Restaurant owners shopping for a point of sale (POS) system may not be aware that there is an alternative to traditional systems. An embedded POS system offers several distinctive benefits that are worth a closer look.
Embedded POS systems are designed specifically for the one-and-only task of running your point of sale operations. It’s a single-purpose device, like a calculator or a film camera. Traditional POS software usually runs on a multifunctional device such as a PC or tablet. Embedded POS software is pre-installed on the device that runs it, so you won’t need IT staff to set it up — just plug it in and put it to work.
Embedded POS also has several other advantages over traditional POS:
Embedded offers advanced data security.
A growing number of restaurants, including Sonic, Arby’s, Chipotle, and Cheddar’s have experienced data breaches, jeopardizing consumers’ payment card information and other sensitive data. Smaller, independent restaurants should never make the mistake of thinking it can’t happen to them. Hackers target businesses of all sizes, and the consequences can be catastrophic. Embedded POS can protect sensitive data better than traditional POS because it is a closed system: files cannot be downloaded or uploaded. Hackers can’t send viruses or Trojan horses that would give them access, hold data for ransom, or orchestrate denial of service attacks.
With an embedded operating system, no antivirus or antimalware software is necessary.
Because the system is impervious to illicit downloads and uploads, you won’t need to purchase and renew expensive cybersecurity programs to protect it. You also won’t need to spend time and money on IT support to install, upgrade, and maintain such programs — or to troubleshoot an infected device.
Embedded POS offers advanced application controls that boost productivity.
Another reason employees can’t inadvertently infect your embedded POS with malware is because they won’t be surfing the Internet on it. Device functions are limited to work-related tasks only. A general-use computer or tablet that hosts traditional POS software will also provide access to distractions such as email, social media, games, and videos. Eliminate these time-wasters, and your employees will focus on the job and be more productive. And without access to their accounts on the internet, employees can’t accidentally click a link or open an email attachment that contains malware.
Embedded POS eliminates costly system upgrades.
A traditional PC or tablet running POS software also has its own separate operating system (Windows, Mac iOS, Android, etc.), which will require periodic updates, creating additional expenses and work for your IT staff. And there’s always the possibility that the latest version of the operating system will no longer be compatible with your POS software, requiring yet another purchase. Embedded POS systems are self-sufficient: they run on solid-state devices that do not need commercial operating platforms. The hardware and software are a single, independent unit that is also faster and more reliable than traditional POS.
Are You Ready to Learn More?
Talk with your POS solution provider about your business and the POS features you need. They will be able to help you decide whether an embedded POS system would be the best fit for your restaurant.
