A great POS system is necessary for any business to run profitably. POS systems speed up check out, manage inventory, and monitor sales. However, many merchants fail to realize the benefits of an embedded POS system.
But, what is an embedded POS system? Embedded POS systems are designed for a sole purpose and that purpose is running your point of sale. This eliminates the operator’s abilities to engage in non-work related activities. In addition to being specialized to run your point-of-sale, there are also many other benefits to embedded POS systems. We’ll explore the top four below.
1) Enhanced Security
It’s never been more important to keep customer data safe than it is now. With lots of emerging payment technologies on the market and the upcoming October liability shift, customer data security is under intense scrutiny.
With enhanced security protocols built in, embedded POS ensures an extra layer of data security. Additionally, the lack of a file manager makes it impossible for unauthorized files to be uploaded or downloaded onto the POS system. This does two things: it prevents sensitive information from being stolen and it protects the POS system environment by eliminating the risk of employees inadvertently uploading malware or a virus.
2) Increased Productivity
Since embedded POS is designed specifically for running your point of sale, your employees are limited as to what they can do on the terminals. General use computers, such as a personal computer, are designed for flexibility. These computers need to have the functionality to perform various functions. Embedded POS systems limit user activity so the machine cannot be used for checking emails, surfing the web, playing games or engaging in other non-business essential activities.
3) No More Costly Operating System Upgrades
Purchasing a POS system separately from an operating system can be costly— particularly if you have multiple POS systems and locations. Embedded POS eliminates the need to purchase your hardware separate from your software. Since embedded POS systems are solid state devices, they do not require a commercial operating system to run.
4) Ease of Use
A POS system crash is a nightmare regardless of whether you are a single store operator or a large chain. Additionally, small businesses don’t always have the luxury of ready access to an IT staff, and the responsibility of getting the POS system up and running again often falls to the business owner. Similarly, large enterprises don’t always have IT readily available on-site to help reboot the POS system.
Fortunately, embedded POS systems offer turn-key operation. That means that the POS system is ready-for-use right out of the box. Because embedded POS systems are solid state devices, they are faster and more reliable than PC-based POS systems. This is due to the fact that solid state devices do not have a hard drive, thus eliminating a common failure point and reducing your need for costly IT support.
Embedded POS systems are a cost-effective, practical, and even an ideal option for small and large businesses alike. With enhanced security, increased productivity, convenience and ease of use, business owners really couldn’t choose a better POS system. If you’re in the market for a new system, take the time to talk to your POS provider about embedded POS systems.