The point of sale, or POS, refers to the hardware and software that together facilitate customer purchases for businesses. Whether it’s the checkout counter at a retail store or the mobile app a handyman uses to process payments on-site, today’s POS systems are capable of managing a complex set of tasks for business owners.

A POS system has to be compatible with the payment methods used in your business. For instance, a system that only accepts credit card swipes won’t work for a restaurant that sells food and drink items by weight. In addition, a POS system that doesn’t allow you to integrate with online ordering will limit your business’s reach to those who prefer to shop from the comfort of home.

Most POS systems include a monitor, barcode scanner, receipt printer and card reader. Depending on your needs, you may also need to add a cash drawer or kitchen display system to the mix.

There are a variety of different types of POS terminals on the market, including the Dynamag USB swipe card reader, which allows for long swipe paths and is compatible with almost all operating systems. Another option is the Square contactless chip reader, which supports Apple Pay and other digital wallets as well as magnetic stripe swiped payments.

The most important thing to look for in a POS system is a provider that offers around-the-clock support. After all, you’re bound to run into some issues, so it’s helpful to have a team of experts ready to help. Modern POS systems can even help you manage employees by tracking their hours and generating reports that detail on-the-job performance. pos device payments