POS Systems

A point-of-sale (POS) terminal is a computerized replacement for a cash register. Much more complex than the cash registers of even just a few years ago, the POS system can include the ability to record and track customer orders, process credit and debit cards, connect to other systems in a network, and manage inventory. Generally, a POS terminal has as its core a personal computer, which is provided with application-specific programs and I/O devices for the particular environment in which it will serve. A POS system for a restaurant, for example, is likely to have all menu items stored in a database that can be queried for information in a number of ways. POS terminals are used in most industries that have a point of sales such as a service desk, including restaurants, lodging, entertainment, and museums.

Touch Screen Monitors: Touch Screen Monitors simplify cash register operation, reduce operator error, and significantly reduce employee training time. Most Touch screen Monitors have flat screens and are slim, sleek, and lightweight & typically require a small footprint area.

Cash Drawers: Cash Drawers have till inserts that keep cash, credit card slips, gift certificates & receipts in order. A caddy kit option is helpful in holding other POS Components like the Touch Monitor, Receipt Printer & Barcode Scanner in place on top of the Cash Drawer for a maximized organization. Most Cash Drawers are printer-driven meaning they receive a signal from the Receipt Printer to open the drawer at the time a sale is made.

Receipt Printers: Receipt Printers are used to print receipts/orders for customers. Many restaurants also use Receipt Printers to send orders to the kitchen/bar. Most Receipt Printers offer a tear-bar option as well as an auto-cutter option which automatically provides a clean cut between receipt print-outs. Two-color printing is usually available with most Receipt Printer models.

Barcode Scanners: Barcode Scanners are used to scan or read barcodes and send the results back to your POS computer. They are typically available in PS2 keyboard wedge or USB interfaces and even in the Bluetooth Wireless option. Barcode Scanners are typically lightweight yet designed with integral shock protection for durability.

Customer Displays: Also known as Pole Displays, Customer Displays show the customer item & price information as well as support advertising with some models.

Magnetic Stripe Readers: Magnetic Stripe Readers (MSR’s) are used to read credit/debit & charge cards. If your POS keyboard or Touch Monitor does not come equipped with an MSR, they are available independently and are an inexpensive must-have.

POS Keyboards: POS Keyboards come with built-in MSR’s for credit card processing and some even with integrated touchpads that take on mouse functions particularly where there is little room for a mouse. Some are compact versions that typically require a small footprint area.

Barcode Printers: Also known as Label Printers, Barcode Printers are ideal for high volume retail & distribution and are commonly used to create barcoded labels like UPC (Universal Product Code), inventory, & shipping labels. Found in either Thermal Transfer (requiring ink ribbon) or Direct Thermal which does not require ribbon, most Barcode Printers come in either 2 or 4-inch wide label sizes.

Portable Readers: Also known as Handheld Terminals, Portable Readers are mobile computers that combine integrated scanning, sophisticated wireless connectivity, and powerful processing capabilities, ideal for inventory control & stocking. After data collection is done, data is sent to the host to keep information up-to-date & accurate.

Biometric Readers: Also known as Fingerprint Scanners, Biometric Readers have built-in authentication, identification and verification functions that let your fingerprints act like digital passwords that cannot be lost, forgotten or stolen.