When you are looking for a POS system for your business, one of the things that you will also need to look for is POS software for your business. With so many different types of POS systems and so many problems recently with places such as Kmart revealing security breaches, as reported by Yahoo News, picking one for your business seems daunting. But here are some tips that you can use for finding the right POS software from Software Advice.
1. Make sure management is involved
Your software for retail management is going to impact most of the aspects in your business; therefore it’s not a decision which you can delegate to your computer guy or someone who isn’t management. This process will demand the talent of management, perspective, and process expertise that only a senior manager or owner is able to provide. What if the computer guy chose a system based on databases that he liked but he didn’t recognize the system is accounting for an inventory different than the one that you do?
2. Figure out what you need
A lot of buyers allow a software salesman to drive their process and figure out their requirements. But you are the one who knows the way that your business needs to be run and where you’ll need automation so you get the highest ROI. You have to map out the processes in your business and feature your requirements. Are you just looking for a good cash register or are you looking for something that integrates inventory management, purchase orders, and eCommerce? Create an exhaustive listing of the features you want and then put them in a list based on their priority. Do not be afraid to put in the components as time passes.
3. Get the best one for your particular industry
There are many different types of software for different industries. You might be someplace that sells auto parts or groceries, someplace that does dry cleaning or a bar. Make sure that you are choosing the system that has the features that are specific for your environment. The packages that are more highly focused are going to closely map the way that users are operating. The packages that are more broadly focused aren’t usually specialized for your industry. If you are looking at something that is for the industry you are in, ask them for references from customers. Also remember there can be tradeoff when you choose something that is more focused and how much they are able to afford with ongoing infrastructure and development.
4. Choose based on your company’s size and plans for growth
When it comes to POS software, there are many different types and sizes. There are systems that are shrink-wrapped for single location, small stores to systems that are for the national retailers. The price will vary based on this from a couple hundred to millions of dollars. When you are making your short list for the systems that you want to evaluate, think about the scale of your business and how much you will grow. How many registers are you going to need? Are you going to need support for a single store or more than one store? Do you only have a few employees or do you have a lot?
5. Look for ones that are easy to use
Remember that you will likely have a high turnover rate as a retail business. That’s why it’s essential to choose something that is easy for new people to learn suggests Staples. The easiest way for you to figure out if something is easy to use is to try out a demo copy. Try managing a very common process such as doing a sale without the assistance of a salesperson. Was it easy to figure out? These days, having the right software should make it simple. Features that may augment the software’s ease of use includes interfaces in the touch screen, a mode for training, and functions for online help.
6. Assess the company
When you are looking for the right types of software for your POS, make sure that you are looking into the company that is selling the software so that you know what to expect. Read their reviews and see what other people have said about them. This is going to help you with finding the right one for your business.
If you are looking for POS software or other types of POS equipment for your business, you will find that Shopify has many things on their website. They offer you many different types of things for your business and they can help you with choosing the right one for your needs. You are able to find a lot of things that are right for your company that will help you grow and thrive as a business. You will find that they are very helpful and have great customer service.
[Image credit: Simy James, Flickr]
If I start up a personal arts and crafts shop, I would like a POS system that can also integrate online orders instead of having to manually track and record every single placement. But it is a little beyond my starting budget.
You may have to evaluate whether online or window shoppers are going to be your main source of traffic. If you intend to focus on targeting prospects online, then it is definitely worth that extra investment.