The right POS functionality will make running your business easier and streamline processes. Here are some features you should look for in a POS system.
delivery process
Most businesses start looking for a POS system because they need a way to complete customer transactions. Many POS providers not only accept credit and debit cards, but also allow you to make contactless payments online. Along the way, you’ll receive detailed insights into your daily sales, so you’ll always know how your business is performing.
Inventory management
Basic POS systems may only support product catalogs, while other systems have POS inventory management capabilities that allow you to track inventory at the component or ingredient level. Some plans include purchase ordering and supplier management features to streamline your reordering process. Consider whether standard inventory tools are enough, or if you need advanced features to keep your business fully stocked.
User management
The customer management functions of different POS systems vary. Some allow you to capture basic information, such as customer email addresses, so that you can build an email marketing contact list. Other POS systems support CRM, with features that allow you to generate CRM metrics and create customer profiles, including contact information, purchase history, preferences, birthdays and notes.
loyalty program
To ensure a loyal customer base, you must reward your best customers. POS systems accomplish this through built-in loyalty software. Top POS systems can track customer shopping and dining preferences and help you design customer loyalty and rewards programs around this data. You can customize rewards based on how often customers shop at your store and the products or services they purchase.
Employee management
You can typically add employees to your POS system and manage their access to various features and information. Some systems have role-based access controls, while others allow you to customize controls for each employee.
Some have built-in time clocks, allowing your employees to clock in and out using the POS system. Others can track individual employee sales or manage tips.
Report
All POS systems can generate POS reports. However, some systems only have basic reporting capabilities, with preconfigured reports and limited customization. Others are advanced, with dozens of reporting options and filters to help you analyze data on sales, inventory, customers, and employees.
The best POS systems have real-time reports that you can access through a browser or mobile app on any device. Before purchasing a POS system, make sure it provides the specific reports you need to run your business efficiently.
Add-ons and integrations
POS systems often come with many features, but they may not be enough to meet the needs of your small business. This is where add-ons and third-party integrations can help.
For example, you may want to integrate your POS system with the best credit card processor, the best accounting software, and the top marketing platform. Or you may want to use a specific email marketing platform or offer a customer loyalty program with a specific provider. The best POS systems offer you many integration and add-on options so your business growth is not limited.
customer support
Even if your business has irregular hours or you work on weekends, you should be able to contact your POS provider 24/7 to get system assistance when needed.
Find a POS vendor that’s easy to contact via your preferred communication method, whether that’s by phone, email, live chat or social media. The best companies even offer 24/7 support.
