!#7# How "Point of Sale" (POS) are, as opposed to a cash register?

!±8± How "Point of Sale" (POS) are, as opposed to a cash register?

Point of Sale (POS) is a technology for financial transactions in stores, for example in a supermarket. A POS system includes hardware and software used for cash register, register the computer-age equivalent in money. The most significant difference between a POS and cash register communication. When a customer sends a transaction processes in a supermarket, includes auto-reply to update the inventory. If necessary, reorganize to replace the element isprocessed, the tax is maintained, and inform the store management system.

The main component of a point of sale system is the computer. We recommend using the computer only for POS sales transactions, inventory management and reports to isolate and use the POS computer by general-purpose activities. Use a separate computer to surf the Internet.

Two standardized software systems in general use for POS and OPOS JavaPOS. These standards shall meet the UnifiedPOSsupported by the National Retail Foundation. JavaPOS by Sun Microsystems, IBM and NCR and has developed a Java-compatible. OPOS (OLE for POS) is a standard that is followed by Microsoft, NCR, Epson, Fujitsu, and. OPOS is compatible with standard Windows (COM). Celerant, Intuit, have MICROS Retail, Microsoft, NCR, Oracle and SAP software vendors most popular POS solution.

Security is a problem for POS systems. Are poorly implemented one of the leading causes of CreditData compromise. A well designed system for encrypting wireless transmissions, and not the full magnetic stripe cards, credit card validation code or PIN. All traffic to encrypt sensitive data over public networks.

There are several subgroups of POS systems, each of which is worth further study. Industry-specific packages POS car repair shops, beauty salons, chemist, cleaning and much more.

The kitchen is served by manydifferent POS systems. Monitor the kitchen are used to display the commands and manage the process. Systems are often associated with wireless systems that allow better communication. This allows customer orders to the kitchen and servers to send anywhere in the restaurant and can be used for credit card transactions are safe, because the customer's credit card is never out of sight.

A new trend in the POS, in particular supermarkets, self-checkout. In a system of self-checkoutCustomer scans the barcode of items. To produce in the case of a scale is used, and the customer enters a code from a menu. Usually some type of validation is used to compare the parts with the weight of the product acquired. The payment of these systems is similar to using an ATM. The advantages of this system are the reduction of personnel costs, and also reduced the time that the customer must wait for the cashier.

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is aThe technology, the promise of self-checkout shows. This technology could eliminate the process of reading bar codes POS. As RFID-sight (LOS) is required, the customer might bag their purchases, because their decisions, and do not need to get their products out of the bag to be removed to an inventory of the purchases were completed. The integration of RFID readers in POS systems is not complicated. The interface is similar to a barcode reader.

Retail cost between POS systems$ 1,500 and $ 20,000. The options include bar code scanners, credit card readers and receipt / invoice printers. POS systems are often offered with modules of integrated accounting and inventory management systems. Reports can be generated in order of sales, profits and expenses period objects, supplier, category or time to be extended.

The computer is an excellent tool for retailers. Through the marriage of the cash register with a well implemented system, are significant improvements to the operationpossible.