POINT OF SALE INVENTORY SYSTEM Bonilla, Justin Kaye C. Mique, Jeffrey M. Udog, John Dheryck INTRODUCTION This chapter deals with current state, and problems of the study. This point of sale inventory management system allows a business owner to have more than one business location and keep track of inventory at each without being present. Current state of technology Current POS technology goes far beyond the original sales transaction features that were offered in the beginning. Today, many businesses are turning to all-in-one POS software solutions that integrate services such as accounting, customer relationship management, payroll, and operations in one system. Expanded network access has made it even easier for retail stores to setup self-service POS kiosks throughout the store, which can handle transactions such as barcode and coupon scanning, payments, and receipt printing without the need for employee assistance. One of the most notable innovations in the POS system market has been the introduction of individual credit card scanners than can be attached to a smartphone or other wireless device. With these readers, any small business can instantly accept credit card payments for transactions no matter where they are, and do so without the need for expensive hardware. Problems of the study 1. POS Security Hacker detection is a crucial component of keeping your POS system and customers’ credit card information secure. Make sure to purchase a POS system that includes hacker detection. One breach of personal data is all it takes to ruin a business. Don’t let some greedy hacker destroy the company you’ve built because you opted for a cheaper system that did not offer hacker detection and security measures. 2. Failure to Charge We’ve all been there: it’s a busy day and it slips your mind to charge your mobile device. Then, you wake up and your smartphone is a useless rectangle of plastic because you failed to charge it overnight. When using a mobile POS (mPOS) system, you should always have spare chargers available: several at your brick-and-mortar location, at least one in your car, one at home, and any other convenient places you can stash a spare charging cord. This is especially important if your business travels (for instance, to farmers markets) because a dead mPOS system doesn’t do you or your customers any good. 3. Inaccurate Reporting One of the main benefits of switching to a digital POS system is the breadth of reporting analytics at your fingertips. However, if the data you are collecting doesn’t add up, that could mean there’s a flaw in the system you’ve purchased. A reliable POS system is worth the investment when it works accurately. Don’t skimp on quality for a low price and always do your research before investing in a new POS system. 4. Usage Issues Like any new system you incorporate into your business, there are going to be employees who struggle to use it optimally, or even at all. Before putting your brand-new POS system to work, familiarize your employees with its functions: the benefits to them as well as how to troubleshoot issues. Taking the time to train your staff on a new POS system will pay off big time in the long run when they are checking out customers with ease instead of fumbling– frustrating themselves and annoying customers. 5. Software Problems Buying a tablet and enabling it with an off-the-shelf POS system is certainly one way to upgrade your business. However, these products are often not suited to your business and could experience technical issues when you’re at your busiest. The best way to avoid these software problems is to research the best POS systems customized to your business needs. Yes, an offthe-shelf solution that you can buy at ‘big-box’ stores might be less expensive, but it may ultimately end up costing you more in the future. 6. Tracking Promotions Another reason to upgrade to a new POS system is for optimal tracking and reporting on sales and promotions. However, some point-of-sale systems fail to do this properly, and if bad analytics are hurting your business, you need to speak with a POS professional about upgrading your system to one that meets your needs. Promotions are a must for any retailer and your POS system should not have any issues handling sales, coupons and other daily discounts.
