Retail POS needs and wants data, security and the best the market has to offer.
Point of sale (POS) systems and receipt printing play a pivotal role in the success of retailers and hospitality businesses. Their significance goes beyond facilitating transactions; they are integral for tracking sales data and ensuring an optimal customer experience. The evolving market demands careful consideration from retail and hospitality organizations when deploying POS systems and related technologies.
Jay Kim, Managing Director of BIXOLON Europe GmbH, emphasizes the importance of meeting both POS needs and wants. In fast-paced environments, POS systems must remain "always on" to avoid revenue loss and maintain a positive customer experience. Factors such as network connectivity, system performance, aesthetic integration, and pricing influence purchasing decisions. As technology trends evolve, retailers increasingly opt for Ethernet, USB, Bluetooth, and WLAN connectivity over traditional options.
Hardware performance is crucial, with printers serving a vital role at checkout for printing receipts, coupons, and vouchers. Sleek, compact designs, like cube printers, are gaining popularity for their space efficiency. Ease of integration is a priority, as retailers seek quick installations to minimize downtime. While pricing matters, the focus is on quality and reliability to prevent future issues.
Data and reporting are essential for retailers to understand inventory dynamics and optimize supply chains. Integration between Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems streamlines reordering processes. Security measures, including employee log-ins and transaction tracking, are crucial, especially in regions with fiscal laws addressing retailer fraud.
Various POS solutions cater to diverse business needs. Mobile POS (mPOS) setups offer compact, cost-effective alternatives, often bundled with tablets, printers, card readers, and more. Mobility solutions, featuring mobile printers, accommodate seasonal retail needs and pop-up stores. Kiosk solutions, with self-service options, are on the rise, offering diverse printing mechanisms.
The future of POS printers embraces technological advancements. Native, web, and cloud-based mPOS applications facilitate efficient printing for picking, shipping, and collecting. Mixed estates of printing technology covering both receipting and labeling, including linerless labeling, are gaining importance. This eco-friendly media eliminates label packing paper, ideal for home delivery and click-and-collect scenarios.
In conclusion, the future of POS is promising, offering effective sales management for retailers and hospitality businesses. While e-receipts are gaining ground, physical receipts remain essential. Labelling innovations, driven by the rise of online business, will continue to shape the industry. Regardless of the scenario, reliable printers will be crucial for supporting operations, providing receipts, and generating labels for customers or e-commerce logistics teams.