The physical components of an EPOS system are described as epos
hardware. The most basic and main components such as screen and cash registers
as well as more specialized equipment like barcode scanners or receipt
printers.
The type of hardware needed for your epos system depends on various factors such as the type and size of
your business and also the industry you are in. For a small retail business,
the hardware comprise of a desktop with a mouse and keyboard. Modern merchants
prefer a tablet and a mobile card reader.
Most Common EPOS Hardware
Components
*
Computer
and screen
*
Barcode
scanner
*
Cash
drawer
*
Receipt
printer
Optional or Industry
Specific Components
*
EPOS
keyboard
*
Card
reader
*
Weighing
scales
*
Kitchen
docket printer
*
Handheld
units
*
Customer
display
*
Barcode
printer
EPOS Hardware Setups in Retail
Environments
Introduction of EPOS
hardware improved many parts of the traditional retail environment. Computers
and cash drawers do not necessarily need to be specialised EPOS components. Benefit of having an integrated system can
complete processes much faster, more efficiently and accurately.
Touchscreens allow for faster processing of orders. A wide range
of products available from very heavy-duty integrated touchscreen systems which
will often include their own processor and are counter-based, to small and
light handheld devices. Find out the right product for your business.
EPOS till systems is the most valuable part of your business
investment. A fully integrated till can completely change your business and
improve efficiency in all processes.
Barcode scanners not only process retail transactions quickly
but also make stock management more efficient. A lot factors need to be
considered while thinking about barcode scanners.
Receipt printers are essential in handling money in business,
regardless of sector. The more options you will have in your receipt printing
in a sophisticated epos system. Some software suites let you customize your
receipts entirely, adding your company logo or other images. In such a case
consider investing in a thermal receipt printer.
EPOS Hardware Setups in Hospitality
Environments
In hospitality environments, it’s important to have a portable
hardware to carry out transactions at customer’s table. Now-a-days there are
many portable options of hardware which have wireless internet connection
including card readers.
Kitchen printers or docket printers integrated with an EPOS system help restaurateurs to send
orders logged at the table or counter directly to the kitchen. It helps to
fewer mistakes and faster service.
Minimal EPOS Hardware With
Tablet Setups
Now-a-days tablet devices such as Android or iPads have enough
computing power to run integrated EPOS software. It can control a variety of
hardware components. EPOS for iPads has now become a legitimate choice for sole
traders and small businesses. It is possible to use iPad for epos system as a
central processing unit and connect hardware components like cash drawers,
scanners and printers wirelessly. You can also setup several iPads on shop
floor.
In retail environments, customers are helped by store assistants
to find an item they are looking for and process payments directly. In
hospitality settings, servers can take orders and send them directly to kitchen
including special wishes from customers.
Next Steps
Properly assess your business, taking note of industry,
environment, number of locations and employees before investing in epos
hardware. Also make clear what functions your epos hardware needs to fulfill.
Not every business needs every piece of hardware available, and
do not waste money if you are not sure of your business requirements. You
should ensure that your hardware setup contains every component you need to
make your business more efficient.
Every business with a point of sale requires a cash drawer and a
card reader. Elements like barcode scanners and handheld units need to be
individually evaluated.
