Point of Sale software applications are a must-have in current generation retail stores. There’s no doubt bout that. They allow retailers to execute business operations fast and accurately.
POS systems are not future-proof. They can last for a good 5-6 years. After that, they are likely to need upgrading. That said, do you wonder if your retail management software is nearing obsoletion? If it is, then an upgrade is in order. That is what we help you find out through this article. We discuss the ways by which you can tell if your software needs an upgrade or not.
Giveaway signs your POS solution requires an upgrade
To move your retail business forward and unlock new opportunities, you need a reliable POS application. Continuing to use an outdated POS system affects your productivity and profits.
Here are some ways you can tell that your software needs an upgrade:
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You can’t view insights
Quick reactions to circumstances are crucial for improving retail prospects. Insights help take up such decisions. If your POS software cannot provide visibility into what products are selling the best, it calls for an upgrade. Modern POS solutions give you comprehensive business insights that you can use to optimize your resources and gain higher returns.
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Your software is vulnerable to a security breach
POS solutions can harbor confidential information about customers like contact addresses, phone numbers, and payment details. And protecting is of prime importance. If your software fails to comply with the latest security protocols, then the information it contains is at risk of leaking. In this case, you need to upgrade your software.
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You’re spending a lot on IT equipment
POS solutions that rely on on-premise servers to function can be costly. They require frequent maintenance. Moreover, scaling and upgrading them is difficult. Constant modifications can cost a lot of money. If you have one of these POS solutions, it is time to upgrade to a cloud-enabled POS billing software application. It drastically minimizes IT-related costs and gives you the flexibility to make changes to your software any time you want.
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Your software is slow or regularly freezes
Your POS is the central hub through which all your store’s operations occur. If it crashes, your business will come to a grinding halt. If your software is too slow and hangs frequently, it’s a big sign for an upgrade. Modern POS solutions allow you to work faster and improve customer experience.
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You can use your software only inside your store
Having access to your software from anywhere at any time improves business continuity. It allows you to keep tabs on your retail store and manage it efficiently at all times. If your software is only accessible from your store premises, it is high time to upgrade to a POS solution compatible with tablets and smartphones. That way, you can conduct your business on the go.
Why is it important to update POS software?
Without a doubt, you get significant improvements by upgrading your POS software. However, in many cases, you may not need to alter your software solution drastically. If your POS system is giving you minor inconveniences, for example, glitches, and bugs, then it calls for an update. it is a far less expensive solution compared to performing an upgrade. The update is often sufficient to work out any software kinks that cause problems.
Now let’s talk about why it’s critical to update POS software. Frequently hitting the snooze button puts the performance of your retail management tool at risk. It also makes the software highly vulnerable to cyber threats like hacks, data breaches, spyware, and more. When you receive a software update notification, the best time to execute it is as soon as you get it.
Updates for your POS software may not seem significant. That does not make them negligible. POS system vendors launch updates to fix minute but significant flaws. It could be a gap in the security system or a bug that can break the software. So by updating it, not only will you have a more secure retail management system, but an app that provides a better user experience.
In a nutshell, it is a good idea to update your software regularly. But if your POS solution requires a major makeover, then going for an upgrade is the better option. You can differentiate if your software needs an update or an upgrade with the giveaway signs mentioned in this article.
What are the four types of POS systems?
When you decide to upgrade your Point of Sale software, you will find many options in the market. Each of them offers a unique set of advantages. Choosing the most suitable one for your retail establishment is critical. Otherwise, you may end up having to upgrade in a short period, costing more money. There are four types of POS systems – On-site, cloud-based, mobile, and self-checkout POS solutions.
On-site POS systems consist of both software and hardware. Vendors who offer this solution install this type of POS on your premises. While on-site POS applications excel in terms of simplicity, they have a few drawbacks. Installing them on multiple systems can rack up a lot of expenses. Parallelly, you can use them only by being present on-premises.
Cloud-based POS systems leverage the power of and function using the internet and the cloud. That enables you to access the POS from anywhere, at any time. Implementing this type of POS in your store is easy, costing way less than an on-site POS solution. Advantages of cloud-based systems include automatic updates, real-time data sync, and a flexible subscription plan.
If you conduct a lot of your business on the go, then consider upgrading to a mobile POS system. It operates on portable smart devices like smartphones and tablets. With just a few taps and swipes, you can use several cutting-edge modules found in regular POS solutions. Additionally, mPOS systems can integrate with scanners, wireless printers, and more.
Finally, there’s the self-checkout POS solution. It is a system that customers can themselves use to ring up the products they purchase. This type of POS doesn’t need employee intervention, freeing them up for higher-value-based tasks. Customers who use this POS report a better shopping experience and satisfaction.
Conclusion
Does your POS solution require an upgrade? Then get SmartPOS. It is a modern, powerful, cloud-enabled POS software system built to last. Manage inventory, sales, customers, and more with just a few clicks of a button. Get in touch with us to learn more.