What Is An EPOS System?
An Electronic Point Of Sale system (EPOS) is a way for your business to manage its sales. Unlike a traditional Point of Sale (POS) system, an EPOS system analyses the data it collects from your business's transactions; utilising it to make day-to-day business management easier.
Where a POS system requires a more hands-on approach with things like stock management, an EPOS system can make processes like this automated, relieving a lot of the common daily stresses associated with running your business. Read our complete guide to EPOS systems to find out more about them.
EPOS vs POS
Obviously, there are multiple EPOS systems that offer different benefits to your business but, to make your research easier, we've highlighted some general advantages that EPOS systems have over traditional POS systems.
Improved Stock Management
A fully integrated EPOS system works by linking your trade counter to a common centralised database, meaning you're able to monitor exactly what is being sold which, in turn, means your stock is always closely monitored.
This can improve the stock management of your business, while also allowing your customers to be informed about how much of a certain product you have in stock, something you can't do with a POS system.
Increased Business Efficiency
EPOS systems provide all of your staff with simple and intuitive technologies that they use when interacting with customers. They don't have to rely on old, often inferior methods to do their job, and the quick and simple nature of digital technologies means tasks can take a fraction of the time they do with a typical POS system.
Having an EPOS system also eliminates the natural occurrence of human error, increasing workforce efficiency; your staff will be able to do more work quicker and easier than they would if they used a POS system.
Improved Customer Service
Using an EPOS system means your staff can check an item's availability immediately, allowing them to deliver better quality customer service. They will no longer have to wait for another member of staff to check an item's stock in the storeroom and, instead, will be able to inform a customer exactly what is available.
As well as this, EPOS systems are also typically faster than their alternative POS systems. Customers can now get their items scanned and pay in a few seconds which not only improves customer satisfaction but also allows for better workforce efficiency.
More Sales Opportunities
EPOS systems allow you several insights into how your business performs day-to-day. This includes insights into the busiest times of day, week, or month, as well as how certain products sell at these times.
While you can record this information manually if you use a POS system, it takes a lot longer and drains resources that could be better used elsewhere. An EPOS system records it in real-time, in addition to other sales performance indicators, meaning your business is able to make more informed decisions about how and when to target the marketing of its best products.
Improved Communication
An EPOS system can streamline communication between the different parts of your business, ensuring efficiency while minimising human error. This could be your waiting staff communicating with the kitchen, or your shop floor staff communicating with the stockroom.
No need for your employees to be chaotically communicating across the room, or running around to meet demands, they can adapt in real-time to any situation that may arise.