Technology is always changing. As a small business owner, it is important for you to stay ahead of technology trends so you can provide better services to your clients and customers and run an effective business. In this episode of MissionBusinessPodcast.com Bernard Roesch shares recent trends and changes that you need to be aware of in Point-of-sale technology.
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On-Site Versus Cloud Based POS Systems
Previously, point-of-sale system technology used on-site databases. This means that the data for your POS system was stored on a computer or other similar device within your business location. In recent years, cloud based technology has become popular and also significantly changed how POS systems are structured.
- Cloud means storing data on secure internet systems that are accessible anywhere rather than on a computer at your physical location.
There are a number of benefits to using a cloud based POS system.
Backing up data – With a cloud based POS system, your POS data is constantly backed up so it is not at risk of being lost. Compared to storing your POS data physically at your business location, this is much more safe and secure.
Access your data anywhere – With a cloud based POS system, you can access your POS data anywhere. For example, if you have multiple business locations, you could access each location’s POS system remotely and even combine the data in powerful ways to analyze your business.
Cloud based POS systems are becoming the norm in business. If you’re still using an on-site POS system, consider upgrading to a cloud based system soon.
Mobile POS System Capabilities
Along with the trend towards cloud based POS systems, mobile technology has enabled you to run transactions from anywhere.
- With a mobile enabled POS system, you can run full transactions from any location via your phone or tablet.
- Different POS systems have different mobile capabilities, but most enable you to get your customers an item list onto a mobile device so that you can run transactions from anywhere.
- With many systems you can also get payment directly on the mobile device. This enables you to run entire transactions directly through your mobile POS system so that it is synced with your accounting system, such as QuickBooks.
Having a mobile enabled POS system opens up many opportunities for your business to do business from anywhere.
Multiple Channel Businesses
It is not uncommon for a business to sell product or services across many different channels. For example, you may sell products directly through your local store. In addition, you may sell online through your own website, through an Amazon.com store, and maybe also through a telemarketing department. With these changes in how businesses sell, POS systems have changed as well.
With an advanced, modern POS system you can configure multiple sales channels to use the same inventory system so that your POS data and your inventory system are in sync.
Migrating To A New POS System
If your business is still using an old POS system and you want to take advantage of recent POS system technology changes, it’s possible to upgrade to a new system reasonably fast.
Hire an experienced specialist – Since you’ll be moving secure and important business data from your old POS system to your new POS system, it’s important that you work with an experienced vendor who has worked on similar migrations before.
Importing data from your old POS system – In order to migrate successfully, it’s ideal if you can get information from your old POS system into your new POS system.
- An experienced specialist will first help you define what information is in your old system, such as customer lists, vendor lists, and item lists.
- At that point, you can export the data from your old system, modify the data structure as needed within a tool such as Excel or other database management tools, and then import that data into your new POS system.
Training for new POS system – Once you have your new POS system ready to use, it’s important that your employees be trained on how to use it. This will enable a smooth transition to the new POS system and also allow your business to get full advantage of the new POS system’s capabilities.
Upgrading To A New POS System
If you’re using an old POS system that lacks cloud, mobile, and multiple channel capabilities, consider upgrading to a new POS system today. Reach out to Bernard today.
You can also visit MissionBusinessPodcast.com for more insights that Bernard has been sharing with us in the previous episodes.
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