POS systems, also referred to as checkouts or point of purchase, are used for sales transactions between a customer and business. POS is shortened form of point of sale. The word checkout may refer to hardware or software technology used during the checkout process or the point-of-sale terminal where a checkout is performed. Most terminals are worked by salespersons.

When electronic cash registers were first developed, they had limited capabilities and operated through proprietary software. During the 1970s, IBM created the first system for use commercially. It offered client-server elements, remote initialization, network backup, and communication components. This development lead to the increase of demand for these devices within retail stores and restaurants.

In 1992, through the hands of Bob Henry and Martin Goodwin, the first point-of-sale program was created. The program operated through a Microsoft Windows platform known as IT Retail. After that development, point-of-sale devices began to evolve. Units were being used more often and included new and improved features that positively changed the processing power, graphic interfaces, data storage, and price. Modern point-of-sale devices must be functional, low in cost, easy to operate, reliable, and include remote support.

Many industries utilized this technology. It is commonplace within retail. Other industries: restaurant, hotel, hospitality, and hair and beauty.

POS terminals are everywhere in the retail industry. The systems usually include a cash register, monitor, printer, computer, customer display, and barcode scanning device. Most also have a debit or credit card reader for payment transactions. Pin pads, signature instruments, card-processing programs, and scales may be included. Touch screens are being used more often in point-of-sale units. Overall, these terminals can perform actions such as, gift registries, gift cards, discounts, layaways, returns, exchanges, loyalty programs, and of course, sales.

Within the hospitality industry, point-of-sale devices are usually installed on a computer network. They, like other similar systems, can track labor and sales, and generate payroll and records. The restaurant industry, specifically fast food, has benefited from this technology. Along with the advancement in features, the programs have improved its overall efficiency by decreasing the occurrence of system problems, such as crashes.

POS systems for restaurants are run on computers. Generally these computers are wireless, handheld or touch screen. Point-of-sale technology makes it possible for business to monitor all transactions as they take place. Additionally, they can run reports, send orders to bars and kitchens, and process payments made. The fast food industry relies heavily on the speed and efficiency of these devices. The systems are able to send all order information taken from a drive through or front counter and transfer it to a monitor in the back for other personnel to see. This is just part of the reason fast food restaurants are able to diligently produce.

POS systems have progressed over time. They are commonplace in many industries because of their efficiency. There are a variety of features available through these devices. What they are capable of doing used depends on the industry, and the software and hardware included.

Multipost is a leader in POS Systems Winnipeg and provides software-hardware solutions, training, installation and support in POS Systems.

Multipost is a leader in http://www.multipost.ca/winnipeg.html POS Systems Winnipeg and provides software-hardware solutions, training, installation and support in http://www.multipost.ca POS Systems.

Author Bio: Multipost is a leader in POS Systems Winnipeg and provides software-hardware solutions, training, installation and support in POS Systems.

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