You have invested in a great POS system and you are happy with it. Your staff knows how to use it and the system seems to work really well. Unfortunately, sometimes the system seems to hang when every cashier logs into the system and starts billing customers. It has just been six months and the system is new. Why are you experiencing so many problems with the system?
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The Solution
Your POS system may be new, but if you do not use the system correctly it will cause problems for users, according to the POS Software Guide. When that happens, your billing will slow down again. The whole purpose of having a POS system is defeated. Therefore, to prevent this from happening, here are a few tips that will speed up your POS system and result in faster billing.
Tip #1 – Consider Using Touch Screens
Instead of using a manual entry system, it is a good idea to use a touchscreen system. This simplifies the billing process and saves billing time. Data is entered directly into the system without any typing errors as well. The cashier uses the barcode scanner to scan the item and then touches the screen to bill the product. Essentially, the cursor activity is controlled by touch on the touch screen. With a touch screen, you are also eliminating a mouse, mouse pad, and a keyboard.
Tip #2 – Use Easy-To-Load Receipt Printers
Software and hardware problems like a seizing printer can be very difficult to deal with in general. This is particularly the case if there are many customers waiting for their bill. Everyone is in a hurry and then the cashier starts struggling with a balky receipt printer. This is quite annoying. Customers may abandon their carts and even abandon the store, causing you to lose money and customers. To prevent this, make sure you run software diagnostics before the store opens every day. Check the printer and ensure that the paper roll is full. In case the roll runs out, use easy-to-load printers and keep the paper roll handy. Most of the latest thermal printers are quite easy to operate. They are also quite rugged as they work all day long. Choose a name brand printer with a good warranty and you will not have these problems.
Tip # 3 – Use Wi-Fi Technology to Speed the System
Choose a fast wireless internet package to make your POS system faster. With a fast connection, you can bill items, conduct inventory checks and swipe credit cards faster as well. Sometimes, using a separate credit card system can also slow down your POS system. Try integrating your credit card swipes with your POS system. Most vendors do offer this service. By integrating your credit card system, you could process payments in less than two seconds.
Tip # 4 – Choose Reliable Hardware and Software
Always choose the best hardware for your store. Think about it. At the least, a billing system has to deal with anywhere from ten customers to 50 customers in a day. Cheap systems will break down and you lose time and money getting them up and running again. It is amazing how many people choose cheap systems and then regret their choice. Always invest in high-quality software and hardware from a reliable vendor.
Tip # 5 – Use Good Barcode Scanners
Barcode scanners are necessary with a POS system. They reduce pricing mistakes, inventory errors, and speed up the billing process. If you really want to speed up the entire system, you should consider getting an OMNI directional scanner. With this scanner, you can scan any object no matter where the barcode is located.
Tip # 6 – Isolate Your POS System
Do not host your POS system on an open network. POS systems are often vulnerable to attack as they contain customer data, inventory information, and store details. Hosting the system on an open network just invites problems. Do not allow staff members to access the system for private emails as it may invite viruses and adware, according to Dew Networks.
Tip # 7 – Update your System
Even if your system is six months old, your vendor will have software updates and security patches available for your system. These updates are necessary to protect your system and they make sure that your POS is working efficiently. For better protection, you also need to find and install the best adware, malware and anti-virus system for your POS.
After following these tips, you should notice your POS system working faster, according to Business News Daily. In case you are still experiencing problems, call your vendor to repair the system. Vendors like Shopify offer service contracts with their hardware and software POS packages. All you have to do is call the vendor and they will send a service technician to inspect the system. Do not call a local technician since the POS system is under warranty. A trained technician is the best person to evaluate your system and resolve any issues that may exist.
