Point of Sale Hardware Guide

What Is Needed for a POS System?

When setting up a Point of Sale (POS) system for your business, you can invest in several pieces of hardware to streamline your payment process. While the exact equipment you'll require depends on your business type, understanding what hardware is available for POS systems will help you make informed decisions for your establishment.

1. POS Computer

A point of sale (POS) computer system is a modern alternative to traditional cash registers in commercial settings. These systems enable you to calculate and process transactions quickly and accurately, improving customer service and reducing wait times. They are equipped with user-friendly interfaces that make it easy for employees to input sales information, apply discounts, and process payments efficiently.

• Connects with other POS hardware and software either through USB ports or wirelessly via Wi-Fi
• Quickly processes purchases
• Intuitive use requires minimal training

2. Cash Drawer

If your establishment accepts cash as a form of payment, a cash drawer is a necessary piece of equipment to keep your money safe and secure. Cash drawers are designed to securely store cash, coins, receipts, and other valuables during business operations. There are two main types of cash drawers available: manually operated and electronically operated. Manually operated cash drawers require employees to open and close the drawer physically, while electronically operated cash drawers typically open automatically when a sale is settled. The cashier is then responsible for pushing it closed..

• Electronically operated cash drawers can be connected to POS software to track when the drawer is opened.
• Electronically operated cash drawers stay locked to employees until a sale is made
• Manually operated cash drawers are less expensive.

3. Mobile Computers

Mobile computers, also known as mobile POS systems, combine PC and scanning functions into a single, handheld device, allowing users to track deliveries, monitor inventory, and manage orders and sales efficiently. They're designed to keep your establishment's data up to date and your staff connected, regardless of their location. With the ability to access real-time information on-the-go, mobile computers provide a convenient solution for businesses seeking to improve productivity and efficiency.

• Mobile POS computers incorporate a customer-facing display.
• Showcase pertinent information during transactions.
• Provides access to real-time information from anywhere.

4. Card Reader

A card reader is an essential component of any modern point-of-sale (POS) system, allowing your customers to securely pay by credit card while in-store. With the ability to accept payments via chip card or a magnetic stripe card, a reliable card reader ensures smooth and efficient transactions for both you and your customers. When it comes to processing payments, security is paramount.

• Card readers can accept payments via chip card or a magnetic stripe card
• Often equipped with advanced encryption technology to safeguard sensitive payment information.
• Provides data that helps you navigate chargebacks

5. Barcode Scanners

Barcode scanners read an item's barcode to bring up its price and details during transactions, ensuring accuracy and speed at the point of sale. They play a crucial role in inventory management by allowing businesses to track stock levels accurately and monitor product movement. When considering which barcode scanner to invest in, determine whether the scanner needs to read 1D or 2D barcodes.

• Hands-free scanners are ideal for high-volume businesses.
• Corded scanners are a suitable option for businesses that require a direct connection to a PC via a cable.
• Cordless scanners offer wireless connectivity, providing added mobility for users who need to move around while scanning items.

6. Label Printers

Thermal label printers are a crucial tool for foodservice and retail establishments that need to sell or ship food and packaged goods. There are two main methods to consider: direct thermal and thermal transfer. Direct thermal printers apply heat to chemically treated paper to create a label. These printers are cost-effective and do not require ink or toner. However, direct thermal labels may fade over time and are typically limited to printing in black only.

On the other hand, thermal transfer printers utilize heat to bond a thin film of wax or resin coating onto a label. They can be used with a wide range of colored ribbons, allowing for more customization options. Despite their advantages, thermal transfer printers require ribbons, which can add to the overall cost of operation compared to direct thermal printers.

• Thermal transfer printers utilize heat to bond a thin film of wax or resin coating onto a label and can be used with a wide range of colored ribbons.
• Direct thermal printers operate by applying heat to chemically treated paper to create a label and typically only print in black and white.
• Direct thermal transfer printers are less expensive than thermal transfer printers.

7. Receipt Printers

Receipt printers provide customers with tangible proof of their purchase. When purchasing a receipt printer for your business, consider the printing method used by the receipt printer. Direct thermal printers apply heat directly to specially treated thermal paper. Impact printers, also known as dot matrix printers, utilize tiny pins on a print head in conjunction with an ink ribbon to create a series of dots that form the printed characters on the paper.

Thermal printers offer fast and quiet printing and do not require ink or toner, saving your business money over time. However, their images do not last long, they can only print black on white, they're not suitable for high-heat environments, and they cost more upfront. In contrast, impact printers are a cost-effective option that is designed to work in high-heat environments, making them great for food trucks. They produce high-quality, long-lasting images, can often print in two colors, and can create carbon copies. The drawbacks of an impact printer are their slower print speed and higher printing noise levels.

• Thermal printers are fast, quiet printing, and do not require ink or toner.
• Impact printers are cost-effective and designed for high-heat environments.
• Thermal printers are more expensive than impact printers and impact printers are slower than thermal printers.

8. ID Scanners

If you serve alcohol at your establishment, ID scanners can prevent the sale of alcohol to minors. They are designed to quickly and accurately scan and verify government-issued identification such as driver's licenses, passports, and ID cards. They can also help you maintain detailed records of age verification checks, which can be valuable in the event of an audit or compliance inspection.

• ID scanners provide fast and accurate age verification.
• Consider factors such as scanning speed, accuracy, compatibility with your existing POS system, and ease of use.
• Look for features such as barcode scanning capabilities, data storage options, and user-friendly interfaces.

9. Restaurant Pagers

Restaurant pagers enable management and staff members to quickly send alerts to other employees when they're needed or to guests when their tables are ready. They streamline communication processes and improve overall efficiency in your restaurant. When choosing restaurant pagers for your establishment, consider factors such as range, durability, and ease of use.

• Pagers increase employee communication.
• Look for models with a long-range capability.
• We also offer kits that contain restaurant pagers, a connect transmitter, and charging bases.

10. Kitchen Display Systems (KDS)

Kitchen display systems offer a modern solution that eliminates the reliance on paper tickets and manual order management in food service operations. By utilizing a digital display, orders are efficiently transmitted from the point of sale (POS) system directly to the kitchen display. This streamlined process ensures that updates are provided in real-time, enabling chefs and kitchen staff to maintain organization and prioritize orders according to their urgency.

• You can tailor the display layout to align with your requirements.
• Promote effective communication between front-of-house and back-of-house staff.
• Eliminates time spent deciphering handwritten orders or searching for misplaced tickets.