You’re happy with the great POS system you’ve invested in. Your staff knows how to use it and it seems to work really well. Sadly, a system seems to slow down when every cashier logs into it and starts billing customers.
The Solution
Your POS system may be new, but it will cause problems if you do not use it correctly. When that happens, your billing will get slow. The whole point of having a POS system is lost. Here are a few tips to keep this from happening. With their help, your POS system will stay fast.
Check Printers
Software and hardware problems like a seizing printer can be very hard to deal with in general. This is especially true if there are many customers waiting for their bill. All of your clients are in a hurry and then the cashier starts battling with a balky receipt printer. This is quite frustrating. Customers may abandon their carts and even abandon the store, causing you to lose potential earnings. To keep this from happening, make sure you run software diagnostics before the store opens every day.
This includes checking the printer and making sure that the paper roll is full. Use easy-to-load printers and keep the paper roll handy if it runs out. Most of the latest thermal printers are quite easy to use. They are also quite durable as they work all day long. You won’t have these issues if you choose a name brand printer with a good warranty.
Consider Using Touch Screens
We recommend using a touch screen system instead of a manual entry one. This streamlines the billing process and saves billing time. Data is entered directly into the system without any typos. The cashier scans the item using the barcode scanner and then touches the screen to bill the product. Basically, the cursor activity is controlled by touch on the touch screen. You are also eliminating a mouse, mouse pad, and a keyboard with a touch screen.
Speed up the System Using Wi-Fi Technology
Go for a fast wireless internet package to make your POS system faster. You can bill items, conduct inventory checks and swipe credit cards faster with a fast connection too. Sometimes, your POS system is slowed down if you use a separate credit card system. Try integrating your POS system with your credit card swipes. Most vendors offer this service. You may be able to process payments in less than two seconds if you integrate your credit card system.
Use Reliable Barcode Scanners
Barcode scanners are needed with a POS system. They reduce inventory errors and pricing mistakes and speed up the billing process. You should consider getting an OMNI directional scanner if you really want to speed up the entire system. You can scan any object no matter where the barcode is located with this scanner.
Choose Good Hardware and Software
Always choose the best software and hardware for your store. Think about it. A billing system has to deal with at least 10 customers a day, more like 40. A cheap system will break down and you will lose time and money getting it up and running again. A lot of businesses choose cheap systems and then regret their choice. Always invest in high-quality software and hardware from a good vendor.
Make sure your staff can easily access promotions or popular items on the menu screen to make the checkout process faster and easier for them. Get rid of old and unused pay screen options to stay organized and reduce confusion. You will be very pleasantly surprised to see how much faster your employees will be able to keep the lines moving.
You can save time and money on both labor costs and training as well as eliminate costly checkout mistakes by organizing your menus.
Update your System
Even if your system is only a few months old, your vendor will have security patches and software updates available for it. These updates are necessary to protect your system and they guarantee that your POS is working efficiently. For better protection, you also need to locate and install the best malware, adware, and anti-virus system for your POS.
Isolate Your POS System
Don’t choose an open network to host your POS system. Retail POS systems are often vulnerable to attack as they contain customer information, inventory information, and store details. Hosting the system on an open network just makes problems. Do not allow employees to access the system for private emails as it may invite adware and viruses, according to Dew Networks.
Walk your staff through the system
It is a proven fact that most people learn by doing, so show your employees your software, walk them through each step, then let them work with it. You’re showing your team respect by giving them the tools to learn how to use the system. It’s a way of showing you trust them and their abilities. As you press buttons and adjust settings, walk through each step. Each employee needs a chance to test the system, so expect training to take a bit longer than usual. This might seem a bit annoying, but it can save you a great deal of time and money long-term. The more training your team receives, the fewer errors you’ll have to fix later.
Final Thoughts
If you follow these tips, your POS system will start working faster. Call your vendor to repair it in case you are still experiencing problems. Many vendors offer service contracts with their software and hardware packages. All you need to do is call the vendor and they will dispatch a service technician to check the system. If the POS is under warranty, do not call a local technician. Ideally, your POS system should be evaluated by a trained technician working for the vendor who sold it to you. He will best be able to check it and resolve any issues that may exist.
