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Some Evaluation Points for
System Hardware Most basic POS systems consists of a cash drawer, receipt printer, monitor, and an input device. Employees can use touch screens, programmable keyboards, scanners, or handheld terminals to enter data into a POS system.
POS system keyboards: Grocery stores often prefer programmable POS keyboards that allow you to program individual keys for specific item codes and prices. Some POS keyboard models are standard 101-key models that you find with any computer. Others are smaller, more POS-specific devices, such as the flat-panel membrane keyboards common in fast food outlets. Often, POS keyboards come with built-in magnetic stripe readers for processing credit cards.
Several customers: If you do not usually have more than a customer or two in line, CCD scanners or entry-level laser scanners should meet your needs. Inexpensive scanners based on charged-couple device (CCD) technology have a short range, meaning that scanned items need to be 1 to 3 inches from the scanner. Laser scanners, which use a beam of light to read bar codes, offer better scanning ability with the ability to scan at longer distances. Constant flow of customers: A fairly constant flow of customers might call for autosensing laser scanners. Autosensing laser scanners turn themselves on when an item is placed in front of them, scan the code, and then turn off again. High-volume businesses: Very high volume businesses should investigate omnidirectional scanners and embedded scanners. Omnidirectional scanners send out 15 or 20 lasers simultaneously, letting you scan a bar code from any angle. Top-of-the-line embedded scanners, popular in supermarkets, are omnidirectional scanners installed below a counter.
Other Hardware devices you may need: POS printers: Every POS system needs a printer to create credit card slips and receipts for customers. Many restaurants also use POS printers to send orders to kitchen and bar staff. You'll find dot matrix printers and thermal printers. Inexpensive dot matrix printers, also known as impact printers, use pins and an ink ribbon to print on regular paper. They are better suited for kitchens where ambient temperature can prevent thermal printers from working effectively.
Thermal printers
use heat and special heat-sensitive paper to generate receipts. They
cost slightly more than dot matrix printers, but are faster, quieter, and
generally more reliable because they have fewer moving parts. Over several
years of use, the higher costs for thermal paper are just about balanced
out by the need to buy both paper and ribbons for dot matrix printers. Cash drawers: Cash drawers store cash, credit card slips, gift certificates, exchange receipts, and any other important paperwork. They frequently serve as a shelf for a display or other heavy pieces of equipment. Look for sturdy construction of at least 18-gauge steel that can stand up to constant opening and closing. Some cash drawers are more easily serviceable than others. Although the life expectancy of a cash drawer is measured in millions of cycles, make sure you can replace rollers, bearings, and other parts. In most cash drawers, the signal to open the drawer comes from the receipt printer — when buying components separately, look for compatible components. Customer displays: Also known as pole displays, customer displays show item and price information to the customer and some support advertising. Compare size and display appearance and make sure your software is compatible with the display's emulation. Magnetic stripe readers: POS software processes credit cards, but you'll still need a magnetic stripe reader to read the credit cards. Keyboards and touch screens often have built-in readers. If your input device does not, you'll need to purchase a standalone magnetic stripe reader. Check readers: Using magnetic ink character recognition (MICR), automatic check readers can quickly help you prevent fraud by verifying essential account information. If you see a significant volume of checks in your business, make sure your POS software supports check verification before purchasing a check reader. Fingerprint ID readers: For added security, you may also want to add a fingerprint ID reader to your POS system that limits which employees can access the POS terminal. Unlike PIN codes that can be read over someone's shoulder or magnetic swipe cards that can be forgotten by employees, stolen, or lost, fingerprint ID boxes read thumbprints and ensure the right employees can log on. No matter which POS system hardware you choose, consider the environment where your employees will use it. Both keyboards and touch screens are available with varying levels of spill- and dust-proofing. When looking into handheld devices, ask about the "drop test." Units are rated for toughness according to how much of a fall they can survive. Preventative maintenance can be important. Simply vacuuming out the cases and lubing and cleaning printers can extend their lives considerably. |
POS system touch screens:
Many users find touch screens more intuitive to use than keyboards and
touch screens provide flexible user interfaces and programming. Most touch
screens are sleek flat-panel LCDs, which cost slightly more than
traditional CRT monitors, but last longer, use less electricity, and take
up less space. With both CRT and LCD displays, avoid "overlay" touch
screens added on to regular monitors. They can be prone to breakdowns.
POS system scanners:
Scanners read a bar code and send the resulting numbers back to your POS
system computer, improving speed and accuracy during checkout. They
typically connect to the system through Y-connectors called wedges that
make them function as an extension of the keyboard. Choose a scanner based
on your average customer volume at checkout. 
POS system handheld
devices: Handheld terminals (essentially PDAs) wirelessly
transmit orders back to a base station. Newer write-on handhelds are also
available that use handwriting recognition software to parse orders and
send them to the kitchen and bar as needed. Handheld terminals allow
servers to spend more time on the floor taking orders, interacting with
customers, and up-selling desserts and drinks — offsetting the cost
difference between the handheld terminal and less expensive touch screens.
