There is a wide array of POS systems available nowadays, each of them with unique capabilities that render them suitable for a certain type of business. Harnessing the full potential of the remarkable devices entails selecting the appropriate model and then adapting their functions in accordance to your retail specifications.
However, in the vast majority of cases, the users are completely unaware regarding the full array of features implemented in the software of the POS. Consequentially, they leave the machines on default settings and never bother to optimize the interface to maximize their effectiveness. Let’s find out what you too can do to reap the full advantages of POS system.
Utilizing the POS in streamlining inventory management
The point-of-sale system is able to log the entire inventory available and sold by the retailer, and updates it whenever a sale takes place. Granted, it won’t protect your goods from physical damage, theft, loss of shipment, etc. However, it provides the utmost transparency in terms of managing the items in your store’s inventory. This makes the POS particularly useful for retailers dealing in designer clothing, high end electronics and other highly valuable goods.
Cleaning up the user interface of the POS
The default interface of the POS system is very likely to contain a number of bulky features that are very rarely utilized, for instance obsolete payment methods that your customers don’t use. Removing these options from the main window de-clutters the interface, speeding up transactions and permitting your personnel to service more customers in a shorter timeframe. Of course, you’ll still want to keep the credit card/cash payments, incentives and loyalty programs, and all other features that make up your marketing strategy.
Employing the POS to improve the security of transactions
The POS can be set with several security protocols that make it virtually impossible for your employees to dip their hands in the sales. Particularly useful when you have a number of employees on probation, the POS could limit the ability to void sales, open the register without a transaction or offer refunds without approval of a manager.
Making the POS pull double duties
Clocking in and out the old fashion way often means that your staff is tempted to use company time for their personal agenda. When the POS becomes the clocking method for your employees, only the time spent conducting transactions and servicing customers is logged as work. Essentially, the employee operating POS will punch in by logging his/her account in the device and punch out when the account is closed. This feature is particularly important for retailers whose clerical personnel doubles as cashiers.
Implementing loyalty program with the POS
Modern POS systems, as well as a few of the last generation ones, enable the retailer to track the number of purchases performed by a client and implement a reward after a certain threshold is reached. Customizing special categories of rewards is also fairly straightforward, and you can ask your POS supplier for training on the procedure if you can’t handle it.