POS Systems

The 5 Best EPOS Features You're Probably Not Using

You’ve heard of the benefits of an EPOS (electronic point of sale) system; increased operation efficiency, enhanced customer experience, provision of detailed business insights... But are you really making the most out of your EPOS software? 

Like many other small to medium-sized businesses (SMEs), you may not be. We got together our crack team of EPOS Experts to compile a list of epic yet underutilised EPOS features that most SMEs could really benefit from! 

We pride ourselves on offering the best, most pioneering point of sale products, all features mentioned are based on the products we sell. 

Stock Management

When utilised effectively, digitised stock management can save you time and money, along with minimising wastage. Let your system do the hard work for you, digitally monitoring stock levels and automatically reordering items when they are low. 
 
The stock management feature also allows you to drill down right into the core of your stock. Whether you’re an independent restaurant looking to monitor each ingredient in your dishes, or a retail business tracking individual items in your product line; your company can benefit from maximising your POS software’s stock features. 

Top Tip! 
Use stock management to calculate a product’s RRP (recommended retail price), helping you hit your business’ profit margin targets. 
 
When utilising the stock feature you can determine a product’s average cost, along with its standard selling price and gross profit actual percentage. You can then set a gross profit target, and the system will recommend a RRP to achieve this. This intuitive stock function gives you the data to make informed price decisions to increase profits and avoid the inaccuracy of ‘guestimating.’  

Kitchen Display System Integration 

Smoother, quicker, error-free... sound good? It is. That’s why every client who has installed a kitchen display system hasn’t looked back.  

Perfect for busy businesses, the kitchen display system eliminates the errors that can arise when relying on traditional paper ordering. Digitally communicating orders directly to the kitchen straight from the waiting staff’s order pad, your point of sale till, a self-order kiosk or even from your customer’s phone; prevents orders being lost or misinterpreted.  

Allow your kitchen team to manage how orders are viewed, set timers, review completed orders and notify waiting staff when orders are ready.  

Top Tip! 
Avoid confusion by setting the system to split food and beverage elements from each order and automatically send them to either the bar or kitchen. 

Staff Management 

Did you know your EPOS system can also help you with staff management? Monitor staff hours by utilising the ‘clock in and out’ functionality, assisting with payroll administration. 

Activate a number of unique sign in methods including iButton, magnetic, RFID and biometrics. 

Keep a track of any mishaps by recording all point of sale operations, allowing you to pinpoint errors, provide any additional training and help with error reduction. Your point of sale system can also be integrated with CCTV to add an additional layer of protection for your business, your staff and your customers. 

Utilise the point of sale’s staff reports to help you monitor staff performance and set staff incentives. 

Automate Promotions 

Use your point of sale to take the admin out of running promotions. Set multiple price levels for each product so you can switch between prices for certain periods. Perfect for a daily happy hour or other time sensitive promotions, the till will automatically revert back to standard pricing after the scheduled period has ended. 

Along with scheduled promotions, you can also utilise your till to mix and match offers, set menu package prices and produce vouchers and discount codes to further maximise revenue opportunities. 

Top Tip! 
Set up push notifications in your cloud back office to prompt staff to upsell or communicate promotions whilst serving customers. If you utilise the ordering app, push notifications can also be activated to alert customers to your latest offers. 

Revenue Boosting Reports 

Your point of sale software provides the perfect window into your business. Crammed full of data driven reports that can assist you in driving and improving both operations and sales. Most of our clients benefit from the top line reporting features of their EPOS system, but few really delve into the potential revenue boosting reports that it has to offer. 

Our EPOS Experts have pinpointed two particular reports that remain underutilised but have the potential to push profits. 

PLU Last Time Sold – This report highlights when products were last sold, giving you an understanding of that product’s performance. This provides you an opportunity to promote slow selling stock, avoiding wastage and repeat ordering. 

PLU Top Sellers by Quantity – This report assists with managing profit margins for your top selling products. Could you add a slight increase to one of your best sellers to boost profits? A small increase per item on your best selling products could equate to a large revenue boost overall. 

Interested to hear more about what our EPOS products have to offer? Our EPOS Experts are always happy to help. Contact them today on 0333 577 6001

Find out if your POS system can work without Wi-Fi

Yes, any decent point of sale (POS) machine should allow you to continue to utilise the vast majority of features without Wi-Fi. Although there may be a small number of functions that you might need to wait to use until you have a connection.

EPOS Systems' pioneering POS systems allow you to continue smoothly with your day-to-day operation even without Wi-Fi. And when you're internet is back up and running, you can send all your sales data to your cloud back office, ready for reporting.

But what if you're running a market stall or a pop-up and don't have access to Wi-Fi?

No Wi-Fi, no problem! Our brand new portable and powerful POS solution, TouchPoint lite operates over 4G connectivity and requires minimal set-up. Making it perfect for festivals, pop-up food stalls, small businesses, beer gardens, plus many more...

Offering all the functionality of our complete POS system, from a lightweight, mobile device. Choose just one or multiple integrated devices depending on the size of your operation; and allow your whole team to take orders and payments all from the palm of their hand.

TouchPoint lite also integrates with Stripe, who are one of the world’s leading payment processing platforms.

If you're looking for a portable POS solution then give our EPOS Experts a call today.

Why your Pharmacy Needs Point of Sale

With complex inventories of thousands of products, large customer portfolios and often multiple sites; running a pharmacy is no easy task. Luckily a well-designed point of sale (POS) system can assist in creating a smooth-running pharmacy operation.    

Even with the most supportive team around you, inefficient tech can interrupt your business, costing you time and money. An intelligent POS system can automate time-consuming tasks; manage a diverse and vast inventory; provide simple or advanced reporting for sales/stock/staff etc…; integrate with popular third-party applications, including payment systems and accounting software.

What you Should Look for in a Pharmacy Point of Sale System

An intuitive POS system can improve your operation, customer experience, time management and ultimately your pharmacy business’ profitability. When shopping around for a pharmacy point of sale, you need to make sure the system:

  • Is easy-to-use

    • Choose a system that has been designed with the end-user in mind, making it easy to implement and train staff.

  • Is cloud-based

    • Allowing you to manage your business from anywhere, at any time.

  • Has inventory tracking functionality

    • Avoiding waste and mistakes, saving time and keeping your product stock levels up-to-date.

  • Automatically manages time-consuming tasks

    • Maximising efficiency by allowing the system to manage mundane tasks such as creating shelf-edge labels or automatically raising purchase orders for low-stock items.

  • Provides intelligent, real-time reporting and analytics

    • Enabling you to make accurate and detailed decisions to improve your business.

  • Has the ability to integrate

    • Whether that be with a card machine or an accountancy app. Choose a system that can make your processes smoother as well as minimising errors.

  • Accepts multiple payment types

    • Keeping the payment process simple and easy.

  • Is scalable

    • Choose a system that can grow alongside your business, enabling you to manage multiple sites from one place.

  • Provides the ability to keep your pharmacy product files updated

    • Ensuring your products remain up-to-date and competitively priced.

  • Has built-in security

    • Protecting your business against fraudulent behaviour.

  • Allows you to create loyalty programmes

    • Rewarding your loyal customers and retaining your footfall.

  • Comes with reliable support

    • No technology is totally fool-proof so a POS system that has support readily available when you need it is a must!

If you’re in the market for a pharmacy point of sale system then we’d love to help you. Give us a call today on 0333 577 6001.

Point of Sale FAQs

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.

What is the difference between a cash register and an electronic point of sale system (EPOS)?

A cash register is limited in its functionality allowing for the management of sales only. An EPOS system can assist in driving a business’ efficiency with an intuitive back-office system that saves time and maximises profits. EPOS offers a far greater selection of functions such as, inventory and stock management, staff management, customer loyalty schemes and marketing incentives, plus much more…

What are the key things I should look for in an EPOS system?

- 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

What do EPOS Systems offer as an EPOS provider?

EPOS Systems have been innovating for 40 years, helping an ever-changing industry adapt, improve, and excel, by providing easy-to-use, feature-perfect products.
With EPOS Systems you will receive reliable and knowledgeable support 7 days a week and a full suite of point-of-sale solutions tailored to your business’ needs.

Do EPOS Systems offer support?

EPOS Systems’ software is designed to be easy to use, but training is still provided with every installation so you’re ready to get started straight away, worry-free.
And if you ever need further assistance, EPOS experts are on call 7 days a week.

Can EPOS Systems offer a software only POS solution?

EPOS Systems pride themselves in offering personalised point of sales solutions and can be as flexible as possible to your business’ requirements. Software only solutions are available depending on the compatibility of the hardware. Our sales team would be delighted to discuss options with you.

What is a complete EPOS System?

A complete EPOS system includes a point-of-sale screen, customer display screen, a cash drawer, receipt printer and fully installed and programmed cloud back-office software.

What point of sale hardware do EPOS Systems supply?

EPOS Systems offer a full suite of point-of-sale hardware including handheld devices, mobile and self-service kiosks.

Is EPOS Systems’ software cloud based?

Absolutely! Meaning you can manage your entire business in real time from anywhere in the world.

What payment providers do EPOS Systems work with?

EPOS Systems’ software integrates with Dojo, Paymentsense and Elavon. A non-integrated option would be available should you wish to use a different provider.

Can EPOS Systems’ software integrate with other systems?

From payment gateway providers and staff resource management to security, accounting, e-commerce and hotel management; EPOS Systems’ software integrates with many third-party applications allowing you to streamline your business.

I’d like an EPOS demonstration. How can I set this up?

Arrange a remote or in person demonstration via EPOS Systems’ sales team, they’ll be delighted to help!

Case Study: SUEZ UK

SUEZ UK Implements Bespoke EPOS Ecosystem

SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK was established in 1988 as part of the global SUEZ Group to manage waste and water for local authority and business customers. EPOS Systems, has completed an install at four of the Greater Manchester sites.

Employing more than 5,000 people, with more than 600 people employed in Greater Manchester alone, SUEZ manages the waste sites on behalf of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), handling 1.1 million tonnes of waste arising from nearly 2.3million residents.

The Brief - EPOS To Support Business Growth

SUEZ recently launched its most comprehensive and ambitious reuse strategy at the Renew Hub in Greater Manchester. This is an industrial scale model of reuse where household products which otherwise would have gone to waste are upcycled and sold on to consumers via 3 local reuse shops and online retailer eBay. Facilities at the Hub lengthen the lifecycle of products, helping to reduce waste, with all proceeds distributed to charities and community groups across Greater Manchester.

EPOS Systems was tasked with providing a multi-till setup for SUEZ covering all four sites (three reuse shops and the Renew Hub) that could cover barcode assignment, label printing, weight reporting, efficiency staff discounting and above all, accurate reporting.

The Solution - A Bespoke Solution

Each site has a terminal installed with TouchPoint, along with receipt and barcode printers and a barcode scanner. This setup includes a TouchOffice Web account, which allows the SUEZ team remote access to manage their operation centrally.

Reusable household products are delivered to the Renew Hub, categorised as reused goods (sold as is) or upcycled goods (repaired then sold) and given a price depending on the quality. Each product is then assigned a barcode using a label printing script that has been modified to create price-embedded barcodes.

Every product is an open-price product within the system and assigned a price using TouchPoint which prints onto the barcoded label. When the barcode is scanned the product is sold at the price that was assigned to the product at the Hub upon inspection.

Due to the nature of the industry, it is crucial that SUEZ has accurate reporting on the weight of each product going through the system. To achieve this, EPOS Systems has used TouchPoint’s in-built functionality to give each item its average weight value. This was taken from a uniform file containing average weights that SUEZ provided.

A number of bespoke reports have also been created within TouchOffice Web that enable the required information to be generated in one place. These reports detail how many of each product have been sold, at what price, and most importantly, the total weight of each product. SUEZ also utilises the customer database feature within TouchOffice Web to offer a staff discount.

The Result - An Efficient System That Meets Business Needs

EPOS Systems have worked with many clients outside of the retail and hospitality sectors. However, with a unique set of requirements, SUEZ provided an opportunity to really challenge the capabilities of TouchPoint and TouchOffice Web. Through the dedication of the EPOS Systems team and the support of ICRTouch, SUEZ was provided with a customised solution that allows the management of the business and growth.

“The EPoS system created for us is easy to use and has enabled us to make serious progress towards our goals. The Renew Hub is an industry first in terms of the scale of operations and the system allows us to not only track sales, but also tonnages which is vitally important in our industry.”
Colin Preston, Renew Hub Manager At SUEZ Recycling And Recovery UK

This case study was originally published on https://www.icrtouch.com/