The right time to replace your venue’s Point of Sale System is when? Here is a guide to ensure your POS System never crashes during peak business hours again.
When is the right time to upgrade your POS System? The answer depends on a number of factors, including the age of the hardware and the software and the POS System’s functionality. Other aspects than can influence your decision-making are the availability of parts and technical support as well as financial considerations.
Current system limitations
Is there a newer POS System that offers additional features your current Point of Sale System doesn’t? Could these features significantly improve your business by saving you time and money? Imagine how inventory, caller ID, scheduling, alerts, remote access to system features, instant access to date plus better communication for multi-stores could benefit your company. A POS company like POSmate is constantly innovating and improving. If you’re not with an updated POS company like POSmate you’ll probably be left behind.
System breakdowns
If your current POS System is breaking down on a regular basis it might be due to a problem with the printer or monitor. Even though these seem like small issues, these constant minor hardware failures are annoying and they cost you money in lost business and replacement parts. Furthermore, these failures could actually be a sign that the whole system is about to crash. To avoid this, planning ahead is the best option.
Parts availability
If you have an older Point of Sale System, the parts you may need are most likely no longer supported. Advancing technologies make older operating systems obsolete, along with networking technologies, peripherals and other hardware parts. The older the POS System becomes, the more difficult it is to find replacement parts. If you are working with an out-dated system, you may be working with fewer stations that you need, and not performing useful functions such as restoring and backing up data. If this is the case, you could be at risk of a major system failure.
Technical support availability
Even if you know your point of sale system inside out, you will still come to a point when you absolutely require professional technical support. If you’re working on an older POS System in your venue, maybe you don’t have access to 24-hour POS Help & Support – a crucial element to running a successful POS System.
Ease of use with newer systems
Newer POS Systems are often easier to use than out dated ones. Even if your staff are used to using the older POS System, the newer POS Systems offer a graphical interface that simplifies training for employees and managers, therefore are generally quick to adjust to. Within a few training sessions with POSmate Point of Sale, hospitality staff are comfortable with the POS System fairly quickly. Features like inventory and marketing are easier to use with newer POS Systems, therefore are more likely to be used.
Financial considerations
Financially, it may be a good time to update your equipment now. If your current Point of Sale System is fully depreciated a new POS System may cost less than you think when you consider the tax savings. These days, it is practical to consider technology as a regular, ongoing expense for a business. With a lease, you can pay about the same amount each month for a new POS System as you are for your older one. The benefit is that you keep up on technology instead of letting your investment deteriorate with an out-of-date POS System.
As technology advances, so should your venue’s Point of Sale System. The more out dated your POS System is, the harder it is to find parts and the features are more and more limited. With leasing options and the end of the financial year approaching, choosing a new POS for Restaurants, POS for Cafés or POS for Bars and Clubs like POSmate Point of Sale Systems is affordable for everyone!