The challenges of modern POS IT

Intuitive operation, quick customisation, omnichannel capability:
The current EHI study "POS Systems 2024" shows that today's checkout systems must be one thing above all - flexible.

• POS flexibility from various perspectives
• What are the advantages of using modern POS systems?
• A holistic checkout concept

According to EHI, the use of mobile devices with a checkout function as well as self-checkout and self-scanning systems, increasing the speed of card payments, avoiding inventory discrepancies and organising cashless payment transactions more efficiently are the most important issues for retailers.

These requirements call for a comprehensive consideration of the flexibility of POS systems. It is important to understand the different perspectives from which these systems are viewed and integrated. To ensure successful implementation and utilisation, the needs and expectations of different target groups must be taken into account. 

POS flexibility from various perspectives

Based on experience, it makes sense to define three specific target groups that are of fundamental importance for the integration of a checkout system. These are the IT project managers, the operational teams and the store employees.

1. IT project manager for integration:

Cloud systems should offer maximum flexibility for integrations through combinations of existing retailer solutions, services & 3rd party applications. Operating system-independent solutions should be easily customisable, responsive and allow limitless scaling. Simple remote setup & configuration should ensure efficiency & flexibility when adding new shops.

It is also crucial that these systems have high availability and robustness in order to minimise downtimes and ensure continuous operational readiness. IT project managers must be able to rely on the security of the systems so that data protection and data security are always maintained.

2. Operations for commissioning and Controlling:

Modern POS systems should offer standardised controlling for all processes across all modules. In addition, store employees can use digital tools to keep track of ongoing, completed and pending payment transactions. This supports processes such as self-checkout checks or the transfer of shopping baskets from one device to another.

In terms of hardware, modern POS systems should enable use on all end devices and in any format. The output of digital receipts via QR code should at least complete the modern range of functions. Real-time data and analyses should also be available in order to make informed decisions and improve operational efficiency.

3. Store teams in terms of user experience:

All modules of modern POS systems should fulfil the requirements of ease of use. In the case of Grab & Go, there is no need to operate the system at all, as computer vision and AI take over the recording and processing of product information, allowing store teams to focus on other important tasks.

The additive POS (mobilePOS) also contributes to this flexibility in the fulfilment of tasks, which should be immediately usable thanks to software for all end devices (from stationary to mobile). It is important that the user interface is intuitive in order to minimise training time and maximise productivity.

What are the advantages of using modern POS systems?

Looking at the three predefined target groups, each of them benefits in different ways from the use of modern POS systems. For IT project managers, an optimised approach to integration offers maximum availability of project capacities and achieves the desired results efficiently. The operations team benefits from simplified processes and centralised controlling via a standardised platform, with the option of making future adjustments easily. The store teams also benefit from optimised checkout processes, which enable them to manage sales areas better and perform other important tasks more efficiently.

A holistic checkout concept

A holistic approach to flexibility in the checkout means more than just providing customers with a variety of new payment options with the right one for everyone. In terms of an improved employee experience, the individual teams involved also benefit from the use of modern POS systems. This includes improved workflows, reduced error rates and greater employee satisfaction through the use of user-friendly and efficient technologies. Modern POS systems therefore enable a holistic optimisation of the purchasing and work process, which benefits both customers and employees.