Introduce 12 essential POS features retail must know

Today, there are hundreds of options for POS systems that make you overwhelmed by the increasingly advanced features it offers. However, the necessity of a POS system is to ensure that the basic features for the business operations of the enterprise are met. In this article, we would like to introduce the 12 essential POS features for retailers to understand and choose the right one.

12 essential POS features retail must know

Quick and easy product lookup

A POS system must meet the most basic requirement, which is to support quick and easy product lookup thanks to shortcuts in the system. Ideally, this search feature is right on the sale screen, so your cashier won’t have to switch to another screen just to look up an item.

Real-time data updating 

The feature of updating data in real-time is also an outstanding basic feature of a POS system because today’s businesses are tending to omnichannel commerce or omnichannel retail. This must-have feature helps businesses easily manage order, product, customer, and inventory data on the same platform, bringing benefits to businesses.

Omnichannel integration and management

Selling both in-store and online will help the business to maximize sales and profits, and at the same time, meet the habits and needs of customers. Therefore, the essential POS feature of the system is omnichannel integration and management to increase your online presence and grow your business. These two features work in tandem, as the online sales manager provides the option to tailor e-commerce efficiently, while the omnichannel platform assists in selling products to customers everywhere.

Multiple payment methods

An important element of the POS feature in the system is allowing multi-method payments. The easier it is for customers to pay you, the more likely they are to buy and return to your store. Therefore, choosing a POS system with a bar processor that can accept all credit and debit cards will give your business more flexibility.

Returns, refunds, and store credit features

A store’s return policy is important to a store’s business as consumers increasingly prefer stores with shopper-friendly policies. The POS feature helps in creating the ideal return policy for your store by giving you flexible options to return the item, refund, or store credit.

User accounts and permissions

For a business, it is fundamental to associate and work with many people. Therefore, the important POS feature is to allow businesses to create users for each of them so that you can keep track of each person’s sales. This feature will also allow businesses to set sales goals and manage employee performance. Enterprises, however, should be aware that the system needs to password protect each user so that there is no risk of data leakage.

Mobility

Mobile POS systems are gaining popularity in the retail sector and many customers are starting to expect this option. So an essential feature of a modern POS system is mobility. This feature makes the purchase and payment process faster, giving customers a more personalized experience.

Inventory management

The inventory management feature is important, allowing businesses to track inventory in real time. A basic POS system should make sure to provide this feature by integrating business orders with online and in-store purchases, so business owners can track their supply quickly and efficiently. This will help businesses save money and avoid making mistakes when ordering from their suppliers.

Employee management

Employees are the people who directly bring revenue and profit to the business. Therefore, the POS system needs to provide an essential feature of employee management. This feature will help businesses track employee productivity while easily maintaining a safe and financially healthy work environment. For many small businesses, managing employees and closely monitoring sales creates a more reliable and productive workplace.

Customer Management

Businesses need to create a connection and a close relationship with customers to increase the likelihood of returning and keeping them with the brand longer. Customer management POS features are essential for businesses. This feature will help businesses store and remember purchase history from which to make appropriate suggestions. Moreover, it will create and manage loyalty programs to help customers stay with the brand for the long term.

Reporting

Reporting tools are very important for retail POS systems. These show you your sales and which products sell best (highest profit) or worst sell (low profit). Reporting tools also allow businesses to see the effectiveness of promotions, top salespeople and customers, and customer buying trends. Therefore, this is a necessary feature in the enterprise POS system.

Third-party software integrations

A POS system with its integration with other third-party programs or software can add a customer management aspect to your business. Integration with third-party software allows businesses to adopt new functions, such as recording customer information, maintaining loyalty programs, and providing targeted promotions. Some POS systems have customer relationship management features, and some offer a range of built-in software applications.

ConnectPOS is a great system that provides all the basic features of a POS system, especially Centralized data and Customization. The Centralized data feature comes with The Multi-Source Inventory software, which will help businesses optimize business activities and bring more profit.

Conclusion

The diverse POS feature is one of the most valuable tools for a retail business. In addition to the special features that the system provides, the retailer needs to pay attention to the essential features that a system needs. If you are looking for an essential full-featured POS system suitable for any business, contact us.