Whether you’re popping to the shops, excitedly unboxing that long-awaited delivery or reading your favourite book, it’s likely that a little strip of black lines won’t be far away. They make life easier, simpler and far more efficient for businesses and customers all over the world. We are, of course, talking about barcodes.

As is the case with most great inventions, barcodes have become an essential element of modern industry. They’re everywhere, from the food we buy in the supermarket to the parcels we send and receive. These nifty little inventions certainly revolutionised the world of retail and have applications across industries.

Naturally, most of us wouldn’t give barcodes a second thought, but our fine-lined friends deserve a little recognition. Read on to discover our brief history of barcodes.

The First Patent

The two individuals responsible for the invention of the barcode are Norman Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver. Their initial patent for a linear ‘code reading’ device was first filed in 1949, before being accepted officially in 1952. At this time, the concept was based around a code, a 500-watt incandescent bulb and an oscilloscope. Though the fundamental idea was there, technology at the time was incapable of producing a bright enough light.

The Laser

It goes without saying that a barcode is rendered somewhat useless without an accompanying device to read it. As touched upon above, the technology of the 1950s was not advanced enough to properly test the idea. However, the invention of the laser in 1960 changed this.

The introduction of the laser not only meant that far less energy was required to read a barcode, it also allowed these codes to be read from any angle. Initially, the laser-based barcode system was used to track the manufacture of car parts in a General Motors plant.

Soon, the potential for laser barcode scanners within industry became crystal clear; used properly, these devices would supercharge efficiency.

The Cashier’s Dream

As technology improved and barcode devices became readily available, supermarkets across the world began adopting the systems. The Universal Product Code (UPC) was soon a familiar sight to shoppers everywhere.

Fast forward a few years and, by the turn of the millennium, barcodes had become commonplace across industries. At this time, in 1999, the first two-dimensional QR code was developed in Japan.

Barcodes & Self Service Systems Now

Today, barcodes and scanners are everywhere. From hospitals and restaurants to supermarkets, book shops and even nightclubs, these incredible devices have truly revolutionised the world. Everything, from advertising and promotions to documentation and even passports, can thank the barcode for its universal simplicity in one way or another.

Here at iOResource, it’s our mission to connect retailers and businesses with the wonderful world of point of sale technology. From barcode scanners and epos kiosks to keyboards, cash drawers and printers, why not streamline your business with the latest and greatest in tech?

Simply get in touch to discuss your requirements.

The sale and purchase of goods has been happening between individuals and businesses for centuries, starting originally with a trade of goods, to trading these for physical money and cash, and now through the use of debit and credit cards. One thing has remained the same, however, throughout time, and that is that all of these instances count as a point of sale.

A point of sale (POS) is defined as the time and place in which a retail transaction is completed, whereby the merchant calculates how much is owed by the customer, indicates this (with or without an invoice) and provides the payment method options the customer has, then the customer will pay in whichever way is relevant.

Of course, nowadays most retail stores use digital POS systems that calculate all this and more, however originally this process occurred manually. We’ve put together this history of POS systems, describing how they evolved to where they are today, including the recent emergence of mobile POS systems. Read ahead to learn more.

Manual Trade

As we’ve already mentioned, the trade of goods for money has been occurring all across the world for years and years. In times before tills were a thing, point of sales were all done by hand, memory and paper.

A merchant would memorise the price of the products they sold, or perhaps on occasion made these up on the spot, with customers even haggling said prices sometimes, then would keep the money they received from their customers in a money pouch on their person, or maybe in a moneybox.

Some regular customers may have even held credit accounts with specific merchants, which would be recorded on paper so that the merchant could see how much they were in credit or debt by and charge them accordingly.

They would then count their overall inventory and revenue by hand outside of trading hours, working out if and how much profit was earned as well as what products in their inventory would need to be restocked.

Cash Registers

If you’ve ever visited a small village shop or farm shop, then you may have noticed that many of these still use till systems like this.

Rather than having to write everything down and calculate prices mentally or with the use of a calculator, cash registers do all of the mathematical work for you. At the time that these first came into use (and continuing on till now), products would also have their individual prices attached to them, meaning a merchant not only wouldn’t have to remember these prices, but could hire employees to work for them and easily use the till.

All that needs to be done is for the prices to be typed into the cash register, which will add these together to give the final price that the customer is required to pay. If the customer then pays more than this and requires change, then a feature on the cash register also allows for the amount the customer pays to be put in, allowing it to then work out how much change needs to be given.

Another feature of cash registers that made them so innovative and useful was the inclusion of an inbuilt cash drawer. On a cash register, there is a specific button you can press when the total amount has been calculated and the customer is ready to pay, which will open a drawer on the register that contains a float for cash to be stored.

This means the merchant or employee would no longer need to keep cash on their person or in a place that is vulnerable to being stolen. Furthermore, till drawers often come with a lock, so they are even more protected and inaccessible to unwarranted personnel. The float in which the cash is stored is also split into sections, which makes it much easier for cash to be sorted, change to be given and the money to be counted at the end of the day.

Most shops today still use cash registers (unless they only accept card payments), however these are often used in conjunction with a modern POS system, rather than this manual till system.

Barcodes & POS Systems

As retail has expanded and businesses have become chains, so too has the way in which money and inventory is managed within shops, which has especially been helped throughout the growth of the digital era.

Barcodes are arguably one of the most significant inventions that have impacted the world of retail. As you will know, a barcode consists of a series of black lines of differing thickness with a unique number underneath, used to identify a specific product. These are either printed onto a product itself (e.g. on a box of teabags), onto a product’s packaging (e.g. on a packet of pens) or onto the price tag of a product (e.g. on the price tag affixed to a clothing item).

These barcodes can then be entered into a digital system known as a POS system, which will identify it with the specific product upon which it has been printed. From here, a shop is able to allocate a certain price to these barcodes, depending on how much they wish to sell the product for, and can input this price into the system.

During a sale, a scanner is used to scan the barcode of a product, which will then be recognised in the system so that it can find the associated product and its allocated price, noting this on the register for the merchant/employee before moving on to scan the next product. Each time a product is scanned, its price is automatically added on to the existing total, similar to how a cash register works, making it an extremely quick, easy and accurate process.

The great thing about these POS systems is that once a barcode has been scanned once and a price has been inputted, this will then be recognised across all registers using the system. Furthermore, by having this information stored online, it allows for merchants to keep track of their inventory much more easily, since they are also able to input the level of stock of each product that they have, with this automatically being reduced each time an item is sold.

Mobile POS Systems

With the evolution of the internet and mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops, POS systems have now reached a whole new level yet again.

Thanks to the internet, information can all be stored online and accessed from numerous devices all around the world, if required. This includes information regarding inventory, sales receipts, customer loyalty and employee timestamps.

With this development, POS systems can now also be made to be used portably. Using a mobile device that is connected to the internet and the POS system online, businesses are now able to make sales anywhere on the shop floor in their storefront, meaning an employee can close a sale with a customer on the spot rather than them having to wait in a queue to be served at a register.

This also offers a great opportunity for businesses to reach a larger audience by taking their product further afield. For example, small businesses could set up a stall at a local market, at a small business fayre, or businesses that sell food and drink products could set up a mobile truck at events, offering them the opportunity to advertise their products to new people and attract prospective customers, all while being able to make sales and keep track of these at the same time thanks to mobile POS.

For more established businesses, mobile POS also allows them to keep track of how well their stores are doing across multiple locations. This means they are able to identify which products are particularly popular in certain areas, so they can know to increase the inventory of said products in those stores when restocking, or can see which stores are perhaps doing less well so they can focus targeted advertisement campaigns and strategies in these areas.

IOResource

As you can see, retail tracking and management has come a long way throughout history, with mobile POS systems helping businesses in a plethora of innovative ways. From keeping track of sales, inventory, customer loyalty and store performances, to making sales on the go from anywhere with an internet connection, a portable POS system is undoubtedly beneficial to any business.

Here at IOResource, we stock a great selection of mobile POS systems from a range of quality and reliable manufacturers. With the option to filter your search by memory, storage, interface and operating system, you can be sure that you’ll find a mobile POS system ideally suited to your needs when shopping with us.

Get in touch with us today with any queries and to learn more about the products we sell.

Mobile point of sale (mPOS) systems have become increasingly popular over the years, and for good reason. They offer a convenient and flexible way for businesses to accept payments, streamline their sales process, and improve their overall performance. If you’re still using a traditional point of sale system, here are five ways your business could benefit from an mPOS system.

1.     Increased Flexibility

With a mobile POS system, you can accept payments from anywhere, anytime, using your mobile device. This means that you can take your business on the go, whether you’re attending a trade show, delivering goods to customers, or simply working remotely. The flexibility of an mPOS system can help you expand your reach and increase your sales opportunities.

2.    Enhanced Customer Experience

Mobile point of sale systems enable you to provide a seamless and personalised customer experience. You can easily create custom product catalogues, set up automatic tax calculations, and offer multiple payment methods, including contactless payments. These features can reduce checkout times, minimise errors, and enhance the overall shopping experience for your customers.

3.    Lower Transaction Fees

Traditional point of sale systems often come with high transaction fees, which can eat into your profits. With an mPOS system, you can choose from a variety of pricing plans that offer competitive transaction fees, saving you money in the long run. Some mobile POS systems even offer flat-rate pricing or no transaction fees at all.

4.   Real-time Reporting and Analytics

Most mPOS systems offer real-time reporting and analytics, enabling you to track your sales performance, monitor your inventory, and analyse your customer behaviour. This data can help you make informed decisions about your business strategy, such as adjusting your pricing, optimising your marketing efforts, or introducing new products or services.

5.    Increased Security

Security is crucial when it comes to payment processing, and mPOS systems offer several security features to protect your business and your customers. These include encryption of customer data, fraud detection, and authentication for every transaction. By using a mobile POS system, you can reduce the risk of data breaches and fraud, and provide a secure payment experience for your customers.

Looking for a mobile point of sale system?

Mobile point of sale systems offer several benefits for businesses of all sizes, including increased flexibility, enhanced customer experience, lower transaction fees, real-time reporting and analytics, and increased security. If you’re looking to improve your sales process and stay competitive in today’s market, iOResource stocks a range of mPOS systems suitable for all types of business. Contact us today on +44 (0) 333 405 0035 or by emailing sales@ioresource.com.

When they were first introduced to our supermarkets, self checkout areas were something of a phenomenon, with opinions on them being split over the years. Now, they are the popular and convenient go to for when you only have a handful of items to purchase and don’t wish to wait in the queue behind people with a trolley full of their weekly grocery shop. They have even evolved to the point that many leading supermarkets have dedicated self service areas for both smaller basket shops and larger trolley shops, as well as scan as you go services.

While this is a common sight that no longer phases us, seeing self service kiosks in other retail stores is still somewhat of a rarity (at least outside of the larger, more populated cities) and ongoing emergence – particularly in fashion retail.

In this article, we will explore the ways in which such companies could benefit from implementing self service systems in their stores.

The Benefits

Faster Transactions

By this, we do not mean that self service kiosks complete transactions faster than a traditional till system would, but their usage ultimately results in faster transactions overall due to the increased opportunity they offer for the number of transactions to be made at one time.

When relying solely on traditional tills operated by staff, queues tend to be common, especially on busy days such as the weekends. These queues grow even longer when even one or two customers have a lot of shopping they wish to pay for. By having self service checkouts, there are more opportunities for customers to simultaneously scan and pay for their items, reducing the backup of people queuing.

In addition to this, it offers customers choice. If people only have a couple of items and wish to checkout quickly without having to exchange any niceties/formalities with an employee, then they can pay using a self service kiosk, whilst someone who may have a question about one of their items may wish to go to the normal till instead.

Customer Satisfaction

Having the option for self service checkout is a great way to upkeep customer satisfaction. As a country, we are notoriously known amongst ourselves for politely avoiding interaction where possible when shopping, unless we’re specifically in need of assistance. This explains, then, why a significant percentage of shoppers prefer to use self service checkouts.

Simply put: people like it. They like the convenience of being able to pay without having to speak to someone; they like the convenience of being able to pay without having to wait for an employee to be free if there is no one actually at the till; they like the convenience of being able to pay without waiting in queues.

Efficiency

In comparison to traditional till areas, self service kiosks take up far less space. Whilst you may be able to see only two to four customers at one time at traditional employee-manned tills, self service areas can typically handle double this amount within the same or similar spatial capacity. This makes them extremely efficient, as more customers are able to complete their transactions at one time, reducing the likelihood of queues.

Not only this, but one employee can effectively oversee approximately six self service kiosks at a time, should any customers require assistance and to check that people are scanning everything and paying for their goods. This then frees up other employees to complete jobs elsewhere in the store, rather than needing them to operate a till each, which increases overall productivity and efficiency of the running of the store.

For example, they will be able to handle any deliveries, manage the upkeep of the store throughout the day, be available to offer customer service and complete (and possibly exceed) all daily tasks. This also reduces your labour costs, as you will not need to hire new employees to do these jobs, instead.

Inclusivity

Thanks to modern technology, we are now able to translate languages very easily online. Similarly, many self service till systems are operable in various languages, meaning your customers can choose to have their language shown on the screen should English not be their first language.

This increases your store’s opportunity to satisfy and encourage non-native customers to shop with you over competitors – especially if your store is located in a particularly cosmopolitan area. This is something which you are less likely to achieve through employee operated tills alone.

Social Distancing

Over the past two years, we have all become familiar with the practice of social distancing, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Though there are no longer strict rules in place regarding how people must conduct themselves in public in relation to the pandemic, however many people still remain vulnerable to the effects of coronavirus. As such, a number of the population still feel more comfortable keeping their social distance as much as possible, to avoid contracting the virus or passing it on to someone else.

Having an area where self service systems are in place allows customers at your shop to more easily do this. They will not be in such close proximity to the person next to them as they would at a regular till. Furthermore, because there is no human interaction involved, they will not need to worry about being in close proximity with an employee, either, that they otherwise would be.

Though it is not a legal requirement anymore, it is still good courtesy to offer customers the option for social distancing in your store where possible by providing self service kiosks. This also means that you will have the necessary means in place in the event that social distancing is required again for any reason in the future, allowing customers to still access and purchase items in your shop.

Self Service and EPOS

Most traditional tills that you see being used in retail stores are what’s known as EPOS (electronic point of sales) tills. An EPOS till system allows companies to gather data on their sales, inventory and customers in order to gather information on what areas in your company are doing well and others that aren’t so much, such as what products sell the most or average weekly/monthly transactions and profits.

For example, if your company offers a membership loyalty scheme to customers, an EPOS till system allows you to keep track of how many of your in-store customers are part of this scheme, how many customers sign up and how many customers do not wish to sign up with each transaction. This allows you to identify which geographical areas this is proving a success in and which you could invest more advertising in for said scheme.

EPOS till systems are extremely helpful for retail businesses in this sense, especially considering that many will make seasonal changes to their products and want to keep track of their seasonal inventory and how well their stores are performing in comparison to online retailers/their own online platform. This is why it is a good idea to use self service tills that also operate using an EPOS system.

Using EPOS self service kiosks allows you to keep track of all your sales and inventory while reaping the benefits self service checkouts have to offer. The two together make for a resourceful, reliable, efficient and successful process of sales transactions in your retail store(s).

However, we still recommend that you have at least one or two employee operated tills. Customers appreciate being given a choice, and in the unlikely event that all your self service kiosks were to be down, you would still have a way to serve your customers rather than risk losing them before they make a transaction. Having an employee behind a till also allows for any returns to be made, as well as making someone available to answer any customers’ queries during a transaction.

iOResource

If you are in the retail sector and are considering installing self service systems in your stores across the UK and Ireland, you can guarantee that iOResource has the right kiosk for you.

Working in partnership with some of the world’s leading EPOS and AIDC (Automatic Identification and Data Capture) vendors, we have an extensive range of self service solutions to suit your needs and fit seamlessly into your store. We also provide stand alone kiosks, regular and mobile POS solutions and peripherals (including cash drawers, scanners and receipt printers).

To learn more about the products and POS solutions we offer, please contact us with your query and a member of our expert team will be happy to assist you.

A modern-day business is always on the move. Gone are the days where shops, restaurants and other services use slow virtual systems or even manual systems. Nowadays POS systems are speedy, modern and very user-friendly.

And now they don’t even have to be in one spot in the business, with mobile POS systems becoming more and more prominent.

Here is more about why mobile POS systems can increase your business’ efficiency.

Mobile Retail Solutions Benefits

Inventory Management

You can use a mobile POS system to help manage inventory at your business. You can use mobile POS to easily scan, catalogue and monitor stock levels for your business, easily seeing when you need new stock or helping customers easily locate a product.

This data can then be instantly accessed so you never have to disappoint a customer by saying something might be in the back and then spending hours searching only to come up empty. Simply check if the item is stocked, and use the data provided to find the exact area it is stored.

Quick Payments

Having mobile points of sale can make payments at businesses more efficient. Instead of having one till to queue up to, staff members equipped with mobile POS can take payments as they move around the store, restaurant or other business. This way multiple payments can be taken at once instead of many customers waiting for payment.

Customer Happiness

It’s a fact of life that people do not like to be kept waiting. Whether it’s for payment in a store, or for somebody to take your order at a restaurant, nobody wants to wait forever. Mobile POS systems can help speed up customer service, so overall customers will be happier with the fast, accurate and efficient service on offer.

Employee Management

You can use mobile POS systems to help manage your employees. If they are all using individual POS devices, you can track their hours worked and sales made to see how they are performing and help optimise your business.

By tracking sales and performance, you can optimise your business to bring more staff on at busier times and think of ways to improve business at slower times.

Instant Updates

With mobile POS systems, you can get instant updates on how your business is doing. You don’t have to waste time at the end of a working day seeing how much profit you have taken, instead instantly getting this data collected from the mobile POS devices.

Mobile POS From iOResource

Now you’ve heard about the great benefits of Mobile POS Systems, shop with iOResource for reliable and quality products. We provide equipment well-suited for all business types, including POS tablets, terminals, mini-POS stations and card readers.

Our aim is for our products to increase the efficiency and performance of businesses while reducing costs. Our extensive range of mobile retail solutions and excellent technical knowledge can help you improve your business, so get in touch today at sales@ioresource.com to find out more.

As a small business, keeping your head above water can be a challenge at times. Whether it’s economic uncertainty, employee illness or larger competitors, there are a number of unexpected ups and downs to negotiate in order to survive.

What’s more, it can be particularly tricky knowing where to concentrate your efforts as a small business. Staying ahead of the curve and adapting to change is, of course, essential, but how can you do this?

Let’s talk about efficiency and productivity. For any business, these two factors are synonymous with success. Streamlining your process and minimising wastage, in any form, will boost profit and growth. Be it time management, stock control, or physical effort, there are areas in which productivity can be improved.

Here at IOResource, we’d like to think we know a thing or two about productivity and efficiency. After all, we’re Ireland’s leading Value-Added Distributor of EPoS and AIDC/Mobility products and solutions.

Read on to discover our guide to maximising your small business’ productivity this year.

Plan Ahead & Prioritise

First things first, any entrepreneur or successful business owner will tell you that planning ahead is essential. We’re not just talking about staff lunch breaks either! Try to set out tasks for the day, week, month and even year. It doesn’t matter how large or small these are, simply verbalising and putting them down on paper can make them feel more achievable and less overwhelming.

Additionally, it is important to prioritise the tasks that lie ahead. Whether you’ve got 3 things to do or 30, putting them in order of importance will help you and your workforce to tackle them more efficiently.

As a business owner or manager, being able to delegate tasks is a crucial skill. By spreading the workload between employees, less strain will be placed on individuals and further trust and reliability can be developed.

Nurture Positivity

Following on from the importance of planning, prioritising and delegating, it’s worth bearing in mind the value of a positive work environment. It goes without saying that employees are the life force of your business, so creating an environment in which they feel happy, safe and comfortable is essential.

The first step to creating a positive environment is to ensure that employees feel safe and comfortable while working. There’s no need for bean bags and a smoothie bar, but providing regular breaks, refreshments and somewhere to rest their legs can be hugely beneficial.

Moreover, making sure your employees feel heard can have a positive impact on their productivity. Listen to their needs and take onboard suggestions. You’re a team after all! We’ll talk more about rewards and positive reinforcement later in this article, but it is worth bearing these points in mind for the time being.

Create Measurable Goals

Next on our list of productivity boosters are measurable goals. It’s all well and good to set targets, but if they’re vague or unobtainable, it can be tricky to measure the success and growth of your business. All too often, businesses set goals that cannot be quantified or that are too large to feasibly achieve.

Instead, try sitting down and coming up with a list of measurable targets. These can be large or small, it doesn’t matter. The important thing is each of these goals can be worked towards and achieved throughout the business year. Whether your goal is to sell more units each week than last year or to sign up 20 new customers to your mailing list,  smaller, measurable goals are conducive to a more productive business.

Reward Staff Efforts

As we touched upon previously, rewards and positive reinforcement help to create a positive working environment. No matter the nature of your business, it is important to remember that none of it would be possible without the hard work of its employees.

What’s more, little incentives and recognition of effort are a great way to encourage employees to approach every day with a positive attitude.

There are a multitude of ways to thank staff members for their continued efforts. Whether you decide to hand out thoughtful gifts to the best seller or start an incentivised employee of the month scheme, going above and beyond to thank staff will lead to a happier, more productive team.

Provide Training

So, how can you make sure that your team is working as effectively and productively as possible? There’s no secret, and it’s not magic! One of the most effective ways to boost productivity and efficiency is by providing employees with proper training. Not everyone is born with natural sales talent or with a comprehensive knowledge of health and safety regulations; proper training ensures that employees are confident and capable.

Of course, this isn’t just beneficial for business owners and productivity. Proper training can be used by employees to further their knowledge and improve their understanding of the industry and business they work within.

Utilise Technology

Now, we’ve covered the human-centred areas of business, so let’s take a look at the technical side. Over the past decade, retail technology has come a long way and is hugely beneficial for businesses of all sizes. Implemented correctly, there are a multitude of ways in which modern tech can be used to make employees’ lives less stressful. This means that individuals can spend less time on menial tasks, and focus their efforts on the side of the business that requires personality, creativity and problem-solving.

POS

First on our list of tech are Point of Sale Systems (POS). This technology is designed to help businesses manage transactions, record sales and handle extra tasks such as refunds. As we take steps towards a cashless society, ensuring your business can handle modern payment methods such as ApplePay and GooglePay is essential.

POS machines and software can be used within almost every industry and are ideal for retail businesses. This will allow you to gather data regarding sales, inventory and customers. With this information, it is easy to track your business’s growth and highlight areas which may need improvement.

Scanners

Next on our list of time-saving tech are peripherals such as scanners. These devices are able to read and register barcodes and QR codes at incredibly high speeds, ideal for maximising productivity during the working day. Valuable time is wasted by manually entering product information; by setting up a scanner, you’ll prevent queues, streamline sales and keep track of stock!

Mobile POS Systems

It goes without saying that, for small businesses, being busy is good! However, it is crucial that you have systems in place that can handle hectic days, manic shop floors and non-stop service. Mobile POS technologies are, as the name suggests, point-of-sale machines that can be moved around and carried portably. These range from touchscreen tablets for taking customer details and orders to handheld scanners for mobile scanning.

All-In-One Terminals

Last but not least, all-in-one terminals are an ideal solution for businesses looking for a machine that can do everything. Featuring a touchscreen display, customer screen, receipt printer and a card machine, an all-in-one terminal is perfect for retail checkouts. What’s more, with a choice of processors, memories, storage, operating system and even colour, you’re sure to find a machine that suits your needs to a tee.

IOResource: EPoS Systems For Your Business

If you run a business of any kind and are hoping to maximise productivity and efficiency, look no further. Here at IOResource, we’re pleased to exist as Ireland’s leading distributor of EPoS machines and solutions.

With our main office and warehouse facilities based in Rathnew Co. Wicklow, we have the capacity to supply most goods ex-stock, providing customers with better availability and shorter lead times.

What’s more, our team of specialists are always happy to answer any questions you may have, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Call us on +353 (0) 404 20700 from Ireland or on +44 (0) 333 405 0035 from the UK.

Those that run or manage a business will be well aware of the time and dedication it takes. Unfortunately, it’s not quite as simple as opening your doors and watching as swarms of happy customers make purchase after purchase; running a successful retail business takes hard work and dedication. What’s more, there are a few key elements involved in the process of retail, without which businesses are bound to struggle.

Here at iOResource, we’ve outlined the core components of a successful retail business. Read on to hear our thoughts.

Products

First things first, the product. No discussion of retail business would be complete without mentioning the element at the heart of it all. The product or products that you sell are the most important part of any business. Around this, you can make informed decisions with regard to marketing, advertising, merchandising and sales.

People

Of equal importance to the product itself, are the people selling it. It may sound obvious, but many retailers overlook the need for well-trained sales people and staff members. If the individuals within a business are knowledgeable and enthusiastic, they will be better equipped to handle customer inquiries, complaints, and other interactions.

When a business is running smoothly, it’s like a well-oiled machine; this is wholly dependent on the employees themselves. Well-trained employees are more productive and efficient in their roles, enabling them to navigate the retailer’s systems and processes with ease and complete tasks in a timely manner. Below we’ll clarify the ways in which staff and technology systems can work in unison.

Technology

Following on from the importance of well-trained staff, effectively-integrated technology is also a must for modern retailers. Point of Sale devices such as EPOS, Kiosks and self-service systems can be implemented as a means of improving efficiency, workflow and profitability.

For example, the introduction of EPOS systems within small and large retail stores will not only make transactions swift and simple but will also aid inventory management, stock checks and overall accountability.

By introducing POS systems and peripherals, staff and technology can work harmoniously. This leads to increased efficiency, more sales and, in turn, more profit.

Streamline Your Business With iOResource

Here at iOResource, we’re driven by great technology and efficient integration. From POS systems and kiosks to the latest self-service machines, we’re here to help your business become as efficient as possible.

With years of experience, our expert team are proud to offer valuable advice and excellent customer service to ensure that your needs are met.

If you are interested in the range of services we provide, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our friendly team here today.

The world of business is changing. From small independent shops to international franchises, growth and evolution is necessary to keep up with the competition, increase efficiency and boost sales and profitability.

Therefore, it will come as no surprise to business owners to hear that modern technologies and integrated systems are swiftly becoming a crucial part of all retail and commercial sectors. While many traditionalists were once hesitant to adopt new, seemingly complex, digital technology, it has repeatedly proved itself to be a helpful and revolutionary addition to modern trade.

Here at IOResource, we embrace modernity and are entirely aware of the value that retail technology can bring to a business. However, if you’re considering upgrading your system or incorporating handy tech into your store, it is only right that you would search for a little guidance.

Read on to discover how EPOS and AIDC technology can streamline your business.

What Is EPOS?

Of course, before we dive into the multitude of benefits associated with the introduction of EPOS and AIDC systems, it is important to establish a clearer understanding of these terms and the technology they refer to.

Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) refers to a modernised till system that marries hardware and software to improve efficiency.  EPOS systems are an incredible means of streamlining your business’s operations, providing a complete overview of transactions and enabling a more insightful analysis of your daily, weekly, monthly and yearly takings.

As mentioned above, EPOS systems are usually a combination of hardware and software, consisting of a central device, peripheral additions and the specific software used to manage your data and handle business operations.

The Benefits of EPOS

As you’ve probably gathered, Electronic Point of Sale technology is the perfect way to make your business more efficient. The world of modern business requires vendors to have both online and in-store shopping capabilities; EPOS systems are a means of seamlessly connecting the two.

For businesses large and small, EPOS integration is hugely beneficial. It can speed up accountancy, stock management and sales processes while collating data and generating reports relating to sales and products. It is also incredibly user-friendly, making it easy to train staff and introduce revolutionary hardware into your business.

What Is AIDC?

This brings us to AIDC, or Automatic Identification and Data Capture. Though this might sound complex, it is a broad term used to describe technology that is designed to collect or interpret information from an object, code, sound or image without the need for manual data input.

Nowadays, barcodes, QR, Biometrics and Contactless technology are commonplace in businesses all over the world. From large supermarkets and chains to high-street coffee shops and independent retailers, AIDC technologies play an important role in our everyday lives. So, how can they benefit your business?

Benefits Of AIDC Technology

As an integral part of modern commerce and stock management, AIDC systems deliver a multitude of benefits to business owners. From barcode scanners for checkout use to high-performance wearable technology to maximise efficiency, AIDC is a must for all businesses looking to streamline their operations.

The benefits of this technology are plentiful, so we’ve outlined a handful of main advantages below:

• Cost-Efficient
• Error Reduction
• Time-Saving
• Improved Stock Management
• Unparalleled Accuracy & Data Entry

Take, for example, the Denso SP1 Scanner. This incredible AIDC device is designed to significantly improve productivity and workflow and is capable of reading up to 700 tags per second. This scanner’s ability to read RF tags within a 200 square-metre radius is sure to revolutionise any business’s stock-taking and inventory management capabilities.

When it comes to implementing AIDC or EPOS technology, it is reliant on the communication between digital software and hardware. For this reason, ensuring you are equipped with the correct devices is essential.

Below, we’ll highlight some of the incredible hardware available to businesses, outlining its usefulness and application.

POS Hardware

First up, POS Hardware. As we covered earlier in this article, EPOS systems rely on both hardware and software to function. This Point of Sale hardware includes, but is not limited to, terminals, tablets, PC boxes and checkout systems.

Here at IOResource, we’re proud suppliers of a range of POS technology from a number of top manufacturers. Our selection of industry-leading devices make life easier for businesses across the country.

From all-in-one systems to stand-alone terminals and POS boxes, we’ve got everything you need to streamline your business and flawlessly integrate EPOS.

Peripherals

It is worth noting that the hardware available is by no means limited to POS terminals; there are a varied selection of additional devices designed to be used in tandem with EPOS systems, much of which incorporates AIDC technology.

From cash registers and barcode scanners to monitors, second screens and table scanners, peripheral technology is designed to improve and advance your central system. Peripherals such as additional customer display screens and scanners are the perfect way to improve customer experience and efficiency, allowing clearer communication, faster scanning and shortened queue times. What’s not to love?

We’re pleased to supply a varied selection of peripheral devices, designed to be seamlessly integrated into your store. Of course, knowing which to choose can be tricky, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to discuss your specific needs.

Self-Service Systems

Moreover, as technology evolves and automated systems become more and more common within shops and stores, self-service is being adopted by businesses of all kinds. From fast-food chains to supermarkets, self-scan checkouts and order kiosks are slowly becoming the norm.

These systems are designed to make life easier for customers and staff alike, reducing wait times and taking care of monotonous tasks while employees focus on more important duties. What’s more, self-service systems and order kiosks are able to collate information and data regarding shopping habits and user interaction. This can then be utilised to improve user experience in future and boost sales.

A perfect example of such technology is the NCR Fastlane SelfServ Checkout R6; this style of machine is used across the world to streamline retail operations and reduce in-store traffic. Complete with weighing scales, the ability to read all 1D, 2D and mobile barcodes and coin, note and card reading technology, this self-checkout machine really can do it all.

For fast food chains and restaurants, a kiosk such as the Aures Komet may be better suited. This multifunctional piece of technology is designed to take orders, process payments and manage queues. What’s more, the Aures Komet is available in wall-mounted or freestanding models, so you’re sure to find the perfect device for your establishment.

The above are just two of the many incredible self-service systems available to work in tandem with EPOS and AIDC technology.

IOResource: POS Technology, Peripherals & More

If you own or manage a business, retail outlet, restaurant or shop, there are a multitude of reasons to invest in EPOS and AIDC technology. Not only will it assist with the streamlining of your operations, reducing wait times and simplifying inventory tasks, but it will also help to boost sales and improve productivity.

Looking to upgrade your existing systems or make the leap to modernised EPOS and AIDC technologies? Look no further than IOResource. With over 20 years of experience, we are proud of our reputation for excellence and our position as Ireland’s leading value-added distributor of EPOS and AIDC products and solutions.

To discuss your requirements and discover how we can help you to upgrade your business, contact us today.

10 Industries That Could Benefit From POS Terminals

The point of sale (POS) is arguably the most important part of any business.

While technology is rapidly evolving and new equipment is constantly being introduced, it is vital to choose the right type of POS system for your business.

Choosing the right POS system for your business can boost the overall service quality, leaving the last interaction the customers have with you, a positive one.

Discover the top ten industries that could benefit from a POS machine.

What is POS Software?

Before diving into the different industries that could benefit from a POS machine,  it is important to know what it actually is and how it works.

A point-of-sale system is an electrical tool used to make a transaction. It is designed to simplify and speed up the selling and purchasing process.

It can complete a number of tasks including:

• Providing real-time data and reports
• Automate manual tasks
• Help to manage your employees, inventory and customers

What Are the Benefits of Using a POS Terminal?

POS systems can offer a number of general benefits for a range of industries.

These include:

• Higher accuracy – using a POS system can offer a more straightforward checkout process paired with real-time inventory management
• Time-saving – POS systems are designed to speed up the transaction process because they automatically calculate the price for you. This can improve work efficiency and contribute to driving more sales for your business
• Improved company image – implementing slick, efficient modern systems into your business can leave the customer feeling impressed. This can contribute to your company image and create a reputation that your company is professional and credible
• Improved security – with a POS system, your data is more secure from unknown intrusion. Most systems require double user authentication which reduces the risk of intrusion of malicious users into your system
• Sales reports – a POS system provides you with a good overview of your business and keeps a record of its cash flow automatically. Data about a product range can be found easily

Who Would Benefit From POS Terminals?

POS systems are used daily in a range of industries.

However, some industries are still yet to implement a POS system in their workplace. Failing to use a POS system can tarnish the whole customer experience, leading to impatient customers who may even refuse to make the transaction.

This is why it’s a good idea to keep up with the latest trends and implement them into your business.

Here are some of the top industries that would benefit most from a POS terminal system:

1.    Hospitality

As a thriving customer-facing industry, the hospitality sector is one that can benefit immensely from implementing efficient POS systems.

Businesses in the hospitality sector deal with lots of customers each day, so prioritising customer service is key to a successful business. Effective use of a POS system allows businesses to deliver quick and convenient service to customers, allowing them to pay for goods and services efficiently, using a variety of methods.

Examples of businesses within the hospitality industry that could benefit from a POS system include:

• Restaurants – with a POS system, you can see if one menu item isn’t as popular with customers, so you can put it on a specials menu or discontinue it
• Bars – bars can identify which drinks are selling more
• Coffee shops and bakeries – identify which products are more successful
• Travel agencies – travel agencies can use POS systems to record sales and manage items effectively
• Hotel – hotels can use a POS system to link a hotel property management system with the restaurant or spa, so all transactions and data are in a centralised location

2.   Retail POS System

Another industry that deals with customers on a regular basis is the retail industry. Making the transaction process as smooth and effortless as possible is key to success in the retail industry.

A POS system can help you collect, track and manage customer information.

It can also offer a number of other benefits including:

• Running loyalty programmes – loyalty programmes are a guaranteed way to attract new customers and increase repeat purchases. Integrating programmes such as memberships or gift vouchers into your POS system means customers are rewarded for every purchase without extra work for your staff
• Efficiency – those who have worked in the retail industry before know how fast-paced it can be. A POS system can speed up the transaction process, allowing you to serve more customers at a faster rate
• Offer discounts – with the information obtained from using a POS system, you can calculate and run marketing campaigns to encourage your customers to visit your shop. Some POS systems allow you to set up flexible promotions, saving you the time and effort to calculate everything manually

Examples of retail businesses that could benefit from a POS system include:

• Travel agents
• Shops
• Trade shows/car boot sales

3.   Warehouse/Distribution

Using a POS system in the warehouse/distribution industry allows you to pick, pack and stock take for fast and efficient order fulfilment. It can also improve stock visibility and connect with your sales channels.

4.  Healthcare

One of the most crucial aspects of the healthcare industry is speed and efficiency.

Countless people rely on daily medication from the pharmacy and slow service can have detrimental impacts on a person’s health.

This is why the healthcare industry relies on efficient POS machines to ensure that they can deliver medications to their patients in a  timely and efficient manner.

Not only this, but high-quality POS machines allow hospital staff to effectively deliver meals to their patients each day. Patients can order via an online tablet provided by one of the staff members. This is also an important method for monitoring the food that patients are eating.

5.   Manufacturing

The point of sale for the manufacturing and distribution industry is a bit different to other industries.

Manufacturers and distributors have specific needs that aren’t always addressed by many point-of-sale solutions. Manufacturers need to be assured that the sales they make over the counter will be instantly reflected in related records, like inventory counts by location.

Point-of-sale machines designed specifically for manufacturing and distribution are an effective solution that ensures your cash and carry sales are seamlessly integrated into your inventory and ERP.

6.   Public Transport

Manual transaction systems have become extremely rare and outdated in the transportation industry in recent years.

Nowadays, buses and trains will use a POS system which allows customers to execute the payment for tickets. This caters perfectly to the busy passengers who are running late for work and need to arrive at their destination as quickly as possible.

7.   Trade

POS systems are slowly making their way into the trade industry, with many builders and plumbers turning to advanced solutions to help organise their data.

8.   Banking

Banks use POS systems to allow you to check your balance, transfer money and put money safely into your account.

If the banking industry relies on POS systems to safely and securely manage money, then this is a clear sign that POS systems are reliable and here to stay,

9.   Government

A taxation system would be a great solution to allow businesses and governments to efficiently manage control in areas of sales, bookkeeping and stock controls.

The implementation of government POS systems would tackle challenges such as tax evasion and traders not ensuing tax invoices.

It also means that if people have several payments to make – like water bills and a parking ticket – they can use a simple shopping trolley functionality to satisfy all of their obligations in a single checkout experience

10.  Multi-Service Businesses

Multi-service businesses refer to establishments that offer a variety of services under a given brand or a selected location. Examples include hospitals, theatres and event arenas.

In this industry, there are several points of transactions to monitor so a POS system would be beneficial to help centralise these transaction points and allow managers to keep tabs on different things on a single platform.

iO Resource – POS Software Company

Are you looking for a simple but effective way of improving your business?

At iO Resource, we provide a range of POS machines to suit your specific industry requirements. Whether you are looking for a self-service kiosk or a mobile POS system, we have it all!

With years of experience as Ireland’s leading POS software company, we are more than qualified to provide you with the latest technology and solutions to improve your business.

We have an expert team of professionals who can offer valuable advice and excellent customer service to ensure that your needs are met.

If you are interested in the range of services we provide, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our friendly team here today.