POS stands for point of sale, referring to a location where transactions are completed after a retail purchase has been made. In earlier times, a cash register could be termed a POS. Still, with technological advancements, they have been replaced by electronic systems/POS terminals that process debit cards, credit cards, and even cash transactions. It helps the business to streamline its operations and also provides data about customer behavior and sales.

Benefits of POS systems
A POS system aids in the accepting and processing of payments either online or offline. Its efficient software is commonly used in restaurants, movie theatres, school cafeterias, etc. It is an incredibly important feature for every business as it allows the customer a smooth shopping experience. Some of its other benefits include:

It saves time
An efficient POS system not only allows faster processing of payments but also keeps track of the sales, inventory, and shopping trends adopted by customers. Hence it can keep you informed about the availability of your products compared to the current customer behavior. In the case of multiple businesses or stores, it can also help you operate them from anywhere by accessing the information on your preferred device.

Improves customer service
A retail POS system helps you understand your customers better to improve their shopping experience. It can aid in keeping track of their favorite products, create promotions and offers, and enable faster processing of payments. This helps create a loyal customer base that stays true to the brand.

Provides an overview of the business
A POS system helps you understand the operations of the business by creating reports on the sales status, inventory list, and even the financial situation of the business. This aids in making informed decisions, creating sales strategies, and adapting to the needs of the customers. In addition, it may even prove helpful in planning the business’s future.

Different types of POS systems
A single POS system does not effectively work for all kinds of businesses, as each type caters to certain needs. Hence, multiple types of POS systems need to be chosen depending on the type of business. Some of them are:

Desktop POS system
As the name suggests, this system operates from a PC/laptop. It can be accessed either from an application, an on-premise system, or a secure internet browser. Its functions are similar to a cash register, and it keeps track of transactions through a connection to the cash drawer, card machine, or barcode scanner. The desktop POS software system is usually employed by restaurants, school cafeterias, bookstores, etc.

Mobile POS system
A mobile POS system is quite small compared to a desktop POS, but it is undoubtedly immensely helpful. It consists of a mobile application that is connected to a card machine/ card reader that helps you achieve efficient and faster transaction processing. This comes in handy for small-scale businesses such as street vendors and freelance workers. Some of the other optional accessories include barcode scanners and receipt printers.

Tablet POS system
A tablet POS system lies between a desktop POS and a mobile POS. A screen size bigger than a phone helps keep track of a larger inventory with more comfort and mobility. It also makes it easier for the customer and the staff to look at the products and process the orders quickly. This POS system can usually be found in places such as coffee shops, art galleries, and gift stores.

Self-service kiosk POS system
This type of POS system enables smooth transactions without spending money on the workforce. It works efficiently and helps prevent large lines in physical stores. It also helps the customers analyze their needs, place orders directly, pay, and process the complete order without assistance from an employee. These POS systems can usually be found in parking lots, movie theatres, etc.

Best POS systems and their features
The best POS systems do far more than process everyday transactions. They act as the backbone of the business and provide the needed information anytime and anywhere. In addition, they also render various hardware and software options with best-in-class features to ensure a hassle-free shopping experience. Read further to know more about them.

Lightspeed POS
Lightspeed POS proves to be a one-stop platform for all the needs of your business – restaurants, retail, or even e-commerce. It streamlines workflows and helps in the expansion of business by processing your data and simplifying the customer’s shopping experience. Some of its best features are Lightspeed eCom, which helps in the expansion of your business’s reach with automated ad optimization across all social media platforms, targeted email marketing, and more. Lightspeed Delivery, on the other hand, helps you connect your POS to other delivery platforms and consolidates all orders on a single screen. These features also provide inventory management, advanced reporting, accounting, a 24/7 support team, and extremely easy-to-use hardware and software.

Rain Retail POS
Rain Retail POS offers its customers an advanced experience with simplified inventory management and ordering. It also helps boost the business’s sales and provides in-detail reports of multiple business operations. What’s more, it even offers targeted customer remarketing and automated text and email marketing services as well. In addition to the above, it also allows customization according to the business industry. It provides website features such as rain payments – eliminating the need for a middleman. Rain analytics – to help gain valuable sales insights and strategize, rain loyalty – tracking reward points awarded to loyal customers, and rain inventory – to keep a check on inventory across all sales platforms. Furthermore, these features provide tailor-made solutions for your business to aid expansion and increase sales.

It is incredibly important for a business to have a POS system that goes hand in hand with its operations. So, it is advised to always decide on the perfect POS system software after ensuring it meets all your business needs. This guarantees a smooth flow of transactions and customer satisfaction as well.