PoS SYSTEMS
companies can keep a written tally; but larger companies often link their electronic point of sale (EPoS) systems with their enterprise resource planning (ERP) to allow a seamless reordering of supplies – and sometimes they also combine their store and e-commerce sales if that makes more sense and is more effective. This kind of approach can be crucial when used in conjunction with a more sophisticated just-in-time stock control method. Security is also important, whether it is through employee logins, systems to track transactions or security systems to maintain secure transactions. In many European countries, fiscal law has been brought in to avoid retailer fraud. With reporting done through the cash register, fiscalisation is always done through software. However, measures can be put in place that cover software and the PoS hardware. For example, in Slovenia, fiscalisation is handled through software; in Italy and Poland it is done through a specialised module and hardware within a PoS device; in Germany the software needs to meet criteria set out by the government. The best the PoS market has to offer There are many types of PoS solutions on the market for retailers and hospitality organisations to consider. Standout options include mPOS, mobility solutions and kiosk solutions. mPOS: the days of traditional bulky PoS setups are dead, mPOS solutions are now taking centre stage as more compact, cost- effective solutions. These interchangeable setups typically consist of a tablet, printer, card reader, scanner, customer display and cash drawer, which are commonly bundled together by resellers with additional EPOS software. These interchangeable solutions provide a cost-effective solution that can be upgraded as a business’ PoS estate evolves. But these types of solutions now require more intelligent printers too, such as those that can seamlessly connect to a host tablet device while supporting a charging port and up to four USB peripherals. This solution is a great way to use existing peripherals that are operated through the printer as it communicates to the tablet device via Bluetooth. Mobility solutions: for busy seasonal retail periods and pop-up stores, the need for accessible printing is becoming more popular. Mobile printers are the perfect solution as they easily connect to a smart device and can print receipts or labels. As batteries continue to improve, many printers can now be used for a complete shift and recharged outside
of opening hours. Many printer providers offer technologies that enable receipt, ticket and labelling solutions. Alternatively, there are battery powered PoS receipt printers. Much like a mobile printer, battery powered PoS receipt printers offer fixed location printing where power is not available. This type of printer is attractive for higher volume receipting for pop-up locations, which take larger quantities of transactions so a larger receipt roll can be used. Kiosk solutions: kiosk systems are becoming increasingly popular, which has been accelerated by the pandemic. These self-service solutions typically come with two types of printers, either a packaged printer or a kiosk mechanism, which are chosen based on the kiosk design and user requirements. Typically, stand-alone unmanned solutions are fitted with kiosk printing mechanisms that use a presenter; allowing for larger paper rolls to be used, which require fewer changes and thus less maintenance. Future of PoS printers The face of retail is changing. Traditional bricks-and-mortar stores are being complemented with e-commerce; and, with this, the use of printing and its technology is being adapted. As orders now also come in online, new software technologies such as native, web and cloud-based mPOS applications will enable printing to come directly to a designated printer for efficient picking, shipping or collecting. Additionally, retailers will be looking for mixed estates of printing technology covering receipting and labelling, with linerless labelling becoming increasingly important as a
Jay Kim managing director
bixoloneu.com
As orders now also come in online, new software “
technologies such as native, web and cloud-based mPOS applications will enable printing to come directly to a designated printer.
”
CONTINUED
printinthechannel.co.uk
43
Powered by FlippingBook