Useful article about EPOS Systems:
Epos Retail
The retailing industry is one of the predominant users of EPOS terminals.
A Retail Point of Sales system typically includes a computer, monitor, cash drawer, receipt printer, customer display and a barcode scanner. It can also include a weight scale, integrated credit card processing system, a signature capture device and a customer pin pad device.
More and more EPOS monitors use touch-screen technology for ease of use and a computer is built in to the monitor chassis for what is referred to as an all-in-one unit. All-in-one EPOS units save valuable counter space for the retailer.
The EPOS software can typically handle a myriad of customer based functions such as sales, returns, exchanges, layaways, gift cards, gift registries, customer loyalty programs. EPOS software can also allow for functions such as pre-planned promotional sales, manufacturer coupon validation, foreign currency handling and multiple payment types.
Hospitality industry
Hospitality Epos systems are computerized systems incorporating cash registers, computers and epos peripheral equipment, usually on a computer network. Like other Epos systems, these systems keep track of sales, labor and payroll, and can generate records used in accounting and book keeping. They may be accessed remotely by restaurant corporate offices, troubleshooters and other authorized parties.
Epos systems have revolutionized the restaurant industry, particularly in the fast food sector. In the most recent technologies, registers are computers, sometimes with touch screens. The registers connect to a server, often referred to as a "store controller" or a "central control unit." Printers and monitors are also found on the network.
Another innovation in technology for the restaurant industry is Wireless EPOS. Many restaurants with high volume use wireless handheld EPOS, (i.e. PARTNER OT-100) to collect orders which are sent to a server. The server sends required information to the kitchen in real time.
Restaurant business
Restaurant EPOS refers to Epos software that runs on computers, usually touch screen terminals or wireless handheld devices. Restaurant EPOS systems assist businesses to track transactions in real time.
Typical restaurant EPOS software is able to print guest checks, print orders to kitchens and bars for preparation, process credit cards and other payment cards, and run reports. In addition, some systems implement wireless pagers and electronic signature capture devices.
In the fast food epos industry, registers may be at the front counter, or configured for drive through or walk through cashiering and order taking. Front counter registers take and serve orders at the same terminal, while drive through registers allow orders to be taken at one or more drive through windows, to be cashiered and served at another. In addition to registers, drive through and kitchen monitors may be used by store personnel to view orders.
Once orders appear they may be deleted or recalled by "bump bars", small boxes which have different buttons for different uses. Drive through systems are often enhanced by the use of drive through wireless systems which enable communications with drive through speakers.
EPOS systems are often designed for a variety of clients, and can be programmed by the end users to suit their needs. Some large clients write their own specifications for vendors to implement. In some cases, EPOS systems are sold and supported by third party distributors, while in other cases they are sold and supported directly by the vendor.
Hotel business
EPOS software allows for transfer of meal charges from dining room to guest room with a button or two. It may also need to be integrated with property management software. |
