Increasingly, small businesses are using technology to help modernize aspects of their operations. Many companies may have started to think about publishing their own pamphlets, building a website or even buying a digital camera.
But it isn’t necessarily the latest technology like websites and cameras that deserves the most attention. In many cases, the most traditional piece of equipment is also the one that could benefit most from a touch of modernization: the humble cash register.
Unchanged for a number of years, it may well be the next piece of equipment to be transformed by cutting-edge technology – and to start to benefit businesses as a result.
If traditional-style cash registers have proved a faithful tool for small business over the years, their full potential in today’s market hasn’t necessarily been reached.
According to Avner Danielli, from reseller of point of sale (POS) technologies Pos Pos,an increasingly demanding small business environment means owners expect more from their sales technology.
“In today’s competitive business environment, business owners want more from their ‘point of sale’ technology,” says Danielli.
“Specifically, they want accurate data showing which products they have sold, how many have been sold and, in more and more cases, to whom.”
So what are the options for technology-savvy businesspeople who want to apply the latest POS developments?
Incorporating computer software in their operations is the most effective step, according to Phil Wright, chief executive officer of Windward System Five, a POS software specialist.
“Computer software is more comprehensive and flexible, and much more detailed in its scope,” says Wright.
“For example, each item sold has a number, cost, supplier and selling price, and this information is collected for reporting, as well as the quantity received, from which supplier, at what cost, the date received, the supplier invoice number and even the check that paid the bill.”
Computer-based POS technology has the added advantage of allowing the integration of a network or storewide system into a business operation, says Danielli.
“For example, reordering from suppliers has been streamlined so that POS systems can track stock levels and automate reordering from suppliers, without the frequent grind of weekly or daily stock counts.”
And Danielli reassures small business owners who might be daunted by the cost of introducing technology into their POS operations.
He says that installing a new POS system is neither costly nor overly time consuming.
“In terms of cost, leasing and rent plans are structured now so that for a minimal outlay, only a few dollars per week, a small business can have all its POS requirements met,” he says, adding that all bookkeeping requirements can still be managed with a personal computer and popular accounting software.
But what about the difficulties of adapting to the latest technology, especially if the traditional cash register has been used for a long time?
Danielli says that fears about the difficulty of using new POS systems are generally unfounded – anyone from school leavers to experienced employees will be able to navigate most new technology in the area.
“This has been demanded so that training time and costs are minimized, as well as eliminating the opportunity for operator error,” says Danielli.
He adds that at least some training is still necessary to ensure that the technology is used to its optimum capacity.
And the user-friendly nature of much POS technology is matched by its variety.
Equipment which can incorporate the latest developments includes basics like monitors and scanners, as well as more specialized accessories such as check readers and customer displays.
In addition to the increased ease for a small business’ operations, customers also benefit from POS technology.
According to Windward System Five’s website, new-style POS equipment enhances a company’s ability to develop and improve client relations, by allowing for a more sophisticated customer database.
With its combination of greater ease at sales points and a better documentation of clients’ details, the latest POS technology may well bring cash registers into line with other office equipment – and into the 21st century.
Copyright 2002, RAN ONE Inc. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission from www.ranone.com.
Chris’ combination of academic credentials, career experience and temperament ideally suit his calling as a business development advisor. Clients say he has a mind for business and a heart for service.