How does EPoS work?
EPoS software allows staff to input commands via computer keyboards, mice, touch screens and barcode scanners. When serving a customer, the employee can either input the item details manually using a keyboard or mouse, or automatically by using a barcode scanner. The EPoS Point of Sale software will then search for the product in the inventory database, update stock and other relevant records, and issue a price. The system can also automatically calculate taxes, delivery charges, refunds, and change. Once the sale is complete, the EPoS system will print out a VAT receipt.
Why use EPoS?
EPoS Point of Sales software can be customised to your specific requirements so that transaction errors are massively reduced. Staff will know where specific "buttons" are located and the process, to follow, to complete a sale. The chances of human error are reduced and the data is accurate, as all calculations and database look-ups are done by the computer.
Employees will be able to move from shop to shop, in a group, without having to re-learn how to use the EPoS Touch Screen Terminal. EPoS software can be updated and modified, following employee feedback, to increase efficiency and profitability.
Security is improved and the chances of theft reduced, because EPoS systems can include CCTV and transaction monitoring. Each transaction is recorded on video, every time the cash drawer is opened. The transaction details are displayed on the screen together with the employee login details. The fact that staff know there is a system in place, that monitors transactions, is a deterrent. Individual shops, pubs, restaurants or stores can be monitored from a central location. On the minute sales turnover and analysis can be accessed in real-time.
EPoS software makes accounting a lot easier, as detailed reports on inventory, purchase, or customer databases can be integrated with accountancy packages such as SAGE Line 50, Quickbooks etc.
EPoS Hardware and Equipment
EPoS touch screens are supplied in three formats:
1) Integrated Touch Screen Terminal with built-in PC
2) Touch screen monitor with separate PC, mini tower etc.
3) PC monitor with a Thin-film Membrane stuck to the screen
Peripherals such are printers and barcode scanners can then be attached to the PC unit via relevant ports on the back of the main EPoS PC unit. There are many types of EPoS hardware peripherals, but generally the most popular are:
- Barcode Scanners
- Cash Draws
- Chip and Pin
- Customer Displays
- Keyboards
- Mobile PDA's (for mobile EPoS integration)
- Printers
- Tablets
-
Weighing Scales
Which EPoS Equipment do I buy?
It really depends on your application and working environment. If the EPoS equipment is used in a pub then option (1) is probably the best. There is no mini computer to steal and there is less chance of damage by spillage. Integrated Touch Screen Terminals are built to work in poor conditions, kitchens with steam, heat, spillage etc. I have heard stories of integrated EPOS terminals that have had beer poured all over them, in a pub, and still work. These do tend to be more expensive and offer a limited choice of PC's and memory options.
If you wish to save money, have a PC with a specification that has more power etc., then option (2) could be your best choice. You can always take the PC home with you at night.
Beware of cheap EPoS equipment quotations, they probably include a converted PC monitor with a Thin-film Membrane (3) stuck to the screen. How many times have you stuck something on (car Tax Disk) only to see it drop off? In steamy, hot environments this could be a problem.
Quality and reliability cost more!
EPoS Software
EPoS software should be designed to be powerful, yet simple to learn and use. A lot of retail EPoS software would appear to emulate a cash register, and are no more than an electronic method of replacing the old system, but include stock control.
You really have a choice between an electronic cash register or a customisable and specifically designed EPoS system for your company or outlet(s). If you look inside a Formula 1 racing car, you will see that the cockpit and controls are positioned for optimum useage. Hand movement and the field of view are reduced so that instructions can be made with the quickest response time.
Can an EPoS terminal be compared to the cockpit of a Formula 1 racing car?
It's all about ergonomics, employee satisfaction, less wastage and more profit.
A single site system is £395 inc. vat or £890 inc. vat with a website design, online ordering and hosting for 12 months on my London server.
Customised EPoS Software
Mr EPoS is a software development company. We specialise in the retail, restaurant, pub and leisure industries and produce our own EPoS programs in VB.NET etc. We provide an inexpensive solution for small to large companies including restaurant, pub, food and retail chains.
We will produce an EPoS program specific to the requirements of your organisation, following an investigation of you working practices and environment. We will include powerful management tools to interrogate the system in real time for £1,800 exc. vat.
Once a "corporate" system has been agreed, we will supply the software at a annual licence fee of just £500 exc. vat per site. Support costs subject to requirements.
Software Support and Updates
Mr EPoS includes 12 months free updates and minor modifications including phone and email support Monday to Sunday. We ask you to have a broadband connection.
