Wherever you are, whether it is in the retail or culinary industry, implementing POS software is essential to running a successful business. This can help you streamline operations, manage inventory, and gain insight into your customers' buying habits. But with so many different POS systems on the market, how do you choose the right one for your business?
This time, we will explain a step-by-step guide to choosing the best POS software according to your needs. We'll also share some tips for getting the most out of your POS system once you have it up and running.
Benefits of Using POS Software
There are many benefits to using POS software, such as the ability to streamline operations, manage inventory, and provide insight into customer behaviour. POS software can also help you save time and money by reducing errors and increasing efficiency.
Investing in POS software can help you streamline everyday tasks and keep your business running smoothly. Given the benefits, most businesses have completely switched to Web POS or cloud-based POS. According to a recent POS survey and report, 52% of organizations have adopted a cloud-based POS solution. Among these are 7% of retailers who are currently using POS software products, and 28% are planning on doing so.
As a proven and tested approach, implementing POS software can help businesses speed up sales processes and improve inventory management. Most POS solutions also generate Financial Reports and customer insights, enabling business owners to make better decisions about their business and increase their bottom line.
7 Steps To Choose The Best POS Software
1. Determine Your Needs
When choosing a POS system for your business, the first step is to determine exactly what your needs are, as well as what your customers are asking for. From there, you should narrow down the features that are most useful for your day-to-day operations. There are also software vendors that offer customised solutions. This way, you can invest in a tailor-made solution that is designed for the type of business you have.
Another thing to consider is the number of employees who will be using the software. Whether you have a small or large team in your business, there are many POS solutions available in the market to choose from. Once you have a clear idea of your needs, you can move on to step two—researching the different types of POS systems.
2. Research different types of POS systems
Today, there are many types of POS systems on the market. This makes it even more important that you do your research before making a purchase. Here are some of the most common types of POS systems you can find:
Traditional POS systems: typically used in retail environments, these types of POS systems often include features such as inventory management and customer tracking. Traditional POS software is also installed on a local server, meaning it can be more expensive and difficult to set up. However, it offers more control and customisation options. If you run a large business with complex needs, traditional POS software may be the best choice for you.
Cloud-based POS system: one type of POS system to consider is cloud-based POS software. Cloud-based systems are hosted on the Internet, which means you can access them from any device with an internet connection. Since there is no need to purchase or install any hardware before using a cloud-based POS, they are usually more affordable than traditional POS systems.
3. Consider Your Budget
Just as with software purchasing decisions, it's crucial to consider your budget when choosing a system. POS software products on the market usually range in price from a few hundred Malaysian Ringgit (RM) to a few thousand. To ensure that you won't be overwhelmed by hidden costs when purchasing software, you'll also want to factor in additional costs such as hardware, installation, and training.
4. Compare Features And Prices
When you compare POS software options, it's necessary to compare apples to apples. Make sure you look at the features that are important to your business, and that the prices are within your budget.
To help you compare features, we've put together a list of must-have features for any POS software:
Inventory management: a good POS system will help you keep track of your inventory. This way, you always know what's in stock and what products need to be re-ordered as soon as possible.
Customer management: a good POS system can help you track customer information, including contact information, purchase history, and loyalty points. This information can be used to improve your online store and provide better customer service and targeted marketing campaigns.
Employee Management: Some POS systems also allow you to track employee information, including shift schedules, hours-in/hours-out times, and sales reports. With this information, you can easily manage your staff and increase employee productivity.
Data reporting: POS systems also provide valuable insight into your business operations, including data on sales, customer behaviour, and inventory levels. By leveraging this data, you can make informed and intelligent decisions about your business.
Price is another important factor to consider when choosing POS software. Some software providers charge a monthly fee, while others charge a one-time fee. Make sure you understand the pricing structure before making a purchase.
Once you've considered features and prices, it's time to compare POS software options side by side. This will help you narrow down your options and choose the best POS system for your business.
5. Read Reviews
Once you've narrowed down your choices, take the time to read reviews of the POS software options you're considering. Reading reviews from other businesses can give you insight into the pros and cons of each software option. To get started, you can search for reviews on Google and look for a credible software review platform.
6. Consider Ease of Use
One of the most important factors you should consider is the ease of use of your chosen POS software. Ideally, you want a system that is intuitive and easy to learn so you can train your staff and adopt solutions quickly. After all, the last thing you want is a POS system that is difficult to use or takes forever to train your employees. Look for a system that is user-friendly and has a short learning curve.
7. Get A Free Demo Or Trial
When you're considering POS software, it's important to get a feel for how the system works before you commit to anything. Many vendors offer free trials of their software so you can test it for free. You can also request a demo from the vendor so you can see the software in action and understand how it will work for your business.
OrderPin will be an ideal POS system for you. It provides features needed by business owners, such as store management, product management, QR ordering, etc., and allows you to access all the data with various devices.
