- What is a POS System?
- Today's point of sale (POS) systems are much more than simple cash registers. They are becoming an interactive conduit between customers and retailers. [+] Read More
- Today's point of sale (POS) systems are much more than simple cash registers. They are becoming an interactive conduit between customers and retailers.
Using integrated technology, POS systems allow retailers to quickly and accurately collect sales and customer information. This information is then used by enterprise resource management (ERP), supply chain management (SCM) and customer relationship management (CRM) systems to keep accurate inventory supplies in stock. They also provide key support to customer-focused programs such as rewards and loyalty programs.
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- What Should I Look for in a POS System?
- An effective point of sale solution includes multiple integrated components designed to meet unique business needs. Your CDW account manager and retail technology specialist will work with you to design the system that's best for you. Components of that system often include the following: [+] Read More
- An effective point of sale solution includes multiple integrated components designed to meet unique business needs. Your CDW account manager and retail technology specialist will work with you to design the POS system that's best for you. Components of that system often include the following:
Computer - This is the foundation of the POS system. Most manufacturers have CPUs specifically tailored for POS systems.
Input Devices - Barcode scanners are a quick means of data entry for retail customers. Keyboards are another standard input device which can consist of a standard CPU keyboard or programmable keyboard that can be customized to your needs. Card readers are another important data entry device. Readers are often integrated into keyboards or displays, and can be purchased as a stand-alone unit.
Cash Drawers - Durability and construction are key factors when choosing your cash drawer. Look for those made with 18 gauge steel.
Displays - LCD monitors (including touch screen) display all relevant information to the employee. Poll displays present the customer-side transactions, and are legally required by many states.
Printers - Depending upon your needs and environment, choices include a dot matrix printer - typically designed to withstand the heat and traffic of commercial kitchens, or a thermal printer. Thermal printers are quiet, fast and produce high quality receipts, which are typically used for the check-out location.
Software Applications - All applications will include the basics: display items, price, calculate taxes, process returns and voids, produce sales reports, and assist inventory management. Beyond that, some industries have special applications for their specific needs. When selecting a software package, look for those that integrate well with back-office applications (like accounting), are easy to customize with your product mix, and can accommodate your specific reporting needs.
Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) - An often overlooked component of POS systems is the UPS. These devices enable the POS system to continue running in the event of a power failure. A UPS can prolong the life of the computer by protecting it from daily power fluctuations.
Merchant Services - One of the most critical parts to any transaction is quick and accurate payment processing. Merchant services help facilitate this process and allow you to accept a variety of customer payments including credit and debit cards, gift cards and certificates, and online payments.
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- Why Do I Need a POS System?
- Point of sale systems have evolved into an essential data collection and information dissemination device that can help a business run more efficiently and deliver better customer service. A fully integrated POS system can help you achieve the following objectives: [+] Read More
- POS systems have evolved into an essential data collection and information dissemination device that can help a business run more efficiently and deliver better customer service. A fully integrated POS system can help you achieve the following objectives:
Reduce Shrinkage - Real-time inventory tracking and reporting quickly identifies shrinkage problems.
Improve Sale Accuracy - POS systems ensure an item is listed for the correct price, eliminating human error from manual price entry. They can also adjust prices throughout the store within seconds.
Increase Margins - Detailed real-time sales reports can help identify higher margin items and place a greater emphasis on those products from an inventory.
Make Better-Informed Decisions - Detailed sales reports enable better forecast models and inventory management. Valuable customer purchasing data can be collected and analyzed.
Increase Productivity - POS systems reduce manual paperwork to free up time for sales personnel, managers and business owners so they can focus on strategic growth.
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- How Can CDW Help Me Get Started?
- CDW has developed a simple, yet comprehensive approach to point of sale solutions that has proven successful for organizations of all kinds: [+] Read More
- CDW has developed a simple, yet in-depth approach to point of sale solutions that has proven successful for organizations of all kinds.
Step 1: Engage Your Account Manager
Your CDW account manager and POS specialists will work with you to assess your current and future environment and deliver a solution that includes the right mix of hardware, software and services.
Step 2: Assess and Design
We begin by taking an environmental profile, which includes the number of locations, sale lanes, your back office environment, your existing needs and plans for future growth. Using this detailed study, we will help you determine a plan of action, based on proven best practices.
Step 3: Implement
CDW takes a comprehensive approach to implementation, installation and integration. Working together, we will design detailed configurations for your future environment, drawing from our enormous in-stock inventory. We work with multiple providers to deliver a point of sale solution that fits seamlessly into your IT environment. We also offer complete software configuration and installation.
Step 4: Manage
CDW's commitment to your POS solution continues long after your purchase. Certified technicians offer 24/7 telephone support for ongoing management needs, and you can always access online tech support through your My Account tab above. The My Account area also serves as a round-the-clock extension of your account manager: detailing your pricing, order status, account history and more.
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