Small business owners have more options than ever when it comes to sales transactions and processing. While traditional card readers continue to have their place, many have now turned to point of sale systems that are used in conjunction with mobile devices such as iPads. Each and every day this technology becomes more advanced as well as more popular, and this is why all business owners should take a closer look at using their own company’s iPads as a PoS system and if this type of transaction will fit their own unique needs and requirements when it comes to sending generated revenue to a merchant account.
The Benefits of a PoS System
A PoS system takes many of the most common but arduous tasks of running a business and simplifies them via automation. At its heart, an iPad POS system will help employees make sales at any time and any place that there is access to a wireless signal or wireless network. The credit card slider, or additional the input for cash sales, is automatically uploaded and saved. While this is useful in and of itself, the software used to run a PoS system can be used to directly transmit information to employees around the company, track stock, upload information for credit card processing, maintain inventory, and create any number of reports and analysis with this information.
Starting Out with Hardware
There are a few primary components that the business will need beginning with one or more iPads and the card reader that will be used to upload information for credit card processing. These devices are usually hardwired with one another and little or no information is stored on the iPad itself. While it is always important to have thorough security provisions in place in the event of stolen or damaged hardware, these systems have quite a few protective layers in place to prevent more serious data breaches.
Secure Accounts and Software
Along with this basic hardware, there will also be some specialized accounts that the business owner will need as well as unique software. Before making any credit card sales, a merchant account will need to purchased or activated in order to safely make transactions. Most PoS systems will come with their own software that is housed both on the iPad and on a cloud server as added safety. Once all of these components are in place, business owners can begin securely and efficiently making sales.