Not that several years ago, various businesses face-to-face would have stored all the point of sale data; it includes prices of the items and also records of the transactions. Such data will generally be held on the server or the on-site PC, or possibly the server on a network of the private company in case of huge retail chains.
But now various tools of business are mainly based online, and there has also been a natural progression with the systems of restaurant cloud-based POS. The common question that could strike your mind is: why you should look for the cloud POS? Now, let us have a look at what and how it is essentially different from the POS systems that are hosted locally.
Cloud-based POS
– “Cloud” actually is only a metaphor for the internet.
– Here “Cloud-based” mainly refers to the online storage as well as online processing of the data being an alternative of using the hard drive of the computer.
– Cloud POS offers you with the hosting to handle data.
– Information that is stored in the cloud gets stored on the servers offered by the cloud computing service provider.
Working on cloud POS work!
The processing of Cloud-based POS systems and the online store sales data as opposed locally on the computer or at the server of on-premise. The interface of frontend POS is made by using the internet-enabled devices that mainly consist of tablets, touch screen monitors and smart phones, while backend may also be accessed through the web browser.
On the other hand, systems that are Cloud-based POS are at times also referred to as the POS applications (apps) rather than the software, as they are usually used on mobile devices. These are even known as the EPOS or electronic point of sale as it could simply reflect the truth that the software will be able to run on the electronic equipment.
Portable System:
The Cloud-based POS may be portable if you are using it on mobile devices, though the business manager may also simply check and use the sales data from any place as these are also being updated in real-time in the cloud. It even means that it will have some low cost of equipment, as the current iPad or mobile phone may also be used as an interface of POS.
As the data gets simply stored on internet servers of POS providers, the cloud-based POS may also only function at any point when there is an internet connection, even though the service providers might provide you some offline functionality that could minimize the potential disruption to the customer service.
Pros of Cloud-based POS system:
– Hardware independent
The Cloud-based POS system is accessed through the web browser that means that the retailers do not need for investing in the most expensive new equipment that could simply run it. The Businesses may even decide that irrespective of the fact that they wish to run software on the PC, phone or tablet; as long as this device usually has the internet connection and may also run the browser, not any kind of platform limitations are available.
– Mobility
This is simple to engage the customers with the mobile POS that the sales associates may simply use for looking up the information and close sale straight on the shop floor. The Cloud-based software allows the retailers to use the mobile phones or the tablets as the POS without any additional cost– a much convenient proposition for the small retailers and the medium-sized retailers that always wish to be much flexible on the shop floor devoid of investing the fortune in the industry of tech.
– Little knowledge of IT required
Small retailers, as well as the medium retailers, usually have restricted access to the in house IT knowledge; and also hiring of the external consultants may be quite expensive. With the cloud-based software, all snags that are related to service are usually solved directly by the provider. It does not just enable the retailers to save a good amount of money, it even makes sure that all such issues will be taken proper care.
– Flexible access to the data
As entire data gets saved immediately in the cloud, managers may also track sales when they happen and also update the prices and place some of the orders at any place where they are – all they require is a proper internet connection. The great perk when you are kind who just cannot stop working while you are on holiday, or when you are relaxing at your home.
– It always works on the latest version
Several businesses experience slowdowns and errors because of outdated technology. However, in the cloud, it is mainly up to the vendor for managing and updating infrastructure, hence you may also be able to stay on the top of the latest technology and other safety requirements with less effort: you also don’t need to worry about remembering how you can install software updates.
– Easy to shrink and grow
When every POS device gets monthly paid, it’s simple to add and decrease the number of devices that are mainly based on the needs. Are you planning to open the pop-up store you are your holidays? Add some of the devices for the monthly contract, and also shrink back to a usual number in just four weeks. Moreover, you also do not need to purchase some additional hardware, as the phone with a proper internet connection could do.
Top 10 Cloud Computing Service Providers
1. Microsoft
2. Amazon Web Service
3. Salesforce.com
4. IBM
5. Google
6. SAP
7. Oracle
8. Workday
9. ServiceNow
10. VMware
Conclusion:
The technology of Cloud computing is spreading through IT-sphere such as wildfire, as it also has created a much hassle-free way for accessing the myriad of the IT resources as well as the simplified undertaking of various tasks through the internet. With the emergence of cloud computing, the shade of IT infrastructure also have become quit much convenient and agile, where the mission-critical are crucial, like data, human resources, external contacts, equipment, policies, along with procedures and work seamlessly for complete efficiency of various process of business.