More and more API applications are used by today’s increasingly distributed, language-independent modern application architectures that drive API adoption. One of the popular applications is the point-of-sale API, which brings many benefits to businesses. In this article, we would like to introduce how the POS API works and outline its potential benefits.
Point-of-sales API Overview
API – Application Programming Interface, is a mechanism that allows two software components to communicate with each other using a set of definitions and protocols. It provides access to a set of commonly used functions from which data can be exchanged between applications.
Point-of-sales API allows mobile users to open POS apps to process direct payments. Developers can use it to build custom point-of-sale solutions or any other application that requires payment without worrying about hardware integration.
How does the Point-of-sales API work?
The POS API usually uses an application switch; that is, an application that switches between a custom POS and a Point of Sale application to handle all needs such as payment and ordering. When it starts, it automatically switches to a point-of-sale app where users can swipe, dip a card, or tap on the device for NFC payments. After payment, the app will switch back to your custom POS.
The process flow
When it comes to the process flow of the POS API, the merchant’s mobile app first determines the total amount to charge the customer. That application encapsulates the transaction information and sends it upon request to the point-of-sale application for settlement. The transaction is completed with the application payment process via the custom POS application. The device will reactivate the merchant’s mobile application to receive and display the transaction results.
Data model
Information in the operation of the POS API includes the total transaction amount expressed in the smallest unit of the currency provided, the currency code of the transaction, types of bidding allowed to pay, URL callback, and App ID and API version.
Benefits of Point-of-sales (POS) API
The POS API system brings many benefits to businesses thanks to its own characteristics.
First of all, using the POS API will make it easy for businesses to import orders from multiple sales channels thanks to the integrated delivery it provides. Besides, users can easily get, add and update product lists and customer lists thanks to the powerful POS feature it provides.
In particular, a great benefit that this system brings is data synchronization. The POS supports inventory synchronization across different platforms, making meeting customer requirements easy. Along with that, it supports customer data synchronization to create the best impression. It helps create email marketing, integrate data into CRM, and store and analyze customer behavior.
Conclusion
Currently, in businesses, customers and potential data are two important goals for the company to work towards. Companies need a system to support this goal, and the presence of an API is crucial to the business platform. Making good use of the POS API will help create new applications, innovative experiences, and value for customers. If you are looking for a great POS system, feel free to contact us.
