The new enterprise retail POS

• Being cloud-based means your digital data is stored, managed, and processed on a network of remote servers hosted on the internet, rather than on local servers or personal computers.
• Cloud-based POS systems are compatible with most POS hardware (cash drawers, printers, etc.) and can be installed on any tablet or smartphone. 
• Cloud-based and mobile retail POS systems are typically less expensive and more convenient than stationary legacy systems. 
• Cloud-based and mobile POS systems collect data that can be viewed and managed remotely from mobile devices through cloud computing, instead of being tied to a terminal.
• Cloud-based POS systems run on software that enables automatic updates. So, whenever there are upgrades to the software, the update will be able to automatically install on the POS. 
• Cloud-based POS systems can be even more secure, since the cloud service providers take additional precautions than if you stored software and data on your local server. Cloud services also have security measures in place to protect your data from hackers.
• Cloud-based systems also ensure you don’t lose all your data, unlike if you stored it on a local hard drive and it fails.

Omnichannel point of sale systems are able to facilitate omnichannel checkout and returns seamlessly:

• Omnichannel checkout – Gives associates one-touch access to inventory at other locations and online and enables them to checkout the customer’s full order in a single transaction, even if it’s a mixed basket. 
•  Omnichannel returns – Accommodates refunds, exchanges and other return types, and lets associates process returns purchased online as easily as those purchased in-store. 

Omnichannel point of sale is an essential part of the modern in-store experience. Today’s consumers are digitally savvy and channel-agnostic. Associates need to be equipped to support customers in an omnichannel way. An omnichannel retail POS equips associates to be able to act as guides through today’s multi-channel customer journey.

In short, legacy systems are outdated. The software written 30+ years ago doesn’t account for the needs of today’s omnichannel shoppers— it isn’t agile or extensible, and trying to pull reports requires manual effort. The hardware is clunky and expensive, and it requires a large amount of square footage of floor space to store.

Modern POS systems are agile and extensible, they’re ready to grow and evolve with your business and your customers. The hardware is notably less expensive, and allows mobility throughout the store. Cloud-based solutions have the depth of functionality top retailers need in the current retail environment.

These 8 key features of the modern retail POS provide many benefits to retailers at every level of their organization from the store associates, to IT, to executive leadership.

• Inexpensive hardware- Reduce the initial cost of hardware, as well as the lifelong costs of maintenance and upgrades. 
• Agility and extensibility- Allow for a quick and seamless integration into existing systems while also providing the ability to scale as the business grows.
• Security- Gives customers the peace of mind they need to be able to trust you to take care of their personal and payment data.
• Intuitive UI- Gets new associates up-to-speed almost instantly by automating basic tasks and offering prompts to help provide a consistent customer experience.
• Mobility- Provides a consistent experience to customers by allowing associates to stay by their side along the entire shopping journey from the moment they walk in the door, to the time they leave.
• Omnichannel sales and returns- Enables associates to ring up a customer’s full order in a single transaction, even if it’s a mixed basket, and lets them process returns purchased online as easily as those purchased in-store. 
• Real-time insights to sales metrics- Equips retailers with market-leading analytics tools that go beyond end of day totals to provide advanced real-time reporting and forecasting. 
• Omnichannel inventory management- Gives associates access to inventory at other locations and online for full product visibility.

• Modern POS systems adapt to the customer journey. 
• The omnichannel capabilities keep the journey smooth across channels. 
• The mobility creates a continuous flow while shopping in-store.
• The security gives them peace of mind that the retailer will keep their information safe, no matter what.