You know that using POS hardware is a fundamental element of the technology needed to run a modern business. But do you know when enough is enough or when enough is too much? One of the hard choices to make surrounding the retail till system is balancing functionality with space. Selecting the right software to go with compatible hardware throws more complexities into the mix, which may explain why many retailers still have legacy, space-consuming tills sitting on counters.
Reducing the footprint of your retail till system does not mean that you need to offload POS capabilities. It also does not mean that your lines will grow longer or that staff will have limited access to the tools they use on a regular basis. Reducing the space footprint of your POS system is as easy as choosing a POS system that contains a few core attributes that not only allows you to reclaim valuable real estate but also adds cutting-edge features that can be used to push your business forward.
Less Hardware Means Fewer Support Problems
The space that your POS till consumes on your sales counter is not the only area of concern when using legacy POS hardware. Supporting these tills requires expertise that is quickly dwindling as the marketplace modernizes, making it more of a challenge to get legacy POS tills repaired when they go down. Also, older tills, in addition to consuming a large number of support resources, come with higher power requirements and mounting limitations, further reducing your flexibility to make changes.
Taking a modern approach to retail POS tills starts with reducing the amount of hardware that is in place. Think of everything that comes along with running a business using these common legacy devices:
- Large monitor or LCD display
- CPU or computer box
- Printers, both traditional and receipt, as well as the appropriate cables and wires
- Network connection into a router, connected to a computer or server in the back
- Barcode scanner that is wired into a computer and monitor in your storeroom
- Credit card readers
- Cash drawer
The need to perform onsite data backups and manage software upgrades, have an appropriate space for server hardware, and utilize additional security is why you may be experiencing a shortage of space in your staff working areas. Reducing all of this down to a handful of portable devices will allow you to reclaim space and drastically reduce the time spent maintaining and supporting all of this technology.
Tablets Offer Space Savings and a New Age Touch
The introduction of iPad tablets into the small business world was a game-changer for many. In addition to gaining Apple’s award-winning support and the world-renowned reputation of iOS security, the sleek design of the iPad is seen as an attractive and customer-pleasing addition to the sales counter. These tablets provide a POS platform that performs the tasks previously filled by CPUs, display screens, and keyboards; the iPad alone will drastically reduce the physical and cost footprint of a POS till.
Card readers can be easily mounted on the same platforms as a tablet-based till eliminating the cumbersome card reader pad. Supporting POS software will eliminate the need for physical receipt printers by instead sending a digital invoice to the customer via email or SMS text. Additionally, the wireless aspect of tablets will cut the cord in all areas of your business, making the overall appearance of your store feel clean and more aesthetically pleasing.
Low Footprint Retail Till Systems Add Mobility to a Business Strategy
Mountable iPad tablets can be positioned in key locations within your store to provide you with new opportunities to engage your customers. Tablets can be equipped with Bluetooth-connected barcode readers for a price check and other customer self-service options. These kiosks can help to take the pressure off of your staff during your busiest moments while adding an attractive endless aisle element into your business strategy.
Tablet POS tills also introduce the ability to detach a tablet from its mount. Staff can quickly remove a tablet to carry it along when aiding a customer. This gives your sales staff instant access to a customer’s purchasing history and to your inventory and allows your employees to quickly place special orders for sizes or features on popular items that you may not physically carry. This contributes to an attractive white-glove level of customer service that will broaden the reach of your brand.
Get the Most Out of Your Space Through Innovative POS Options
Demands on space are a challenge that most retailers face on a daily basis. It makes sense to stop fighting your POS till equipment and to replace it with sleek, low-footprint options that allow you to reclaim vital areas in your store. Doing so will also save you on support costs and will present you with new options for attracting and retaining customers.Developing a retail technology strategy requires that you have a partner who understands the challenges of retail and is well-versed in emerging POS technology. The experts at talech stand ready to help you bring your business technology into a new and exciting era.
