Max H.

POS systems are comprised of hardware and software.
Hardware for a POS system can be as basic as a tablet or smartphone and a card reader. You can add peripherals like receipt printers, cash drawers and barcode readers for a more traditional setup.
Software for a POS system should include checkout capabilities, a product catalogue and reporting features. Nicer features include inventory tracking, customer management tools and integrations with the other business software you use.
This article is for the small business owner who wants to learn about POS systems before purchasing one for their business.
Thanks to many technological advancements, point of sale (POS) systems have been changing, ensuring that businesses can go beyond just processing transactions. POS systems have gone from cash boxes to cash registers to iPad minis and into other smart technology. Businesses now have features that are designed to boost sales, improve staff performance and make business owners' lives easier.

To better understand POS systems, use this guide on what to look for and how to find the best option for your business. For a more in-depth look at POS systems, check out our Credit Card Processing Buyer's Guide and our roundup of the Best POS Systems.