A Revolution in the Cloud
Cloud-based technology, also known as “Software as a Service” or SaaS, makes it easier for retailers to realise their business goals within an estimated timeframe, largely owing to its flexibility and ease of use. This technology has also substantially updated the operation's potential of the Point of Sale, making it extremely efficient.
Cloud computing solutions for POS’ are significantly different from on-the-spot solutions. Here are a few of their key features:
Connectivity
— cloud storage maintains the core functionality of a traditional POS system but also has the benefit of being online and accessible 24/7.
Security
— Data is stored securely and can be accessed by the user on demand, from any location. Naturally, on-the-spot POS services have a higher risk of data loss. Such risks include hardware failure, machine theft, or any other unforeseen event that may compromise the system. By storing data off-site in the cloud, the integrity of any data will be maintained, despite any local physical calamity that may occur.
Ease of use
— By storing information online, rather than on a local hard drive, the user gains a vital extra layer of security.
Versatility
— Retailers can use and modify offers and discounts quickly and easily, from any location. This helps keep their businesses up to date and means that they can better serve customers. Additionally, cloud-based POS systems are compatible with nearly all other online systems. This opens the door to many kinds of solutions that enable business growth, such as social networks, Google AdSense, etc.
Cost
saving
— Cloud-based solutions are simple to install and any new add-ons are easy to integrate. Any retailer, regardless of their size can use this kind of system and, in the process, cut investment and maintenance costs nearly in half. With a cloud-based POS running, a humble iPad can be used to run the operation of an entire café, for example. Also, cloud-based systems have minimal or no upfront fees and typically range in price from $70-$500. Pay-as-you-go services and cloud business applications allow small operations to run at the same level as their big-hitting contemporaries, enabling them to disrupt the market whilst they remain lean and nimble in their operation.
Speed
— Traditional POS systems have a slow processing speed and also jeopardise data. A cloud-based POS also provides faster billing and receipt processing speeds, cutting down on the amount of time a customer needs to wait, which is a huge positive for them. Faster server processing speeds and loading help make the cloud an excellent customer time saver.
Accuracy
— In any business, 100%accuracy in recording data is imperative. Many businesses face difficulties when reviewing historical information, such as sales, purchases, and customer information because data has been stored inaccurately or unrecorded transactions have occurred. This is not an issue with cloud-based POS’, as they keep track of all information that runs through them, and also allow users to view and work with the data, and keep track of all transactions with prior validation.
As a final point, it’s definitely worth noting that cloud-based systems are constantly in flux and always capable of being upgraded. They are customisable and adaptable to future changes in technology. Such characteristics make them an excellent choice both for now and in the future.