Beginners Guide To EPoS Systems

Although the name may not seem familiar, many people have seen, and even used, an EPoS system.  EPoS stands for ‘Electronic Point of Sales’ and is used in almost every shop to track sales, stock etc.  Fast food restaurants use these machines, equipped with touch screen cash registers, extensively for the quick ordering of customers’ food.  These machines are used every day, yet not much is known by the general public about how they work or what interesting other uses they offer.

Read on if you’re interested in finding out more.

The Basics

You might already have an image in your head of these machines and be able to begin to understand how useful they can be.  However, if you still can’t quite place what they are exactly, this will explain it further.  EPoS systems are usually found at the checkout of each shop and are used to record transactions.  They also provide stock information; when an item of stock is sold, it removes it from the store’s stock list.

Some large retailers provide these touch screen stock systems around their store so that it is convenient for customers to see if the product they are looking for is in stock.  These useful pieces of technology can also be linked to a store’s website and provide real-time stock information online.  Again, the benefits of this for both customer and company are clear to be seen.

Benefit for the Business

One of the biggest problems for businesses is having their cash tied up in stock.  An EPoS system can completely ease this dilemma through its stock handling system.  By being provided information about what stock is sold quickest and which stock doesn’t sell quite so well, store managers are able to purchase items sensibly.  For example, if a shop is selling more sneakers than hiking boots, the system will provide information about which item of stock is more in demand.  This allows the manager to see that he needs to get more sneakers in to meet the demand, while not needing to buy any more hiking boots as they’re not as popular.

Benefit for the Customer

A touch screen PoS system provides an interactive sales experience for the customer.  Many supermarkets now have self-checkout services which allow the customer to purchase items easier and quicker, which inevitably make both store and customer happy.

Another benefit that the EPoS system provides for the customer is the fact that it can be linked to a website.  The beneficial factor of this is that a real-time stock update is provided to the customer, so that they can see what items are in stock, and which are not.  This will certainly lower a customer’s frustration at having to travel all the way into the shop, only to find the item they want is sold out.  Other information provided to the customer is the delivery date of an out of stock product, as well as suggesting any similar products which the customer may also want to buy.

About Author: This article was written by Alex Girardi, who recommends going to www.captiva.ie when in need of an EPoS system.