A Guide To Cloud Based And Local EPOS Software

EPOS. It sounds technical and confusing before the terms ‘local’ and ‘cloud-based’ are even brought into play. However, a decision must be made by a business on which type of system to choose out of these two. This article seeks to help any retailer facing this modern day quandary by explaining what these two different approaches can and can’t do.

Small Businesses

If you are a small business with just the one stationary retail outlet, then cloud-based EPOS software is fairly redundant. Although a local system is not as advanced, it still has everything that many managers in small businesses require.
 
Business Chains

When it comes to organisations that require chains, such as a fast food outlet that has stalls at festivals and concerts, then cloud-based EPOS software begins to show its mettle. Because it uses the world wide web to connect different electronic point of sale systems, a cloud-based approach allows individual units to plug-in to a much larger network which is controlled centrally.

Multiple Outlets

Again, when it comes to business which have many outlets in many different locations, cloud-based EPOS software is the best option if you are looking for a good return on your investment. This is because connecting to web allows the business manager to share important data such as sales figures and customer information. What’s more, a cloud based systems means that in-house prices are regulated – as soon as one store changes the price of an item, for example, this price is updated for every other store.

Different Retail Settings

When conducting retail transactions in many different settings, it is virtually impossible to cart one sturdy point of sale device – along with its hardware such as printers and keyboards - about everywhere. Indeed, with local-based EPOS software, the retailer would have to rely on approaches such as the good old fashioned pen and paper. Manual methods, of course, come with a much higher margin for error, which could negatively affect the businesses bottom line. A mobile device, on the other hands, will allow the retailer to connect to a cloud based systems which eliminates the high possibility for error.

Upgrading Your EPOS Software

A significant advantage of using cloud-based EPOS software is that you can instantly download an update to your software as soon as one is made available. In fact your system will do this automatically so you don’t even have to lift a finger! Owners of a local-based system, on the other hand, would have to research and complete this operation manually.

Thus, in conclusion, a local system is recommended if you are a small business with one stationary outlet; however, for any other type of business, a cloud-based system is definitely recommended seeing as it has huge benefits.