all types and across industries use POS systems:
Retail and consumer good stores
Liquor stores (within grocery stores and standalone wine & spirits stores
Tobacco stores and smoke shops
Grocery stores and markets
Convenience stores
Lawn & garden centers
Hardware stores
But different types of businesses have different POS system needs. POS systems’ importance makes selecting the one that’s right for your business a challenge.
Here are seven tips to help formulate the right questions to ask POS vendors as you narrow down your options.
Answer these 5 questions before you research POS systems
What features does your current POS system lack or do poorly?
This will help you prioritize your POS needs and ensure current pain points are addressed with your new POS system.
What type of POS hardware will you need?
From touchscreen monitors and cash drawers to receipt printers and pinpads, determining your POS hardware needs helps you know what to look for and get cost estimates from POS vendors.
What POS software, apps, and integrations will you need?
Your POS software is the brains of the operation. Be sure to identify specific functionality and app integrations needed.
What does your business growth plan look like?
This is an important one. You want a POS system that can scale with you as you grow. The last thing you need is to replace your POS system again because you've outgrown it.
What is your budget?
Every POS vendor you talk to will ask this question, so it's best to prepare for it. If you don't have a number in mind, you can use our Build & Price Tool to create your ideal POS system and see what it would cost.
Choose a POS system that makes checkout a breeze
Is your checkout process simple and easy for customers, or do you find that long lines and slow checkout speeds are holding you back?
You need to maximize the checkout space for an optimal customer experience. POS systems with a minimal footprint keep things simple for your employees, and can even allow you to have multiple registers to service customers.
The pace of transactions is a key factor as well. Employees must be able to quickly scan products or use smart, intuitive product lookup or keyed entries to minimize wait time. You can even use mobile devices connected to your POS system to augment your checkout capabilities.
Consider your inventory management needs
One of the biggest benefits of POS systems is their ability to automatically deduct sold items from inventory, making key measurements such as inventory on hand and item-by-item sales data far more accurate. However, if your business operates with a limited, relatively uncomplicated inventory – e.g. just a few hundred SKUs with little variation in size, style, or color – choosing a POS system with advanced inventory management capabilities will be a wasted investment.
Key questions to ask include:
How many items do you carry in each store?
Do you look at each item as a unique item or as a style?
How do you order inventory from suppliers if the item has varying colors/sizes? Do you need to see item attributes as a matrix?
Do other buyers/store personnel need to be able to fill in or look up on-hand information without visiting the store floor or calling other stores?
What merchandise information do you want to be able to view at your desktop?
Decide what additional functions you want your POS to provide
Even if your needs are currently fairly basic, that doesn’t mean they won’t expand as you grow. Consider additional capabilities you may want your system to provide in the future, such as:
Time and attendance/time clock
Sales reporting, broken down by associate, store, department, time of day, etc.
Customer marketing, allowing you to capture the customer’s purchase history and other data for future marketing, and customer loyalty programs.
Transfer systems, allowing associates to transfer merchandise between stores, and on-hand lookup, allowing each store to see at a glance what inventory other stores have on hand.
Gift cards, tracking gift cards sold and their redemption.
Identify the types of POS peripherals you will need
POS system hardware isn’t limited to the cashier’s touchscreen. Think about whether dual display screens, showing customers what they ordered to improve accuracy, or displaying ads to promote key items, are worth the investment. Compare thermal printers to ribbon printers: thermal printers use heat to print receipts so even though they cost more initially, retailers can save long-term on the ink cartridges required by ribbon printers.
Determine which POS security features your store needs
Security must be a key element of any POS system, from the basics (lockable cash drawers, cash drops, and password-protected access) to erecting firewalls around the POS system’s network to guard against malware attacks.
Retailers accepting payment cards must ensure their POS systems comply with the latest Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS). Retailers doing a high volume of payment card business may want to consider using encryption, which protects customer data during transactions by creating a cryptographic key that denies access to anyone without the appropriate decrypting key.
Don't forget about POS reporting to help guide your business
We get it: reporting is not a "sexy" feature. But it is critically important. Sales reports, inventory and catalog reports, and customer history tracking are just a few of the key data points available in most POS systems to help you make smart business decisions.
When it comes to choosing a POS system, reporting cannot be overlooked.
Ready to Choose a POS System for Your Business?
Finding a POS system that meets your business’ current needs while also providing the tools for future growth can be challenging. Keep both short-term and long-term requirements in mind when evaluating different solutions.
You can find more must-ask questions and considerations to choose the right POS system in our Retail POS System Buyers' Guide. For example:
Local database vs. cloud: what type of software is right for your business?
What information do you need to choose a credit card processor?
The questions you need to ask to get past a POS system sales pitch
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