A point-of-sale system makes daily operations a breeze. It’s a big part of setting up your store, whether you’re just getting started, trying to beat the competition, or taking your business to the next level.

Your POS system can make or break your business’ success. A robust system can help you increase your profits, but an inefficient one can create costly issues. Here’s how to tell if you need a POS update.

Your System’s Hard to Use

A point-of-sale system helps you streamline your business operations. But if you’re using a complex tool, you may face some problems.

Your current POS may help you accomplish more advanced tasks, but it might not be the best for your business if it can’t complete transactions, create reports, or track your inventory efficiently. In this case, it may be time to get a POS update.

You should also consider how much time you need to finish a task. POS systems that take a while to work may frustrate your customers and create problems for your back office.

Moreover, your new hires should learn how to use your point-of-sale system during their onboarding. They should absorb any included training videos or live demos easily and quickly, helping them stay up to speed without disrupting your operations.

You Can’t Expand Seamlessly

Are you planning to open more branches in different locations? Your point-of-sale system should adapt to these changes and grow with you, not stand in the way of your success.

Older POS systems won’t keep up with your growth, which could mean a much-needed upgrade. For example, such systems can’t track and transfer inventory between stores or manage your growing team.

It Doesn’t Optimize Your Inventory

Modern POS systems have features that help simplify business processes. Stock management is one of the most helpful features, especially for F&B businesses. It tells you how many stocks are still available and how much you could spend on making certain dishes, down to the most basic ingredients. Without this feature, you won’t know whether you’ve got a full inventory or not.

You Don’t Offer Enough Payment Options

Nowadays, customers pay for their purchases through different options, including:

  • Cash
  • Credit or debit cards
  • Digital wallets like GCash, Maya, and Lazada Wallet

While some still carry or buy with crisp bills, many have already switched to contactless and tap-and-go payments. If you’re not offering these payment options (or your current POS doesn’t accept them), your customers may shop or dine at other establishments. Some point-of-sale systems will let people pay in halves. Simply put, they can pay with cash first, then top their payment up with a credit or debit card.

Additionally, you should consider whether your desired POS will let you accept payments offline or whenever the power goes out. Providing your suki with alternatives is the best solution in these situations.

Your POS Doesn’t Make Shopping Seamless

Your POS system and e-commerce platform should work together to improve a customer’s shopping experience. They should sync inventories seamlessly and help you understand one’s purchasing behavior and preferences. Otherwise, buyers can’t shop conveniently online or in-store.

You Pay More As You Grow

If you’re getting multiple POS terminals, you may need to pay for them. In turn, you’re spending more as you hire more staff or open another location.

That said, research is key. Consider investing in more cost-efficient options — some POS providers will let you pay for terminals per location, which is ideal if you’re managing multiple branches.

Determining how much you’re willing to spend and what payment scheme you want to follow, whether monthly or annually, may help as well. In most cases, you’ll save more if you opt for an annual subscription.

You’re Always Experiencing Technical Issues

Old point-of-sale systems may cause various technical issues. The most common problems with outdated POS systems include:

  • A crashing or freezing system
  • Delays in payments
  • Longer time to authorize transactions

What should be simple, quick transactions can take an unnecessarily long time. If you’re facing these issues, you’ll need a POS update. Waiting until your old system finally gives up on you to upgrade it could drive customers away from your business.

Your Hardware Always Breaks Down & Needs Repair

Furthermore, the hardware on older POS systems will break down over time. The longer you use a POS, the more often it’ll malfunction. For example, your printer might not print receipts, or your credit card reader can’t process a transaction.

Immediately resolving these issues can help you stay profitable. While you can have your POS provider fix your old system, you’d be better off with upgraded hardware.

You Don’t Have Solid Tech Support

Even if you’re using a new POS system, you can still get the occasional tech hiccup. Fortunately, many modern POS providers offer tech support. You should be able to call, email, or chat with a support team that can help you out.

Moreover, your POS provider should offer multiple self-support options if you can’t contact their support team. They should have a website or social media page with support articles, FAQ (frequently asked questions) pages, and troubleshooting videos to help you resolve potential issues.

You Can’t Create Reports & Get Crucial Insights

Many modern POS systems will provide you with quick insights and data. You can dig deep into this information to analyze sales, staff performance, and customer behavior. With one click (or tap), you can create daily, weekly, and monthly reports to inform your business decisions.

Checking Out Takes Forever

If your current POS can’t process transactions fast, a POS update may be the solution. Slow checkouts could mean upset customers and a less satisfactory shopping experience. And sometimes, those people won’t complete their transactions.

Plus, serving multiple customers can be a challenge with an outdated POS. Upgrading your current system can help you streamline and process transactions much faster.

You’re Stuck at Your Checkout Counter

A mobile POS allows you to serve your customers wherever they are in your store. All you need is a smartphone or tablet connected to a cloud-based system, and you’re good to go. In turn, shoppers (or diners, if you’re running an F&B business) won’t have to wait in long lines.

Finally, a mobile point-of-sale system can feel at home in your physical store, pop-up stores, or industry events.

You Can’t Customize Your POS Software

POS systems aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. A system made for a restaurant might not work in a retail store like a boutique or supermarket. Hence, your chosen POS should meet your business needs while streamlining your operations.

Choose the Right POS for Your Business

Is your current POS showing most of the tell-tale signs we’ve mentioned? If so, you may need to say goodbye and upgrade. As you look for a new POS, consider a solution that fits your business, goals, and industry to set your store up for success.

Need help finding a new POS system? Get helpful tips from the UTAK POS blog, or try our cloud-based POS solution today.