What is EPOS?

EPOS stands for electronic point of sale. Invented in 1992, it was designed to simplify the sales process, evolving over time to assist with the management of all areas of business.

EPOS goes beyond a cash register; it is an intelligent web-based system that businesses can rely on for reporting, staff, stock, customer loyalty and promotions management, along with many other features. It can integrate with other systems, such as accounting software or hotel PMS, or even connect to websites or ordering apps to allow for more commerce options.

The right EPOS system can help drive a business’ efficiency, saving on time and maximising profits.

So, what should you look for when choosing an EPOS system? Here’s our top tips:

1)     Ease of Use

Whether you’re introducing a new point of sale solution or introducing a new member of staff, you need a system that is easy-to-use and slips straight into your operation. When designed with the end-user in mind, EPOS will be easy to learn and operate.

2)     Customer Support

Though most EPOS systems are pretty fool proof you may experience a technical issue from time to time, and when you do you’ll need an EPOS expert on the other end of the phone to help you! When picking an EPOS system, make sure you don’t forget the value of a 7-day-a-week reliable service.

3)     Integration

Use Deliveroo for your takeaway deliveries or Sage for your accounts? It’s worth considering your current programs and choosing an EPOS System that will integrate with them. Allowing you to manage your whole operation more efficiently.

4)     Versatility and Scalability

Whether you’re an independent retailer or setting up a multi-site empire, you’ll want an EPOS System that can fit with your business’ individual needs. And when it’s time for your business to grow then you’ll need an EPOS system that will be able to grow with you! A good EPOS system will allow for integration across multiple sites, meaning you can manage your entire business from anywhere.

5)     Security

Protecting your sales data and personal data is important so you’ll want an EPOS system that is secure. Look out for systems that assist with deterring and investigating internal fraud for extra protection.

Think you’re ready to switch to EPOS? Give us a call today on 0800 059 0991.

How EPOS can make your business more sustainable

In business, a focus on sustainability isn’t just about the environment and corporate responsibility, it also makes commercial sense. Firstly, with reducing costs, but also by attracting new customers.

According to Forbes, “81% of global consumers feel strongly that companies should help improve the environment,” yet only “60% of companies have a sustainability strategy.” Building a solid sustainability strategy and communicating it within your marketing could support your business in gaining a competitive edge.

But where to start? Here’s how your electronic point of sale (EPOS) can help you:

- Limit waste with stock management

One third of all food produced is wasted in the UK, with an estimated 18% attributed to the hospitality and food industries (Sustainable Hospitality Alliance). Similarly, ineffective retail inventory management leads to wasted stock, lost revenue and even business failure.

Luckily an intelligent EPOS system can help you manage your stock levels, place orders, and oversee your ins and outs.

- Go digital

“If the current rate of deforestation continues, it will take less than 100 years to destroy all the rainforests on the earth” (DocuPhase).

With the huge environmental impact of paper, along with the government’s ‘Making Tax Digital’ campaign and the UK’s movement towards a ‘cashless society,’ now is the best time to digitise your business.

An innovative EPOS system can help you adapt to a paperless operation with cloud-based reporting, digital receipts, digital point of sale marketing and digital menus/ordering.

-        Limit your travel

According to National Geographic, 80-90% of a vehicle’s environmental impact is due to fuel consumption and emissions of air population and greenhouse gases, driving global warming.

If you opt for cloud-base point of sale management software, then you can manage your business from home, without having to ‘nip’ in unnecessarily.

Looking to take the first steps in becoming a more sustainable business? We can help, give us a call today on 0800 059 0991.

How to make your small business more efficient

How to make your small restaurant or retail business more efficient

The definition of efficient, “…achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense” (Oxford Languages, 2022).

Do you have to be ‘present’ to manage your business? Do you spend hours onsite manually pulling reports? Do you have to turn away customers because you can’t accommodate their preferred method of payment? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, then your business may not be running efficiently.

Luckily, an effective electronic point of sale (EPOS) system can help! See our top five ways in which EPOS can assist in maximising your business efficiency, minimising wasted time and drive profits.

1)     Cloud-based technology

A quick price change, promotion, or a report to download. No need to ‘pop in,’ do it remotely! Manage your business on any device, from anywhere.

2)     Instant reports

Sales, stock, staff. Real-time or historical. Pull reports instantly, from anywhere, giving you the data you need to help make the best business decisions.

3)     Integration

If you’re looking to streamline your service or scale your business… or both; then your machines and systems need to talk to each other!
Integration is key when running an efficient operation, which is why EPOS integrates! From till to till, till to card reader, or even Shopify and Deliveroo, get your technology talking.

4)     Cashless payments

There’s nothing worse than turning away a paying customer. As the UK heads further towards a cashless society, make sure your business doesn’t fall behind. Contactless, PayPal, Apple Pay, G Pay, online, at the table or at the till; allow the customer to use their preferred method of payment.

5)     Easy-to-use

Whether you’re introducing a new point of sale solution or introducing a new member of staff, you need a system that is easy-to-use and slips straight into your operation. When designed with the end-user in mind, EPOS will be easy to learn and operate, saving you time and money!

Looking to update your cash register or current EPOS system? Our team of EPOS experts would love to help. Contact us on 0800 059 0991.