Leading the charge among these new budget EPOS systems is the A100 from Digipos. Stylish and sleek, these compact units provide all the computing power your business needs to handle sales transactions. Their small footprint and cable management system means they fit easily and unobtrusively into any environment, even where space is limited. With an advanced Intel Atom processor at their heart, these units operate without the need for a noisy fan and are also designed for maximum energy efficiency.

Built to last, the A100′s front panel is IP65 rated. Its chassis is constructed from plastic and aluminium and is designed to prevent the ingress of dust, protecting internal components. The 15″ touchscreen is also designed to withstand jets of water, making these systems perfect for restaurants, cafés and bars. Touch technology also means the A100 is intuitive to use. Anyone familiar with a smartphone or tablet will quickly be able to perform basic operations, meaning reduced training time for new staff.

A large range of ports as standard allow for expansion and for the use of peripherals such as printers, scanners and customer displays. With 5 serial ports, 4 USB ports, 2 Ethernet ports, a cash drawer port and audio in/out, the A100 offers a far greater level of connectivity than any traditional cash register. Many peripheral devices will simply plug and play. As easy to network as a standard PC, the A100 can also interface with cloud-based point of sale software, web/e-commerce software and more.

The A100 has been designed to be as easy to maintain as possible. The hard drive and power supply are easy to access and replace should the need arise, minimizing downtime. As the A100 uses standard laptop style hard drives, the cost of a replacement HD is also low.

Available with a wide range of optional extras such as secondary and customer displays, magnetic card readers and fingerprint scanners, the A100 is an ideal budget EPOS system for any business. Easily outclassing any cash register in the same price bracket, the A100 can be fitted with up to 4GB of RAM for maximum performance. It is compatible with a range of operating systems including Windows 7 and Linux.

The Casio V-R100 mixes Android’s ease of use, flexibility and advanced features with the robust, reliable design of a traditional Electronic Point of Sale terminal. Most other Android or iOS point of sale solutions rely on smartphones or tablets that were never designed for the rough and tumble of a retail or hospitality environment. In contrast, the V-R100 features a splash proof adjustable touch screen. Its hard-wearing and compact all-in-one chassis design incorporates a thermal receipt printer, minimizing wasted counter space, trailing power/connector leads and other inconveniences.

Setting up the V-R100 is a straightforward process: simply unpack and power up. Connect the unit to the Internet and choose your POS software from the range available via the Casio Business Portal. Once the software is configured, you’re ready to go. The large touch screen and colourful software design makes the V-R100 easy to use, which greatly reduces training-in times. Even complex tasks such as sales information management, CRM and reservations can all be easily handled using the available apps. The V-R100 can even send reports via e-mail or text.

A host of connectivity options allow the V-R100 to be used with almost any pre-existing POS hardware. 2 cash drawer ports, a magnetic card reader interface, Ethernet, USB, and 3 serial ports are included as standard. An SD card can be used to store sales data.

Competitively priced, the V-R100 is not only affordable to purchase and set-up, it is also cheap to run. Designed using efficient components more typically seen in tablet computers, the V-R100 consumes up to 85% less electricity than typical PC-based EPOS systems. When operating, it needs only 20 watts of power, while stand-by mode consumes just over 4 watts.

Designed to be flexible, expandable and durable, the Casio V-R100 Android EPOS Terminal is ideal for any retail or hospitality environment, from convenience stores to restaurants to outlets dealing in Fast Moving Consumer Goods. It can grow as your business grows, and provides an excellent alternative to both traditional EPOS systems and to newer tablet/smartphone solutions.

It’s easy to see how this works in a situation where product prices are fixed per item, but what about businesses such as butcher shops or delicatessens where produce is sold by weight? In these situations, it is impossible to link a product to a fixed price in your till, as the price changes depending on how much is bought. It is possible to programme a “per kilo,” “per litre” or similar “per weight/per volume” price into your cash register, but this requires you to manually enter the number of kilos/litres/lbs being purchased with each sale, which can become impractical. You could also only sell produce in predefined volumes or weights, but again this might not be practical in all situations.

In order to tot up sales via barcode scanning in such an environment, what’s required is some way to get your weighing scales communicating with your scanner and till. This is where the Price Embedded Barcode comes into play. Also known as Data Embedded, Price Inclusive or Random Weight Barcodes, these contain two pieces of information, a product code and a product price. They may alternatively contain a product code and weight, but this is generally not recommended for most retail situations.

Naturally, you will need a label printing weighing scales capable of creating such barcodes. This scale must then be programmed with the per weight prices of all produce. That way, it can calculate the price for any products weighed on it, and print a barcode label for it. Any scales that can print UPC or EAN barcodes should be suitable, provided it can be programmed to format the barcode correctly for the cash register to read. Formatting may vary from till to till, but generally follows one of the two following standards:

02PPPPPxCCCCz - This is a 13 digit barcode format known as EAN-13 or UPC-B. It must begin with “02″ or “20″ to inform the scanner and till that this is a price embedded barcode. The five “P” characters represent the product code, which should ideally be the same on both the scales and the cash register. All five characters must be used, so if a product code is “14″ it will appear in the barcode as “00014″. The “x” character is known as the price checksum. It is generated by the labeller and provides a way for the price to be verified as correct. The “C” characters represent the price of the item. An item priced €9.99 would appear as 0999. The “z” character is a checksum for the code as a whole.

2PPPPPxCCCCz – This is known as a UPC-A code. It must begin with “2″ to inform the scanner and till that it is a Price Embedded Barcode. The other characters perform the same functions as in the EAN-13/UPC-B format.

Barcodes in either of these formats can be reconfigured to allow longer product codes or prices. For instance, a UPC-B code with a five digit price would be in the form 02PPPPPCCCCCz with the price checksum omitted to allow extra space for the price. As long as the cash register can be configured to accept barcodes in this format – and all barcodes scanned are in this format – this should work perfectly well.

When the correctly formatted barcode is scanned, the cash register can use both the product code and price information to tot up the sale, record the transaction and print a receipt. Naturally, the product codes used on the scales must match the codes in the till. There’s no need to enter the volume or weight sold, or any other figures apart from the cash tendered. This makes every transaction quick and easy.

1. An NFC enabled payment card. Many credit card companies and banks are now issuing cards with NFC capabilities. These are the same size as traditional credit/debit cards and still feature the standard Chip & PIN/swipe payment facilities. NFC cards can also be custom made for specific companies and organizations.
2. An NFC reader/receiver. This can be issued by a bank or other payments processing company if required.

Making a payment via NFC is simply a case of waving the card across the receiver. The transaction is efficient and easy, with no fiddling for cash or change. In the case of NFC credit/debit cards, the transaction will appear on the customer’s bill/statement as would any other transaction, so there may not be any need to issue a receipt.

Custom NFC cards may use a pre-pay/top-up facility where the card is loaded with a certain amount of money. The card is purchased with cash or credit card and “loaded” with a certain amount. When this initial credit runs out, the card can be topped up, again by using cash or a credit card. You might see such cards being used on public transport networks.

For security reasons, the maximum payment allowed via NFC is €15. This makes it ideal for small, everyday purchases such as cups of coffee, groceries and other similar items. Although still in its early stages, many Irish companies are now starting to roll out contactless payments across their stores. Centra began accepting NFC cards from late 2011, while Spar and Mace followed suit. AIB Merchant Services installed its first contactless payment system in the Bord Gais Energy Theatre in April 2012.

NFC and Mobile Wallets

NFC is also becoming an increasingly common feature in smartphones, enabling them to be used in place of the NFC card itself. Using a phone as a “Mobile Wallet” is usually a case of installing an app on the phone which links that phone to the customer’s credit card. When the phone is brought close to the NFC reader, this app then communicates the necessary details via the phone’s NFC chip.

NFC smartphone apps may be issued by the customer’s credit card company or bank. Other companies may also provide alternative apps. The Google Wallet app allows multiple card details to be stored on a phone so the customer can choose which to use. It is important to ensure that any apps used to store credit card details come from a reliable, reputable and trusted source.

The advantages of adopting NFC are plain to see. Quick, efficient and secure, it allows for rapid, stress-free transactions. It reduces the need to carry cash which in turn increases personal security for both customer and retailer. It is particularly ideal for retailers dealing with low value, fast moving goods and is also well suited for use in a hospitality environment where it might not be desirable to operate a till or handle money.

One of the great advantages of an Electronic Point of Sale system is expandability. The range of available hardware accessories and add-ons is vast, and continues to grow with new advances in technology. As many EPOS systems are now PC or tablet based, adding a new accessory is typically just a case of plugging it in and/or installing a simple software package.

Barcode Scanners

Barcode scanners are among the most popular EPOS accessories, so much so that they might as well be considered standard equipment. Ideal for any retailer, a barcode scanner ensures prices and volumes are entered correctly and efficiently, reducing customer’s waiting times. Barcode scanners come in a variety of configurations, including fixed, on-counter versions and wireless handheld models.

Counter-mounted barcode scanners such as the Honeywell Orbit are typically omnidirectional, meaning a barcode can be read in any orientation as it is passed in front of the scanner. Handheld barcode scanners like the Datalogic Gryphon can target barcodes with great precision, ideal if a product label features multiple codes. Wireless barcode scanners typically use Bluetooth technology.

There are two different types of scanning technology used in barcode scanners, one-dimensional scanning (1D) and two-dimensional scanning (2D). 1D barcode scanners can scan standard barcodes such as EAN and UPC codes, while 2D barcode scanners can also scan more complex codes such as the popular QR type.

Receipt Printers

Receipt printers come in two main varieties: impact/dot matrix and thermal. Thermal receipt printers are by far the most popular as they are easy to maintain, cheap to run and versatile, with a very high resolution output. They also produce receipts rapidly, resulting in speedier transactions. In addition, thermal receipt printers operate with very little noise, making for a more comfortable work and shopping environment. If special thermal till rolls are used, they can also produce receipts in red and black or blue and black.

Impact and dot matrix receipt printers tend to be slower and noisier than thermal receipt printers, but have certain advantages as well. Chief among these is the ability to simultaneously print duplicate receipts which can be used as a sales journal. Thanks to their ink ribbons, dot matrix printers can also print in a variety of colours just by using a differently coloured ribbon.

Card Readers

In addition to PDQ machines which read and process standard and chip-and-pin credit cards, there are a variety of other card readers available which can serve a variety of functions in store. Many of these may also function as card writers as well.

A magnetic card reader/writer is ideal for stores implementing credit card style gift vouchers or loyalty club cards. With a simple swipe, information can be read from the card and sales amounts deducted from a voucher’s total.

RFID card readers use radio frequencies to communicate with a chip embedded in cards. A card can be read just by touching it against the card reader, or even just by holding the card nearby. Many public transport systems use RFID technology for prepaid travel cards. The technology is also used in some mobile phones for mobile payments. A newer version of the technology called Near Field Communication (NFC) is rapidly gaining popularity.

Other Accessories

The above are just some examples of the options available to expand your EPOS system. Other popular products include fingerprint scanners for enhanced security, as well as label/barcode printers and customer displays. With such a wide range of accessories available, the possibilities for your EPOS are limitless.

McDonald’s POS Keyboard, 1974.By PFMeads (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons 

Gene Mosher is credited as the first to bring EPOS Software to a personal computer, with his Apple II programme from 1979. In the late 1980s, Mosher also created ViewTouch, the first graphical point of sale software that used touchscreen technology. Easy to use, this would become the basis for many EPOS Systems.

In 1992, EPOS software was written for the popular Windows operating system. With PCs becoming more affordable and more powerful, Electronic Point of Sale systems became increasingly sophisticated, offering a growing range of functionality and expandability.

A typical EPOS system might consist of:

• A hardware terminal (e.g. touchscreen computer)
• A cash drawer
• Peripherals such as barcode scanners, receipt printers and PDQ machines
• EPOS software, which can process transactions, keep stock inventories and create sales reports

Many electronic cash registers offer these facilities, but the phrase EPOS is now more typically applied to PC-based hardware and software, which offer a range of additional benefits:

• Expandability: accessories are easily added and replaced
• Reliability
• Easy repair using low cost off-the-shelf components
• Ease of use
• Flexibility: Everyday computing tasks can be undertaken without a separate PC, while POS software can be upgraded (or replaced) if necessary.
• Networking and central management: particularly useful for large chains with many store locations

Some EPOS software is now so sophisticated that it can be integrated into a website, allowing sales made online to be reflected in-store and vice versa. More recently, with the advent of cloud and mobile computing, the EPOS has become a simple app that can be run on a tablet computer or mobile phone, opening up a new world of possibilities to retailers.

With such a wide range of options available when deciding upon an electronic point of sale system, it is important to focus on your business’s needs. The “best” EPOS isn’t necessarily the most expensive or the most high-tech or the one that runs on your iPad; it’s the one that meets your requirements and can grow as your business grows.

In order to address the needs of retailers and other professionals who require a more robust and specialized smartphone, Honeywell have introduced the Dolphin 70e Black. This rugged piece of kit follows in the footsteps of Honeywell’s Dolphin 6000, improving on the 6000′s design thanks to the switch to a large 4.3″ touchscreen which is fully visible in direct sunlight.

Available with either the Windows operating system or the increasingly popular Android, the Dolphin Black also features:

• An enterprise class imaging scanner for barcode scanning and data capture
• Full submersion water resistance and complete dust resistance (IP67 rating)
• User replaceable 12 hour battery

A fully capable smartphone capable of making calls, sending texts and browsing the web wirelessly or over cellular connections, the Dolphin Black can also be used to run EPOS software, scan barcodes and look up product information. It has been specifically designed to be tougher than typical consumer handsets and so can easily cope with the rough and tumble of everyday use in a busy retail or warehousing environment. It can also easily be used in any other data capture setting, such as in medical work.

Intuitive and easy to use, the Dolphin Black weighs in at a mere 198 grams. For comparison, a decidedly less rugged iPhone 4S weighs 140 grams, while a Samsung Galaxy Note weighs 178 grams. At approximately 18mm thick, the Dolphin Black fits easily into a pocket when not in use. It is an ideal all-in-one device that can move seamlessly from warehouse to office to shop floor to the road.

The Dolphin Black will be released in February 2013.

Product Video

Choosing your point of sale hardware can be daunting. There are a wide range of options available which will suit some situations better than others. Picking the wrong equipment can be potentially detrimental for your business, leading to a loss in takings, inefficiency and frustration.

The very first question you need to address is whether to choose a traditional cash register or a more sophisticated EPOS system. Each have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, which you will need to consider carefully.

Traditional cash register tills are tried and trusted technology at this stage. The modern Electronic Cash Register (ECR) has been around since the 1970s. The basic workings have remained largely unchanged since they were first introduced, as they have proved to be robust and reliable. They are quite straightforward from a technological point of view, meaning they are less likely to fail. In addition, they have also become increasingly inexpensive over time. A good name brand cash register can be purchased for as little as €129 and will keep operating for many years without a problem.

However, a standard cash register is not without its problems. They can be limited in terms of expandability, meaning they may not be able to grow with your business. They also might not be compatible with certain peripherals such as barcode scanners or receipt printers. While most cash registers will have some ability to generate reports on daily takings, taxation or staff performance, this functionality can be quite basic. Although cash registers are generally quite easy to use when processing sales, the initial set-up and programming can be laborious and time-consuming. Correcting an error made during a transaction can also be an awkward process.

More sophisticated cash registers are now coming on the market which address many of these issues. Many of them are in fact incorporating features more commonly seen on EPOS systems.

Electronic Point of Sale systems come in many different varieties, the main ones being Embedded EPOS Systems, PC-based POS software, and mobile POS. Unlike cash registers, it is generally very easy to add extra functionality to an EPOS system. Like any computer, they feature jacks and ports such as USB, serial and Ethernet, making it easy to connect a barcode scanner, receipt printer or point of sale display. The POS software which runs on these systems is typically easy to use, often making use of touch screens and colourful graphics to provide an intuitive experience.

EPOS systems can also provide powerful and versatile reporting features. Many can be networked, which means administration such as stock management and price updates can be handled from a central server. High-end POS systems and software can interface with stock management software used to run e-commerce websites, meaning that an online sale will be reflected on an in-store terminal.

An Embedded POS system is particularly well-suited to fast moving environments such as restaurants, as they are robust, reliable, and can even be turned off mid-transaction without any loss of information. A PC-based POS provides all the flexibility of a standard computer, with benefits such as remote login and the ability to use a vast array of third-party hardware. If necessary, POS software can be installed and run on any compatible computer, with no need to purchase new hardware. A mobile POS frees your sales staff from the counter and will even allow sales to be processed on the road.

While EPOS systems are far more powerful and flexible than standard cash registers, they can also be much more expensive. Though typically quite reliable, the added complexity also means there is more opportunities for problems or failures.

Generally speaking, a standard cash register is probably most suitable for small to medium sized retailers, while an EPOS system is ideal for larger stores, shop chains, or fast moving, multi-channel retail.

The key to providing this is to treat all stock across all channels as a single pool, and to have the technology in place that allows the customer access this pool from any number of points. These access points could include your high street store and e-commerce website, as well as mobile apps and social media sites. Similarly, Customer Relations Management should also be equally seamless, meaning a preference expressed online will be reflected in store, and that special offers delivered by SMS can be easily redeemed via website.

This “cloud retail” – like cloud computing in general – relies on inter-communication and networkability. Unfortunately, many older EPOS hardware and software systems simply do not have the capabilities required to function as part of such a setup. Most electronic cash registers lack any sort of networking functions. It may not even be possible to connect them to a computer. While more advanced models may feature interconnectivity, this is usually quite limited and based on individual stores operating in a self-contained way.

Meanwhile, legacy EPOS systems may feature proprietary locked down software which simply cannot be made “talk” to the cloud. They might also lack a network port, making it impossible to connect them to any web-based stock/CRM software.

Businesses now face the task of upgrading their out of date technology to meet the new requirements of cloud retail. In the current economic climate, many are understandably hesitant to embark on such an investment. However, being left behind is arguably a far greater risk, and there are many long term benefits.

For instance, cloud retail allows staff to use tablet computers on the floor. Perfect as a sales tool to engage customers, tablets with POS software can also be used to queue bust and process transactions during busy periods. This greatly enhances a customer’s experience by eliminating long wait times. It also means more sales can be completed without the need to install new tills and counter space.

An organization’s stock control and CRM is also greatly simplified by having all information available at all points. Cloud retail will open up many new points of contact with potential customers, as well as new sales channels. Future IT and technology costs may also be reduced, as there is no longer a requirement for specialist hardware. Instead, a device with an Internet connection – be it a PC, tablet or even a smart phone – is all that is necessary. Furthermore, the image of your company is sure to benefit from being seen as modern, trend-setting and engaged with new technology.

Earlier this year, Casio introduced the V-T500 series of tablets, specifically targeting the retail and business sectors. These tablets, which use the Android operating system, include many features which arguably make them a more sensible purchase for retailers than the iPad.

Perhaps their most attractive feature is their ruggedness. Each tablet in the range features a shock-resistant design, and is also dust and splash-proof in accordance to the IP54 standard. This makes them ideal for a busy retail or hospitality environment where accidental bumps, drops and spillages are all too common. They are also light and easy to hold, with optional straps and stands available to provide greater versatility.

Unlike the iPad, the V-T500 range also features an integrated NFC reader/writer, ideal for scanning loyalty cards and for reading RFID tags. The large screen makes these tablets perfect for use as an electronic catalogue, providing an excellent tool for sales staff dealing with customers. Staff can also close a sale using the tablet’s Point Of Sale software, allowing for a speedier, more efficient and friendlier retail experience, as well as less queuing and waiting times. The tablets can also be integrated with Casio’s existing Android based EPOS terminals, as well as with other hardware such as receipt printers.

As you would expect, these tablets are easy to use, with intuitive touch-based software. Casio have released a series of retail-focused apps in what they are calling their Casio Business Portal, including offerings from AirPOS, AlfaRichi and Cervello Lite. These apps are aimed at a range of situations, from general retail to hospitality.

The V-T500 battery lasts approximately 12 hours on a single charge, more than enough to make it through a busy day. It is also removable, meaning it can easily be swapped out for a fully charged replacement. In addition to its retail-focused features, the V-T500 is also a very capable tablet in its own right, featuring 1GB of RAM, Wifi, Bluetooth and dual 5.0MP cameras. The GE version also features 3G cellular connectivity, meaning it can be used on the go over a mobile phone network.