POS Hardware – what do you need?

JCS Computer Resource Corporation

www.jcscomputer.com

This article discusses the common POS hardware and how it is used to help you decide what components to buy. Prices have fallen drastically over the last 10 years, and you can put together a powerful system, even on a modest budget, using these guidelines.

Selecting the Right Hardware

Which hardware is right for you depends on your business needs and which software you choose. Before purchasing any hardware, decide on the software solution you want. Most software applications are compatible with most hardware, but check with the software vendor to be sure. If possible, try to pick a software company that also sells the hardware, so they will specifically recommend equipment to use. If you buy everything from one source, you only have one company to call for support.

Computers run it all

At the core of it all, POS systems are computers, generally running POS software under Microsoft Windows. You will have at least one computer, but you can have more:

• Each cash register is a computer with the POS register component installed
• A computer is needed in the manager’s office for running reports and back office functions
• A computer may be needed for database functions

If you have cash registers

If you have cash registers, you may want at each of them:

• A cash drawer to manage money and paper receipts
• A receipt printer
• Credit card readers to read the magnetic stripe on credit cards and membership cards
• Card writers to rewrite the balance on gift cards
• A pole display or counter-mounted display so customers can see transactions
• Specialized badge readers used for employee discounts and charges
• POS keyboards which allow you to label keys and assign them to products
• Touch screens for quick data input
• A change dispenser to return coins automatically

If you have inventory

If you have inventory, you may need:

• A label printer to tag your items or shelves
• A bar code scanner at each register to scan merchandise tags
• A portable scanner to use for physical inventory

Restaurants have other considerations

In your restaurant or café consider:

• Will you want a computer at the hostess station?
• Terminals in the kitchen to display orders
• Printers in the kitchen to print orders
• Integrated scales at the register when food is sold by weight

Lastly, for mission critical aplications, consider adding a UPS to provide reliable power.  To discuss your situation in depth with a specialist, contact JCS.

www.jcscomputer.com

info@jcscomputer.com

JCS Computer Resource Corporation

726 W. Algonquin road

Arlington Heights, IL

866 467 7672

POS: Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Missouri, Kansas, California, Florida