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What is a POS system and how does it simplify retail operations?

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What is a POS system?

POS stands for Point of Sale. This system is used to process sales at most retail locations.

Besides performing its main function—processing sales—the system streamlines these operations and helps you process customer transactions quickly, reliably and efficiently. POS:

  • makes work convenient for employees;
  • simplifies the workflow;
  • significantly speeds up customer service;
  • automates the recording of goods deducted from stock.

Although until recently many small businesses chose to use only a fiscal device for their sales process, more and more are turning to retail software. Part of the reason is the planned adoption of changes to Ordinance N-18.

More about read about the ordinance and SUPTO requirements in our blog.

Of course, the draft law is not the only reason. More business owners and retail managers recognize the need to automate sales processes, as this system makes work much easier for every retailer and owner.

POS components

A POS system needs two components to operate: hardware and software.

Software

The software is divided into two modules—an interface through which operates POS system and inventory account where the database is stored. These two separate modules are interconnected.

I-Cash retail software works on this principle too. I-Cash is cloud-based, meaning the inventory account is hosted online. Some software products do not work this way and are hosted locally, requiring installation. Cloud-based software offers numerous advantages, some of which you can learn from the blog article.

It is also significant that I-Cash's quick sales module (POS) is installed on a device running Windows or Android: a computer, phone or tablet. Installation takes only a few minutes and makes subsequent work easier. The I-Cash POS system uses the internet to synchronize information in the inventory account. However, a brief loss of internet connection does not prevent the sales module from working.

POS systems developed by different companies vary. Their intended function is essential to their design. Restaurant POS systems, for example, differ from those for shops. Restaurants need a table selection option, whereas shops do not.

Because I-Cash offers three different packages, then the quick sales module in Start and Pro differ to some extent precisely to meet the requirements of different businesses.

Hardware

A POS system consists of both software and hardware. The hardware components can be of various types:

  • A device that records customer transactions—a computer, tablet or phone.
  • A fiscal device or printer.
  • Barcode scanner.
  • Electronic scale.
  • Electronic cash drawer.

I-Cash offers a complete retail solution and most peripheral devices your business needs. See which ones on our website.

How does cloud-based software work?


Cloud software requires no installation, while the entire inventory database is available online at any time. As you already know, I-Cash is web-based. Here are some of our product's main features:

  • Information between the cloud and the quick sales module (POS) is synchronized every 10 seconds or when an internet connection is available. This means your employees can work without an internet connection for a limited period, such as a few hours, but not permanently, such as several days or longer.
  • The POS system connects the fiscal device via Bluetooth to a mobile Android device, such as a phone or tablet. This is an excellent solution for mobile salespeople. More about I-Cash and mobile distribution sales read in the blog.
  • Everyone with access to the inventory account, whether employee, accountant or owner, works through a user account with the appropriate role. As an owner, you can monitor your employees' sales in the cloud in real time from anywhere in the world; all you need is an internet connection. Employees work only through the quick sales module, logging in with their personal password. This ensures clear accountability for results.
  • There is no limit to the number of locations and/or checkouts you use. All data is reflected in the cloud-based inventory account.

If you think it is time to optimize your sales process, choose secure, reliable retail software. We let you try I-Cash free for a month so you can be confident it meets your requirements. Register now.

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