What is ( POS)? It stands for Point Of Sale. Pos has a broad definition that might include merchandising displays, aids, and the methods used to do transactions. In our case, we're talking about the hardware and software that runs both the front office and back office operations of a business.

For most businesses, a basic POS system would consist of a computer, cash drawer, barcode scanner, receipt printer and the appropriate POS software. A service organization, like a pool service company, wouldn't need a cash drawer or a receipt printer. But they might want a laser printer for their service invoices. Again, you have the flexibility to easily customize a POS system for your particular business.

We can supply custom pos systems for a varity of businesses like gun software for the licensed FFL gun dealers.

The heart of any POS system is the computer (or computers) that runs the POS software. Any retail environment can put great demands on a POS system. Your point of sale system must stand up to multiple users, long periods of continuous use, power surges, extremes of temperature, dust, and numerous peripheral components, and other retail store demands

We understand the temptation to use an older computer or maybe one of the really low cost models available through the "superstores". But remember, once up and running, your business will be depending on this equipment, so a good quality computer is important. For example, all of our custom built-systems use high quality, name brand parts and will work reliably for years.

Operating system software, You now have a choice of operating system with the most POS Systems. ie Microsoft Windows XP Professional, Vista, or Wpos or FreeDOS.

The same advice goes for all the other components. A basic cash drawer will get the job done, but the heavy duty models really are built better and will last longer. CCD barcode scanners are more reliable than the old pencil type wands, but they're still designed to work with flat, easy to read barcodes. Laser scanners not only have a greater range, but the laser can wrap around bottles, bags or follow irregular shapes much better than the CCD models. Printer technology is also improving.

The workhorse of the industry used to be dot-matrix printers, and they're still fairly popular, but thermal technology is faster, quieter and reasonably priced. Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS's), or battery back-ups, are affordably priced and will keep you up and running during power glitches or short outages. Remember, your business will be depending on this equipment. If you're going to be using it a lot, spend the extra money and get the heavy duty models and UPS's.

POS system not only gives you control over your transactions, it also puts a wealth of information at your finger tips. Imagine being able to compare year to date and month to date sales with just a few keystrokes. A database of your customers can be a powerful marketing tool.

Receipt printer

As a retailer, you need to provide customers with a receipt of their transaction. All POS systems necessitate some type of receipt printer.The receipt printer recommended for our Pos solution requires no power supply its powered through the USB port. It's compact, taking up little valuable checkout counter real estate, and prints up to38 lines per second. Customers won't be delaye dwaiting for a receipt of the day's transaction.

Magnetic stripe reader

In a retail setting, an MSR (magnetic stripe reader) is amust. A POS magnetic stripe reader enables you to accept credit, debit, and gift cards. Magtek USB Magnetic Stripe Reader is just 3.5 inches long. You can program it to divide, rearrange, edit, and validate fields of magnetic card data. It's capable of reading up to three tracks of data with one swipe of the card in either direction. Multiple modes of confirmation are possible with beeper and LED indicator lights. It can be left free standing or mounted to your POS system.

Bar code scanner
To get the full utility of a POS solution for managing inventory, you need a POS bar code scanner. A small, lightweight handheld scanner is also crucial to quick register service. You're able to scan products with easeand assure proper accounting of your inventory. In addition, a POS bar code scanner means accuracy inpricing.With the recommended HP bar code scanner, actualregister checkout times are quicker because HP barcode scanners offer faster performance at 100 scansper second. Bright LED and adjustable beeper volumetells you and your employees that the unit is functioning properly and validates transactions.

Cash drawer

A heavy-duty cash drawer is desirable for handling the day-to-day abuse of different employees engaged inquick transactions. Organizational dividers for cash,coupons, checks, and other paper receipts can also behelpful for efficient customer service. HP's cash draweroffers several layers of security options correspondingto when the drawer is locked-closed, locked-open,online, and in manual open mode. It's specifically designed to complement the HP rp5700 and HP USBthermal receipt printer.

Point of sale software, as part of a solid POS solution, can assist you in managing your entire operation. Customer service is improved with workflow management. The checkout process will be faster because more tasks are automated. With a POS system, an employee scans an item using the bar code scanner.

Pos software systems will automatically calculates the price, including any sales or promotional discounts or customter coupons. The system also will subtract the item from available inventory.

POS Software will also track your inventory, automatically creating order lists as needed, even adjusting quantities for seasonal demand. In short, a POS system helps you keep a constant eye on your bottom line.