Review of Point-of-Sale Software — 2005

POS software products are also called upon to perform tasks other than simply
processing sales transactions. They may also track layaways, handle multiple
tax categories, track UPC codes and inventory, record your customers’
shopping habits, and handle multiple stores or locations. In a non-retail environment,
they may process service transactions or even your next cup of coffee.

This leads me to the importance of careful research. Like any product genre,
some will perform better in certain environments. In other words, the POS product
used in a clothing retail store will probably vary widely from what a coffee
shop may use.

It’s important to also take a look at the options available with each
package. Does it support multiple users and multiple locations? Does it offer
touch-screen capability? If it is not part of a financial package, does it offer
integration to third-party accounting software such as QuickBooks or Peachtree?
Does it update your inventory or offer inventory control as an option? Will
it update customer records for target marketing? Can it handle gift cards, loyalty
cards and customer discounts? Does it offer reporting options that will be useful
to your business overall, such as inventory performance activity?

The POS products reviewed here all offer solid solutions to the busy retailer
who is focused on selling products rather than on the software needed to maintain
the store’s operation. Some are better suited to specific retail environments,
but all are capable of providing a POS solution that will make life just a little
easier.

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